Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU) For Dogs With Arthritis

If your dog is suffering from arthritis, it is important to know that NSAIDs are not the only answer, and there are other treatment options. In fact, there are so many it can make your head spin. I talk about the different options in my Talk to Me About Arthritis article.

Avocado/Soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) came to my attention just recently. Our vet and I are always on the lookout for new, potentially better, arthritis supplements for dogs.

Jasmine was diagnosed with arthritis in her knees, shoulders, neck, and jaws. She was treated with stem cell regenerative therapy with amazing results and she is now pain and drug-free.

Arthritis treatments often work best in combination, and supplements provide nutrients that can help protect and regenerate joint tissues. 

For example, glucosamine and chondroitin are believed to protect cartilage, stimulate cartilage regeneration, and promote the production of viscous joint fluid. Cartilage and joint fluid serve as padding between the bones and reduces the amount of friction in the joint. That is what makes these supplements invaluable when dealing with arthritis.

A supplement that is recently getting attention is avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU). It is not meant to replace, but to compliment glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation.

What are avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU)?

Unsaponifiables are simply fats or oils that can’t be turned into soap when combined with an alkali, like lye.

Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) are certain types of oils that can be extracted from avocados and soybeans. Studies show that ASU have anti-inflammatory properties and help prevent cartilage breakdown. ASU are a supplement of note when dealing with arthritis in your dog.

Note: Veterinary ASU supplements have been shown to be safe for dogs.


Comments

  1. I will have to learn more about ASU supplements now that Freya is in her middle years. I hadn't heard about them before and of course was a bit surprised to see something with avocado since I always thought that was a dog-unfriendly food!

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  2. Dear Kathi. Thank you for reading and commenting!

    There are many arthritis supplements out there, this is one of those which are getting into a spotlight recently. I am looking into another one which sounds good also, elk velvet. We might be trying that one instead of the ASU, because Jasmine is allergic to soy and some protein present in the ASU also.

    My vet talked to Nutramax directly about the persin concern (that is the substance present in avocados that is toxic to dogs). They told him that persin is not present in this extract.

    On their website they just state that studies showed their product (Dasuquin) is safe for dogs. On the phone they did tell him that quote: "avocado is cleaned of toxic product".

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  3. Hello Dear,

    I have been searching so many arthritis supplements and found that this is the right place where I got right solution for dog who are suffering from arthritis. Please keep share with us....

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  4. Hi, my Snoopy (chocolate lab/boxer mix) just turned 10--he has not slowed down and still bounces off the walls and does Nascar around the back yard. I found out his parents died at ages 9 and 10. I see from sites that Snoopy's age range is 10-12 years. If your dog is healthy and active, would you guess he'd live longer? thanks

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    Replies
    1. In general, yes, he might live longer. Please do make sure you take him for regular wellness exams 2x yearly, keep on top of any issues that might be brewing under the surface. Routine ultrasounds are not a bad idea at that age either, along with comprehensive blood work and urinalysis.

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  5. I have a 15 year 6 month old pure bred lab his mother died at 13 years old longevity depends on nature and the care given

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