For Your Pet, The Best Glucosamine For Cats
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Glucosamine has been shown to help relieve joint pain in people, and it is likely that it will do the same for your cat.
Whether your cat has arthritis or merely sore joints in old age, this supplement may put some pep in their step and promote a healthier, happier, and less painful quality of life.
Glucosamine supplements are widely available, with numerous brands on the market. Some are in pill form, while others are in liquid form. Some are chewables, while others are capsules.
But which glucosamine pills are the most effective? We decided to put the most popular brands to the test to see who would win.
BestForPets (bestforpets.org) has found the %product_count% best glucosamine for cats that we'd like to share with you!
Here are our reviews of the finest glucosamine pills for cats on the market.
Reviews
Best Overall: Nutramax Cosequin Capsules Joint Health Cat Supplement
Nutramax Cosequin capsules help to prevent cartilage breakdown while also promoting healthy cartilage formation as your cat ages.
Cosequin is a natural supplement that is perfectly safe for cats, so you will not experience any unwanted effects from regular use.
Cosequin is supposed to enhance joint health and provide relief to arthritis-affected cats. It may also help to keep urinary tract infections at bay.
This product is suitable for cats of all ages and can be given as a capsule or sprinkled on food at mealtime, making it simple to treat even the most fussy cats.
The capsules are kept in an airtight, easily opened vial. Unfortunately, depending on the overall condition of the cat, this medicine will not work quickly. It may take a few weeks before you notice a change in your cat’s health.
Overall, we believe this is the best glucosamine for cats on the market.
Pros
- Capsules are simple to use.
- Contains only natural components
- Cats of all ages can use it.
Cons
- Results can take weeks to appear.
Senior Glucosamine Cat Soft Chews by NaturVet VitaPet – Best Value
NaturVet VitaPet senior glucosamine soft chews are formulated by veterinarians and manufactured in the United States for senior cats. The soft chews, on the other hand, are suitable for kittens above the age of 12 weeks.
NaturVet VitaPet is the most affordable glucosamine for cats since it combines a variety of vital vitamins and minerals to promote a strong immune system, allowing cats to enjoy their golden years.
Each package provides a 30-day supply, so you won’t have to order them as frequently to keep your shelves supplied.
These wheat-free chews are smooth and flavorful, making them irresistible to cats. In fact, these snacks are so delectable that cats have been known to devour them all when they are left available to them, which can lead to severe responses.
As a result, this product should be kept out of reach of your cat, such as in a cupboard.
Pros
- Contains necessary vitamins and minerals to promote overall wellness.
- Made for seniors, but suited for all cats over the age of 12 weeks.
- The package includes a 30-day supply.
Cons
- Cats seem unable to resist any chews that are available to them, which could result in an overdose.
PurePaw Nutrition Premium Dream Glucosamine — High-Quality Option
This product is unique in that it is suitable for both dogs and cats, making it ideal for multi-pet households worried about joint health.
This product’s glucosamine helps regenerate joint cartilage and reduce inflammation, keeping your pet family member comfortable as they age.
PurePaw Nutrition Premium Dream also contains CoQ10, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C to assist maintain a healthy heart and immune system, as well as to alleviate allergy symptoms.
It is available in liquid form and has no flavor, so it may be mixed into food or put onto treats without your cat noticing. This product is manufactured in the United States.
It does not require refrigeration and can be stored on a shelf. The most significant disadvantage is that the formula is fairly pricey in comparison to many of the other solutions on our list.
Pros
- Cats and dogs are welcome.
- Helps with joint, heart, and immune system health.
- To facilitate administration, it is flavorless.
Cons
- More pricey than the alternatives on our list
- Administration can be difficult.
NaturVet Glucosamine DS Soft Chews for Cats
This is yet another product that is suitable for both cats and dogs. It’s intended to provide hip and joint support, making regular workout more enjoyable.
In addition to glucosamine, NatruVet soft chews contain chondroitin and MSM, both of which serve to strengthen connective tissues and improve general flexibility and movement.
Antioxidants are provided to neutralize free radicals that can cause joint damage in your cat over time. To entice your cat to eat the chewable tablets, they may need to be hidden in treats.
However, once consumed, the mixture is time-released into your cat’s system for long-term efficacy. The package contains 120 chews, and most cats only only one chew per day to achieve the best effects.
The major issue we discovered is that the container does not appear to be airtight, which could cause the chews to dry out over time.
Pros
- Designed to protect both the joint and the hip.
- It contains chondroitin and MSM.
- Timed release for long-term support
Cons
- Cats do not appear to find the chews attractive.
- The container does not close completely.
Turmeric & Glucosamine PetJoint Supplement
VITAFUL PetJoint is so much more than a glucosamine supplement. It contains turmeric, which is anti-inflammatory, and curcumin, which is a potent antioxidant.
This hypoallergenic composition is intended to provide joint and bone pain relief. This medication also relieves mild joint stiffness, making climbing and playing more fun.
