IMBY Hip & Joint Supplement

Turmeric is used to support joint comfort because curcumin and related compounds help maintain a healthy inflammatory response. In dogs with osteoarthritis, controlled studies and veterinary research are emerging, including trials investigating turmeric-derived ingredients for mobility and comfort outcomes. 

Turmeric can also support digestive health by helping maintain a balanced gut environment. Research suggests curcumin may influence the gut microbiome by supporting beneficial bacteria and helping reduce irritation in the intestinal lining, which can be helpful for overall gut resilience. Springer Nature Link, Frontiers, Scazzocchio et al. 2020, Andrews et. al. 2022

Collagen is one of the most abundant structural proteins in the body and a key component of connective tissues such as cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and skin. It provides strength, flexibility, and structural support, which are essential for normal movement and tissue integrity.

In joints, collagen is an important part of cartilage, where it contributes to resilience and helps absorb mechanical stress during movement. Supporting collagen availability contributes to maintaining joint structure and mobility.

Collagen is continuously broken down and renewed in the body. Nutritional support can contribute to this natural turnover and to processes involved in tissue repair and extracellular matrix maintenance, which are important for overall musculoskeletal health (Golda et al., 2024; Merkuriusz Lekarski, 2011).

Algal oil is a sustainable, traceable source of omega-3s, naturally rich in DHA and often EPA, and it supports the body’s healthy inflammatory balance. 

• Joint health: Omega-3s help keep the normal inflammatory response in check, which can support more comfortable movement and recovery after exercise. 
• Skin and coat: DHA and EPA support the skin barrier, helping reduce dryness and supporting a softer, shinier coat, especially in animals prone to flaky skin or seasonal itchiness. 
• Lung health: Omega-3s can support respiratory comfort by helping maintain a balanced inflammatory response in the airways, which is relevant for pets that react to dust, pollen, or environmental triggers. 

Because algal oil delivers omega-3s in a consistent way, it is a practical alternative to fish oil for long-term daily support of joints, skin, and respiratory resilience (ScienceDirect). 

Magnesium glycinate is a highly bioavailable form of magnesium in which magnesium is bound to the amino acid glycine. This form is well absorbed and gentle on the digestive system, making it suitable for regular use in nutritional formulations.

Magnesium plays an important role in muscle function by helping regulate contraction and relaxation. Adequate magnesium intake supports normal muscle relaxation, which is important for both physical comfort and smooth movement.

In addition, magnesium contributes to normal nervous system function. The presence of glycine, an amino acid involved in inhibitory neurotransmission, further supports a calming effect by helping maintain balanced nerve signaling.

Because of its role in both muscle and nerve function, magnesium glycinate is commonly included in formulations aimed at supporting relaxation, reducing tension, and maintaining overall mobility and comfort in dogs (Boomsma, 2008; Noah, 2021; Wienecke, 2016).

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule found throughout the body, particularly in connective tissues, skin, and synovial fluid surrounding the joints. It plays an important role in maintaining hydration and elasticity in these tissues.

In joints, hyaluronic acid contributes to the viscosity and elasticity of synovial fluid, helping to support smooth, friction-free movement and normal joint function. This is especially relevant in animals with increased physical demands.

In the skin and other tissues, hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture and supports hydration at a cellular level. Proper tissue hydration contributes to maintaining skin elasticity, barrier function, and overall tissue integrity (Nutrition Journal, 2016; Plickert, 2013).

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulfur compound that plays an important role in several physiological processes in the body. Sulfur is a key building block of amino acids and structural proteins such as keratin and collagen, which contribute to the strength and integrity of connective tissues including hooves, joints, skin, and tendons.

Through this structural role, MSM supports tissue quality and resilience, which is relevant for maintaining strong hooves and healthy joints, especially in horses exposed to physical stress or metabolic challenges.

In addition, sulfur is involved in metabolic pathways linked to the body’s antioxidant systems. These pathways support the processing of metabolic by-products and contribute to maintaining normal cellular balance. This makes MSM relevant in nutritional strategies aimed at supporting liver function, digestion, and overall metabolic stability.

