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Product Review: Missing Link Ultimate Hip & Joint Formula

        
          

Nearly every senior dog will develop hip, joint, and arthritis pain as they grow older.  Oftentimes, arthritis pain can be managed with exercise and nutrition due to the inflammatory nature of this disease.  There are many supplements on the market for dogs that promise to alleviate arthritis pain, but which ones live up to these claims?  Here, The Missing Link Original Ultimate Hip & Joint supplement will be reviewed. 

The Missing Link – Original Ultimate Hip & Joint

Missing Link is marketed as the original superfood supplements for dogs.  The parent company was started in 1892 by a husband and herbalist wife duo who were interested in finding a way to keep their working horses healthy.  Eventually, Mary Ida Young capitalized on her herbalist background and created a company dedicated to providing premium care to animals. 

Missing Link is formulated with so-called “superfoods” that are naturally sourced and contain high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.  While many different formulations are available, the Missing Link product reviewed here is specifically targeted toward joint and hip mobility and pain relief.  In addition to the use of natural superfoods, Missing Link is made in the USA, veterinarian-formulated, non-GMO, and has earned a coveted NSAC seal of approval.  The formula is cold-pressed, meaning no nutrients are lost in the processing. 

This supplement is in powder form and is fed once daily to your dog.  For the average sized dog, a 1-lb bag lasts 60 days.  The following feeding guide is recommended, based on the dog’s weight:

0 – 10 lbs = ½ tsp per day

11 – 20 lbs = 1 tsp per day

21 – 40 lbs = 2 tsp per day

41 – 80 lbs = 3 tsp per day

81 – 100 lbs = 4 tsp per day

The supplement is simply sprinkled over the dog’s food once each day.  According to the manufacturer, pet owners can expect to see a better attitude in their dogs by day 3, better joint mobility by day 7, and improved skin and coat by day 30.

Ingredients in Missing Link Ultimate Hp and Joint Formula are:  Ground Flaxseed, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Freeze Dried Beef Liver, Cane Molasses, Rice Bran, Primary Dried Yeast, Sunflower Seed, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Dried Carrot, Ground Beef Bone, Dried Fish Solubles, Freeze Dried Oyster, Ground Barley Grass, Dried Kelp, Zinc Methionine Complex, Lecithin, Selenium Yeast, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1), Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12 Supplement.

My First Experience with Missing Link

I first became acquainted with Missing Link when my childhood dog, a cocker spaniel/golden retriever mix, developed hip dysplasia.  Our veterinarian, who had an interest in holistic medicine, recommended Missing Link to my parents.  At the time, our dog was 9 years old and could no longer jump onto my bed.  Within a month supplementing Missing Link he had regained his ability to jump onto and off of furniture.  We continued to feed him this supplement until he passed away at 13.  It was only in his last 6 months of life that his hip dysplasia became painful once again. 

Re-Discovering Missing Link

My parents have a 12 year old German Shorthaired Pointer, named Pointer.  Last year, my mom called me to ask if I had any suggestions on how to train Pointer to use pet steps, since he was no longer able to jump onto their bed. 

I remembered Missing Link, and the success we had with our last arthritic dog.  My mom purchased a bag immediately.  Within 4 weeks Pointer was jumping onto the bed without a problem. 

While Pointer is my parents’ dog, I have noticed a dramatic difference in him as well.  When we dog-sit him, we normally must help him onto our bed, which is higher than that of my parents.  This past visit he has been making incredible leaps onto our tallest pieces of furniture!

What I Like about Missing Link

In my opinion, Missing Link is one of the best supplements I have used.  The cold-processing of the ingredients ensures efficacy.  It is obvious that this method works, given how quickly we have observed a difference in both our dogs that have used this product. The powder is easy to sprinkle over food and has never negatively affected our dogs’ willingness to eat.  Since Missing Link is high in fiber it is important to gradually increase the amount that is fed to your dog in order to avoid gastrointestinal distress.

Overall, I like that Missing Link is veterinarian-formulated and has been so overwhelmingly effective for our pets.

What I Don’t Like about Missing Link

I have no qualms with Missing Link.  Unlike other nutritional supplements, Missing Link does not require 6-8 weeks to take effect.  Instead, results can be seen in as little as 3 days (although I believe we saw the biggest change in behavior and pain after 2-3 weeks). 

Missing Link does require refrigeration in order to stay fresh, given the manufacturing process of this supplement.  This requirement can make it difficult to travel with Missing Link for a prolonged period of time.  However, the fact that it requires refrigeration is simply a testament to the fact it is made in a way that ensures no nutrients are lost during processing.

Bottom Line

Overall, The Missing Link – Original Ultimate Hip & Joint is a product I would recommend to anyone whose dog is suffering from joint pain or stiffness.  The ingredients in Missing Link are sourced in the United States and Canada and are non-GMO.  The blend is veterinarian-formulated and recommended, and we have had nothing but positive experiences with this product.  

At $16 per 1 lb bag, this supplement is also a great value.  For the average dog, a 1 lb bag lasts 2 months.  For approximately $0.50 per day, you can improve your dog’s quality of life with this superfood supplement.   

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Anna Weber

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