Joint Health Solutions: Exploring Joint Supplements for Cats and Dogs

/

Joint health is an important concern for pet owners, as joint problems can cause pain and decreased mobility in cats and dogs. Thankfully, there are a number of joint supplements that are designed to help improve joint health and reduce pain. These supplements typically contain one or more of the following ingredients: glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine HCl, chondroitin, MSM, and hyaluronic acid. 

Let’s take a closer look at these ingredients and how they can benefit your pet’s joint health.

Glucosamine sulfate & Glucosamine HCl 

Both glucosamine sulfate & glucosamine HCl are forms of glucosamine, a naturally-occurring substance found in the cartilage and other connective tissues of both cats and dogs. Glucosamine helps to protect and strengthen the cartilage, which helps to prevent joint damage and reduce pain. It can also help to reduce inflammation in the joints.

Glucosamine may take weeks or even months to start working, so it’s important to be patient when adding them to your pet’s diet. 

Chondroitin

Chondroitin is another natural substance found in the cartilage of cats and dogs. It works in conjunction with glucosamine to protect and strengthen the cartilage and can also help reduce inflammation.

If your pet is taking other medications or supplements, it is essential to let your veterinarian know since chondroitin may interact with them. 

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)

MSM is another naturally-occurring sulfur compound that helps reduce inflammation and joint pain. It also helps to improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness and inflammation. MSM can also help rebuild cartilage and minimize further joint damage.

MSM supplementation does have potential side effects with higher doses. These can include nausea and dizziness. Please follow dosage instructions carefully.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

Hyaluronic acid is found in the joint fluid of both cats and dogs. It is a major component of joint fluid and helps to lubricate and cushion the joints. As pets age, the levels of HA in their bodies decrease, leading to joint pain and inflammation. Giving your dog or cat HA supplements can help replenish the natural lubricant in their joints and improve joint health.

Like glucosamine, hyaluronic acid can take several weeks before your pet may experience benefits. 

All of these ingredients are effective at improving joint health in cats and dogs. They help to protect the cartilage and reduce inflammation and pain while also helping to improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness. As a result, your pets can enjoy better mobility and less pain.

If you notice signs of joint stiffness or decreased mobility, stop in to speak with one of our experts to determine the best supplements for their needs. 

What Should I Do If My Pet Is Overweight?

/

While our initial reaction to an overweight pet may be to call out how cute and cuddly they look, the reality is that their health is suffering. Obesity has quickly become one of the most common nutritional disorders and could be the most significant health threat to your pet. 

According to a survey performed by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 56% of dogs and 60% of cats were classified as obese or overweight by their veterinarian, making it one of the most common health concerns in the veterinary world today. 

That means over half of household pets are unhealthy. 

Overweight pets have become normalized in society. There is a disconnect between what we view as a healthy weight and what is actually a healthy weight in pets.

In fact, many pet owners don’t even realize their pets are overweight. A few extra pounds might not sound like a big deal, but realistically it is. Our pets are much smaller, and a few extra pounds make a big difference. For example, a dog with an additional 5-6 pounds is equivalent to a human having an extra 30 pounds. 

A Few Extra Pounds Can Mean Big Consequences

Obesity isn’t just a concern for vanity. It goes much deeper than the surface and has an impact on many facets of your pet’s health. Obese pets are at a much higher risk for many ailments, including:

–       Heart disease/ failure

–       Diabetes

–       Metabolic and endocrine disorders

–       Osteoarthritis

–       Hypertension

–       Renal dysfunction or urinary tract disease

–       Respiratory disorders

–       Shorter life expectancy (on average, obese pets have a two-year shorter life span)

–       Arthritis

–       Kidney Disease

–       Cancer 

–       Inflammation

–       Liver disease

–       High blood pressure

–       Decreased immune function

Lastly, an overweight pet can be costly to your wallet. The expenses of veterinary care and medications rise with the increased likelihood of diseases and injuries associated with obesity. 

Tips to be Proactive and Preventative

As with many aspects of your pet’s health, being proactive is key. If you’re worried about an overweight pet, there are steps you can take to take back control of your pet’s health. 

  1. Work with a veterinarian to assess the pet’s body condition, muscle condition, lifestyle, and any medical conditions. 
  2. Avoid “eyeballing” the measurement of food you feed your pet. Always use a labeled measuring cup or utensil to know exactly how much food goes into their bowl. This will make adjusting the diet much simpler if necessary. 
  3. Understanding the amount of food to feed your pet depends on age, weight, activity level, and other health factors. Since diet and nutrition is not one-size-fits-all, feeding guidelines on your pet food bag are often misleading. Instead, consult a nutritionist for feeding recommendations suited for your pet’s individual needs. 
  4. While the actual measurement of food plays a role, simply reducing the volume of food you feed your pet could lead to malnutrition. The secret is to get good quality – ideally fresh –  food that is nutrient-dense and highly digestible to your pet.
  5. Keeping your pet active with regular exercise can help release pent up energy (and stress), increase their metabolic rate, and retain lean body mass. A little exercise is always better than none. If exercise is new to your pet, start in small increments at 5-10 minutes a day and work your way up. 
  6. Remember to ease your pet into any lifestyle changes slowly. Small, incremental changes are best. 

