MSM Benefits for Dogs

​MSM is an organic sulfur compound, and it can greatly benefit your dog in many ways - from cancer to joints and more! Find out in this article.

We all know the rate of environment destruction the Earth is going through, and with that comes the depletion of essential minerals in the soil. When the soil is deficient, how do we claim to stay healthy and get the required minerals to prevent diseases like cancer, arthritis, and so on?

The same tragedy that is happening to our planet is affecting animals - both wild, and those that are domesticated, like our dogs. Even with the best diet, one that is rich in colorful fruits and veggies, and is anti-inflammatory, and is home-cooked with organic and pure ingredients, it could still be lacking in critical anti-cancer, disease preventing minerals like sulfur.

If there is one mineral that is most important that prevents cancer, then in my opinion it is sulfur. Let's talk about how you can supplement your dog's diet with sulfur - in the form of MSM. MSM is an organosulfur compound that has immense benefits for the health, and it can greatly help your dog stay healthy and full of vitality. 

What is MSM?

MSM is made in 2 ways -

In Nature -

MSM is methylsulfonylmethane, an organic form of sulfur that is found in nature. MSM is made when the phytoplankton in the ocean die, and decompose. As a result of this process, they emit a gas called dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and when this gas reacts with oxygen and sunlight, it starts the oxidation process.

With this oxidation process, dimethyl sulfide becomes dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and other form of sulfates. When rain comes, these compounds are again released to be used by plants and the oceans.

Man-Made -

Most of the MSM sold is not the one made by Nature - it is made by companies using methane gas and petroleum waste. MSM is made by creating a catalytic reaction between hydrogen peroxide and DMSO. The DMSO is also made in the lab by creating a reaction between nitrogen tetroxide and oxygen with DMS. 

DMS is also made commercially by either of the 2 methods - either by reacting sulfur with natural gas, or by combining sulfur with paper mill pulping liquids. 

What are the benefits of MSM for dogs?

The benefits of MSM for dogs are -

1. Helps Dogs with Cancer - MSM is a powerful detoxifier, so that means that it helps in cleaning the cells and tissues. This is why MSM is one of the best supplements you can add for dogs with cancer - as the toxic waste comes out of the body, the healing picks up, and cancer now has the chance of going in remission. MSM also binds to free radicals, the culprit behind diseases, and kicks them out of the body - this is why MSM should be a part of every dog's diet who is suffering from cancer.

2. MSM Helps with Arthritis in Dogs - MSM is THE best supplement when it comes to hips, back, joint, and knee inflammation, and that is why it is recommended for dogs with arthritis. It is anti-inflammatory and will help with the pain associated with doggie arthritis. 

3. MSM for Beautiful Skin & Coat in Dogs - MSM softens the cells and lets out the toxic waste and flush them out of the body. MSM also helps in getting nutrients absorbed better by the body. When the insides of your dog's body are clean, and when the nutrients are getting absorbed by the cells, it is inevitable that a beautiful skin and coat will be the result. 

4. MSM for Detoxification, Immunity & Allergies in Dogs - As explained above, MSM will clean your dog's body of toxins and will help increase the immunity.

5. MSM as Antioxidant Support in Dogs - MSM is a powerful antioxidant - it fights free radicals like anything, so adding it to your dog's diet will help keep him or her healthy for many years to come.

6. Helps Dogs Rid of Parasites - Sulfur helps in expelling alien matter our of the body and this is why MSM helps with parasites. As it detoxifies your dog's body while simultaneously increasing the immunity, the parasites are flushed out for good. 

7. MSM for Pain in Dogs - MSM blocks the pain signals from reaching the brain, and also is anti-inflammatory, so that means, your dog will be pain-free, thanks to sulfur in MSM! 

8. MSM for Diabetes in Dogs - With most dogs being fed the toxic diet of commercial, sick kibble, it is no surprise that diabetes is on the rise in dogs. MSM, due to sulfur, fights insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and complications that may be caused by diabetes - hence, it is now being studied for diabetes management in dogs. 

9. MSM for Autoimmune Disease in Dogs - MSM inhibits inflammation, so it is also being used for autoimmune conditions like arthritis, Cushing's disease in dogs, etc. 

10. MSM Boosts Energy in Dogs - MSM helps with better absorption of nutrients, and as it also detoxifies the body, you will see your dog's energy levels increase. 

