You may have seen MSM listed as a popular ingredient in commercial dog supplements; perhaps your vet has recommended MSM when discussing your dog’s joint health.
While it’s true that MSM is popular for its joint health benefits, it also offers a variety of other health benefits for your dog, too. Is it time to invest in some MSM supplements for your dog? Read on to learn more!
What is MSM?
Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, is a naturally-occurring, sulfur-rich compound found in rainwater. As a result, it’s found in plants—and as a result of that, it’s also found in humans and animals. (Gotta love the circle of life!)
However, the concentration levels of MSM in food tend to be pretty low. Because of some farming practices, many foods tend to lose a significant portion of their important nutrients.
Additionally, plants and meats can lose their MSM content when heated or frozen. This means that even if your dog eats a raw diet, there’s a good chance he’s still not getting enough MSM in his diet.
This is where supplements come into the picture, allowing your furry friend to get his fix of necessary nutrients. Synthetic MSM can be created through a couple of different chemical reactions, so make sure that any MSM supplements you purchase for your dog were made in a high-quality, reputable facility.
Benefits of MSM for Dogs
Whether you’ve got a senior dog with joint problems, or you simply want to support your dog’s health as best as you can, MSM can benefit your pooch in a variety of ways—and we’re not just talking about his joint health.
For example, MSM for dogs can:
- Help to reduce muscle damage, stiffness, and joint discomfort
- Boost the immune system
- Alleviate discomfort caused by allergies, whether seasonal allergies, environmental allergies, or food allergies.
- Help to reduce inflammation and recurring discomfort
- Boost brain health
- Protect and detoxify the cells by serving as an antioxidant
- Boost the benefits of additional vitamins and supplements by allowing for enhanced nutrient absorption
Of course, we always recommend talking to your vet before adding supplements or making changes to your dog’s diet.
How to Give MSM to Your Dog
If your vet has given you the green light to give your dog MSM, it’s time to think about the best way to get that valuable compound into his body!
There are a few different ways to make sure your dog is getting enough MSM:
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Feed him MSM-rich foods: raw and organic meats and bones; raw, unpasteurized cow’s milk; fruits and vegetables (especially leafy greens); or seafood such as kelp, for example.
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Give him a dog-friendly MSM capsule. Depending on his preferences, you may want to hide it in a spoonful of peanut butter!
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Purchase it in powder form, which can be sprinkled onto his food, mix in his water, or hidden in peanut butter or another favorite snack.
- Try commercial pet supplements containing MSM such as treats, chews, or bars. Make sure you’re purchasing from a reputable company with high-quality manufacturing processes—only the best for your pup!
Of course, our favorite way to add MSM to your dog’s diet is with Pet Honesty’s Advanced Hip + Joint Chews. Designed specifically for dogs with joint and mobility issues, these vet-recommended soft chews use a powerful combination of glucosamine, turmeric, and MSM to support healthy bones, hips, joints, connective tissue, and cartilage development. (Plus, your dog will love the tasty chicken flavor!)
Additional Considerations
The recommended amount of MSM for dogs is between 50-100 mg per 10 pounds of body weight, though it’s always a good idea to double-check with your vet and take your dog’s unique health needs into consideration.
Additionally, keep in mind that the correct amount for your dog can also depend on the specific product that he’s using.
If you forget to give your dog his MSM supplement, don’t double up—instead, just skip it and get back on track the next time you give it to him.
Anytime you feed your dogs something new, be sure to monitor him closely for any adverse effects, such as tummy troubles or signs of an allergic reaction. It’s also important to talk to your vet about any potentially negative reactions between MSM and current medications that your dog is taking.
Sources:
https://www.greatpetcare.com/wellness/msm-for-dogs/
https://topdoghealth.com/msm-for-dogs/
https://wagwalking.com/wellness/is-an-msm-supplement-right-for-your-dog
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/msm-raw-fed-dogs/
