In case there are people who don't know about the wonderful and in most countries prescription free "medicine" glucosamine, it's a substance found in the joints of all living creatures (of course I write this because of our dogs). It oils up the joints, making them move freely and smoothly, but as the dog grows older there might be a shortage of glucosamine in the joints, and then it might be helpful to feed the dog tablets of this or buy a senior dog food which has it as an ingredient, Nutro has it and I think Eukanuba has it as well, not sure with other brands but I can check it out. My old dog had at least 3 more years on glucosamine that he would have without it, so I just wanted to send a tip to all of you so your dogs can age pleasantly
Lots of different brands of food have special mobilety support foods now, allso you can get glucosimine in combination with chondroitine in drinks pils and powder form. I feed my dogs joints and bones so they get it in a natural form.
I don't know what amount is found in the food in Europe, but here in the US the amount of glucosamine they put in the food isn't enough to do the dog any real good. It's more for marketing purposes. This information came from my vet, when I asked him about using these foods for my dogs. I give my dogs glucosamine, MSM, vitamin C and vitamin E on a regular basis. I purchase the containers labeled for horses (I also give my horse this). It is MUCH cheaper to purchase for a horse, then figure out the quantity to give a dog, than it is to purchase for the dogs. I can buy a years supply for one dog in a horse container for the same amount 1 months worth costs when labeled for my dogs.
Jeannette, I think that it's very hard to get them the amount of glucosamine they need by feeding them bones, also we're talking about older dogs and their teeth aren't always in the best shape. It's a very good thing to feed them the bones and joints, I always did the same and it keeps the teeth healthy as well.
Malndobe, I know what you mean about it being a very small amount and they use it for promotion values. I think there's stricter rules with the food in Europe though, on the other hand I don't think that the brand I used (Nutro) has a European factory, so then it IS the US food and then, well you know. I know about getting the horse one, I started with that a month after I got my dog on glucosamine cos it was so expensive in the smaller containers.
Teacher; this glucosamine- thing was very interesting. thank you for information.
I want to mention below this same topic that before you feed your dog next time with any commercial pet food, please, do read these articles. At least I did find them quite..interesting.
These articles were very interesting, even though I was already aware of these problems and therefore use a commercial food with a clear ingredients label. Most foods do not have the clear and understandable labels, but if we as owners keep asking for it, things will get better. I now work for the swedish agent of the Iams company, I am aware of the controversy surrounding their laboratory in the US but I still feel pretty confident that they produce good cat- and dog food.
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expensive in the smaller containers. 
