MSM, scientifically known as methylsulfonylmethane, is a naturally occurring sulfur compound that is produced by sea plankton and is found in foods like meat, vegetables, fruits, nuts, cow milk, and other types of seafood (e.g. kelp). However, in production for dog supplements, it is done chemically in a manufacturing lab.
MSM for dogs is well known for its joint health benefits. Its value as a dietary supplement was discovered by Stanley W Jacob MD, a Professor of Surgery in Portland. He found that MSM was effective in a large study of 15,000 patients. He has also written several books about MSM.
MSM aids in fighting inflammation in the body. It is also found in many joint supplements for human beings. Because it is extremely water soluble, MSM evaporates quickly.
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MSM for dogs can significantly decrease the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis, common in older dogs. MSM is a natural source of sulfur. MSM supplements usually come in combination with other nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin, and sometimes with Omega 3 fatty acids. These supplements are highly beneficial for the joint health of your dog.
So amidst all the available MSM supplements for dogs, which ones are the best for your pet? Following are some of the best MSM supplements available in the market.
Our favorite choice at this time is the first product below, Nutramax Cosequin Soft Chew Plus MSM Dog Supplement.
MSM For Dogs – Reviews and Recommendations
1. Nutramax Cosequin DS PLUS MSM Chewable Tablets
Nutramax Cosequin DS (Double Strength) Soft Chew Plus MSM Dog Supplement helps give your dog maximum joint strength and mobility. This is our top choice for a combo supplement that includes glucosamine chondroitin and MSM for dogs, in the right proportions for any dog. And it is the #1 Best Seller on Amazon in Dog Hip & Joint Care.
The exact price you pay depends on the quantity in the package you select. These chews are just a little more expensive that the cheapest supplements. But the real value in these chews is that they have a great meaty flavor your dog will actually like, and you can give them to your dog like treats, most likely in the morning.
These chews are great for dogs of any size. You can easily split them in half for smaller dogs. Large dogs, like labradors and golden retrievers often have joint pain as the start to get older. For larger dogs, you simply give them two or more chews according to their weight. And these chews are great for helping with pain. The good thing about this product is that it comes in the form of soft and chewable tablets, which dogs love.
The supplement contains a proper dose (250 mg) of MSM for inflammation prevention or relief, along with the proper dosages of glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs. One chew is right for a dog that is up to 60 lbs, according to the label.
The Nutramax Cosequin supplement is suitable for dogs of any age and you can administer it for long periods without any adverse effects on your pet. This MSM for Dogs Health Supplement is guaranteed to have him or her running, jumping and climbing.
Currently, the best value is the 132 count bottle, which is a price of about $0.22 per chew. If you have a small to medium sized dog, you should not get the large bottle — 264 might be a year’s supply! If you do, you should freeze the part you are not going to use within 30 days.
2. Particular PAWS Joint & Hip Supplement
The majority of pet owners know that sooner or later, as their pets begin to age, they will need to get glucosamine, a natural supplement that treats joint pain and arthritis in dogs and cats. If your dog is having joint pain or has been diagnosed with arthritis, then you need to get some glucosamine in order for him or her to get better.
The perfect blend of nutrients in Particular Paws Hip and Joint Supplement will effectively help in repairing the damaged joints in your dog’s body. You don’t need to give your dog any extra pain medication along with this supplement. It would relieve pain as well as provide long-term support to your dog’s bones and cartilage.
Particular Paws Hip and Joint Supplement is one of the most popular products for dogs because of its powerful composition. It contains MSM in combination with other highly effective nutrients. All these nutrients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, Omega 3 and vitamin C are naturally occurring. There is no artificial ingredient in the product.
Different from other MSM for dogs supplements that are heavily laced with chemicals which could cause liver damage in the long-run, Particular Paws is made of natural and pure ingredients. With this quality hip and joint supplement, you will not have to be worried about your dog suffering any crippling side effects as a result of taking this product.
