Nutrition & The Aging Dog
Many of our canine friends, as they grow older, suffer from some of the same debilitating ailments as humans. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common problems dogs can encounter as they age. Symptoms of canine arthritis are encountered daily in veterinarian offices around the country. Most of the time it is in more advanced stages, or at a point where significant damage has already been done to the joints and cartilage.
All dogs, no matter what their age, are still puppies at heart. So they will run after that ball every time we toss it and trot beside our bikes with their tongues and tails wagging. After this activity, they usually rest or seem more tired. As the dog gets older, these periods of tiredness get longer, but the condition may go unnoticed because a dog can't tell us her joints ache -- or that he is in pain. We tend to just say, "she's getting old."
The Importance of Nutrition
Good nutrition throughout a pet's life, as with humans, can greatly offset the problems associated aging and with osteoarthritis. "Osteoarthritis and osteochondritis are very common crippling diseases that are occurring daily to our pets because we, as veterinarians, do not understand the role good nutrition plays in preventing these diseases. All of these crippling diseases can be prevented by increasing the production of high strength, good quality collagen," says Wendell Belfield, DVM, an expert on dog nutrition. Increasingly, research has shown that better nutrition leads to longer life -- and better quality of life for any dog.
New Product Created
To address the specific issue of osteoarthritis in older dogs, Natura Pet Products developed Innova Senior in conjunction with leading veterinarians and animal nutrition researchers. New Innova Senior dog food is based on the same philosophy of "fresh, whole ingredients" as other Innova foods.
Reduced Protein & Fat
As dogs age, their metabolism slows down, leading to increased storage of fat. The lowered protein and fat content of Innova Senior helps control this problem. Excess pounds can put undue stress on weight-bearing joints, and studies have shown that excessive weight and obesity are strongly linked with osteoarthritis.
Increased Vitamin E
Based on advice from our veterinarian consultants, and the compelling date from recent studies, Innova Senior has been formulated to contain Vitamin E at a level equal to what is recommended for human supplementation. Vitamin E is known to improve the immune system, boost the efficiency of the heart and circulatory system, and to rejuvenate ailing and tired dogs.
Unique New Supplements
With a formulation unprecedented in the pet food industry, Innova Senior is the first dog food to include chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. These are the supplements believed to stimulate the rebuilding of the cartilage matrix and to play a role in the fight against osteoarthritis, as presented in the best-selling book, The Arthritic Cure.
The Cartilage Matrix
Osteoarthritis starts in the cartilage, which is made up of 65% to 85% water. The rest is made up of collagen and proteoglycans. Collagen gives cartilage its elasticity and the ability to absorb shock. Proteoglycans are made up of protein and sugars that make cartilage resilient and give it the ability to bounce back. This cartilage matrix is maintained by cells called chondrocytes that produce new collagen and proteoglycan molecules and destroy old collagen and proteoglycan damaged by stress or trauma.
How It Works
Fluid is an essential ingredient in the movement of joints. For older dogs, and for various reasons, this fluid can be depleted causing the joint to become ragged and pockmarked.
Chondroitin sulfates are long chains of repeating sugars that act like "liquid magnets" to attract fluid into the proteoglycan molecule, part of the joint's cartilage matrix.
Glucosamine is made up of glucose, the sugar that the body burns for fuel, and an amino acid called glutamine. It is an important member of the mucopolysaccharides, which provide structure to the bones, cartilage, skin, nails, hair and other body tissues.
One-Two Punch
Together, chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine work to rebuild the cartilage matrix of collagen, proteoglycans, and water in ailing joints. They are the "one-two punch" in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Working in concert, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can stimulate the synthesis of new cartilage, while at the same time keeping the cartilage-destroying enzymes under control. This helps normalize the cartilage matrix.
See Your Veterinarian
Any veterinarian will tell you that intervention and prevention are preferred over treatment. Certain large and giant dog breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other conditions associated with aging. By feeding a good nutritional diet, offering opportunities for exercise and play, and giving your dog regular veterinary check-ups, you can enjoy a long, healthy relationship with your pet.
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