Science-led Nutrition

Nutrigenomics explores the link between diet, genes and disease and how the nutrients found in foods can assist in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition has applied nutrigenomics to help manage arthritis in pets. Our scientists have discovered that in dogs, EPA (an Omega-3 fatty acid found in oily fish) down-regulates the cartilage-damaging enzymes. This helps preserve healthy joints and slow the progression of arthritis. In cats, DHA has the same effect.

For centuries it was believed that fish oil is important for good health but it is only now that veterinary scientists have the genomics tools that can help them better understand how nutrients like this can work at a metabolic level in pets.

Unlike many supplements and nutritional products available for joints, there is substantial clinical evidence testifying to the success of Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d in helping manage stiff joints.

The efficacy of Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d has been clinically proven in multiple studies conducted by independent experts and universities. Not only does that mean we are able to use the term “clinically proven” with conviction, but it also means that you can be reassured that Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d will actually deliver all its promised health benefits to your pet.

1. j/d Canine allows NSAIDs dosage to be reduced by up to 25%⁵
2. j/d improves weight-bearing capacity in 82% of dogs⁶
3. j/d improves the signs of osteoarthritis⁷
4. j/d improves mobility in just 21 days¹
   
   

1. Fritsch D, Allen TA, Dodd CE, et al. Dose-titration effects of fish oil Omega-3 fatty acids in osteoarthritic dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2010; 24:1020-1026.
2. Sparkes A, Allen TA, Fritsch D, and Hahn KA. Effective dietary management of spontaneous appendicular osteoarthritis in cats. Unpublished.
3. Floerchinger AM, Jackson MI, Jewell DE, et al. Effect of feeding a weight loss food beyond a caloric restriction period on body composition and resistance to weight gain in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2015;247(4):375–384.
4. Towell TL, Forrester SD, Cross S, et al. Evaluation of a Weight Management Food Designed to Increase Basal Metabolism in a Home Setting. Intern J Appl Res Vet Med 2015;13:14-22.
5. Fritsch D, Allen TA, Dodd CE, et al. A multicentre study of the effect of a therapeutic food supplemented with fish oil Omega 3-fatty acids on the carprofen dosage in dogs with osteoarthritis. Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association. Vol 236, No. 5, March 1, 2010; 535-539.
6. Roush KJ, Cross AR, Renberg WC, et al. Effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil Omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis. Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association. Vol 236, No. 1, January 1, 2010; 67-73.
7. Roush JK, Dodd CE, Fritsch DA, et al. A multi-centre veterinary practice assessment of the effect of Omega-3 fatty acids on canine osteoarthritis. Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association. Vol 236, No. 1, January 1, 2010; 59-66.

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