An increasing number of petfoods and pet supplements are targeted at joint stiffness or lameness in the aged dog and cat, or at those dogs engaged in highly strenuous activity. Most of these products contain chondroprotective agents such as chondroitin sulfate and/or glucosamine hydrochloride. While these compounds are currently undefined ingredients according to AAFCO, they appear to be of low regulatory priority and their status remains tenuous (see "Petfood Insights," Petfood Industry, January 2006). This article will focus on chondroitin sulfate, while next month's article will concentrate on glucosamine hydrochloride.
Oral chondroitin sulfate is biologically available (Adebowale, et al., 2002) and can be found in significant concentrations in the synovial fluid and cartilage, along with other tissues, within a day after administration (Conte, et al., 1995). Supplementation benefits joint health and lameness in dogs (Canapp, et al., 1999; Dobenecker, et al., 2002; McCarthy, et al., 2006) without negative effects (McNamara, et al., 1996). Thus, it appears to beat least on a preliminary basissafe and effective. However, from an ingredient perspective, only limited information is available about the origins of chondroitin sulfate; how it is measured; whether it is affected by processing; and how it might impact the acceptability and/or utilization of a petfood.
