Joint health is one of the most common concerns we hear from pet owners, particularly as dogs and cats get older. Supplements are frequently recommended, but the science has moved on significantly in recent years. Here's what the latest research says and why it matters for what you choose.
The scale of the problem in Australia
According to PetSure's 2024 Pet Health Monitor, drawing on data from over 700,000 insured pets, arthritis affects nearly 40% of Australian pets over the age of eight and is the single most common condition claimed for in dogs over eight years old. That's likely an underestimate because it’s based on the number of actual insurance claims; international radiographic studies put the figure as high as 80% in dogs over eight and 90% in cats over twelve. Pets are masters at masking pain which means the condition is often far more advanced by the time it's diagnosed.
What the research says about Glucosamine and Chondroitin
They remain the most widely used joint supplements but the evidence for synthetic forms has become increasingly mixed. A 2023 US double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science (Kampa et al.) tested synthetic Glucosamine and Chondroitin against marine-based compounds and a prescription Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug in 75 dogs with hip osteoarthritis. The synthetic Glucosamine and Chondroitin group showed no significant improvement, whereas the marine-based compounds performed comparably to the prescription medication.
Why marine-sourced is different
Multiple peer-reviewed clinical trials on New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel (GLM) including a 2021 systematic review of nine studies by Massey University (New Zealand) have shown significant improvements in pain and mobility in osteoarthritis patients treated with GLM. A review in dvm360, one of the leading international veterinary journals, concluded there is now a strong body of evidence supporting GLM use in dogs with osteoarthritis, including objective improvements in mobility in placebo-controlled studies. The reason it works so well comes down to how nature combines the ingredients: GLM naturally contains Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Omega 3 fatty acids together in a form the body can absorb and use far more effectively than synthetic supplements taken in isolation.
Why SalPet Joint Ease is different
SalPet Joint Ease contains both New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Powder and Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon. Together, these premium ingredients deliver marine-sourced joint care which is increasingly supported by science. The Salmon delivers natural Omega 3’s (EPA & DHA) with proven anti-inflammatory benefits and the Green Lipped Mussel is a proven combination of naturally occurring Glucosamine, Chondroitin as well as Omega 3’s.
Your pet deserves the best and when it comes to joint health, the evidence points clearly to the sea.