Can glucosamine and chondroitin help your dog?
Written by Zoe Russell, BSc (Hons)
Nutrition Officer, Skinner’s
Joint issues are one of the most commonly reported concerns by dog owners, and unfortunately can be seen in dogs of all ages; including young dogs, often as a result of genetic issues, improper exercise or from general wear and tear. As running and playing are essential for our dog’s mental and physical health, it’s important we do everything we can as owners to help support their joints and encourage their freedom of movement.
What are glucosamine and chondroitin?
Glucosamine and chondroitin are frequently recommended health supplements that can help to support joint health and mobility in dogs. This is because glucosamine helps to regulate the synthesis of collagen in cartilage, while chondroitin can help limit the impact of destructive enzymes in cartilage and joint fluid. Both glucosamine and chondroitin are also involved in the formation of compounds which form the building blocks of cartilage.
Why do we use them in our dog food?
We use both glucosamine and chondroitin in many of our diets as they can help support your dog’s joints by supporting the structure, resilience and regeneration of cartilage, while helping maintain their freedom of movement. Diets supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin can be suitable for all dogs, even those whose joints appear in good health; after all, you don’t need to see a problem before you think about supporting their joint health!
Choosing the right diet
All of our sensitive diets and our Field & Trial Light & Senior are made with enhanced levels of glucosamine and chondroitin to help support healthy joints and mobility. Furthermore, we use the supplement Joint Aid for Dogs in our Maintenance Plus and Turkey & Rice, as it contains a number of beneficial ingredients, including glucosamine and chondroitin to help support their joints. These diets can be suited to adult dogs of all ages, including those who don’t necessarily have joint issues but may benefit from dietary support.
Light & Senior
Reduced fat for weight management.
£9.85 – £43.99
Maintenance Plus
Formulated to support healthy joints.
£10.39 – £40.59
Turkey & Rice
Specially formulated for joint support.
£12.75 – £53.89
Lifestyle management
Although dietary management can be an important part of supporting your dog’s joints, it’s also important to effectively manage their lifestyle. This involves managing their weight to ensure they aren’t putting any excess pressure on their joints, as well as adjusting their daily exercise routine where appropriate.
Get the right diagnosis first
If you do become concerned about their joints, movement or mobility then we would suggest speaking to your vet in the first instance. Where your vet has made a diagnosis of a condition, our team would be more than happy to offer nutritional support and guidance in-line with your vet’s advice.
Contact us
If you would like any information about our diets or would like some feeding advice, please contact our nutrition team at nutritionsupport@skinners.co.uk and we would be more than happy to help.
