Whether it is dextrose glucose or monohydrate glucose, it is essential to understand how these two different types of glucose can be used for dogs before purchase or administration. In this blog, we will explore what glucose monohydrate is, the benefits for dogs, the ideal dosage, its dangers, and how to use it on dogs.
Glucose monohydrate is a simple sugar that is broken down by the body to provide energy. It is found in many foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products.
What is Glucose Monohydrate?
Glucose monohydrate is a simple sugar or a single monosaccharide molecule that is broken down by the body to provide energy. In its physical form, it is a white, odorless, and sweet-tasting powder that is derived from the hydrolysis of starch.
Other online sources describe glucose monohydrate as a ‘monosaccharide sugar that is fast absorbed from the digestive tract to provide instant energy. It has a pleasant/good taste that pets will like.’
It is commonly used as a food sweetener or preservative.
It is also called D-Glucose Monohydrate and is mostly packaged in a small 100-gram or 340-gram bottles similar to the ones below;
The bottles above are showing Mondex powder, which is an energy supplement for dogs that contains glucose monohydrate.
According to WebMD, Glucose is “a type of sugar your body uses for energy. Your blood carries glucose to all of your body’s cells to use for energy. Insulin is a hormone that helps carry glucose into your cells.”
Is it natural sugar?
Yes, D-(+)-Glucose monohydrate is a natural sugar that is derived from the hydrolysis of starch.
It is involved in processes like glycosylation, energy production and formation of glycans that are involved in providing structure to the cells.
What is glycosylation?
Glycosylation is the process where monosaccharides like glucose are covalently bonded to lipids or proteins. This process can be either N-linked or O-linked.
N-linked glycosylation involves the linkage of a sugar molecule to the side chain of asparagine, while O-linked glycosylation involves the linkage of a sugar molecule to the side chain of serine or threonine.
What are glycans?
Glycans are carbohydrates that are covalently bonded to lipids or proteins. They can be found on the cell surface and play important roles in cell-cell interactions, cell signaling, and the immune response.
How glucose monohydrate provides instant energy to dogs:
The blood which carries glucose circulates throughout the body and enters cells through their cell walls. Once inside, an enzyme called hexokinase converts glucose to glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), which provides energy for the cell.
You can give your dog a dose of glucose monohydrate to help them have an instant energy boost. When starting out with energy supplements for dogs for working dogs, for example, it is important to consult your vet about the possible side effects of some generic glucose monohydrate supplements on the market such as Mondex.
What are the benefits of using Glucose Monohydrate for Dogs?
There are several benefits that have been associated with using glucose monohydrate for dogs. These benefits include:
1. It provides an instant energy boost
2. It helps to increase stamina and endurance
3. It can help to improve mental clarity and focus
4. It can help to regulate blood sugar levels
5. It is a natural sweetener with no artificial additives or preservatives
What is the ideal dosage of Glucose Monohydrate for Dogs?
The ideal dosage of glucose monohydrate for dogs will vary depending on the size and weight of the dog, as well as the reason for supplementation. It is always best to consult with your veterinarian before starting any energy supplement, especially if your dog has any underlying health conditions.
A general rule of thumb is to start with a lower dose and increase gradually as needed. For example, for a small dog, you may start with 5-10 grams per day and increase by 1/4 teaspoon every week until the desired effect is achieved.
MonDex Dose:
MonDex recommends mixing 15 to 30 grams (about 1 to 2 teaspoons) per 250-ml glass of drinking water that you want to give to your dog.
Below is a snapshot of the dosage and administration instructions on Mondex’s packaging;

Glucose Monohydrate & Mondex Powder side effects:
The active compound in Mondex power is Glucose Monohydrate. Some of the potential side effects associated with this compound include:
- Bad watery diarrhea that may have blood in it
- Skin coloring and rash – pale or yellow skin
- Colored urine
- Nausea
- Fever
- Confusion, weakness, bruising and bleeding.
D-glucose monohydrate for dogs how to use:
When using glucose monohydrate for dogs, it is important to start with a lower dose and increase gradually as needed. For example, for a small dog, you may start with 5-10 grams per day and increase by 1/4 teaspoon every week until the desired effect is achieved.
It is also important to consult with your veterinarian before starting any energy supplement, especially if your dog has any underlying health conditions.
What are the dangers of using Glucose monohydrates for Dogs?
While there are several potential benefits associated with using glucose monohydrates for dogs, there are also some potential dangers that pet owners should be aware of. These dangers include:
- It can cause diabetes: Avoid using too much D-Monohydrate as it can cause your dog to develop diabetes. It has high amount of calories.
- Allergic reactions: Some dogs may be allergic to Glucose Monohydrate. If you see any allergic reaction, stop using it and contact your veterinarian
- Diarrhea: If used in high doses, it can cause diarrhea in dogs. 4. Vomiting: In some cases, dogs may vomit after taking Gl
- There is also a risk of your dog developing hypoglycemia, which is a condition characterized by low blood sugar levels.
- If not used correctly, glucose monohydrate can also cause dehydration in dogs.
What’s the cost of a D-Monohydrate supplement such as Mondex Powder?
I couldn’t find Mondex Powder being retailed by major stores in the US such as Chewy.com or Amazon. I was, however, able to find retailers in the Philippines selling Mondex Powder for about $1.71 for a 100 mg bottle.
In the US, the price of Mondex Powder must be higher since it’s not a popular supplement yet. You can try finding it on eBay under lab chemicals here.
How long does Mondex stay in your dog’s system?
Glucose Monohydrate has a half-life of around 1 hour. This means that it will take around 1 hour for the levels of Mondex in your body to decrease by 50%.
FAQs
What is Dextrose?
Dextrose glucose, on the other hand, is a simple sugar that is made from the hydrolysis of starch as well by combining several molecules of monosaccharide molecules. It is also known as blood sugar because it is the sugar that circulates in the blood. Most importantly, dextrose glucose is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.
Q: Dextrose vs Glucose Monohydrate: Which is better?
A: Dextrose is a simple sugar that is made from the hydrolysis of starch. It is also known as blood sugar because it is the sugar that circulates in the blood. Most importantly, dextrose glucose is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Glucose Monohydrate, on the other hand, is a complex sugar that is made up of two molecules of glucose. It is often used as a dietary supplement because it can help to improve energy levels and cognitive function.
Q: How does Mondex work?
A: Mondex works by providing the body with an easily accessible source of energy. When taken in high doses, it can help to improve energy levels and cognitive function. Additionally, it can also help to prevent or treat low blood sugar levels.
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Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com