Glucosamine/Chondroitin and Vitamin C - Page 1

Would it be best to use these supplements to a 4 month old puppy?

Hey chinito,this is usually in most of the large breed foods and there is no scientific proof that it works.Some feel that vit C can actually be harmfull for dogs.He is a puppy and unless there is an issue with something ,i would not.

chinito, Glucosamine/Chondroitin do work, but as with everything talk to your vet. I don't know about vitamin C, again talk to the vet. The amounts of Glucosamine/Chondroitin in dog food is a minimal amount so they can declare it on the package. It is not enough to affect your dog one way or the other. (It's just a way for them to caharge you more.)

I would be hesitant to. I know some good friends of mine with a few litters and they OVER supplement with all these Glucosamine, Vit A, C, MSN powders and the pasterns of these dogs are horrible. I have never seen litters of German puppies this bad. This only started once they started the powders. Coincidence?

Yes to the vitamin C supplementation for a pup and dogs of any age, along with the proper diet. Autobahn, the pups you describe probably had other food related issues. If these pups were supplemented so much with what you describe, the pups were probably also given some home brewed food concotion, which can do more harm than good if you don't know what you are doing and what growing pups need. Balances in the food can be thrown off very quickly with adding this, and adding that, starting with inappropriate treats and snacks to inappropriate supplements, even if the basic food is ok. Glucosamine and Chondroitin do basically the same, use one or the other - if it is needed. They work synergystically with the MSM and should be given in combination with it for maximum benefit. Some dogs, and people for that matter, cannot handle the Glucosamine w. MSM and are better off switching to a Chondroitin w. MSM supplement. Either combination given as a preventative is questionable. Most dog foods do not contain enough for real therapeutic value anyways. If a food has it in the formula, fine. Personally I would not add glucosamine, chondroitin or MSM as a supplement for a pup. I would supplement a dog with it that has a need for it. Though dogs produce their own vitamin C, in todays world it is not enough. Vitamin C is used up very quickly, and it supports development of connective tissue and the immune system. Both are very important in a developing pup. The old government recommendation of 60mg of VitC a day for people for example, which has recently been increased slightly to 65-90mg, is the minimum amount based on the prevention of deficiency disease such as scurvy rather than based on the prevention of disease or ailments and the promotion of optimum health. 2000-5000mg per day are more practical for most people. VitC has beneficial effects on fertility, cardiovascular system, development of bone and connective tissue, prevention/fighting of cancer, prevention of cateracts, etc. The body's need for VitC increases with exposure to stresses, especially environmental stress. The government even acknowledges that by recommending higher amounts of VitC for smokers for example. With pups we recommend to avoid the VitC forms of Calcium Ascorbate or Esther-C (contains mainly calcium ascorbate), because every 1000mg also contain over 100mg of calcium. For a growing pup that can throw off the calcium : phosphorous balance that is so important for the growing structure. So for a pup ascorbic acid given in powder or tablet form is fine, twice a day, or with every meal. If you give chewables make sure there is no sugar and no artificial sweetener in them. For a pup 250-500mg twice a day has worked ok for me in the past, increasing dosage with age and weight, adults 500-1000mg twice a day. I have given Esther-C in adults and had no problem with it, but I would not give it continuously, switch between different forms of VitC.

hi chinito, i use gluco/chondrotin with msm on both of my last 2 dogs. started them as soon as i got them,at 8 weeks. my male now 6 was ofa'd at 39 months of age. OFA GOOD kira is only 17 months and shows no signs what so ever, having bad hips. she will be xrayed at 2 years old but i can't imagine she will not pass! but she can run full speed for an hour and i have never seen her limping once. so i would give it, and will give it from now on to any new pup i get.

Very interesting article related to vitamin/mineral nutrient impact on the young dog skeletal system. http://www.ilovemypet.com/jackart.html Kyle

I give Vit C to all of my dogs, and double-dose to puppies and growing young adults. It is a vitamin that is very helpful to developing joints and overall health, and what they don't need will leave the body in the urine. I give glucosolomine/chondroitin to my older dogs only. molly

Hi Molly, cut and paste the link and read the article. Very interesting info about vitamin c, w/sources. Kyle

I definately agree with DH. More research shows the benifits of antioxidants, like vitamin C. I personally use this Product and can not say enough about it.!! http://www.marketamerica.com/pisano/index.cfm?action=shopping.uoProduct&storeID=168&prodID=5602 This product is 5o times stronger than vit E and 20 times stronger than vit C. IT has Glucosimine in it. It is actually called OPC which is short for "Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins " This is 100% safe for puppies and adults, you just adjust the dosage accordingly. You do not have to worry about screwing up any vit/min balance . A good dog food should provide all of that. This is Awesome for Preventative ,and maintenance for and of the joints. I mix this in with all of my Puppies meals. I have not had to worry about puppies getting illness or fighting off any immune problems . I quit treating for Coxcidia, because this boosts the immune system. And I have not had any problems since I have been giving this to my pups. IF I have Panno problems this will alleve the symptomes, because it gets to the root of the problem. This works at the cellular level, and is so important for joint developement. You can not find the level of concentration and or combinations of Antioxidants like what are in this product. Trust me I have looked!! The other thing I love about this product is that it cost $20 for 90 servings. That will last my big dogs 3 months!! And they love it!