No matter if your cat is a playful puppy or an elderly kitty with hip and joint issues, they deserve quality cat food that supports their wellbeing. Supplementing their food with quality supplements helps maintain mobility, reduce pain and promote easier movement for everyone.
Keep your cat active and moving with a variety of activities to engage their muscles and joints throughout their lifespan. Exercise helps strengthen their bones and increase flexibility, which reduces the risk of injury or osteoarthritis in later life.
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Glucosamine
Glucosamine is an essential substance that keeps cartilage healthy in cats and people alike. Unfortunately, as cats age, their bodies may stop producing enough glucosamine, leading to cartilage degradation.
Supplementing your pet’s joint supplement with glucosamine can help keep their joints mobile without pain, as well as repair damaged cartilage and increase joint fluid.
Many brands of glucosamine are available in tablet, powder or liquid forms and usually come in doses ranging from 120 mg per day when added to your pet’s food.
Chondroitin sulfate is an nutrient that promotes the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) within your cat’s cartilage, as well as reduce inflammation caused by arthritis.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is an naturally occurring carbohydrate that helps your pet’s cartilage stay hydrated and healthy. Additionally, it inhibits the enzymes responsible for degenerating cartilage and causing arthritis pain.
Natural lubricant helps your pet move smoothly and comfortably, while increasing flexibility and fluid retention in the joint so it can absorb shock without damaging nearby tissues.
There are several ways you can give your cat chondroitin, an antioxidant which may keep their joints flexible for years. One option is adding it into their food.
Another option is giving them a supplement like Cosequin, which contains both glucosamine and chondroitin in an easy-to-sprinkle capsule form. Plus, this brand even adds methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) for extra support.
MSM
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic dietary supplement that supplies your cat with bioavailable sulfur. When phytoplankton in the ocean die and decompose, they release dimethylsulfide (DMS) gas which then converts to MSM when exposed to sunlight and oxygen.
MSM also contains anti-inflammatory properties, helping to prevent painful and uncomfortable inflammation within the body. It may alleviate symptoms associated with arthritis, back pain, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome and autoimmune diseases like scleroderma or lupus.
MSM is an effective anti-inflammatory, but it isn’t toxic. Although you can give MSM to your pet in large doses without concern for adverse effects, always consult with a veterinarian first before adding it to their food regimen.
Omega-3 fatty acids
If you want your cat to remain fit and active throughout her lifetime, feeding her a high-quality diet can help support her hip and joint health. Look for cat food that contains Omega 3 fatty acids as well as other ingredients to reduce pain and inflammation in her joints.
Cats need three types of omega-3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fats are polyunsaturated and possess anti-inflammatory effects.
EPA and DHA, found in oily fish, can also be given to your pet as a supplement. Studies have demonstrated that these compounds help reduce arthritis-associated inflammation.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an organic compound found in the body, eyes and skin that bonds with water to cushion joints. It’s especially present in canine and feline synovial fluid where it helps with lubrication and shock absorption.
In addition to relieving pain, joint health benefits include decreased inflammation, improved flexibility and mobility. In some cases, hyaluronic acid may even help slow the progression of osteoarthritis in pets.
For a convenient, tasty way to give your pet their daily dose of glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin and HA, Liquid-Vet(r) K9 Hip & Joint Wellness Formula is the ideal option. Not only is the liquid form faster and easier to administer than pills or powder forms than chewable forms – it’s also more tasty than most dog supplements available in natural flavors!
