HoundMusic
Posted : 1/4/2008 1:38:18 PM
brookcove
I just don't see why we get excited over paying extra for a therapeutic nutrient that's provided at such low levels you'll still have to supplement. This is the cranberry and carrots point all over again - it's included to look pretty and justify a higher price, and I dislike that.
I think it's more about the balance of nutrients than the actual glucosamine/chondroitin added that keeps (at leasy my own) dogs feeling good and remaining active on it. Purina seems to get the vitamin premix right, and that plus digestability mean more to me than actual ingredients. A food that's digested well and contains proper amounts of nutrients is something that is inherently better for bones & joints. I do have a dog with severe joint issues on the PPSelects, and it does seem to help him enough that I can lessen the amount of his joint supplements or not give it to him altogether. Right away, I notice he does have an easier time with stairs and doesn't have "episodes" of intermittent pain/stiffness in his joints. He has intervertebral disc disease so I do like to use a food that contains some glucosamine, even if it's not within theraputic levels, I figure it's there at maintenance levels, and is doing something, at least. I would also have to wonder if having it included in the diet even at lower levels, could help prevent or decrease the severity of some joint issues as the dog ages?
In all honesty, though, I don't buy any food solely based on the inclusion of glucosamine. I actually agree with you on the "carrots & cranberry" issue ... I think it's ridiculous to throw in a stick of the latest herbal supplement in a batch of food and use that as an advertising point - those are usually the foods, IMHO, that don't work and are WAY overpriced. This particular formula from Pro Plan is a little different in that the food actually gives results, lol.