Science plan J/D.

[Bexx]

My 9 year old lab has recently been diagnosed with arthritis in his spine. My vet has recommended hydrotherapy, tramadol and also a diet change. He has recommended the science plan low calorie joint defence. I have been researching this food and have read mixed reviews, a lot saying they wouldn't feed it due to the ingredients. A lot of reviews say however, although the ingredients aren't desirable, the food has worked wonders for their dog. Has anyone else used this food, or any alternatives?

 

[s4sugar]

What were the people who've seen improvement using before changing?
Maize, rice, flaxseed, pea bran meal, poultry meat meal, soybean meal, maize gluten meal, digest, animal fat , cellulose, beet pulp, fish oil, minerals, L-carnitine, cartilage hydrolysate (source of chondroitin sulphate), crustacean shell hydrolysate (source of glucosamine), vitamins and trace elements. Naturally preserved with mixed tocopherol and citric acid.

Many standard diets now include the actives -Helps maintain joint cartilage thanks to high levels of EPA (a special omega-3 fatty acid from fish oil) and glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate from natural sources or you can by this over the counter at Holland & Barret or try this food - http://www.skinnerspetfoods.co.uk/store/working-dogs/turkey-rice/

 

[lexiedhb]

I'd be looking at a better quality food in terms of %AGE meat and adding the glucosamine etc as supplements.

 

[hayley.t]

I would agree with lexiedhb. I have seen some very good results with Nutraquin +, it contains glcosamine etc but with an added natural anti-inflammatory as well. It obviously depends on the level of pain but I have known of some dogs taking a supplement and NSAIDs when the Nutraquin + came out and changed and were able to reduce the dosage of the NSAID. If they have prescribed Tramadol we are looking at a quite high pain level so I wouldn't expect miracles but even if it meant your dog could be on a lesser dose it would be worth it. I do not know of anybody using JD, our vets have never prescribed/ advised it but that is not to say that they didn't just like the idea of it. What diet are you feeding now?