Greetings,
Welcome to this month's issue of The Pet Arthritis Chronicle. Please pass this along to your friends!

Table of Contents:

1. Featured Articles from The Pet Arthritis Resource Center
2. Obesity in Family Pets
3. The 7-Step Weight Loss Program
4. Selecting Pet Foods

Featured Pet Arthritis Content

A Guide to Glucosamine Products for Pets Canine Hip Dysplasia Stories of Users of Rimadyl Natural Arthritis Relief for Pets Recommended Books on easing arthritis pain in Pets Using Glucosamine to Ease Arthritis Pain in Pets

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	Liquid glucosamine formula Syn-flex® effectively eases arthritis and hip dysplasia pain in dogs and cats, assists in the rehabilitation of damaged cartilage, and slows the progression of the disease. Plus FREE shipping. Learn more about Syn-flex now!

Obesity in Family Pets

Just as obesity adds stress to joints in humans, the same factor is at play with family pets. Excessive weight restricts joint movement, decreases mobility and can cause other physical problems. Those associated problems only add to the difficulties posed by the arthritic condition.

In recent years, the clinical studies have clearly implicated pet obesity as a contributing factor when trying to treat musculoskeletal problems. Without a doubt, excess weight damages the cartilage matrix itself. What the studies also reveal is these extra pounds also alter normal cell structures in joint tissue itself.

At least one major pet food manufacturer engaged in clinical trials solely aimed at gauging the relationship between hip dysplasia and the quantity of food consumed by Labrador Retrievers. Using x-rays of the hip area (coxofemoral) joints, researchers determined that those Labs who were fed excessive amounts of food not only experienced a higher rate of osteoarthritis, it was also more severe.

Reducing Risks: Lowering Food Intake
We all love to feed our pets. When we reward them, they reward us; they are quick to reach for the food and treats. If the studies are right (and they certainly seem to bear out the conclusion) then we are really doing our little friends a great disservice.

If your pet is carrying some “excess baggage”, try reducing their intake by about 25-30% a day. It’s tough because they are going to notice that they are receiving less but believe me, the long-term benefits outweigh the “fuss” they are going to make.

The 7-Step Weight Loss Program

You can accomplish the task of getting excess weight off your pet by using some of these easy to follow steps:

1. Time permitting, spread meals out over three courses a day
2. High-fiber foods are more filling so bear that in mind when purchasing
3. Vary your pet’s diet - 1/3 meats, 1/3 grains, 1/3 vegetables
4. Skip the “snacks” from your dinner table. (We all love to do it)
5. Avoid organ meats – they are high in saturated fats
6. Keep an eye on your pet’s coat. If you spot excess oil in their fur, it is a sign that the food you are feeding them is to “fatty”
7. Make sure you add some exercise daily to keep the pounds coming off

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Selecting Pet Foods

The Federal Government (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) does not mandate that ingredients used in pet food be inspected. A handful of states do impose that requirement on manufacturers, but they are the minority. So where does that leave you?

Most of the “quality” pet food manufacturers have taken it upon themselves to inspect ingredients to ensure what they perceive as “high quality.” Since inferior ingredients will leave a pet with a weakened immune system, it is important for those suffering from arthritis conditions be fed quality food. That would lead you to the conclusion that if you want the best, you have to “buy the best.”

If quality food is an issue when dealing with arthritis in pets and your budget is stretched to the limit, the first stop is usually at one of those large discount warehouse stores. Usually, you will find quality pet foods in bulk that don’t break your wallet.

The Raw Food Option
Even if you do not have financial considerations, a raw-food diet (or one that is included in your regular feeding) is an excellent choice. As we all know, dogs and cats who live in the wild eat raw food on a regular basis. Including it in your feeding regimen is a great idea.

Raw roods contain the vitamins and minerals that are necessary to assist in building strong immune functions and managing osteoarthritis. As well, raw foods are full of living enzymes that cooking normally destroys. Let’s look at this simple example of what we are talking about.

The enzyme protease breaks down protein; amylase acts on starch and lipase digests fats. These very substances also assist in preventing arthritis. The bottom line is that good, solid nutrition supports healthy joints, and enzymes guarantee that joints receive sufficient nourishment.

Using the guidelines for 1/3 quantities outlined above, it is very easy to prepare some simple, inexpensive raw food meals that will help to ensure that your pet maintains a healthy joint profile.

This concludes the May Issue of The Pet Arthritis Chronicle. Look for the next issue in your inbox on June 15th, 2002!

Please forward to any friends that have pets with arthritis and who would be interested.

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Have a great May from The Pet Arthritis Resource Center and The Pet Arthritis Chronicle. See you next month!