Glucosamine gains popularity

Foods and supplements containing "chondroprotective agents" have become popular in the petfood aisle.

Greg Aldrich, Ph.D.

May 15, 2007

Foods and supplements containing "chondroprotective agents" have become popular in the petfood aisle. In general, these products are targeted at aging animals with deteriorating joints and, to a lesser degree, large-breed dogs. The two most common elements found in these joint-health products are chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. Together they are reported to reduce joint pain and stiffness in dogs afflicted with osteoarthritis (Canapp, et al., 1999; McCarthy, et al., 2006).

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