Unlocking Joint Health: The Benefits of MSM for Dogs
Looking for ways to reduce your dog’s joint pain and inflammation? For many years now, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a leading multi-joint and mobility supplement for dogs as an anti-joint agent to help prevent painful joints and injuries.
What is MSM?
this is a naturalThe occurring sulfur compound present in every living organism as an essential building block of collagen, cartilage and boness. MSM also supports the body‘s natural detoxification process, which helps neutralize and remove toxins from cells and maintain optimal organ and tissue health.
Research has shown MSM has the ability to strengthen the structural bonds of connective tissue and significantly improve joint health which making it a staple ingredient, especially for growing active and older dogs.
So, how can your dog benefit from MSM‘s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties? Are there any side effects? Can dogs get MSM from their food alone, or do you have to give it to them an integrated supplement?
I‘I’ll focus on answering all of those questions and more in this blog, let’s dive in.
What is MSM methylsulfonylmethane?
It may interest you to know that MSM is a source of bioavailable sulfur produced by oceanic plankton. When it dies, it is released into the atmosphere leading to the formation of dimethylsulphide (DMS), which then oxidizes to produce MSM.
When it rains, MSM is absorbed by plants which in turn enter the food chain.
Once MSM enters the system it is converted into two essential amino acids, methionine and cysteine, which help to reduce oxidative damage and support the production of proteins and enzymes.
The research behind MSM and its importance to your dog’s health
Sulfur is an essential nutrient for countless biological functions in your dog’s body, including tissue repair as well as hair, skin and nail health because it helps to reducee swelling and remove toxins.
Supplementing your dog’s diet with MSM, a highly bioavailable form of sulfur, also provides the building blocks essential for healthy bones, joints, and ligaments.
In contrast to the side-effects caused by drug-based products, MSM can help protect or improve your dog‘s mobility without undesirable effects.
A summary of the health benefits of MSM in dogs
While MSM has been primarily researched for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, the benefits extend beyond joint health, also showing promising results in the treatment of certain types of cancers.
-
A natural anti-inflammatory and joint pain relief
Research shows that MSM inhibits certain inflammatory markers, reduces joint pain and regulates the immune response.[1.1] MSM too decreases the release of inflammatory substances after heavy exercise[2] and speeds up recovery.
-
Cartilage and bone formation
A study in cell cultures and zebrafish showed that MSM promotes cartilage growth and supports the early development of bone cells[3] which makes MSM essential to the growth of puppies and young dogs.
Also prevents MSM bone destruction showing potential in preventing osteoporosis and promoting tissue regeneration.
Another study found that MSM significantly increased jaw bone density by stimulates the production of osteoblasts (cells that form bone)[4] which again highlights its potential in the treatment of osteoporosis.
-
Improves nutrient absorption and detoxification
MSM plays a dual role in cellular health by neutralizing and cleaning toxins from cells[1.2]. It also enhances the absorption of nutrients by increasing the permeability of the cell membrane.
-
Prevents cancer cell growth
One study showed that MSM may have potential in fighting colon cancer by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death)[5] .
Another study confirmed that MSM reduces the growth of liver cancer cells[6] and reduced the size and number of liver tumors.
How to make sure your dog is getting enough MSM
While leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts, meat, and poultry are all foods that contain small amounts of MSM, it is nearly impossible to provide your dog with therapeutic levels of MSM from diet alone.
Also, because food source MSM is unstable and sensitive to heat and processing, the most effective way to get MSM into your dog isThe food is by high quality dog supplement.
What is the best MSM supplements for your dog?
Many dog joint supplements contain ingredients with anti-inflammatory, chondroprotective and antioxidant properties, including MSM, glucosamine, chondroitin, ginger and boswellia, however, there is a wide range of ingredients in quality, purity, and potency.
I realize that many joint and mobility supplements are not based on clinical experience and research which is often why they may not work for your dog.
