Joints and cartilage – what is this all about?

A joint is the point where two bones move against each other. To ensure smooth, friction-free movement – no sandpaper – the joint surfaces are covered with cartilage tissue. The role of cartilage is to enable movement, absorb load, and provide a slippery surface for the bone surfaces. Think of cartilage as a sliding surface and shock absorber that is involved in everyday movements: walking, trotting, jumping, and working.

Cartilage tissue is living tissue that is constantly renewed and remodelled as part of the body's normal metabolism. It receives its nutrients from the surrounding synovial fluid and tissue metabolism. Movement is important for joints, and the metabolism of cartilage tissue is then active.

Glucosamine – part of joint structure

Glucosamine naturally occurs in the body as part of cartilage tissue, ligaments, tendons, synovial fluid, and the intervertebral discs of the spine. It belongs to the compounds of connective and supportive tissues and is involved in the normal metabolism of cartilage tissue.

In feeding, glucosamine is used as a complementary nutrient as part of a balanced diet, particularly for active and mobile horses and dogs whose daily movement involves repetitive loading.

In studies, glucosamine has most often been examined together with chondroitin. Cartilage tissue is made up of several structural compounds that together give it its flexible and durable structure. Glucosamine is part of this whole. As an animal ages and its life stage changes, joint structures also renew more slowly than in a young animal – and this is worth considering in feeding as well.

CdG's glucosamine – a plant-based and modern alternative

The glucosamine used by CdG is 100% plant-based and vegan, and it is manufactured using a patented fermentation technique. Unlike traditional crustacean-derived glucosamine, this alternative requires no crustaceans and no heavy chemical processing.

The production of plant-based glucosamine generates only about 2% of the wastewater produced in the manufacture of crustacean-derived glucosamine. The end result is an environmentally friendly and responsible raw material – without crustaceans and without unnecessary environmental impact.

Dosage:

Horses:

approx. 500 kg horse: 10–15 g / day

Measures:

1 tbsp = 10 g (8 300 mg glucosamine)

1 tsp = 3,3 g (2 700 mg glucosamine)

Dogs:

under 3 kg: 1/5 tsp / day (540 mg)

3–5 kg: 1/4 tsp / day (675 mg)

5–15 kg: 1/3 tsp / day (900 mg)

15–30 kg: 1/2 tsp / day (1 350 mg)

30–45 kg: 2/3 tsp / day (1 800 mg)

45–60 kg: 2/3–1 tsp / day (1 800–2 700 mg)

For continuous use, the dose can be halved after 6–8 weeks as part of normal feeding adjustment.

Composition:

Glucosamine hydrochloride
– of which glucosamine 83%
– 830 000 mg glucosamine / kg

Note:
Not suitable for those with corn allergy. Glucosamine is corn-derived.

Research background – glucosamine in horses and dogs

Glucosamine has been studied in both horses and dogs, particularly in the research literature related to joint structures. A large proportion of published studies have examined combinations of glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate, often in veterinary or experimental settings.

In equine studies, the use of glucosamine-containing combinations has been examined in experimental models and clinical evaluations related to joint structures. In dogs, glucosamine has been studied particularly as part of combination products.

Current research evidence supports the understanding that glucosamine is a natural part of the composition of joint structures, and its use in feeding is based on this structural role as part of a balanced complementary feeding regime.

Horses:

• Hanson RR et al. (2001) – oral glucosamine HCl + chondroitin sulphate (Cosequin) vs. placebo; clinical setting (navicular syndrome).

• Moreira JJ et al. (2019) – oral glucosamine + chondroitin sulphate; synovial fluid biomarkers were measured in horses (osteoarthritis-related joint setting).

• Yamada ALM et al. (2022) – glucosamine + chondroitin sulphate; experimental setting in horses (experimentally induced OA).

• Meulyzer M et al. (2009) – pharmacokinetic / synovial fluid concentration study: glucosamine levels in the equine joint (normal vs. inflamed joint).

• Forsyth RK et al. (2006) – double-blind study: oral glucosamine HCl + chondroitin sulphate; gait/movement parameters were assessed in a "veteran horses" setting.

• Pearson W (2009) – review: a "low quality of evidence" type summary of glucosamine-based joint supplements for horses (in vivo studies).
  
  Dogs:

  • Kampa N et al. (2023) – prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study; glucosamine HCl + chondroitin sulphate (hip OA setting) compared to placebo and other groups.

  • McCarthy G et al. (2007) – randomised, double-blind, positive-controlled study: glucosamine/chondroitin vs. carprofen; symptom scores were assessed.