In fact, as this formula has been rated by dog supplement reviews as one of the safest around, all you do after administering the supplement is to simply to wait for the awesome results!
3. TerraMax Pro Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs
It can be distressing to watch your dog beginning to slow down as he advances in age! The good news is that with a few teaspoons of TerraMax Pro’s glucosamine for dogs each day, you can easily change all that. This hip & joint supplement from TerraMax is specifically formulated for dogs whose joint damage is at a more advanced stage.
Chondroitin, Opti-MSM, and Glucosamine are natural substances that are excellent at maintaining the resiliency of connective tissues and joints, while boosting general health. TerraMax hip & joint is a liquid supplement proven to absorb efficiently and more quickly than tablets thus guaranteeing faster and better results.
The special ingredients designed to provide natural and safe relief from arthritis pain include:
- 5200 mg Glucosamine
- 1000 mg MSM
- 1000 mg Chondroitin
- 1400 mg Joint Plus
- 100 mg Hyaluronic Acid
TerraMax hip and joint supplement is a popular product that contains MSM, glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid. It contains sufficient dosages of MSM for your dog to feel instant relief from the joint pain and discomfort. You can expect quick and lasting results with the use of this product.
These supplements are available in liquid form, it absorbs more quickly in your pet’s body as compared to the supplements that come in tablet form. If you are looking for a joint supplement for your dog that ensures speedy recovery then you should definitely try TerraMax Pro hip and joint supplement.
Today, dog owners in their thousands are experiencing the awesome power of TerraMax Pro Hip and Joint Support on their beloved pets… you too now can!
4. Infinite Pet Supplement For Dogs
Arthritis or any other forms of degenerative joint diseases are quite common in pets, particularly in older dogs and in larger breeds. Infinite Pet supplement for dogs is another great product that contains MSM with a blend of organic ingredients. This is an all-natural dog hip and joint unique formula that brings together the awesome healing powers of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM for dogs, along with Organic Turmeric Curcumin.
Turmeric, in particular, is an ancient natural remedy for painful joints. MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin, along with turmeric act quickly in repairing the cartilage of your aging dog. The product is all natural and organic. The tablets are chewable and are beef liver flavored. Your dog will definitely like the great flavor. Another great thing about the product is that it is comparatively cheaper compared to similar products in the market today.
Whether your dog is in perfect health or just beginning to show signs of joint pain, the revolutionary formula from Infinite is guaranteed to revitalize those aging joints and keep his or her tails wagging happily and totally pain-free for years.
And the best part of it all? As all the ingredients used in blending Infinite Pet supplement for dogs are natural, it has no dangerous and unknown side effects!
5. Hippes Chewable Glucosamine, Chondroitin & MSM Hip & Joint Supplement For Dogs
Inevitably, as your dog ages, he or she will tend to develop problems associated with the hips, joints, and muscles. Such complications could range from mild joint pains to hip dysplasia or extremely severe cases of arthritis. These are health conditions that can often interfere with the ability of your dog to play, move, and at times – even interfere with sleep!
It contains 74 natural minerals and calcium additives which will make the bones and joints stronger. The product is not expensive and is quite affordable.
- 500 mg of highly potent glucosamine in these hip & joint supplements for dogs slows down bone cartilage wear & tear, thereby boosting your dog’s overall joint health.
- Contains natural minerals as well as coral additives to further boost metabolism, bone health, and bowel movements, while effectively working against generic gas and yeast infections.
- 500mg of MSM and 100mg of Chondroitin improve your dog’s tissue heath, collagen replenishment, and joint shock absorption – relieving and protecting him or her from all sorts of joint pains.
- These are chewable, soft treats that leave no mess to be cleaned afterward.
- The Hippes supplements for dogs come with an all-natural attractive smoked bacon flavor & administering is easy.
- They are suitable for all dog breeds, size, or age!
