Gluocosamine as a daily supplement

I had an orthopedic surgeon recommend human supplements 500 mg Gluco/400 mg Chondroitin, 3 pills per day for his weight (75 lb. boxer). I'm not sure if the higher dosage is safe? I just know this is what a specialist advised. It isn't clear from your post whether the 2000./1200/500 is in the recommended dosage or if that would be per tablespoon. If it's per tablespoon, I think that is really too much for a dog. My other concern is all the sugar in that product (sucralose AND cane juice?). I'm not sure if you get any added benefit by using higher dosage products or if after a certain amount it becomes counter-productive. There also might be an issue with keeping a constant amount in the bloodstream as opposed to giving one super-dose per day that wears off after 6 or 8 hours. Just something to consider, but I really don't know the answer to that question.

My vet also recommends fish oil with vitamin E for arthritis. It also benefits the heart, keeps a healthy coat, and has anti-oxidant properties.

2000 MG is the dosage in a 2 tablespoon serving.  So, they basically get 1000MG in a serving.

Based on what the ortho surgeon recommended to you, that would be 1,500 a day, right.  Is that what you do on a daily basis.

Thanks for your response.

Yes, I give 1500 every day. He gets 2 pills in his food in the morning and 1 at night.

I start all of my dogs on joint supps at age six months. I take them myself. All the horses take them. I believe they make a big difference in both preventing and relieving arthritic pains. Unless the animal has stomach upset from the MSM a very high dose is safe and is probably more effective than a lower dose. You should consider adding HA (conquer gel or similar) to your mix, it works differently and complementary to glucosamine and choindroitin.

Both of my dogs are on Glyco Flex III 

mudpuppy

You should consider adding HA (conquer gel or similar) to your mix, it works differently and complementary to glucosamine and choindroitin.

What is HA?

hyaluronic acid- I believe! 

 I know it's used for horses but I'd be interested to hear about it for dogs and the dosing you use and whether or not it's effective taken orally.  

My vet also agrees with the fish oil/vit E. for dogs with joint problems. I don't see a problem with giving the glocos every day.

 The best and most economical source of NATURAL glucosamine is RAW CHICKEN FEET and any other raw meats which contain alot of cartilege.. ie necks, frames, etc.  My crew gets about 10 lbs of chicken feet and backs a week plus fish oil daily.  My oldest dog ( 7 yrs ) still runs around like a puppy even jumping over furniture chasing the smaller dogs !!! Natural chondroitin comes from BOVINE CARTILEGE which is in ears, esophagus ( Moo Tubes ) and tendons.  .Green shell mussel is a natural source of mucopolysaccharides (MPs) & superoxide ... Lignisul MSM.    I also use MSM lotion and homeopathic sulphur pills and anti-inflammatories that are great for joint health.