What is Glucosamine and Why do Dogs Need it

Having a working dog by your side at a farm means having a valuable partner. But keeping them healthy means a balanced diet, proper nutrition, and adequate exercise. 

With all the running around and herding other animals, your four-legged partners will need strong joints and muscles to keep up with the daily demands of farm work. First, let’s talk about why Glucosamine is important for working dogs. 

The Basics

According to the Open Veterinary Journal, Glucosamine is a compound that regulates collagen production in the cartilage. It works alongside Chondroitin Sulfate, which inhibits deterioration in joint fluid and cartilage. 

These two also contribute to making glycosaminoglycan and proteoglycan, the building blocks of cartilage. 

Any machine needs to be well-oiled to minimize wear and tear. Joints and cartilage are no different, as they work in tandem with muscles.  

Why Dogs Need It

Arthritis doesn’t just affect humans. According to this PetMD article by Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, this can affect dogs too. For dogs working in a farm, joint pain and arthritis can significantly reduce their quality of life.   

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from this, it’s important to check the likely spots arthritis can hit. This article by The Kennel Club lists the forelegs, hind legs, and spine as the common targets.  

Limping, stiffness, wincing when touched, or even noticeable heat in the affected areas are telltale signs of arthritis in dogs.  

Preventing Arthritis 

Glucosamine in a working dog’s diet is one of the most important things they can have. After all, you’ll need them to help you efficiently move and protect large numbers of livestock. The last thing you working dog needs are aching joints that will prevent them from doing their job.  

It’s important that you, as their human partners and handlers, give them the right kind of food to keep them healthy and strong enough to keep up with you. One example is Wishbone Gold, which is enriched with Glucosamine for optimal joint health.  

This healthy mix has 100% Beef and Lamb from New Zealand, one of the cleanest places to source ingredients from. It also has Mango, Papaya, Blueberries, Cranberries, Flaxseed, Rosemary, Thyme, and Peppermint to help boost to the immune system. 

For hardworking farmers, nothing is as trustworthy and reliable as your dog beside you. That’s why it’s important to make sure that their muscles and joints are always healthy and in top shape. Give them that needed Glucosamine in their diet to keep up with the rigorous demands of farm work.