tzumommy
Posted : 1/24/2007 11:25:20 AM
ORIGINAL: mudpuppy
The problem is that these foods that contain glucosamine don't usually contain enough to help the dog. It's better to add a specific joint supplement instead. I start supplementing all of my dogs from age six months on, just in case it helps.
I'd suggest you try Reduced Fat Evo for overweight dogs instead of Innova Senior. The kibble is tiny enough for the little dog, and the high protein is excellent for maintaining and building muscle mass, something older dogs sorely need. The low carb/high protein/moderate fat formula should help strip body fat without losing muscle mass.
I guess I have some reading to do on supplements; I'm so clueless about them [

].
Are they only important for large breeds, or do my Shih Tzus need supplements too? I think I saw on another post that glucosamine is given 500 mg per 50 lbs? Are there different joint supplements to choose from? I saw a post comparing Cosequin with Glucosamine Chondroitin - just different brands of joint supplements?
Is there a website or link that I could do some research on? Should I be concerned with overdosing on supplements if it's already in their food?[8|]
I switched 2 of my Tzus (15 mos old) from Evo Low Fat over to NB Duck/Potato (due to possible allergies from the EVO). The Duck/Potato has fewer ingredients - is it possible that I should be giving them some type of supplement since they may not be getting as many nutrients as they did in the EVO?
If I put the lab on a joint supplement, I could easily put both her and the other Tzu on the Evo Reduced Fat; I still have a half bag left over from my 2 Tzus switch over. I just don't feel comfortable with the supplements yet [

]
I also foster an 80 lb Shepherd Mix - He's approximately 17 months old. I've fed him EVO for the 6 months he's been in my care, and he's a picture of health! Should he be on a joint supplement too?