The average age of the pet population is increasing due, in part, to improved health care and their move indoors. There are a number of diseases that are a part of aging, and none more obvious than the loss of mobility from degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis (OA). Beyond palliative care with NSAIDS and other pharmaceuticals, there are some dietary ingredients that are thought to help ease the discomfort. These include omega-3 fatty acids, glycosaminoglycans like glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and Type II collagen, along with a wide range of alternative ingredients such as avocado-soybean unsaponifiables, curcumin, beta-glucans, boswellia and others.
Green-lipped mussel: Pet joint health support?
Current work on the benefits of these mussels shows great promise, the supply infrastructure appears to be sustainable and the compounds offer hope to retain mobility as we and our pets age.