Below is a comparison of Missing Links Joint and "Joint Support"

Missing Link Ingredients: Ground Flaxseed (some dogs can be sensetive to flax and it may make them itch), Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Freeze Dried Beef Liver, Cane Molasses (although Molasses does have beneficial properties it is a sugar and is in the top 5 ingredients), Rice Bran, Primary Dried Yeast (yeast does have beneficial properties but can also make a dog itch), Sunflower Seed, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Dried Carrot, Ground Beef Bone, Dried Fish Solubles (UN-Named source of fish), Freeze Dried Oyster, Ground Barley Grass, Dried Kelp, Zinc Methionine Complex, Lecithin, Selenium Yeast, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Garlic, Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1), Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 Supplement.

This is one of the supplements I use and feel it has a better ingredient list.
JOINT SUPPORT:
BiovaPlex: a proprietary all natural ingredient derived from natural eggshell membrane rich in elastin, collagens and glycosaminoglycans such as Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. Supports the stability and flexibility of joint as well as skin and coat.
Cetyl Myristoleate Complex (CM8): is a potent joint lubricant. By keeping joints lubricated, wear and tear takes less toll on joints. Contains the highest and most bio-available concentration of Cetyl Myristoleate available.

Biocell Collagen II TG: comes from chicken cartilage and contains the greatest number of joint supporting proteoglycans of all the forms of collagen. Creating a fibrillar network of collagen allows the cartilage to entrap the proteoglycans and provide tensile strength to the surrounding tissue.
MSM: provides two essential substances: Sulfur-a building block of joints, cartilage, nerve tissue, skin, hair, and nails. The sulfur in MSM helps promote flexibility, elasticity of body tissue and helps maintain cell membrane permeability. It is also an antioxidant.
Methyl groups: support many vital biochemical processes in the body including energy production.
Bromelain: a proteolytic enzyme from fresh pineapple which promotes a normal immune response in human and animals.
Ester C: a powerful antioxidant
GMO Free. Gluten Free. Soy Free.
Joint Support For Pets - Mercola.com


Hope this helps!
Moms

 

I use it for my GSD. Dr. Jean Dodd's of Hemopet recommended it as well as my local holistic vet.

Lynn & Traveler

 

I used it for 12 years on my chocolate Labrador Retriever and he never had any problems with his joints. When he turned 12 years old, he started to moan and groan whenever he got up or laid down. Took him to the vet and found that he had two protruding discs on his spine that were causing his rear legs to loose mobility. We had to put him down just shy or his 13th birthday. He was a big boy, 98lbs.

 

the first ingredient of Missing Link is flaxseed .
You need to know if the flaxseed non GMO.
You need to know that flaxseed is highly sensitive to the fats going rancid which creates an inflammatory process.

I wonder why the formula has glucosamine and does not have MSM included .

 

Not for sure....My former female GSD, we used Dasuquin with MSM. She had severe HD. Seemed to help but it's pricey. Not for sure why Missing Link doesn't have MSM ...Thanks, something for me to look into. I want to provide all the right supplements to support his hips and joints. HD is one of my major worries due to my previous experience. Bane will be getting his hips and elbows scanned in about 2 months. That is going to be very nerve racking for me!!!

 

Okay. Im trying to figure out what is causing his allergies. I'm almost positive it's chicken. But, it could also be something in the missing link....Or, we always put a dab of BB canned food on top of his kibble. We usually just buy 5 or 6 cans of different "flavors"... I'm going to stick to only 1....I was switching his kibble protein after each bag. If I got chicken, the next bag I would get salmon, or something else....I'll start narrowing everything down and see what I come up with. He has been itching a little and some minor eye drainage.

He has been playing in the water a lot lately also and I think his right ear got infected or inflamed....It's fine now....He let's me mess with his ears, paws, mouth, etc, but when he sees the ear rinse/medicated drops come out, he completely goes the opposite direction. I help him while the wife put them in and I'm surprised I didn't get bit. He was PO.

I will look into the other supplements also. Thanks for the help

 

might be flax gone bad --

 

I would worry about this too. I never buy pre-ground flax meal for the humans in my house for this very reason--I don't know how long it's been on a shelf, or how it was stored. When I grind whole flax seeds to eat myself, if there's extra flax meal left over not being used at once, that extra bit goes in a small, airtight container in my freezer because the flax compounds are so volatile. I would think any ground flax meal for dogs also ought to be refrigerated or frozen.

I also wonder whether dogs have the ability to convert the ALA in flax into EPA and DHA, as healthy humans can. The enzymes that do it in humans are supposed to be quite fragile, and I wonder if dogs have them at all? I'd be more inclined to just give the dogs a daily dose of a high-quality (mercury tested) fish oil--the anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil is well documented in dogs, and it's lovely for their coats.

