Published: January 2021 | Updated: July 2023
As pet parents, our canine companions' health and wellness are of utmost importance to us. Among the myriad of supplements available for dogs, glucosamine stands out, particularly for its role in promoting joint health. But what exactly is glucosamine, and how can it benefit your dog?
Use Over the Years
Glucosamine has been used in veterinary medicine dating back to the 1970s. Reports of the discovery of glucosamine are varied and credit multiple scientists in different countries and centuries.
Despite this beginning, glucosamine supplements are used today to support the structure and function of joints. It is often accompanied by chondroitin sulfate and referred to as glucosamine chondroitin (Glu/CS).
Both glucosamine and chondroitin are essential components of normal cartilage, which was the main rationale for their use as joint supplements. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound in the body of mammals, including dogs. It's primarily found in healthy cartilage - the spongy material that cushions joints.
Glucosamine regulates the synthesis of collagen in cartilage and promotes healthy joints. Chondroitin inhibits destructive enzymes in joint fluid and cartilage, both of which contribute to the formation of cartilage.
Together, this makes glucosamine and chondroitin popular supplements for dogs with osteoarthritis.
Does Glucosamine Work for Dogs?
While there have been some conflicting results concerning the efficacy of glucosamine in dogs, the good news is that both glucosamine and chondroitin have been shown to be bioavailable after oral supplementation. Studies have also revealed that chondroitin displays significant accumulation upon multiple dosages. This cumulative effect has been demonstrated before with Glu/CS.
And even more research reports that glucosamine is beneficial for dogs with osteoarthritis and joint inflammation.
McCarthy and colleagues found that dogs treated with oral Glu/CS showed improvements in veterinarian scores for pain, weight-bearing, and severity of the condition by day 70 of supplementation.
Another study in client-owned dogs found a significant reduction in pain at 90 days, with maximal benefits observed at 150 days when dogs received Glu/CS.
Is Glucosamine Safe for Dogs?
Yes! In the research highlighted above, none of the dogs receiving the dietary Glu/CS showed any signs of adverse side effects. While there have been questions about glucosamine side effects in dogs, studies have shown that oral glucosamine appears to be well tolerated by both animals and humans.
It's a naturally occurring compound in the body, and supplementing with it typically has minimal side effects.
However, like any supplement or treatment, individual dogs may react differently, and there may be specific cases where its use should be discussed first with a veterinarian.
Glucosamine is a Highly Recommended Supplement
Glucosamine continues to be highly recommended as a joint health supplement for dogs by veterinarians. Many dog owners take glucosamine themselves and report a beneficial effect, making them receptive to the idea of giving it to their pets.
While more research is warranted for the different doses of glucosamine, future uses may include combining glucosamine with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Research in this area has indicated that a combination of low-dose NSAIDS like carprofen combined with supplements such as Glu/CS could offer a safe, effective management for joint pain.
The Most Bioavailable Form of Glucosamine
For the best glucosamine for dogs, check out Canine Cush soft chews. This is the most bioavailable form of glucosamine for dogs because it comes from 100% natural ingredients that your dog’s body can absorb and utilize. The natural glucosamine comes from eggshell membrane, which also contains collagen, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin.
By boosting the body's supply of glucosamine, you can help maintain the health of your dog's cartilage, the cushioning material between the joints. This can be particularly beneficial for older dogs, larger breeds, or dogs with joint conditions like arthritis.
Glucosamine can also aid in healing after joint or spinal injuries. It may help to regenerate damaged cartilage and reduce healing time.
Added Ingredients in Canine Cush
In addition to these nutrients aiding in reducing inflammation and improving mobility, other nutrients are involved to work synergistically to provide optimal benefits. These ingredients include:
Hemp powder: By interacting with endocannabinoid receptors in the immune cells, CBD can help reduce the inflammation that often contributes to joint pain and arthritis. As a result, it may aid in alleviating discomfort and improving mobility in dogs suffering from joint conditions. Furthermore, CBD is also believed to possess analgesic properties, meaning it could help manage the pain associated with these conditions.
Boswellia: Boswellia, derived from the resin of trees in the Boswellia genus, is often used as a natural anti-inflammatory supplement. For dogs, particularly those with joint conditions such as arthritis or hip dysplasia, Boswellia can be a beneficial addition to their treatment plan. It works by inhibiting the production of leukotrienes, substances that can trigger inflammation in the body. By reducing inflammation, Boswellia can help alleviate joint discomfort, improve mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life for dogs suffering from joint issues.
Curcumin: Curcumin, the active ingredient found in turmeric, is well-known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When it comes to canine joint health, curcumin can play a significant role. Chronic inflammation is a common cause of joint pain and arthritis in dogs. By helping to reduce this inflammation, curcumin can alleviate joint pain and stiffness, thereby improving a dog's mobility and overall quality of life. Additionally, as an antioxidant, curcumin also helps to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, which can contribute to aging and disease. This can support the overall health and wellbeing of your pet.
Get Started
It’s time to get started on the path to well-being. Grab a bottle of Canine Cush, the best glucosamine supplement for dogs, and watch your dog’s mobility and overall well-being improve. We recommend jotting down notes along the way so you can see the improvements over time. It can be difficult when you see your dog every day to notice improvements, but the notes will make all the difference.
Read More:
Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Osteoarthritis
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Use in Canines for Osteoarthritis: A review
The Effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate on Gut Microbial Composition