| In my job at Cavida Canine Science, a pet | | | | not really care how it gets glucosamine as long as |
| supplement company that specializes in canine | | | | it is bioavailable, meaning it can easily be absorbed |
| joint pain relief, I have received lot of questions | | | | in the body. Both forms of glucosamine are |
| about the difference between Glucosamine HCL | | | | bioavailable and, therefore, promise the same |
| and Glucosamine Sulfate in dog joint supplements. | | | | efficacy. |
| The internet can be both helpful and confusing on | | | | You may think that is the end of the story. But, |
| the subject. So, let me provide some perspective | | | | there is one big difference between the two. |
| on the difference. | | | | Glucosamine sulfate is stabilized with sodium |
| Glucosamine is naturally produced in your dog's | | | | chloride (table salt) and can contain as much as |
| body from glucose and the Amino Acid, Glutamine | | | | 30% sodium. Most dogs have no issue with |
| (hence the name, "glucosamine"). It acts creates a | | | | increased sodium and the only real side effect |
| cushion-like effect on the cartilage between the | | | | may be excessive thirst. Dogs will simply excrete |
| joints, allowing them to retain water so that they | | | | the excess sodium through their urine. |
| can absorb shock and withstand compression. | | | | However, older dogs and dogs that suffer from |
| Many joint supplements utilize glucosamine as the | | | | liver, kidney, or heart diseases are more |
| main ingredient because it is one of the major | | | | susceptible to higher sodium content. It is for this |
| building blocks utilized in the body's synthesis of | | | | reason, I recommend glucosamine hydrochloride |
| the lubricants and shock absorbing mechanisms | | | | (HCL) over glucosamine sulfate for dog joint |
| necessary to maintain and restore healthy joint | | | | supplements. Most dogs with joint or arthritic |
| performance. | | | | issues typically fall into the aforementioned group |
| Pure glucosamine is very "hygroscopic", which | | | | and, therefore, may need to minimize their |
| means it retains moisture and breaks down | | | | sodium intake. Glucosamine hydrochloride (HCL) is |
| quickly when exposed to air. When sold | | | | more concentrated than the sulfate form and |
| commercially, glucosamine must be bound to a | | | | contains substantially less sodium per effective |
| stabilizer to keep it shelf stable. After glucosamine | | | | dose than the sulfate form. D-Glucosamine HCL |
| is bound, it is stable and will not degrade before it | | | | contains 98% glucosamine, whereas Glucosamine |
| can get to the store shelf. Sulfate and the HCL | | | | Sulfate contains 75% glucosamine. |
| forms are two of the most common "agents" | | | | Please note that if your dog is suffering from |
| used to ensure its stability. This is why you never | | | | severe joint or arthritis issues, I believe the best |
| find "just" glucosamine and instead find | | | | supplements for your dog should also include |
| Glucosamine Sulfate or Glucosamine HCL. | | | | ingredients that work synergistically with |
| So, which is better for your dog? Does it even | | | | glucosamine to help rebuild cartilage, ease pain, |
| matter? | | | | reduce inflammation, and increase mobility. |
| Well, the good news is that your pet's body does | | | | |