Glucosamine (C6H13NO5) is an amino acid and a prominent precursor in the synthesis of certain proteins and lipids. Glucosamine can be found in the shells of shellfish, animal bones and bone marrow. It is also present in certain kinds of fungi, such as Aspergillus niger. It is commonly used as a dog food supplement and known as dog glucosamine.

As dogs grow old, their joints, ligaments, tendons and joint fluids wear and "age" too. Depending on their level of exercise and their diets, some dogs can remain very healthy until their last days whilst the unfortunate majority gets very stiff and immobile within five or six years. Most of us consider the main food for dogs to be red meat; it might be a bit troubling to know that red meat diet is high in uric acid. Uric acid is a main stimulator to many agonizing arthritic-type conditions. In other words, feeding pet dogs the foods they love is setting them up for mobility problems later on in life. Dog glucosamine is the answer to this problem.

Most dog owners are utterly unaware of the fact that certain nutrients can greatly help their dog’s health and joint management (although blowing a considerable sized hole in their pockets). It has been medically proven that agents like dog Glucosamine can be very beneficial in maintaining a dog’s joint health as well as ensuring that they remain mobile and active throughout their life. Glucosamine is a compound that can be found in the cartilage and synovial fluid. It is a normal constituent of dog’s glycosaminoglycans which forms part of the ground substance of connective tissue, which is found throughout a dog's body. Recent studies have also shown that orally administered dog Glucosamine is absorbed and distributed to joint tissues. It has also been found out that Glucosamine does have anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it can be beneficial in osteo-arthritic type symptoms. Dog glucosamine has been reported to be supportive against chronic ailments such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, disc degeneration, bursitis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, cartilage / tendons / ligaments repair, skin wound-healing and carpal tunnel syndrome. Dog glucosamine can also cure a dog's inflamed discs, sciatic nerve and inflamed joints-conditions that are generally associated with ageing. Dog glucosamine as a supplement comes in many forms, including Glucosamine HCl and sulphate. However, it is important to consult with the vet before giving the pet any supplementary dog glucosamine.