Just like me, my large breed dogs are getting older and their movements, especially going up stairs or getting up after their mid-afternoon siesta, are getting slower. Generalizing from myself, and after checking with the vet, I added a supplement of Glucosamine, and Chondroitin to their diet.

I was very popular for this decision because they got their pills wrapped in a slice of salami. The supplement helped, but I was still relying on the Rimadyl (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) to give them relief when their aging joints got too cranky.

Unfortunately Rimadyl, according to some reports, has side effects. So, I was delighted to try a new prescription dog food recommended by my vet tech help dogs with joint inflammation and arthritis.

The new dog food, called j/d® Canine from Hill’s Prescription Diets provides good nutrition with the addition of  EPA (Eicosapentanoic Acid), an omega-3 fatty acid found in high concentrations in fish oil.

It also has the supplements of glucosamine and chondroitin that provide the building blocks of healthy cartilage, and L-carnitine, that helps maintain optimum body weight. The dogs liked the food and it definitely helped their mobility and comfort. Today, I rarely have to use the Rimadyl.

Hill’s Prescription Diets are available from your veterinarian and provide several supplement based treatments including some for: food sensitivities, heart conditions, liver or kidney problems, gastrointestinal conditions, obesity and lymphangiectasia, oral health, and diabetes.

Not all dogs need a special dog food - most get along fine with good, high-quality feeds. But, if your pet develops a chronic health condition, you may want to check into whether a supplement-treated food can help.

Hill's a/d® canned food

Posted by Paula.