Because of its dual role in both structural support and metabolic processes, MSM contributes to maintaining connective tissue health, digestive balance, and overall physiological resilience (Jiao et al., 2025; Marañón et al., 2008; Kalman, 2012).

Boswellia is used to support mobility and joint comfort in both dogs and horses because its boswellic acids help maintain a balanced inflammatory response, which can support more comfortable movement. 

In dogs: Boswellia has been studied in osteoarthritis supplements, often as part of multi-ingredient formulas. Some randomized controlled trials report improvements in comfort and mobility based on owner observations and veterinary assessments. It is best used alongside a complete joint plan: healthy body weight, appropriate exercise, and veterinary guidance. Barrouin-Melo et al., 2022, Multicenter RCT, 2025 (Frontiers in Veterinary Science) 

In horses:Boswellia is commonly used to support joints and post-exercise comfort, especially in older horses or those in regular training. While horse-specific clinical studies are more limited than in dogs, its traditionaluseand the known activity ofboswellicacids make it a popular supportive botanical formaintainingfree, comfortable movement. As with dogs, it works best when the basics are right: a balancedration, correct training, good hoof care, and a sensible workload. Vita et al., 2023 (Life, MDPI)

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an important antioxidant involved in many metabolic processes in the body. It helps neutralize reactive oxygen species and supports the body’s natural defense against oxidative stress, which can increase during exercise, growth, and other physiologically demanding periods (Garcia, 2022).

Vitamin C also plays a key role in collagen synthesis, a process essential for the formation and maintenance of connective tissues such as tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and skin. These tissues are important for movement, flexibility, and overall structural support.

Because of its combined role in antioxidant defense and connective tissue metabolism, vitamin C contributes to maintaining normal mobility, recovery, and overall physiological balance in horses (Curely, 2025).

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) contains the bioactive compound piperine, which has been studied for its role in enhancing the absorption of nutrients and other bioactive compounds in the body.

Piperine interacts with digestive processes and may influence the uptake of certain nutrients by supporting their bioavailability. This can be relevant in formulations where optimal absorption of key ingredients is important.

By supporting nutrient uptake, piperine contributes to the overall effectiveness of nutritional formulations aimed at maintaining joint health, mobility, and physical resilience (Verhelst, 2025).

Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a key role in maintaining strong bones and overall structural support in the body. A healthy skeletal system is important for movement, stability, and joint function.

Beyond its role in bones, calcium is involved in muscle function and nerve signaling, helping support coordinated movement and normal physical activity.

Calcium also plays a role in normal cellular processes, including those involved in skin renewal and tissue maintenance. These processes contribute to maintaining healthy skin and overall physiological balance (Böswald, 2019; British Journal of Nutrition, 2011; Foods, 2025).

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a natural ingredient that provides a range of vitamins and minerals important for overall health. It contains nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, which contribute to normal physiological processes in the body.

These nutrients play a role in maintaining cellular function, supporting the immune system, and contributing to normal muscle and nerve activity. Potassium and magnesium, for example, are involved in fluid balance and muscle function, while vitamin C supports antioxidant processes.

By supplying essential micronutrients, potato contributes to maintaining overall wellbeing and supports the body’s daily nutritional needs.

Peas are widely used in animal nutrition as a plant-based protein and fiber source. Their protein can be highly digestible depending on processing, and peas can also contribute fermentable fiber that supports normal stool quality. Wang et al., 2022

Apple (Malus domestica) is a natural source of pectin, a soluble fiber known for its role in supporting digestive health. Pectin forms a gel-like structure in the gut, which helps regulate intestinal transit and contributes to normal stool consistency.

As a fermentable fiber, pectin serves as a substrate for beneficial gut bacteria. This supports a balanced microbiome, which plays an important role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health.

The gut and nervous system are closely connected through the gut–brain axis. Supporting a stable gut environment can therefore contribute to overall wellbeing and a more balanced response to everyday stressors. This makes pectin relevant not only for digestive support but also as part of a broader approach to maintaining calm and comfort in sensitive animals (Wikiera, 2014; Zaitseva, 2020).