Other Tips to Prevent Obesity

–       Know the difference between boredom begging vs. hunger in your pet

–       Replace processed food and treats with fresh, minimally processed                   foods

–       Limit treats and table scraps

–       Avoid crash diets

–       Avoid free feeding (allowing your pet to “graze” throughout the day)

Is it Safe to Feed Your Dog a Raw Meaty Bone?

/

The topic of feeding meaty bones tends to drum up some controversy. Is it safe to feed your pet a raw meaty bone? Is it even beneficial to your pet? How do you know which bones are safe to feed? Let’s address some of these questions.

Raw meaty bones (RMBs) are safe to feed as long as they meet certain safety parameters:

  1. Meaty bones should be purchased from a reliable source with safe handling practices in place and that regularly tests their products for harmful pathogens. Use only RMBs sold specifically for pet consumption. In the U.S., a zero-tolerance policy for raw pet food products ensures that the product has not tested positive for pathogens such as E. Coli or Salmonella. In other words, you should not give your pets RMBs from a grocery store.
  2. Choose the appropriate size/type of bone for your pet. Small RMB’s like chicken necks are perfect for small dogs and cats, whereas turkey and duck necks are better suited for medium to large dogs. As a general rule, it is appropriate to feed a bone the size of your dog’s head. Most dogs, when fed an appropriate size bone, will chew the bone well before swallowing. However, if your dog is a “gulper” or is likely to try and swallow large things without chewing, a RMB may not be an ideal choice for your dog. If you have questions, our staff can help you decide which bones may be appropriate for your dog.
  3. As with all toys and chews, always monitor your dog when feeding bones. Although dogs usually know what to do with a bone, it is important to ensure they are not going to swallow it whole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S)

I give my dog marrow bones. Is that the same thing?

No. Marrow bones are known as ‘recreational bones’ because your pet should not be able to chew and consume the bone itself, but rather the tiny bits of fat, tissue, and cartilage left on the bone, as well as the inner bone marrow. ‘Raw meaty bones’ generally refer to bones that have more ‘meat’ on them and less bone, such as turkey and duck necks.

Do they eat the whole thing, bone and all?

Yes. Since RMBs are mostly thin bone, tissue, and cartilage, they are easy for your pet to break up, chew and swallow.

Do I let it thaw? 

No. It is not necessary to thaw your raw bones before feeding. However, some dogs and most cats prefer to have their bone thawed to soften the frozen tissue prior to feeding. If you must thaw the bone, leave it in the fridge for a couple of hours, or submerge it in cool water inside a plastic baggie to thaw it faster.

Should I cook it?

No. Never feed a cooked bone. Cooked bones can splinter, which can cause intestinal obstructions and perforations (not good!).

Which types of bones are safe to feed?

Do not feed weight-bearing bones of heavy animals. What does this mean? When you think of a large animal such as a cow, weight-bearing bones are those that allow the animal to stand properly, which can be too hard on your dog’s teeth.

Why should I offer my dog raw meaty bones?

Bones are an excellent addition to our pet’s diet, and here’s why:

  • They’re an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, and glucosamine.
  • They can help with firmer stool.
  • They can help maintain cleaner teeth and better oral health.
  • They offer mental and physical enrichment for an overall happier (and less bored) pet.

How often should I feed my dog raw meaty bones?

Bones should be fed intermittently as a compliment to your pet’s regular diet. Feeding frequency will depend on your pet’s size, age, and activity level. While they can occasionally be fed in place of a meal, they should not be fed every day.

Our 18 Favorite Lick Mat Treat Fillers

/

If your dog or cat is stressed, bored, or suffers from separation anxiety, we recommend trying a lick mat. The lick mat is a durable rubber mat with a textured surface. Simply spread food or a favorite treat on the mat. Your pet will focus on the pleasurable repetitive licking action, releasing endorphins that help calm and soothe.

Although many of our customers like to spread peanut butter (see warnings below) or yogurt on the lick mat, we’ve come up with these healthy and easy-to-use options:

Fresh Foods

  • Mashed Banana – Bananas provide an excellent source of prebiotics for gut health.
  • Mashed Berries – Any variety of berries, either fresh or frozen, are tasty options (blueberries have a high antioxidant value).
  • Mashed Sweet Potato – The sweet potato is a superfood for dogs and a great source of antioxidants and fiber.
  • Primal Fresh Toppers – An aromatic whole food topping that targets immune, joint, or digestive health.
  • Green Juju – A blend of superfood veggies and bone broth supports the immune system, digestion, joints, and your pet’s skin and coat. 

