MSM vs. OptiMSM®: What’s the Difference for Your Dog?
If you’ve been shopping for joint health supplements for dogs, you’ve probably seen MSM listed on the label. You may have also come across OptiMSM® which sounds similar but it’s not exactly the same. Here’s what pet parents should know about the difference — and why it matters.
What is MSM?
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a natural sulfur compound found in plants, animals, and humans. It’s a safe compound that is often included in joint supplements for canine health.
It plays a key role in:
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Supports joint health maintaining normal flexibility
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Helps maintain healthy cartilage and connective tissue
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Contributes to skin and coat health through natural collagen production
- Encourages mobility for active or aging dogs
MSM is widely recognized for supporting comfort and mobility, especially in senior dogs, or those needing extra hip and joint support.
What Makes OptiMSM® Different?
While MSM can vary in purity and quality depending on the manufacturer, OptiMSM® is the only MSM brand that is manufactured in the USA and purified through a proprietary multi-stage distillation process. This makes it the highest quality and purest form of MSM available, free from heavy metals and contaminants that are sometimes found in generic MSM.
Key benefits of OptiMSM®
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Purity you can trust – 99.9% pure, distilled in the USA
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Consistent quality – every batch is 3rd party tested
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Safety guaranteed – human grade supplement
- Gentle on digestion – fewer side effects compared to lower-grade MSM
Which is Better for Dogs?
While regular MSM still offers benefits, OptiMSM® provides the same joint and mobility support but with superior quality, safety, and consistency.
That makes it a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs, or pet parents who want the absolute best for their furry companions.
*Research shows that MSM can be combined with other ingredients for greater benefits. Namely, glucosamine and chondroitin.
*Combining MSM and glucosamine and chondroitin improves markers for joint health better than glucosamine and chondroitin alone.
*https://balchem.com/hnh/mn/optimsm/#why
The Bottom Line
Both MSM and OptiMSM® support joint health, mobility, and overall vitality in dogs. The main difference lies in the quality and purity. If you want peace of mind knowing your dog’s supplement is safe, effective, and free of contaminants, OptiMSM® is worth the upgrade.
Experience the difference of Prospect Pet
Prospect Pet was born on a rural farm and is Clean & Conscious™ - we use clean ingredients and have rigorous third-party testing that tests for over 30+ contaminates. That’s why we use OptiMSM® in our Hip and Joint Mobility Booster along with GlucosaGreen®, Phytodroitin™, Bio-Active Terpene Complex and Pumpkin Powder for a superior formula designed to promote flexibility. We’re also shellfish free!
We’re guided by simple, honest values—care for animals, respect for nature, and doing what’s right. Those farm-grown values still drive us today as our priority is the health of your pup and the planet.
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