Complementary Compound Foods in the Musculoskeletal Health of Companion Animals

Active Ingredients and Scientific Evidence

Abstract

Background: The health of companion animals has a direct impact on the well-being of their owners, both physical and psychological (emotional support/stress reduction). In Portugal, dogs and cats are the main companion animals [1]. To guarantee the well-being of these animals, it is essential to ensure physical activity and a balanced diet. Adequate supplementation is often necessary, as in cases of joint pain, which affects dogs and cats of all ages and breeds. Objective: To collect complementary compound foods (ACC) with musculoskeletal action for dogs and cats, available online, and to analyze the information available to the consumer. Methods: Descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study with ACC collection on the first page of Google® search engine results, simulating the purchase of the common consumer. The words “ACC”, “supplements”, “pets”, “bones”, and “muscles and joints” were used to search the websites. Oral solid formulations for musculoskeletal problems in dogs and cats were selected. Results: 58 ACCs were obtained, with different forms of presentation, with tablets being the most common (38 ACCs). In the latter, the use of flavorings contributes to greater palatability, reducing resistance to ingestion, facilitating administration and promoting better adherence to treatment [2]. In total, 160 active ingredients were found in the ACCs analyzed. Plants presented the highest number of ingredients (44 plant species observed). Harpagophytum (Harpagophytum procumbens), nettle (Urtica urens), turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata) were the most frequently found plants (in 14, 12, 9, and 8 ACCs, respectively), as they are plants with analgesic and/or anti-inflammatory activity [3]. Few ACCs presented information regarding adverse reactions, contraindications and interactions. Conclusions: Supplementation for this problem is diverse. It is important that products contain information on the label that allows consumers to make a conscious, informed and evidence-based choice, which is not always the case.