Hippes chewable hip and joint supplement come in a great smoked bacon flavor; these are soft chewable tablets which your dog will really like. The product contains an appropriate dosage of MSM and glucosamine. The rich amounts of nutrients present in the product are not only good for bones and joint health but also support the tissues in your dog’s body.
Other beneficial Hippes Healthy Hips &Joint supplement features include:
- Safe and suitable for all dog sizes, ages, breeds & activity levels
- It is a natural flea deterrent
- Has an organic smoked bacon unique flavor that appeals to all dogs
- Easy to administer
- Has no known side effects
- Clean up is easy as it leaves no messy leftover after use.
What Makes MSM Supplements Important for Your Dog?
As dogs grow older, a major concern for any owner is arthritis. Often, this potentially crippling condition shows its ugly head if your dog has ever suffered some form of joint injury or has had hip dysplasia. Whenever you notice some change in the walking style of your dog, it is important that he or she is taken to a veterinarian.
Besides other forms of treatment, your veterinarian may recommend that you add a good pet joint supplement to the diet being consumed by your dog. This may also be suggested in case your dog is at risk of developing joint complications.
Different from the majority of products and compounds available for treating and managing dog’s arthritis-related conditions, MSM does not bring along too many side effects. This is a very important factor because you certainly want your pet comfortable and not subjected to lots of side effects.
If given to dogs with joint pain problem, MSM supplements can greatly reduce the damage that is being done by arthritis. While it’s true that nearly every type of MSM supplement will assist in relieving stiffness and pain that are generally associated with arthritis in dogs, there are several specific options that have been proven to be more effective than others.
Your dog can be given MSM supplements as chewable tablets or as a powder that is sprinkled over their daily food. It is important to listen or consult your veterinarian and also strictly follow the dosage instructions on the product label. For dogs, typically it is recommended that for every 10 lbs. body weight you give about 500mg of MSM as part of his food daily.
Of course, there are also several other important factors to take into consideration when buying MSM and glucosamine supplements for your dog, including how simple it is acquire the product, its administration and effectiveness.
Video: What is MSM for Dogs and Why Give It to Your Dog?
Excellent Antioxidant
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is also an excellent antioxidant for your dog. It is useful in cleaning out the dog’s blood stream and in flushing toxins from the body cells. This is very important in terms of eradicating free radicals from the dog’s body, keeping it clean and at its healthiest state. Working as an antioxidant, MSM even helps reduce allergy symptoms.
MSM works as an antioxidant helping to clean the pet’s blood stream through flushing toxins from the body cells. It effectively plays the role of “scavenger” for free radicals and foreign proteins, assisting in eliminating toxins through the animal’s skin. This reduces the burden that would have been placed on the kidneys and the liver. Allergens get eliminated more quickly, in turn helping in reducing allergy symptoms.
MSM Dosage for Dogs
As I have pointed out earlier, MSM is safe and suitable for all mammals. However, an important factor to take into consideration is your smaller size pets. It is vital you get the right dosage when giving your furry friends MSM.
The right MSM dosages will depend on the weight of your dog. MSM supplements dosages for dogs are approximately between 50 and 100 grams for every 10 pounds. Ideally, for every 25 pounds mass, cats and dogs should be given approximately one-eighth of a teaspoon of MSM once daily.
If your dog that weighs 20 pounds, for example, he or she should get about100 grams of MSM. MSM supplements for dogs is available in both capsule and powder form. Neither of these is known to have any side effects. It all comes down to your personal preference and the ease with which your dog consumes the supplement. And the cleaning afterwards!
Relieves Joint Pain and inflammation
The result of inflammation is swelling of cells, producing joint/muscle pressure and pain. MSM is a joint healer, reducing inflammation and relieving pain, especially for an aging dog. Whether the pain is a result of arthritis or any other medical condition, MSM allows easier passage of fluids through the body tissues, thus equalizing the pressure and reducing pain levels.