The soft chews are naturally flavored with enticing bacon and liver, so you don’t have to sneak them into your cat’s meals to get them to digest them.
Because most cats adore these chews, they can be used in place of treats once a day. The components list contains no corn, wheat, soy, or cereals. This mixture, however, may not be suitable for cats with severe joint and hip problems.
Pros
- It promotes joint health and alleviates slight stiffness.
- Natural bacon and liver flavoring
Cons
- Cats with significant joint problems may not get results.
- Because the chews are a little too large for smaller cats, they may have to be cut in half.
How to Choose The Best Glucosamine for Cats
Choosing a glucosamine supplement for your cat is an important decision.
You must ensure that the supplement does not upset your furry family member’s digestive system or cause them to become nauseated.
You must also ensure that any vitamins you give them do not conflict with any prescriptions they are currently taking.
In addition to reviewing the recommendations in our reviews list, there are a few more things you can do to improve your success with the glucosamine supplements you choose.
Examine Your Cat’s Symptoms
Before selecting a glucosamine supplement for your cat, take into account all of the symptoms that they are exhibiting. Do they suffer little discomfort when moving around, or do they struggle to get up and lay down?
When you try to touch your cat’s legs, does he or she bite, nip, or growl? Is their fur brittle and falling out? Does their immune system appear to be weakened? Are their allergies exacerbating the situation?
Many glucosamine supplements include additional components such as CoQ10, which acts as an anti-inflammatory and promotes brain function.
Turmeric is another anti-inflammatory substance that contains glucosamine. Other supplements contain antioxidants, which help to boost the immune system and promote overall health.
Understanding all of your cat’s symptoms can help you decide which compounds to search for when selecting a glucosamine supplement to improve their quality of life.
Recognize Your Cat’s Preferences
If you are not used to giving your cat supplements, you may not know what type of supplement they prefer. Is it a pill, a chew, a powder, or a liquid?
Before purchasing any glucosamine supplements, it is a good idea to find out. You can use household items to simulate various types of glucosamine supplements and observe how your cat reacts to them.
A cooked black bean, for example, can be administered as a tablet if your cat accepts it. A sprinkle of turmeric on your cat’s food at mealtime will imitate the effects of glucosamine supplement powder.
If they eat the turmeric powder, they are likely to accept the supplement powder without complaint. Water can be added to their food in the same way that liquid supplements are.
After experimenting with a few different possibilities, it should be evident which type of glucosamine supplement to purchase.
Avoid Artificial Ingredients
When comparing glucosamine supplements, it is critical to avoid using artificial substances.
Any supplement that has artificial substances should be removed from your list right away because you don’t know where those chemicals came from.
Artificial additives, such as ethoxyquin, can also be damaging to your cat’s health if taken on a frequent basis. There are many glucosamine pills on the market that do not contain such components. To be sure, read the label.
Consider Storage
Because not all glucosamine supplement products are packaged the same manner, you should consider how you will store the pills.
Some products are packaged in plastic pouches that are intended to be resealed after use, but they are not always trustworthy, so you may need to transfer the supplements into a separate sealable container.
Other products are packaged in plastic containers with screw lids, while others are packaged in cardboard boxes and single-serving sachets.
Some items must be refrigerated before use, while others can be left on the shelf. Which packaging do you believe would best suit your lifestyle? Those are the ones on which you should concentrate your efforts.
Always seek the advice of your veterinarian
Even though glucosamine supplements should not cause any harmful responses in your cat, you should check your veterinarian before starting the supplements.
Depending on your cat’s current state of health, your veterinarian can advise you on which components to avoid or seek out.
If required, they will schedule a check-up to ensure that your cat is truly suffering from joint and arthritic issues and not something more serious.
They may even recommend drugs for your cat to take in addition to glucosamine pills to maximize the support you are providing.
Getting the thumbs up from your veterinarian will offer you piece of mind that you are giving your pet family member the best treatment possible.
Conclusion
If you believe your cat requires glucosamine to feel more energetic, you’ve come to the perfect place.
There are some best glucosamine for cats to consider that should put your furry loved one at ease in their daily life. However, not all of them are made equal, and they all demand careful attention.
While we believe that every option on BestForPets‘ (bestforpets.org) reviews list is deserving, we strongly advocate our first and second choices.
Nutramax Cosequin Capsules are all-natural, simple to give, and suitable for cats of all ages. They are also intended to provide long-lasting relief all year.
NaturVet VitaPet Senior Glucosamine Soft Chews are designed for seniors but can be used by any cat over the age of 12 weeks.
This substance is intended to help support joint functionality and immunological function.
Whatever sort of glucosamine supplement you choose for your cat, you can be confident that you are offering natural supplements that will improve their overall quality of life.
Which glucosamine supplements do you believe will be most beneficial to your cat? Tell us what you think in the comments area!
Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher
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