Do you have a senior with joint issues, or are you just looking for a little nutritional boost?

 

I am huge fan and supporter of Dr. Dodds, but on this product I would have to respectfully disagree. I would not feed my dogs an UN-Named source ie – poultry meal (what bird?), fish meal/fish solubles/fish oil (what fish?), meat meal (which animals?) bone meal (what animal bones?) etc. But, that's just MY criteria for food and supplements! Everyone has their own thing!

Flaxseed/Flaxseed Oil is the only thing that makes our male itch!

Moms

 

Moms,

I have the utmost respect for your opinions and the knowledge that you willingly share. Thank you. You have made some very valid points here. I am curious to hear what Missing Link has to say so I emailed them. I'll let you know if/when I get a reply. The GMO question brought up by Carmen needs to be addressed. Frankly, I'm not worried about the rancid factor since I store my Missing Link in the 'fridge. A person could argue that like anything else we buy; who knows what happened before we bought it but assuming this is a respectable company, I'm giving them a pass on that point.

You may recall my GSD Traveler has had some skin issues (staph infection secondary to ???) so I am very, very interested in getting some direct feedback.

Lynn and Traveler

 

Hi Lynn! YES! I remember you and Traveler well! I'm SO glad you didn't take offense to my post! Did you ever consider that Traveler was sensitive to Flax???
BRAVO to you for emailing Missing Link! Most folks wouldn't! Yes, a gmo statement from them would be interesting! Be aware that companies play with wordings such as "USDA INSPECTED" which DOESN'T mean it was USDA APPROVED! USDA Inspected are all the discarded parts! So you'll have to pick apart their reply carefully to be able to discen it.
Fish MEAL ingredients have the potential to be preserved with Ethoxyquin or BHT.....AT SEA. BOTH horrible ingredients!:shocked: Per Department of Homeland Security regulations: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2012-title46-vol5/pdf/CFR-2012-title46-vol5-sec148-280.pdf
“(c) At the time of production, fish
meal or fish scrap must be treated with
an effective antioxidant (at least 400
mg/kg (ppm) ethoxyquin, at least 1000
mg/kg (ppm) butylated hydroxy-
toluene, or at least 1000 mg/kg (ppm) of
tocopherol-based liquid antioxidant).
(d) Shipment of the fish meal or fish
scrap must take place a maximum of 12
months after the treatment prescribed
in paragraph (c) of this section.
(e) Fish meal or fish scrap must con-
tain at least 100 mg/kg (ppm) of
ethoxyquin or butylated hydroxy-
toluene or at least 250 mg/kg (ppm) of
tocopherol-based antioxidant at the
time of shipment.”
A company does not have to declare Ethoxyquin or BTH on their label unless their company actually adds the Ethoxyquin to their products! Ethoxyquin is a registered pesticide and is also used to make tires. The FDA does not allow this to be used for human consumption, and is classified as a probable carcinogen.So that's why I wouldn't use this product.


Moms

 

flax meal is compromised the moment the sensitive oils have exposure to oxygen . Refrigerating them won't make much difference.

Flax is used "industry-wide" because it is cheap , and a great filler.

I purposely avoid flax .

I have had the opportunity to speak with Udo face to face.

Using flax universally in his products contradicts the advice he gives in his tome Fats that Heal and Fats that Kill, which I read when it first came out , and refer to continually. This is an excellent book.

There are other crops that are as high or higher in omega 3 that remain shelf-stable for a long time , non-gmo, organically grown , cold pressed . Camelina .

 

I just received a reply from Mike at Missing Link. He said he will respond to the list as well.

I'll copy his response to me if we don't hear directly from him in a day or two.

Lynn & Traveler

 

You think I should hold off on The Missing Link? Maybe that is causing his allergies. Seems very possible after the information everyone provided!

 

I agree. I didn't consider it before since he does well on it. OTOH, he's still itchy so now you all have me wondering. I feed Orijen and coconut oil and fish oil so I'm fairly confident he's not missing anything in his diet.

One thing I will say about Missing Link is that it does put weight on him if I'm not careful how much and how often I feed it.

