Linolenic Acid (Omega-3): Omega-3s play an important role in supporting immune health, skin/coat health and in helping to support a healthy response to inflammation throughout the body. To help modify the inflammatory response of a horse’s body to stimuli like exercise, the Omega 3 to 6 ratio needs to be kept in balance. Diets that contain a lot of grain or high Omega 6 oils like corn or sunflower oil may cause your horse’s diet to contain more Omega 6 than Omega 3 fatty acids. The ideal ratio of omega 3s to omega 6s has not been formally established. It makes sense, however, to strive toward the ratio that naturally exists in grasses: three to four times more Omega 3 than Omega 6.
Linolenic Acid (Omega-6): Omega-6s are fatty acids that are responsible for the inflammation and immune responses in the body which are necessary to support injury recovery and combat infections. Omega 6 is just as important in the diet as Omega 3, they just need to be kept in balance with one another to support a healthy inflammation response.
MSM: (Methylsulfonylmethane) Assists body to produce its own internal antioxidants which helps support natural inflammatory response by providing protection against oxidative stress. It is a great source of sulfur, which plays an important role in maintaining the health of collagen, cartilage, hooves, hair and joint fluid.Chondroitin Sulfate works synergistically with glucosamine in the production of new cartilage and inhibits the effects of various enzymes that breakdown cartilage. It also helps to support a natural inflammatory response lending to overall joint health and comfort.
Glucosamine is the building block of chondroitin sulfate, a specific type of polysulfide glycosaminoglycan (GAG), a small but complex molecule has an important role in both the production and protection of joints. Glucosamine plays multiple roles within joint function/health. It helps increase the production of new GAGs and therefore new cartilage has also been shown to inhibit the free radicals and enzymes that aid in cartilage degradation.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) helps support healthy cartilage and joint fluid. Hyaluronic acid is what makes joint fluid "sticky" because it is known to protect cells in the joint, HA is especially useful during periods of high-level joint stress.
Calcium ascorbate (Vit C) is an antioxidant that helps protect the tissues of the body and also important in the production of connective tissues like tendons and ligaments.
Yucca is an herb native to North and Central America used by ancient and modern civilizations to address musculoskeletal discomfort. Active ingredients have been isolated from Yucca that have shown to have antioxidant properties to help support natural inflammatory response.
How is this supplement given?
MVP: With Fido-Flex's chicken flavoring it is very palatable and easy to give by sprinkling it on top of your canines kibble meal. Dog's love it!
My dog is a year old does he need a supplement like Fido-Flex now?
MVP: Thank you for inquiring. That is a great question. A canine can benefit from starting a support supplement early in it's life, especially for breeds prone to issues. The ingredients in Fido-Flex (Glucosamine, MSM, Chondroitin Sulfate and Sodium Hyaluronate(HA) are going to help naturally support your canine from life's daily wear and tear.
I see information regarding the ingredients but have there been any independent lab tests done to verify that the ingredients quantities match the label?
MVP: As a founding member of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), our manufacturing facility adheres to strict manufacturing guidelines by following GMPs (Good Manufacturing Processes) and FDA procedures to ensure quality and consistency of products. We implement a variety of quality assurance practices starting from development all the way through every order that leaves our facility to support the quality and accuracy of products. All raw materials must be approved for use according to quality assurance and inspection processes. We also utilize a variety of laboratory analyses to assess the potency and purity of raw materials.
How does the meal form compare to the tablets?
MVP: Great question, here is an example of how the chew and meal form compare, cost and active ingredient wise.
Directions for Use:
Up to 30 lbs: 1 chew daily
Up to 30lbs: ½ scoop daily (¼ ounce)
Example below is based on the "Up to 30lb" feeding.
1 soft chew Fido-Flex
Glucosamine Sulfate 400 mg
MSM 300 mg
Chondroitin Sulfate 100g
Vitamin C 200 mg
Yucca Extract 50 mg
Hyaluronic Acid 2.5 mg
Cost per day: 44¢
Fido Flex H/A meal - 1/2 scoop
Glucosamine Sulfate 400 mg
MSM 300 mg
Chondroitin Sulfate 100 mg
Vit C 50mg
Yucca Extract 50 mg
Hyaluronic Acid 5 mg
Omega 3 513 mg
Omega 6 135 mg
Cost per day: 32¢