What does the mineral silicon do for dogs?

Silicon is an important mineral for all mammals. But not everyone has heard of silicon. Silicon is essential for the formation of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Silicon is also an important mineral for dogs that should be included in their diet. What is silicon and what exactly does it do?

Silicon ensures that the body itself produces the necessary building blocks for hair, nails, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Silicon is also good for bone formation. Various studies have shown that this mineral stimulates the production of collagen and joint fluid. Silicon is particularly important for young dogs in growth, for dogs with early joint problems, and for dogs that are very active. For dogs of breeds that regularly suffer from joint problems, it may be wise to give silicon preventively.

Silicon is important for dogs that:

• Are sensitive to arthritis/large dogs
• Are in growth/young dogs/nursing mothers
• Are very active
• Have mobility problems/are stiff/limping

Why is my dog stiff?

Pain when moving and stiffness can have various causes. The joints of your dog are surrounded by synovial membranes and joint fluid, which acts as a lubricant for the joints. The synovial membranes can become painful due to overload, irritation, or inflammation. As a dog ages, the production of joint fluid often decreases, which also affects flexibility. The quality of the bones and cartilage, which cushions the impact in the joints, is also very important for smooth movement. In addition, older dogs can develop joint inflammations such as arthritis. Supplements to prevent stiffness and lameness in your dog should ideally work on both the joint fluid and the quality of the cartilage and bone density. It is also important that the tendons and ligaments remain healthy to support the skeleton.

Brittle bones

When a mammal - like a dog - does not receive enough silicon, bone density decreases. Studies in humans have shown that this can lead to osteoporosis. Indian women have less osteoporosis (brittle bones) than women from Western Europe, because their diet contains more silicon. Silicon is therefore important for bone strength.

No glucosamine, but silicon

Silicon also helps the body produce glucosamine and chondroitin. These two compounds are good for the production of collagen, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. And for a healthy coat and strong nails. Many people therefore give their dog glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. Especially if the dog moves stiffly or suffers from arthritis. The disadvantage of these supplements is that only a small part of these supplements is absorbed into the blood through the intestinal wall. The good news is that a dog can also produce its own glucosamine, which goes directly to the right places. It is more efficient to stimulate this natural production than to feed glucosamine. Stimulating this natural production can be done with silicon.

Liquid silicon

Only hydrolyzed (liquid) silicon compounds are suitable as a supplement, other forms of silicon are often poorly absorbed, or can cause kidney stones in dogs. This is shown in several studies. Hydrolyzed silicon stimulates the body's own production of glucosamine. The effect takes place over a period of a few months, so you have to be a little patient. It starts with an increase in the production of joint fluid, then the tendons become stronger and more collagen forms in the connective tissue. Then the cartilage and joint capsules are addressed, and finally the liquid silicon reaches the bones. There, it supports bone formation and bone density. Silicon works from the outside in and strengthens the entire skeleton (and the accompanying structures). For dogs, you sometimes see supplements in the store that contain magnesium trisilicate. Scientific research shows that this does not significantly increase silicon levels in the blood. Moreover, this supplement can cause kidney stones in dogs, just like sodium silicate. Hydrolyzed silicon (silicon dioxide) does not have these negative side effects.

Reduced inflammation

Silicon not only helps the bones but can also increase resistance and reduce inflammation. Studies show that a deficiency of this mineral in the diet leads to lower immunity and more severe inflammatory reactions. Silicon is also good for your dog's coat.

Conclusion: silicon for flexibility and strength

Hydrolyzed silicon, which is well absorbed, not only promotes glucosamine production, but also increases the production of joint fluid and collagen and improves bone density. This allows your dog to move more smoothly, keep the bones and cartilage stronger, and have a nicer coat. Dogs with some arthritis symptoms will have less severe inflammatory reactions. Your dog will not risk kidney stones like with some other silicon supplements. Studies on the effectiveness of silicon are positive.

Sources

Paul M. Newberne & Robert B. Wilson. Renal Damage Associated with Silicon Compounds in Dogs. 1970. Source

Cefali, E.A., Nolan, J.C., McConnell, W.R. et al. Pharmacokinetic Study of Zeolite A, Sodium Aluminosilicate, Magnesium Silicate, and Aluminum Hydroxide in Dogs. Pharm Res 12, 270–274 (1995). Source

Jurkić LM, Cepanec I, Pavelić SK, Pavelić K. Biological and therapeutic effects of ortho-silicic acid and some ortho-silicic acid-releasing compounds: New perspectives for therapy. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2013;10(1):2. Published 2013 Jan 8. Source