Lynn & Traveler

 

J: Yes, the yeast and the flax could be causing the problem

Here is alternative:
JOINT SUPPORT:
BiovaPlex: a proprietary al natural ingredient derived from natural eggshell membrane rich in elastin, collagens and glycosaminoglycans such as Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. Supports the stability and flexibility of joint as well as skin and coat.
Cetyl Myristoleate Complex (CM8): is a potent joint lubricant. By keeping joints lubricated, wear and tear takes less toll on joints. Contains the highest and most bio-available concentration of Cetyl Myristoleate avaible
Biocell Collagen II TG: comes from chicken cartilage and contains the greatest numberof joint supporting proteoglycans of all the forms of collagen. Creating a fibrillar network of collagen allows the cartilage to entrap the proteoglycans and provide tensile strength to the surrounding tissue.
MSM: provides two essential substances: Sulfur-a building block of joints, cartilage, nerve tissue, skin, hair, and nails. The sulfur in MSM helps promote flexibility, elasticity of body tissue and helps maintain cell membrane permeability. It is also an antioxidant.
Methyl groups: support many vital biochemical processes in the body including energy production.
Bromelain: a proteolytic enzyme from fresh pineapple which promotes a normal immune response in human and animals.
Ester C: a powerful antioxidant
GMO Free. Gluten Free. Soy Free.
Joint Support For Pets - Mercola.com

Also, a digestive enzyme/probiotic to keep the gut healthy as 80% of disease begins there and oil's to supply the Omega's he needs.
Here are two great ones:
Sunday Sundae (Digestive Enzyme & Pro-Biotic Combo): Sunday Sundae Nutritional Supplement
Sh-emp Oil: SH-EMP OIL Nutritional oil

You may want to look at Acana grain free for a higher quality food than the one you are considering. You could rotate the following to give him a well rounded out diet with different proteins.
Grasslands: Lamb, Duck, White Fish
Pacifica: Salmon, Herring, White Fish
Ranchlands: Beef, Lamb, White Fish
ACANA REGIONALS (grain free): Acana Regionals | Acana Store locator: Store Locator | Acana
I was also going to recommend Fromm's, but they all have Flaxseed, and IF your Fur Baby happens to be sensitive to it, this food wouldn't help.

Moms

 

Hi moms,
Are you saying that the first 6 items listed under joint support should all be given every day?

It is my understanding that the Canadian company, Champion(?) that makes Acana also makes Orijen. Acana is the less expensive alternative particularly if you are looking for less protein and more friut/veggie mix.

Getting back to my original concern tho- I'm really, really worried about OD'ing Traveler with supplements. It has always been my worst feeding fear. I have MSM and Ester C and a couple of different Chondroitin and glucosamine supplements and probably 3 different Omega products. I have one Omega 3 only, one Omega 3&6&9 and one who knows what-I think it's Omega 3 &6 since I read about balancing. I've spent the money and I'm armed and dangerous but scared to death I'll kill him with kindness!

My ears are open and I'm listening if you can clarify all this supplement stuff and explain why to supplement when the Orijen bag has seemingly 6 paragraphs of all kinds of vitamins and minerals listed as being included.
:help:

Lynn & Traveler

 

“I've spent the money and I'm armed and dangerous but scared to death I'll kill him with kindness!” LOL…too funny! Yeah, I was like that too 20 years ago, ya just have to use common sense and not over-do it in dosing.

The “Joint Support” (one tablet twice daily) is an all included product made by Mercola, which makes it nice….no guessing! Read about it or listen to the video here: Pet Joint Supplements | Healthy Joint Support - Mercola.com


The Sh-Emp Oil also has everything you need combined in one bottle, so when you run out of your other products, this may be your answer!
Info: Sh-Emp Oil Blend is a blend of deep cold-water herring oil, organically grown cold pressed hemp seed oil, organically grown hand pressed extra virgin coconut oil. The herring oil is a source of brain enhancing DHA/EPA, which can be converted by the body into Omega 3. Hemp oil is a source of Omega 6, 3, 9 and GLA (Gamma Linoleic Acid). The virgin coconut oil found in Sh-Emp is a medium chain triglyceride rich in lauric acid. It provides both nutrient and functional value. Sh-Emp is very shelf-stable. No refrigeration required. If stored below 70F it may solidify.

Yes, Champion makes Acana and Orijen. I hesitate on the Orijen b/c jmoore has a pup and the Cal/Phos rate use to be too high in it, and I’m not sure what they’ve been changing in their formulas over the last year. Supplements are usually at the end of the ingredient list and they only put enough in there to pass the requirements or to please the public. Such as the Enterococcus faecium (the “Good” bacteria/pro-biotic) listed LAST on the bag of 6 Fish. While this is great…..there is not much of it in there to aid the gut.

Hope this helps!
Moms

 

I tried it years ago and did not continue...don't remember why specifically.....

If I use anything, I go with K9 Power Products line....Puppy Gold for pups and a Sr supplement for Csabre now.

