Are there any existing options out there for a joint supplement that does not contain MSM?
Or, if not, suggestions for combining my own would be welcome.
There are quite a few without MSM. Original Cosequin or Lubrisyn immediately come to mind and have faithful followings.
Which ingredients are important to you?
Equithrive Original
There are lots without MSM. Cosequin (original), many products with green-lipped mussel don’t have MSM.
So it all depends on what ingredients you DO want. Some have actual science behind reducing inflammation and pain (green-lipped mussel does), some don’t.
Personally, I’d be going for higher amounts of HA (in the 100mg range), I like the science behind the forms of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in Cosequin.
As a start, Smart Pak has a joint supplement comparison chart and you can see others that don’t have MSM
https://www.smartpakequine.com/equine-joint-supplements-compare-5cc
Thanks all! I wasn’t aware of the green-lipped mussel ingredient. You have given me some great options to look into.
This is a great starting point.
JB, using the chart you provided, and sorting out the ones that contain 0 MSM and minimum 100mg HA, I came up with a short list of 4 supplements.
Does anyone have any experience with / or thoughts on any of these supplements?
Conquer Powder
Nimble Supreme
Nimble Mega-Nutrient
Grand HA
You want LESS than 100 mg HA? 100mg is a good starting dose, I’d not bother with less than that.
Sorry, I typed that wrong. I just went back and fixed it. Meant to say “No Less Than” 
Ah, that makes more sense 
the Grand HA is pretty comprehensive, but expensive. Do you have a $$ figure you’re looking to stay under? Do you need it available from Smart Pak?
Feed through joint supplements can pretty easily get into Adequan or Pentosan pricing, and at that point, it might be prudent to just use the injectibles instead. That Nimble Mega Nutrient is nearly three bucks a day! :eek: :eek:
Another one is Hyalun.
I am using Grand HA right now, and am on the fence about whether it’s helping, BUT, this is not a normal arthritis or “normal” injury, so it’s not a fair comparison. I want to say it IS helping, but it might be in my head. And as Simkie said, it’s not cheap!
I have not used the others
Oral joint supplements are so so so iffy. I agree that if you’re willing to pay big money for an oral joint supplement then if the situation warrants (mine doesn’t) go for Adequan. $3/day for oral is $270+ for 3 months, and for a bit over $300-ish you can do the loading dose of Adequan every 6 months for likely better results.
I actually really like the science behind the green-lipped mussel, but you’d need to find the doses used in horses (it’s out there, I just don’t remember) and make sure what you use has at least that much, if that’s a route you wanted to try. If it also contains >= 100mg HA, then bonus But also, probably not cheap.
Lubrysin is another you might look at for the HA. I don’t remember it’s MSM status.
That’s a very good point. My vet is coming out on Monday, so worth talking about with her before committing to spending $$$ on a feed-through supplement.
Original Lubrisyn is straight up HA, nothing else :yes:
Tends to get very good reviews (often better than other HA supplements) so I go that route when I want to add HA. But can’t say I’ve ever noticed a difference–in myself or my horses–so 🤷 …
1 Like
Lubrisyn is made with and without MSM.
1 Like
Hylamotion is another one. Only HA.
https://www.vitaflex.com/all-products/hylamotion-equine-joint-support-formula
HorseTech.com has Hylasport ER, no MSM, and around $2.15/serving. I recently started Hylasport CTS with connective tissue support and MSM. It is about $2.75 for the full 65g serving. I will do less because my horse is in light work. If you have questions you can call or email Rod, the owner who is a wealth of knowledge. I sent him a detailed email about my horse and the vet’s recommendations. and got a prompt response. He can also put a custom mix together which he can tailor to your needs. Most of their products use human food grade stabilized flax meal as the base, so it’s easy to adjust the size of the dose. This is a true family business and their customer service is outstanding. Free shipping, free cookies with every shipment.
He has a booth at Equine Affaire next month in the middle of the Better Living building. There is a discount on anything you order at the show I love their saddle soap. I’m missing EA this year in favor of a Susan Harris clinic with a private lesson, first time in 15 years. It’s tough, but the horse and I are growing old together, have to keep our priorities intact;
