The Best Dog Glucosamine Supplements in 2024
As your canine companion grows old, you will notice that it struggles with joint stiffness. The great news about this part of aging is that there are many options to make senior dogs more comfortable.
According to the American Kennel Club, glucosamine is the most popular over the counter supplement for arthritis. It is often utilized by dogs, humans, and other animals.
To keep your sweet senior dog as comfortable as possible, you need to select a glucosamine supplement. We researched six of the most popular products available to help you choose the best supplement for your dog.
Our Top 6 List
Last update on 2024-12-03 at 23:22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement
Cosequin is the number one veterinarian recommended glucosamine supplement for dogs of all ages. When my Bichon, Beauregard Charles, began suffering from arthritis, his veterinarian recommended Cosequin. This supplement provided him with so much relief; I noticed a difference in his movements about a week after administering the first dose.
Takeaways
- Cosequin contains a unique blend of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) to support cartilage and connective tissue health.
- Veterinary trials have found Cosequin to be safe, effective, and easily absorbable by patient’s bodies.
Pros
- Cosequin was created to be a long term solution, which makes it a safe option for dogs who will need joint support long term.
- This supplement is manufactured in the United States.
- Every parcel of Cosequin is tested to maintain quality control.
- Tablets are chicken flavored and chewable, creating the option to serve them as a treat or add them to a meal.
Cons
- This formula is made for dogs of all sizes, which makes dosing toy breeds and giant breeds difficult.
2. Doggie Dailies Soft Chews
The Doggie Dailies chicken soft chew formula was designed for dogs of all sizes to support overall health, reduce joint inflammation and keep joints lubricated.
Takeaways
- Doggie Dailies contain COQ10, which supports heart and kidney health, and provides a natural energy boost.
- The packages are BPA free.
- Doggie Dailies are made in the United States in an FDA registered facility.
Pros
- Doggie Dailies are manufactured utilizing a cold press method to preserve the potency of the ingredients.
- Salmon oil and cod oil are ingredients in this formula, which not only contribute toward joint health, but also skin and coat health.
- These supplements are tested for quality, safety and purity by independent third party laboratories.
Cons
- Although our dogs enjoyed the soft chew, if your dog does not like the flavor, you cannot crush the supplement and add it to a meal.
3. Nutramax Dasuquin
Dasuquin has been tested over ten years to offer ultimate joint support to dogs over sixty pounds. When my pit bull terrier, Thea, began suffering from joint issues, her veterinarian recommended Dasuquin. She has been taking this supplement daily for over a year now and her mobility has improved.
Takeaways
- Dasuquin contains ASU, which is made of avocados and soybean unsaponifiables. ASU may help relieve pain and inflammation suffered by arthritic pets.
- This supplement was created to inhibit cartilage break down.
Pros
- Dasuquin helps support cartilage matrix production.
- The tablets are flavored, but they are also easy to crush and mix into your dog’s meals.
- Many pet parents reported that these tablets gave their dogs more relief as opposed to the soft chew version of Dasuquin.
Cons
- This formula was created specifically for dogs over sixty pounds, limiting the use of this supplement to only large breed dogs.
4. Zesty Paws Mobility Bites
Zesty was formulated specifically for the joint health needs of senior dogs in a treat soft chew.
Takeaways
- Zesty contains green-lipped mussels, which may reduce inflammation and pain in arthritic joints.
- This supplement contains Hyaluronic Acid, which may support healthy joint fluid, increasing mobility for senior dogs.
Pros
- Zesty was designed to support the most commons needs of senior dogs needs; joint comfort, healthy joint fluid, range of motion, and flexibility.
- These chews contain no artificial preservatives, grain, corn, or soy, making these chews ideal for seniors who suffer from skin sensitivities.
- Zesty utilizes a special distillation process to ensure the ingredients maintain purity and potency.
Cons
- There is only one flavor available, chicken.
5. TerraMax Pro Hip & Joint Supplement
TerraMax Pro not only offers benefits to joints and cartilage, but to overall health.
Takeaways
- TerraMax was formulated to support incontinence, digestive aliments, general healing, skin health, and inflammation.
- This supplement is ideal for dogs who require limited ingredients, as it natural and contains no sugar, corn, gluten, wheat, salt, milk, yeast, starch, or soy.
- The liquid form ensures that the supplement is efficiently absorbed by your dog’s body.
Pros
- Made and sourced in the United States with human grade ingredients.
- The liquid form makes it simple to administer to dogs with dental problems, as this supplement may be mixed into a meal or added to water.
- TerraMax offers a money back guarantee if you are unsatisfied.
Cons
- This supplement has not been proven to be safe for dogs who are nursing mothers and who may be bred.
