Supplement Hero or Zero: SmartFlex Ultimate
Let’s face it, our horses joints take a lot of wear and tear and you would be hard pressed to find a successful show horse who doesn’t have some arthritis. That is why it is so important to help provide what ever support you can in terms of injections as well as supplements. This is where SmartPak’s SmartFlex Ultimate Pellets come in handy. It has been my go-to joint supplement for over 5 years and is a hero in my book!
The three main ingredients you primarily find in god joint supplements are MSM, Glucosamine and Chondroitin. The combination of chondroitin, glucosamine and MSM is used to support healthy joints and taken to reduce pain in those with osteoarthritis and other inflammatory joint problems.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a source of organic sulfur which is required for a number of functions in the body. Sulfur plays critical roles in the formation of protein, connective tissue, immunoglobulins and enzymes. MSM has been shown to help support a normal response to inflammation as well as healthy joints; a strong immune system; and resilient skin, coat, and hooves.
Chondroitin is a major constituent of the connective tissue in the body known as cartilage, which helps cushion joints and prevent bones from rubbing against each other. Chondroitin absorbs water and other fluids, which helps keep cartilage hydrated and healthy.
Like chondroitin, glucosamine is produced naturally in your body and plays a role in joint health. It helps build and repair cartilage that connects the joints. Glucosamine possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and data suggests it may help relieve osteoarthritis pain.
SmartFlex Ultimate contains high levels of these as well as adding in super heroes like Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) which is is an integral component of joint cartilage and joint fluid, providing both lubrication and shock absorption, Hydrolyzed Collagen and Silica for tendon and ligament support and antioxidant support from Vitamin C, Resveratrol and a Berry Plex blend of super fruits.
All of these fantastic ingredients are combined in an easy to serve, pellet form that all of my horses gobble up with their breakfast. Another thing I love about it, is that it comes from SmartPak which allows you to easily add it to your horse’s other supplements in an easy to feed SmartPak or you can just get a bag of it auto shipped every month so you don’t have to worry about running out or forgetting to order it. Years ago when I first started feeding it I noticed a definite difference and lessening in the amount of stiffness that both Shooter and Dreamer have from years of being very competitive show horses and have just continued to use it all these years.
Of course no supplement can completely erase arthritis issues but it can certainly help to provide extra support and increase the amount of time needed between maintenance injections.
SmartPak’s SmartFlex Ultimate gets the Super Hero award from me and two hooves up from Shooter.
If you want to learn more about the chemistry of joint supplements there is a great podcast episode from The Feed Room Chemist that really explains in more detail how and why various joint supplements work. You can listen to it by clicking here or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