Sweet Treats

  • Unsweetened Applesauce – Use organic applesauce with only one ingredient on the label: apples. 
  • Dog Safe Peanut Butter – Not all peanut butter is safe for pets due to additives. We recommend Nature’s Logic.

Preference for Savory

  • Any Canned (Wet) Food – This type of food offers a variety of proteins and textures so every pet can find something to enjoy. For super-picky pets, we suggest Weruva. 
  • Mashed Raw Food or Toppers – Using these foods in as little as 20% of the diet can help prevent disease and promote longevity. For puppies, kittens, or senior pets, try Instinct Longevity.
  • West Paw Beef Liver Paste – Beef liver is a high-value and nutritionally dense treat, now in a convenient squeeze bottle. 

Bonus Treats:

  • Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up – A delicious soluble and insoluble fiber that it’s great for digestive health.
  • Primal Goat Milk – Offers natural probiotic benefits for a healthy gut.
  • Green Juju Bone Broth –A tasty and rich broth that coats the intestines to maximize nutrient absorption, heal the gut, and reduce inflammation. 
  • Bones and Co. Goat Whip – A low-carb superfood that includes goat milk with beef collagen for improved gut health. 
  • DentaTreat – Mix this mixed flavorful cheese-based powder with some water to create an enzyme-rich paste that reduces plaque, tartar, and bad breath. 
  • Eggs – Eggs are a great all-natural treat for your dog. Serving eggs raw is best, and scrambled (with no seasoning) is okay. Start small and feed according to the weight of your pet 1-2 times a week. 
  • Plain Unsweetened Greek Yogurt – Greek yogurt promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria and is a treat your pet is sure to enjoy.
  • Super Snouts CBD Peanut Butter – A scrumptious peanut butter with the added benefit of joint support and anxiety reduction. 

Variety is vital for optimal health, so feel free to combine any of these foods when you put them on a lick mat. 

Pro Tip: To keep your pet occupied longer, spread the topping on the lick mat and then put it in the freezer for 20 minutes to two hours.

add bone broth to your bowl

5 Reasons to Add Bone Broth to Your Pet’s Bowl

/

If you ask any NPP team member what they add to their pet’s bowl, you’ll undoubtedly get the same answer: bone broth. We’ve seen first hand how well bone broth can improve health from the inside out, so we swear by it!  This nutritional treat is packed with vitamins and minerals to boost your pet’s overall health and wellness. Our pets experience inflammation and metabolic stress just like we do. Feeding your pet a mineral-rich stock like bone broth can improve inflammation, promote a healthy gut, and improve their overall health.      1. Improved Hydration

Bone broth is a great way to add additional hydration to your pet’s diet. You can easily add this to their food as a topper. Feeding dry kibble without added moisture can often lead to chronic dehydration as the body pulls moisture from surrounding organs to break down the food. If you feed kibble (dry food), this can significantly help keep them stay hydrated, ease digestion, and maximize nutrient absorption.      2. Joint Health

Glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid are nutrients packed into bone broth to help promote collagen growth. Collagen is essential because it cushions the bones, ligaments, and tendons, which means it is crucial for joint health. Just like in humans, collagen naturally deteriorates as your pet ages. Without it, the bones have nothing between them to ease movement, leading to pain and limited mobility. Therefore, adding bone broth to the bowl diet is an easy way to keep joints healthy.      3. Liver Detox

Glycine, a vital amino acid, aids the liver in filtering toxins from your dog’s body. Bone broth’s high glycine levels support the liver’s most important function of filtering toxins from your dog’s body to detoxify its system.       4. Healthy Skin and Coat

A healthy coat and skin are essential components of overall health. Vitamins B and C promote collagen formation and cell proliferation, yielding a thick healthy coat. In addition to a healthier, softer coat, this can also help to alleviate common problems with dry, itchy skin and excessive shedding.     5. Better Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

Bone broth promotes overall gut health from glycine which helps to repair the intestinal wall and seal the gut lining. You may have heard of ‘leaky gut’, a condition in which undigested food particles can escape through an unhealthy gut – leading to a myriad of symptoms. Bone broth helps to seal this lining to prevent poor digestion. A healthy gut means better nutrient absorption, a more robust gut microbiome, and a stronger immune system. Try serving your pet bone broth one of these ways:

  • Serve as a food topper over any type of food
  • Give to your pet as a stand alone treat
  • Freeze bone broth in a lick mat or puzzle toy for a longer-lasting treat

 

FAQ: Is Bone Broth the same as soup broth or stock? 

In short, no. Avoid feeding your dog the broth you find on the shelves of the grocery store. Typically, the soup broth or stock we use in our own cooking is loaded with excess sodium, added flavors and ingredients that aren’t great for our pets. Instead, you can make your own bone broth at home or buy broth specifically made for pets.