Product Information: The end of the bone is covered with cartilage. Healthy cartilage is firm, smooth and moist and serves as a shock absorber and lubricant of the joints so they can move over each other without friction. The cells that form cartilage are called chondrocytes. The chondrocytes lie a kind of jelly, the "matrix," which consists of cartilage fibers between which long chains of linked molecules: the "glycosamine glycans" (GAGs). Those GAGs are strongly water-binding which causes them to expand enormously. They are trapped, as it were, between the cartilage fibers. From the cartilage fibers and those swollen GAGs, cartilage derives its strength and elasticity. When the cartilage matrix is damaged, the length of the GAGs decreases, reducing the strength of their binding to other molecules. This releases water and softens the cartilage. The "shock absorber and lubricant function" decreases. As a result, the cartilage becomes even more susceptible to damage. With the reduction in cartilage quality, the condition of the joint deteriorates. The smooth bone surface becomes irregular and uneven, and without treatment, this process inexorably proliferates. Chronic overuse of joints, aging or an accident accelerate the deterioration of the cartilage matrix and cause long-term lameness. Glucosamine protects cartilage and keeps joints supple, elastic and mobile. Glucosamine can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestine and reach the joint with the blood plasma. After taking Glucosamine, cells produce more GAGs and cartilage can repair. The production of hyaluronic acid also increases, which is beneficial for the lubrication of the joint. Glucosamine has no adverse side effects. One should administer Glucosamine for at least 4 - 10 weeks before results become noticeable. The action of Glucosamine is supported by Vitella Pet Care Chondroitin, Gelatin hydrolysate, MSM souplesse. Composition: glucosamine sulfate (34%), Vitamin C, lactose Usage: Mix through the feed in the indicated amount (measuring spoon: 3 ml= 1.5g; 5 ml = 2.5 g; 8 ml = 4 g)preferably spread over two daily periods. In addition to the use of Glucosamine, we recommend Chondroprotector and MSM souplesse. Dosage: according to the schedule below. After 4 to 10 weeks the dose taper off to the maintenance dosage.   Cats Weight KG Maintenance dose Treatment dose Small breeds 1 - 4 kg 0,25 g 0,36 g Large breeds 4 - 8 kg 0,5 g 0,72 g Dogs Weight KG Maintenance dose Treatment dose Dwarf breed dog 1 - 4 kg 0,25 g 0,4 g Small breed dog 4 - 10 kg 0,5 g 0,75 g Medium breed dog 10 - 25 kg 1 g 1,5 g Large breed dog 25 - 50 kg 1,25 g 1,8 g Giant breed dog 50 kg and above 2 g 2,7 g   Vitella Pet Care Glucosamine Dog & Cat is a complementary animal feed