Lee

 

Many years ago, I met Dr. Collette in Sylmar, CA the creator of the; "Missing Link" their may have been one other doctor who had a hand in the creation of this product. There's already good information about it so I will stay on the creation, rather than the product's value..

Dr. Collette was a diabetic. He was able to get himself off insulin by changing his diet and making life decisions. Their was a girl who worked for him, a vet named "Joy" she was very good. I remember the visits to Dr. Collette, he was a great surgeon, he would charge a little less money to clients in need and is well known in the community. I can't remember his first name, it's been a long time. Collette Veterinary Clinic, Sylmar CA..

SGCSG

 

Dr. Collett is deceased and Joy is/was his wife.

Dr. Jean Dodd's also noted that her husband wrote the original patents for Missing Link.

Lynn & Traveler

 

The Missing Link I know was developed and marketed by Udo Erasmus ?

"Udo's Choice Wholesome Fast Food Blend
This formula was developed by Udo Erasmus (who incidentally created the original Missing Link formula) "

 

Looks to me like Udo's is a a knock off of the "original" Missing Link? The one I'm talking about is actually called The Missing Link. Maybe he's the second doctor the other poster mentioned. The only thing I do know is that when I was in contact with Dr. J. Dodd's at Hemopet about Traveler's food sensitivity test, she said what I previously wrote. I had asked specifically about Missing Link since that's what I had Traveler on and wanted to see if it was still ok to feed.
Maybe this guy Udo was an employee? Wouldn't be the first time a company reaped the benefits of an employee's work. Not saying that happened.

Since we haven't heard directly from Missing Link, I've copied exactly what the guy wrote back to me when I asked a few of the questions that we were discussing.

From Mike Melia at The Missing Link dated 7-25-14

I quote"Dear Lynn,

Thank you for your concern, I will review the information on the website you listed.

Ad for The Misding Link, no we use no GMO at all. We cafefully select and use only the finest flaxseed and have the patent on how it is cut and processed. We have been doing this for over twenty years. We also cold process and manufacture in California and have an extensive testing process from beginning yo end, no recalls ever.

Also the reason our product is refrigerated after opening is due to the high level of natural, wholefood ingredients (human edible). This is why we are the preferred supplement by National Zoos, exotic animal reserves and rescues as well as K9 teams.

Dr. Collett created this product for one reason, all animals deserve to be healthy.

Any other questions please let me know." End Quote.

 

is there any chance you could ask about Udo Erasmus?

 

Can't hurt. I'll email this Mike Melia and ask.

 

Carmen,

I had a response from Mike at The Missing Link in my mailbox this morning. He gave me permission to copy his post here.

**I quote**

On Jul 30, 2014, at 6:19 PM, Mike Melia wrote:

Hi Lynn,

Touchy subject with us. Dr.Collett befriended Utto at which point he wrote a book and traveled the country on our dime. Utto's Choice I s not the same and Dr. Collett was the formulater and creator of The Missing Link. Dr. Collett's name is on all the patents.

Thank you,

Mike Melia **end quote**

Lynn & Traveler

 

very odd .

The man could have spelled his name correctly . UDO not Utto.

 

Truthfully, I don't think the guy can type and/or spell. If you look at previous quote, there's all kinds of misspellings.

Maybe he's not born and bred USA. As things are, if he worked for me I would ask him to hire a secretary.

Lynn & Traveler

 

Truthfully, I don't think the guy can type and/or spell. If you look at previous quote, there's all kinds of misspellings.

Maybe he's not born and bred USA. As things are, if he worked for me I would ask him to hire a secretary.

Lynn & Traveler

I wondered about that too .

Is he legit? what is his role , responsibilities or credentials within the company.

Even the phrasing is very casual and lacking the normal "corporate" format or structure.

Udo Erasmus - did not just write a book. The Fats that Heal and Fats that Kill are a tome on fats and oils .
Never came across any literature or mention of anyone else in the development of the products.
I am not fond of all the flax that he uses in his products , especially since it contradicts the information which is in his thesis book , which I have read more than once . I did speak to the man face to face . I respect him for the work he has done and continues to do.
Another thing, I haunt the health food stores and meet distributors and formulators putting on displays , so I get lots and lots of opportunities to speak and question these company representatives . There also, never any hint of a co-creation of the Udo products.

 

Yes, I agree that his casual style is rather unusual. OTOH, my email to him was written as a concerned and curious owner not CNN news reporter.

Mike did tell me that they recently developed an all vegetarian formula. That may be the owners focus-brand development. Who knows.

Why do you think Mr. Erasmus is using flax if he's written negatively about it? I find that very disconcerting.

Lynn & Traveler