Mild Arthritis

[LuvableLabs]

Hey everyone!

I believe Midnite might have a mild case of arthritis. She looks a bit stiff when she gets up from laying down, and she is much slower going up the stairs. Whether she does or doesn't she is 10 years old and I would like to put her on some supplements. Right now with her raw diet she is on Salmon Oil and vitamin E.

Tomorrow I will be going to walmart (which is where I buy my supplements) and I've decided to look for some Glucosamine 1000 mg and Chondroitin 800 mg. Is there anything else I should consider? Suggestions and opinions are needed. :)

[Barb04]

I think the Glucosamine/Chondroitin will help a lot. I've had my 12 year old on it for 6 years now and it has greatly improved her arthritis. My hubby & I take it also. His shoulder and my knee feels a lot better.

[LuvableLabs]

Thanks Barb!

I went to walmart and picked up some Glucosamine/Chondroitin. Do you give it to your dog with or without food? I read somewhere that it works better if its given two hours before a meal, but does work if it has to be given with food. Midnite likes it better with food. :)

[Boxer*Mom]

Omega-3 fatty acids include:

* Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
* Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
* Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

ALA can be converted into EPA, however, this conversion does not occur in the skin. EPA is the workhorse of the omega-3 fatty acids and is incorporated into the cell membrane.

Omega-6 fatty acids include:

* Linoleic acid (LA)
* Gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
* Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)
* Arachidonic acid (AA)

LA can be converted into GLA, but not in the skin. However, DGLA can be made from GLA in the skin.

LA is important because it optimizes water permeability in the skin. AA, on the other hand, in increased amounts, is the troublemaker among the fatty acids.

Ratios of fatty acids

Research is being performed to determine the optimal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids that should be consumed. Previously, it was thought that the ratio should be approximately 15:1. Current recommendations are for ratios of 10:1 to 5:1.

Most pet foods contain far more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3's. Some pet food companies have added omega-3 fatty acids to their foods to lower the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. It is important to realize that although the ratios may be a guideline, the actual concentration of EPA in the omega-3's is what is most important.