Sulfur is an essential element in the formation of connective tissues, blood proteins, amino acids, and a healthy skin. MSM, the sulfur compound is stored in nearly every cell of the body, with the highest concentrations located in bones, skin, joints, muscles, nails, and hair.
As the body ages, the concentration of MSM reduces, making its deficiency to be part of the normal aging process. Low MSM concentrations can lead to:
- Organ failure
- Body tissue malfunctions
- General fatigue
- Physical and psychological stress
Deficiency of sulfur in dogs can lead to a poor digestion system, arthritis, joint pain, skin problems, dull coat, and poor immune system.
The MSM effects are quite amazing, truly helping your dog get the bounce back into their life. This makes it easier to move their body more freely, without feeling too much discomfort or pain or even altogether eliminating the root of the pain.
Supports Healthy Cells and Skin
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an essential compound in supporting and maintaining healthy cells. It decreases the cell inner pressure, making the cell walls more permeable. As a result, water and nutrients flow more easily into the cells of your dog while at the same time it facilitates the out flow of toxins. Working together with Vitamin C, MSM allows the rejuvenation of body cells, thereby upholding a healthy balance of cells in the body.
As it is also responsible for the flexible bonds that exist between different cells, MSM maintains healthy skin through by enhancing the flexibility of skin tissue and helping in the repair of any skin cells that may have been damaged.
Anti-Parasitic
The ingredients contained in MSM are excellent anti-parasitic against parasites such as giardia, roundworms, and other forms of intestinal worms. They act by robbing the parasites of possible sites where they can attach themselves through competing for the available receptor sites on the intestines mucous membranes. The digestive system of the dog then naturally flushes them out.
Other additional MSM supplements benefits include:
- Healthy skin and coat
- Reduction/relief from several allergy symptoms
- Connective tissues and joint support
- Relief from arthritis pain and hip dysplasia.
Any dog owner cannot afford to overlook the numerous MSM benefits for dogs. As soon as you start administering MSM, improvement in the personality and behavior of your dog become clear almost immediately. Your furry friend will start to act happier and more lively, and you will also notice that overall, their mood has improved.
Is MSM Safe for Dogs? – Are There Any Contraindications?
MSM supplements are in general contraindicated in nursing or pregnant dogs. Also, according to Petinfo , because some types of medications may interact with dimethyl sulfoxide, the main compound in most MSM supplements, they shouldn’t be administered together with other medicines, other supplements or herbal remedies unless advised by your pet .
MSM supplements for dogs are also contraindicated if your pet has bladder or urinary tract cancer. Let me also point out that dogs that experience allergic reactions to some specific foods, medicines, or other substances should only be given MSM supplementation under the guidance of a vet.
Conclusion:
Today, there are many different MSM products for dogs that you can buy. You can, for example, buy the pre-made MSM products as they are, or choose to the pure MSM powder form. The powder can be sprinkled on your pet’s food. When shopping for your MSM dog supplements, ensure that it comes from licensed manufacturer, is safe for your pet.
When picking the best dog supplement, it is very important that you take into consideration the specific ingredients that have been used in making the product. Naturally occurring sulfur is great for the health of your dog’s joints. MSM for dogs is a nutrient that provides the needed support to your pet’s aging bones and joints. Ensure that they are natural and pure, AND whenever in doubt do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian.
Yes, just like you and me, our little furry pet companions too can benefit from getting additional MSM supplementation, but they need careful monitoring as they cannot speak for themselves and tell what the right dosage is for their small bodies.
All the above-mentioned products are very good sources of MSM and contain the right MSM dosage for dogs. You can choose any one according to your preference. Arthritis and painful joints are a major problem for aging dogs, by treating your pet early you can save him from the painful condition and help him live a healthier life.
For more information on a wide range of supplements for dogs, please refer to our article titled Best Dog Vitamins and Dog Supplements – A Buyer’s Guide.
Product images sourced from Amazon.com