Ideally, when looking for the best MSM supplement for your dog, focus on a formula that not only contains MSM but has a wide range of mobility and joint supporting ingredients.
It’s also important to choose products made with high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients that have been fermented for increased potency and bioavailability. This ensures that your dog enjoys all the health benefits that the ingredients provide faster and more effectively.
MSM for dogs-FAQ
-
wWhat does MSM do for dogs?
MSM can support your dog in many ways from reducing inflammation and joint pain, maintaining healthy ligaments and cartilage to protecting cells from toxins and oxidative damage.
-
wHat foods are high in MSM for dogs?
Unfortunately, fruits, vegetables, and meat do not provide sufficient amounts of MSM, making it impossible to achieve significant changes by providing MSM containing foods alone. This is where a dog joint supplement containing high quality MSM and other synergistic ingredients can make a difference.
-
Hhow much MSM should I give my senior dog?
As with other herbs and supplements, the dosage of MSM depends on your senior dogweight, general health condition and the severity of joint issues. Follow the instructions on contiguous supplementary label to ensure your dog is receiving the correct dose for their health needs.
-
what you shouldn’t bring to MSM?
MSM is considered very safe for dogs and humans especially when it is mixed with other fermented nutrients and herbs. It is likely that your dog will have negative effects caused by MSM, however, your goal should always be to minimize or ideally eliminate. NSAIDs drugs
-
IIs MSM better than glucosamine?
MSM and glucosamine are often used in similar circumstances but have different modes of action. While MSM has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help maintain healthy joints, tendons and bones, glucosamine stimulates cartilage growth and helps reduce joint wear in dogs.
Both of these supplements work well in synergy with improve joint function and mobility.
-
IIs MSM or chondroitin better for dogs?
Chondroitin helps keep your dog’s cartilage healthy by maintaining it water, which slows down the natural wear and tear of the joint and improves the cushioning of the prevent damage. MSM, on the other hand, helps reduce joint pain and inflammation, making it easier for your dog to walk, jump, and run more comfortably.
Choosing a joint supplement that combines not only MSM and chondroitin but also other natural ingredients that help maintain and repair connective tissues and respond to pain and inflammation is the best choice.
Sources
(1.1/1.2) Butawan M, Benjamin RL, Bloomer RJ. Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. Nutrients. 2017 Mar 16;9(3):290. doi: 10.3390/nu9030290.
(2) van der Merwe M, Bloomer RJ. The Influence of Methylsulfonylmethane on Inflammation-Associated Cytokine Release before and after Strenuous Exercise. J Sports Med (Hindawi Publ Corp). 2016;2016:7498359. doi: 10.1155/2016/7498359. Epub 2016 Oct 23.
(3) Dalle Carbonare L, Bertacco J, Marchetto G, Cheri S, Deiana M, Minoia A, Tiso N, Mottes M, Valenti MT. Methylsulfonylmethane enhances MSC chondrogenic commitment and promotes the formation of pre-osteoblasts. Stem Cell Res There. 2021 Jun 5;12(1):326. doi: 10.1186/s13287-021-02396-5.
(4) Aljohani H, Senbanjo LT, Al Qranei M, Stains JP, Chellaiah MA. Methylsulfonylmethane Increases Alveolar Bone Density of Mandibles in Aging Female Mice. Frontal Physiol. 2021 Oct 4;12:708905. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.708905.
(5) Karabay AZ, Koc A, Ozkan T, Hekmatshoar Y, Sunguroglu A, Aktan F, Buyukbingol Z. Methylsulfonylmethane Induces p53 Independent Apoptosis in HCT-116 Colon Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci. 2016 Jul 15;17(7):1123. doi: 10.3390/ijms17071123.
(6) Kim JH, Shin HJ, Ha HL, Park YH, Kwon TH, Jung MR, Moon HB, Cho ES, Son HY, Yu DY. Methylsulfonylmethane inhibits hepatic tumor progression by activating apoptosis. World J Hepatol. 2014 Feb 27;6(2):98-106. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v6.i2.98.