Back in the “olden days” when a dog showed signs of joint pain, a children’s or buffered aspirin was often the recommended treatment. That sometimes masked the symptoms for awhile, but did nothing to address the underlying cause.
Fast forward to today, and we’ve got far more options to address arthritis and joint pain in pets. One of the most common ingredients found in joint supplements today is glucosamine.
There is no shortage of glucosamine-based supplements available, some of which are available at Smiley Dog. We consider and test each supplement carefully, and are pleased to announce that Natural Stride Hip & Joint is now available.
Natural Stride combines therapeutic levels of multiple joint supplements
While the majority of joint supplements contain 2 or 3 active ingredients, Natural Stride combines 5, along with Vitamin C, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Yucca powder. It is one of the most powerful combinations we’ve found to date.
So what makes the difference between Natural Stride and other supplements so noticeable? It’s both the level of active ingredients and number of different forms. Since dogs will react differently to each active ingredient, including more offers the chance of a better result.
That’s certainly what we’ve seen in our testing of Natural Stride. So let’s take a quick look at what’s in this new supplement, beginning with glucosamine.
Glucosamine is available in two forms
Without getting too geeky, you’ll find glucosamine in supplements as Glucosamine HCL (hydrochloride) or Glucosamine Sulfate. Both can be effective in treating joint issues, and most joint supplements include one form or the other.
Studies done using glucosamine to address joint pain have shown mixed results, yet these ingredients continue remain popular. Glucosamine continues to be the most popular ingredient in joint supplements for both pets and humans.
The level of glucosamine will often determine a product’s price. A daily level of at least 500 mg for a medium to large dog is recommended. Pay attention to whether the level listed is achieved through one or more tablets or scoops. Quite often a lower priced supplement will indicate a level of 500 mg, but require 2 or more doses to reach that level.
Glucosamine level is a good starting point, but don’t stop there.
Joint supplements combining multiple active ingredients have proven more beneficial
Although glucosamine is a component of joint cartilage, using glucosamine on its own has not always produced desired relief. Additional studies have shown that other ingredients can work in combination to provide faster and more noticeable relief.
Some of the more common ingredients tested include Cetyl Myristoleate (cetyl-m), Hyaluronic Acid (HA), MSM and Chondroitin Sulfate.
Cetyl-M is a fatty acid that works as an anti-inflammatory and lubricates joints. It is one of the 4 active ingredients found at therapeutic levels in Natural Stride.
MSM is a nutrient found in some foods, and has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain, particularly when used in combination with glucosamine. MSM is another of the 4 active ingredients found at therapeutic levels in Natural Stride.
Hyaluronic Acid is found in skin and cartilage, and has been used for surgical healing since the late 1970s. A 10 mg level is found in Natural Stride, which is a maintenance level, rather than therapeutic level.
Chondroitin Sulfate is usually made from the cartilage of cows, pigs, or shellfish. It has been shown to be effective in combination with glucosamine as well. Chondroitin is not found in Natural Stride. Instead, Glucosamine HCL, sourced from shellfish, is included at 500mg.
Natural Stride is a great value and offers a Customer Appreciation Program
Despite its higher number and level of active ingredients, Natural Stride is very competitively priced. A 150 gram jar, which is a 60 day supply for a 50 lb dog, currently sells for $38.75.
An added benefit is their Buy 6, Get 7th Free Customer Appreciation Program. This is highly unusual for a supplement, and makes the product even more affordable for those who choose to use it long term.
If you would like more information about Natural Stride, give us a call, send an email, or ask for a brochure with your next delivery.
When your dog is ready for a joint supplement, consider giving Natural Stride a try!
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