Glucosamine for dogs

Here at YuMOVE, we’re working hard every day to help dogs live happy, active lives for longer. And Glucosamine plays a major part in our mission. A natural component for healthy, mobile joints, it’s found in many joint supplements for dogs.

In this guide, we’ll explore the science behind this powerhouse ingredient, find out how Glucosamine for dogs supports joint structure, and why it plays a key role in our YuMOVE Joint Support range.

What is Glucosamine and how is it produced

Glucosamine is a natural compound produced in the body. It’s made up of glucose and amino acids and contributes to the building of important structural molecules in and around the joints.

The body uses Glucosamine as a building block to produce glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), that form part of key joint tissues such as cartilage and synovial fluid. Together, these two components lubricate and cushion the joints, with the latter acting as a shock absorber, helping the bones to comfortably slide over one another. When all is working as it should, your pooch will have no problem tearing across a park or jumping up to catch a ball.

Puppies and adults produce plenty of Glucosamine, but, just like humans, as they age this naturally reduces. This can lead to natural cartilage wear and affect mobility, so it makes sense to top it up!

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What does Glucosamine do and what is it good for?

Glucosamine’s primary job is to support the physical structure of the joint. Think of it as a fundamental building block. It helps supply nutrients found in healthy joint structures, to keep your pet's cartilage healthy and strong, giving their joints the support they need to run, jump, play... and fetch balls!

Within our market-leading Joint Care range, Glucosamine, works in harmony with Hyaluronic Acid, Manganese and our unique ActivEase®️ Green Lipped Mussel, to keep joints happy and active.

Glucosamine benefits for dogs

Joint supplements containing glucosamine for dogs are a great step, not just for older dogs but for young, growing pups and active working adults too. 

Here are the key Glucosamine benefits for dogs:

• Supports joint structure: Plant-based Glucosamine helps supply nutrients found in healthy joint structures.
• Maintains mobility: By supporting the cartilage that cushions joints, Glucosamine helps keep your dog active.
• Keeps joints comfortable: Working alongside other ingredients – such as Hyaluronic Acid, Manganese and our unique ActivEase®️ Green Lipped Mussel – it helps keep your dog’s joints happy and comfortable.
  

Are there any side effects of Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is generally considered safe for pets. However, side effects can occasionally include mild digestive upset, such as loose stools or wind, particularly when starting a new supplement. If your dog has a sensitive tummy, we recommend introducing new supplements gradually and speaking to your vet.

What’s the difference between Glucosamine HCl and N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine?

Both Glucosamine HCl and N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine are forms of Glucosamine. They’re used in our supplements for their slightly different structure and roles.

Glucosamine HCl is a stable, concentrated source of Glucosamine that contributes to the nutritional components normally present in cartilage and joint structures.

N-acetyl-D-Glucosamine (NAG) is a closely related derivative of Glucosamine. Because of its acetyl group, it behaves a little differently in the body. The metabolism of NAG differs from that of Glucosamine, leading to its use in additional tissues within the joint and the body.

Why is NAG included in Young, PLUS and PLUS Max, but not the Adult formula?

Each product in the range is designed around a different nutritional profile rather than simply adding more of everything. Our Adult product focuses on a core joint nutrition approach using Glucosamine HCl alongside other complementary ingredients.

In our Young, PLUS and PLUS Max formulas, the ingredient blend is wider in scope, so NAG is included as an additional Glucosamine-based component within a more complex composition. 
No single form of Glucosamine is better than another. We use different ingredients and amounts for different life stages, activity levels, and individual needs.

Which YuMOVE products contain Glucosamine?

We use high-quality plant-based Glucosamine across our whole Joint Care range to ensure every dog, from playful puppies to golden oldies, gets the support they need. And we make a promise – see a visible difference in just six weeks, or your money back.*

You can find Glucosamine in the following YuMOVE products:

• YuMOVE Joint Support for Young & Active Dogs Designed to support growing joints and active puppies.
• YuMOVE Joint Support Bites for Young & Active Dogs Same great formula in a tasty bite.
• YuMOVE Joint Support for Adult Dogs Our original triple-action formula.
• YuMOVE Daily Bites for Adult Dogs Same great formula in tasty treat-like bites.
• YuMOVE Joint Support Bites for Small, Medium & Large Adult Dogs Same great formula in a daily, one-a-day bite.
• YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS High-strength support for dogs who may need extra support.
• YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS Bites for Small, Medium & Large Dogs Same great formula in a daily, one-a-day bite.
• YuMOVE Joint Care PLUS Max Strength  50% stronger* than regular PLUS
• YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS Max Bites for Small, Medium & Large Dogs Same great formula in a tasty bite.
• YuMOVE Joint Support for Adult Cats Our popular, original formula for cats.
• YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS for Cats High-strength support for older cats.
• YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS Bites for Cats An easy to feed treat-like bite.
• YuMOVE Joint Support for Adult Horses Triple-action formula to support joints.
• YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS for Horses High-strength for extra joint support.
• iMOVE Joint Support Yes! We have a human version too.

Want to learn more about our ingredients? Check out our guide to joint supplements and vitamins for dogs or read our ingredients Q&A.

If you’ve got any questions about Glucosamine, or any of the ingredients in the YuMOVE formula, you can get in touch with our expert Customer Services Team via phone, email or post.