6. The Missing Link Superfood Supplement
The Missing Link was created by veterinarians to provide personalized nutrition for dogs. Commercial dog food offers “blanket” nutrition; by adding The Missing Link to your dog’s meals, you can ensure that she is getting the right supplements for her needs.
Takeaways
- The Missing Link contains glucosamine, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to support joint health.
- Phytonutrients and dietary fiber are added to support healthy digestion and overall health.
Pros
- The Missing Link is a powder, making it a cinch to sneak it into your dog’s dinner and to provide the correct dose to toy or giant breed dogs.
- The recipe contains heart-healthy ingredients from nutrient-dense foods.
- The supplement does not contain GMOs, artificial flavors, artificial colors, or preservatives.
- We have found that all our dogs love the taste.
Cons
- A little pricey.
Verdict & Review
Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement Plus
Pros
- Long term solution
- Made in the US
- Every parcel is tested for quality control
- Chicken flavored
- For dogs of all sizes
Cons
- Since it's for dogs of all sizes, dosing correctly may be tricky at first.
Based upon my veterinarian’s recommendation and our experiences with the product, our top pick is the Cosequin supplement. Cosequin is a veterinarian-recommended supplement, it is cost-effective, and it is safe for long term use. Most dogs who suffer from joint problems will require years of supplements and treatment, making long term use a consideration for pet parents.
As a company, Cosequin offers many variations on this supplement that cater to different needs of dogs, such as toy breeds, soft chews, and stronger versions for dogs who require additional joint and cartilage support.
Buying Guide
Now that you are familiar with glucosamine products, let’s discuss what you need to know to select the best product for your dog.
What Is It and Why Does My Dog Need It?
Glucosamine is naturally found in the cartilage of your dog’s joints. This substance is a part of a dog’s body’s natural method of repairing cartilage.
Providing dogs with this has been found to help rebuild cartilage, which contributes to joint health and mobility. As dogs age, or as their bodies experience trauma or injury, the ability of their cartilage and joints to repair themselves and function normally become impacted. As a result of your dog’s age or injury suffered, your veterinarian will likely recommend adding a glucosamine supplement to their health care plan.
Keep in mind that it is not a cure for health problems, and dogs still require veterinary care even if they are taking these supplements.
What Are The Side Effects?
According to the American Kennel Club, side effects are rare but may include: excessive thirst, insomnia, allergies, and fatigue. Side effects are more often seen when patients are prescribed a high dose of glucosamine. Always consult with a veterinarian when administering new supplements to ensure your dog’s safety.
Choosing a Supplement
Use the following tips to choose the right supplement for your dog:
- Choose a supplement that is formulated and tested by veterinarians.
- Every dog has a different need for levels of glucosamine; ask your veterinarian what percentage they want your dog to have.
- Ingredients sourced and supplements manufactured in the United States are ideal.
- Even though the substance is used across species, patients of different species cannot share the same supplements.
- If your dog is a toy or a giant breed, expect that dose guidelines on the labels of most products will not accommodate them; be sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure they receive the right dose.
- Keep in mind that these supplements are designed to aid in your dog’s daily quality of life, not serve as an alternative treatment or cure for a condition requiring veterinary intervention, especially a condition that requires surgery.
- Continue to research even after selecting a product. Glucosamine is still being tested, and as such, there may be advances in the future.
Administration of Such Supplements
If your dog will eat anything, offering a tablet should be no problem. If your dog is a selective eater or suffering from dental issues, powder or liquid would be ideal for sneaking a supplement into their meals or water.
Most tablets are too large to fit into pill pockets. A pill crusher aids in offering an alternative form of administration.
Food is Not Enough
While most commercial diets for dogs, especially for senior dogs, have some glucosamine included, providing a supplement in addition to the glucosamine in their food can make a big difference a dog’s quality of life.
How Do I Know If The Supplement Is Working For My Dog?
As aforementioned, these supplements are not cures, so you should not expect to see a complete recovery. When a glucosamine supplement is administered, you should notice your dog becoming less stiff after a few weeks of doses.
The improvement may not be dramatic, and you may question if the supplement is truly making a difference; this is normal. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, glucosamine supplements were found to offer moderate pain relief to patients with arthritis.
Even though this sounds unimpressive, any relief you can offer your dog is something to seriously consider. They bring so much joy to our lives, making them comfortable is the least we can do for them.
Should I Stop Administering It?
Many owners stop administering the supplement when they run out because they do not believe it is helping but soon notice their dog’s stiffness returns promptly thereafter. If you do not notice much difference in your dog’s mobility, be sure to consult with your veterinarian before discounting the supplement.
We are the Pet Dog Pals, a group of avid pet owners, bloggers, product testers, and writers for all your canine needs! We own a collective 16 dogs and 21 cats to help us test and review pet products. Our top lists and tips come from experience to help you be the best dog owner you can be!