If you want to protect the joints of your young pups, or your older dog that is starting to show his age, do you know what you should be on the lookout for? Nowadays, a lot of people seem to know that glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate are two of the key supplements to take note of, but do you know what MSM stands for, or why it is so important? Well, read on to learn more...

Glucosamine
Since this naturally-occurring compound is also well known to be used as a supplement by human patients, many people are familiar with the role it plays to keep joints cushioned and lubricated. In fact, studies have shown that glucosamine can both delay the breakdown of, and even repair, damaged cartilage. 
Your dog’s joints can start to degrade as he gets older, especially if he suffers from arthritis or elbow/hip dysplasia. This degradation triggers the release of enzymes that break down the cartilage within your dog’s joints, which leads to inflammation and pain for your dog.
Glucosamine works by synthesising hyaluronic acid and glycosaminoglycans within the joint. It cannot completely prevent, or totally reverse, the effects of this change but by giving your dog a food with added glucosamine, you can help slow down the process and ease any discomfort that your dog is suffering. By starting your puppy out on a diet that includes glucosamine you will help to support their developing joints and maintain strong bones as they grow.

Chondroitin Sulphate
Chondroitin sulphate is often referred to as the ‘building block’ of the joints as it is a glycosaminoglycan. It actually helps to prevent the release of the degradative enzymes mentioned above, and thereby helps to prevent cartilage breakdown. Its addition in recipes helps to support your puppy’s developing joints and maintain good mobility as they grow.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
MSM is an organosulphur compound which is often seen alongside glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate, but tends to fly a little more 'under the radar' in terms of people's understanding. It has a similar role to the two other supplements, in that it also acts as a joint health and mobility aid. MSM is particularly beneficial to your puppy as it can help to reduce damage to the joint which can be caused by constant exercise – ie the bouncy, excitable puppy stage. Due to this protective effect, it has also been found (in human studies) to reduce pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis patients; therefore it can also be beneficial when used in diets for older dogs.

To start your puppy out the right path with a highly nutritious food that includes these key supplements, take a look at TP Feeds' range of All Life Stages kibbles.

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