MSM dosage for dogs -

The MSM dosage is considered to be between 50 to 100 mg per 10 lbs. of body weight for dogs. However, I do NOT suggest giving MSM to your dog everyday of the week - it is a supplement and no matter how useful it is, it should be still used as a supplement, and not as a substitute to cover the lack of nutrients from real food - as in, food from mother Nature.

I highly advice you give MSM only about 2 times a week for young and middle-aged dogs, and about 4 times a week for elderly dogs.

For those who have cancer or severe inflammation issues, or those who are recovering from some surgery or accident, give MSM daily, until the problem subsides and becomes stable, and then continue with my above recommendation.

Another thing I want you to consider for your dog is including sulfur-rich foods from the plant kingdom, like alfalfa sprouts, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, garlic, kale, leafy greens, tomatoes, etc. Foods from nature are easier to digest by your dog's body, and will not only add sulfur to your dog's diet, but also will add many other antioxidants that will help prevent cancer and other diseases in your dog - they only add 'side-benefits,' so add them. 

When buying MSM, look for -

1. When buying your MSM, look for one made in the U.S. (or whatever country you live in) and make sure it is a trusted brand. A trusted seller will indicate that his MSM is pure and will tell you the tests done to ensure purity and the quality of the MSM he or she is selling. Look for one that has zero additives, fillers, binders, and that is lab certified and has been tested for heavy metals.

2. When buying supplements for your dog, always, and I mean, always, buy those sold for humans. This is because there is a big liability for the sellers or companies when selling in the human market, as opposed to the pet market. Buy the MSM you would buy for yourself - it will be more pure, tested, certified, and hence, will reap zillion benefits for your pooch! Besides, there is no such thing as 'MSM for dogs' vs. 'MSM for humans' - MSM is MSM, so buy the one with higher guarantee and liability to the seller. 

3. Another very important point that I would like you to follow is to buy pure MSM powder - not all that cheap and hyped stuff from the pet industry like chews, treats, or pre-made dog joint supplements. NO. Buy the powder, and add it to your dog's food. If your dog doesn't like the (slightly) bitter taste of MSM, then add it to peanut butter and give. Again, the same philosophy applies with buying peanut butter - buy 100% pure and/or organic peanut butter (you can also make it at home, or buy from health stores like Whole Foods - no additives, preservatives, etc.). 

When NOT to give MSM to dogs -

1. When giving MSM to your dog, make sure you don't add too much to his food as that will cause diarrhea. In case that happens, stop the MSM for a day or two, and let the tummy calm down completely. You can restart the MSM again but with much lower dose. 

2. Do not use it if your dog shows an allergic reaction to MSM or sulfur. In that case, stop and try after a few weeks and see. Also note that as MSM cleans the dog's body, you might see some itching or more pooping, etc. and these are normal signs of detoxification. 

3. I do NOT advise MSM for dogs who have seizures, epilepsy, anxiety, or any brain related disorders. In that case, you can work with a holistic vet and see if MSM is recommended but I do not advise you to give MSM otherwise. This is because MSM can boost so much energy that it can really impact the brain, and can send too many electrical and chemical signals which can be detrimental to dogs who are prone to seizures, epilepsy, etc. Most blogs will not tell you this or even write it - because they do not know and they don't observe the whole qualities of a nutrient supplement, so it ends up being very dangerous to the dog and the dog owners. In fact, many will write how MSM is great for brain disorders - not true at all! My advice is a  flat  NO - no for dogs with brain related conditions, and rest is your choice. 

I hope you have enjoyed this article and that it will help your pooch stay healthy and happy for many years to come.

Some Q&A from Readers - 

Q1. Hi. so glad to have found you! My little chihuahua has cancer and I have been trying all sorts of things to help her, I am working on getting her off meat now thanks to your help but was wondering about the MSM...she has had about 3 seizures in her life that I know of, so quite rare for it to happen. Would you still say I shouldn't try MSM? She is 15 years old now! I used dandelion tea tincture that did seem to help and she threw up lots of black toxins but still has a big tumor - bless her. - Louise

My Reply- 

You are welcome Louise! I am glad too that you found me - have you subscribed to the newsletter yet and if not, make sure you do that as that is really where I share my best tips..:)
As for MSM, no - do not give your dog and don't take a chance....If you would like more help with managing your dog's cancer, you may contact me directly at [email protected]

For any questions or comments, please post below. Plz. do NOT email me any questions or comments related to this article - they must be posted in the comments section. Thank you! 

-Somyata