Is Glucosamine Good for Dogs: Vital Supplement or Snake Oil

The other day, I was at the local sports nutrition store, shopping for a new protein powder to build strength in the new year. I was looking for something simple, not many ingredients, maybe plant-based. As I was browsing ingredients, I got instantly distracted by the new pet supplement section and meandered over to look at what they had in stock.

All kinds of pills and powders—omega-3s, probiotics, and, of course, glucosamine for dogs' joint health. And I know many are wondering, is glucosamine good for dogs? Should I buy a joint supplement for my dog?

The truth is joint health for dogs isn't something to ignore, especially if you have a larger K9 like my lab mix, Bruno. Bigger dogs often have worsening joint problems as they age, and it's important to start supporting healthy bones and joints early. Here's what I've learned over the years.

What Is Glucosamine?

It may not have a well-known name, like vitamin A or iron. But glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound found in cartilage, shells, bone marrow, and mucous linings (intestines, bladder, etc.) in various animals.

If you break down the word, it tells you what it's made of. It combines a simple sugar (glucose) and a non-essential amino acid (glutamine).

Animals can make both glucose and glutamine internally. With these building blocks, we can make glucosamine. But as we age (humans and dogs), we produce less glucosamine. Our bodies prioritize using these components for other things.

As a result, cartilage doesn't repair as quickly. It breaks down and thin, often until bone touches bone. This leads to age-related joint dysfunction, stiffness, and pain.

When I supplement my dog's glucosamine intake, I give them or myself the building blocks needed for healthy joints. I'm ensuring this resource is plentiful so the body can allocate enough to keep the joints more youthful, functioning, and comfortable.

Is Glucosamine Good for Dogs?

Studies suggest that glucosamine may support joint health through:

• Cartilage Repair: Helping rebuild and maintain the cushion between bones.
• Joint Lubrication: Promoting smoother movement for active pups.
• Reducing Inflammation: Alleviating swelling and improving comfort.
• Slow Hip and Knee Joint Degradation: Giving pups more active and mobile years than would be possible without.

However, these studies suggest it works best when combined with chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and MSM. If building and repairing healthy joints were a basketball game, these together would be the winning team. They work together.

Research on glucosamine alone has revealed mixed results at best. But in studies where they are used together, a pattern of relief emerges.

And before you start to wonder if you need 5 different supplements for joints, know that because these are the building blocks of cartilage, they're found together in animal connective tissues and bone marrow.

Dogs can get all of these from one all-natural location. They don't need a pill, which may or may not contain each of these 5 teammates. Here are some of my favorite natural glucosamine sources for joint health for dogs.

Glucosamine for Dogs: Best Sources

I like to get most of my own nutrition from whole foods. So, I can find a whole food, single ingredient source that contains all of these joint supporting compounds; that's the goal.

It should also taste good. I don't want to force down a bunch of medicine if I can meet all of their glucosamine needs with healthy dog treats.

Some healthy treats for dogs also support joint health. So, this is what I personally searched for. I found it.

And surprise. It's a dog bone.

But not just any dog bone. The best source for glucosamine et al. is a grass-fed marrow-filled beef dog bone along with connective tissues from beef cattle. These bones and cartilage are sourced from animals that will be processed for human consumption, so when you buy dog bones from these USA ranches, you're helping them use the whole animal, reducing landfill waste. That makes it a very sustainable glucosamine source on top of the joint health benefits.

That rich grass-fed bone marrow is loaded with glucosamine for dogs as well as all of these other key components to healthy joints. They're lower in saturated fat than conventionally-raised beef bones and also higher in anti-inflammatory omega-3 health fats.

If I have to give a dog a joint supplement, it might as well be something they look forward to. My 3 pups can't wait for chew time. We have a beef bone gnaw session 2-3 times a week. Their eyes light up, and their tails start wagging when they hear me reaching into the dog treat cabinet.

It's filled with dog bones for large dogs like my lab Bruno and medium dogs like my terrier Pixie.

Signs Your Dog May Need Glucosamine

Wondering if your pup could benefit from glucosamine supplementation? Keep an eye out for these signs:

• Struggling to stand, sit, or climb stairs.
• Hesitant to play or go on walks they once loved.
• Limping or favoring a leg
• Mood changes. Pain can make even the happiest dog irritable or withdrawn.
• Difficulty Getting Comfortable, such as shifting positions frequently when lying down.

If these behaviors sound familiar, glucosamine might just be what your dog needs.

When to Start Glucosamine Treats

A lifelong dog bone habit is a very good habit for a dog. Marrow-filled dog bones support mental health, dental health, and overall health. Loaded with nutrition and hours of gnawing time, dogs are feeding an important instinct that makes them feel healthy, happy, and well.

Top Healthy Dog Treats for Joint Health

Best Glucosamine for Dogs in Senior Years

For seniors who may not be able to chew on dog bones, beef trachea is a good option. It's mostly cartilage with meaty bits. Even a dog who is missing some teeth can chew at it. They can break off pieces to swallow, absorbing those nutrients.

You can buy beef trachea pieces in bulk here.

Just as an aside, my dogs aren't senior pups yet, and they love these for some variety. I usually give my dogs a trachea chew at least once a week.

Best Glucosamine Supplements for Big Dogs

Large dogs have oversized appetites. Plus, they're often aggressive chewers. My lab, Bruno, destroys most dog bones and toys.

So, it's important to give these special pups something that can stand up to powerful jaws. The Contender Bone is built for these gentle giants. It's dense and compact but big enough that an oversized dog can't swallow it whole.

Best Glucosamine Dog Treats for Medium-Sized Pups

The Dynamo Bone is a nice mid-sized option for dogs over 15 lbs. And this also happens to be one of my favorite bones to refill when the marrow is gone.

You can download my free dog bone refill recipe guide for tasty, nutritious refill ideas.

Best Joint Supplement for Small Dogs

You can't do much better than Beef Kneecaps if you're a dog. They're covered in smoked meaty bits and connective tissue in a flatter shape, so even dogs that can fit in one hand can enjoy it.

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