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The 10 Best Glucosamine Supplements For Dogs

Hotly debated is whether or not dogs should take dietary supplements. Many argue that a dog consuming a well-balanced diet should not require supplements, while others argue that it is unrealistic to expect any diet to be perfectly balanced.

Glucosamine pills are among the most trustworthy nutrients you can give your dog. While the body naturally produces glucosamine, as your dog ages, it will require more glucosamine than their bodies can produce; adding extra glucosamine to its diet can improve its quality of life and health outcomes.

Here are BestForPets (bestforpets.org)'s top recommendations for the best glucosamine supplements for dogs.

Reviews

Zesty Paws Core Elements 8-in-1

The Zesty Paws Core Elements 8-in-1 soft chews are our pick for the finest overall glucosamine supplement for dogs. These soft chews serve as a multivitamin for dogs, supplying them with glucosamine, vitamins C, E, and B-Complex, MSM, and cod liver fish oil to support healthy muscular growth and immunological function.

These chews are available in quantities of 90, 180, and 250. So, there exists a container size regardless of the quantity required! Due to the fact that they are soft chews, you may incorporate them into your dog’s training treat rotation. But be careful to keep them out of the reach of people who do not recognize that these goodies are also medicine.

Pros

  • One soft-chew vitamin chew provides coverage for all bases.
  • Includes both MSM and Probiotic
  • Help for joint and digestive health

Cons

  • Soft chews may be confused with goodies.

 

PetNC Natural Care Soft Chews for Hip & Joint

Don’t worry if you’re on a limited budget! PetNC’s Natural Care Hip Joint Soft Chews are the most cost-effective glucosamine supplements for dogs. These soft chews come in a 90-count packet and contain chondroitin and MSM for better joint support.

Now, the lack of other vitamins and minerals might be a significant drawback for pet parents seeking for a multivitamin for their dog. However, these liver-flavored sweets are ideal for the world’s finicky eaters.

Pros

  • Flavored with the liver to entice finicky eaters
  • Contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM to enhance joint health.

Cons

  • Packaging is liable to damage during delivery

 

NutraMax Cosequin Enhanced Potency

Cosequin Maximum Strength from Nutramax contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM in chewable tablets to promote healthy joints and mobility. These are the most recommended glucosamine supplements for joint health and mobility by veterinarians. Because of this, we recommend them as the finest premium glucosamine supplements for dogs.

These chewable pills may be administered to your dog whole or crumbled and added to their diet. They are safe for all breed sizes and life stages.

Pros

  • Veterinary recommendation
  • Safe for all stages of life and all breed sizes

Cons

  • Some dogs may be unwilling to consume the pills.

 

10-in-1 Multivitamin Peanut Butter Soft Chews from PetHonesty.

The 10-in-1 Multivitamin from PetHonesty is one of the most comprehensive multivitamins for dogs, making it an excellent option for someone who wants to give their puppy a head start. These soft chews include 20 vital vitamins, glucosamine, and omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy growth and maintenance of your dog’s joints.

Your canines will like these peanut butter-flavored soft chews as much as they enjoy their treats. But be cautious not to mix them, since too much of a good thing is unhealthy as well!

Pros

  • Peanut butter treats are excellent for finicky canines.
  • Made and sourced in America

Cons

  • It may be mistaken for a snack.

 

NaturVet Moderate Care Glucosamine DS Plus

The Glucosamine DS Plus soft chews from NaturVet are specially formulated and designed to aid dogs in need of a little extra joint support.

These are designed specifically for adult and overweight pets, so if you have a puppy, you may want to look elsewhere. They contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM to promote joint health and reduce the aches and pains associated with daily exercise.

Due to the fact that these are not multivitamins, dog owners seeking a more comprehensive option should probably avoid them. But those seeking a straightforward, no-frills joint support supplement need look no further!

Pros

  • Nothing more, just what it says on the tin
  • Formulated joint support for adult and overweight pets

Cons

  • Not a multivitamin

 

Vet’s Best Chewable Aches & Pains Tablets

Vet’s Best Chewable Tablets give aspirin-free pain treatment and joint support, making them ideal for dogs with early-stage arthritis who may require additional pain relief and joint support. These pills include glucosamine, MSM, pineapple bromelain, and white willow bark to give achy pets pain relief and joint support.

They are created by American veterinarians with plant-based ingredients and authorized by the National Animal Supplement Council. Additionally, they are sourced and manufactured in the United States for pet owners who want to purchase items made domestically.

Pros

  • Veterinarian formulated
  • Offers both pain alleviation and joint support.

Cons

  • Some dogs may not enjoy the tablet’s texture.

 

The VetriScience GlycoFlex III Stage

The GlycoFlex Stage III soft chews from VetriScience are particularly recommended for dogs in need of joint and connective tissue support. Also recommended for dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery are these soft chews.

These soft chews are specially formulated for joint health with Perna, MSM, glucosamine, DMG, and antioxidants! They increase joint strength and prolong your dog’s mobility. It is clinically proven that these supplements increase hind leg strength by 41% in four weeks!

Pros

  • Clinically proven to increase hind leg muscle strength
  • Contains a variety of vitamins and minerals to support joint and connective tissue health.

Cons

  • Not a multivitamin

 

Synovi G4 Joint Supplement Soft Chews

G4 Soft Chews by Synovi is the ideal all-natural joint supplement for promoting healthy joint development and other immunological functions. This supplement combines a mix of natural anti-inflammatory, immune support, and antioxidant components that will assist in maintaining your dog’s comfort and mobility.

Pros

  • All-natural
  • Anti-inflammatory properties

Cons

  • Expensive

 

Hip and Joint Anti-Inflammatory Waggedy

Together with MSM and glucosamine, Waggedy’s Anti-Inflammatory Hip & Joint soft chews provide long-term support for the hips and joints. When it comes to joint support and anti-inflammation, these are fairly basic; you won’t find any surprises!

Pros

  • Exactly as stated on the label
  • Anti-inflammatory

Cons

  • In terms of formulation, skeletal

Buyer's Guide

What Is the Function of Glucosamine?

Let’s delve into some additional specifics concerning glucosamine. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring molecule composed of glucose and glutamine amino acids.

Glucosamine is a cartilage building block, therefore an increase in glucosamine will promote cartilage formation. It is also responsible for maintaining the lubrication of the joints with synovial fluid by thickening the liquid that supports the joints.

Your dog’s body makes glucosamine naturally, but as they age, the quantity generated by the body is insufficient to maintain joint health over the long term. Glucosamine supplementation has been demonstrated to have significant favorable impacts on the health of aged dogs.

Why Is Glucosamine Valuable?

In the body, glucosamine promotes cartilage development and thickens synovial fluid. Both cartilage formation and thicker synovial fluid enhance joint function and mobility, allowing your dog to remain active for a longer period of time.

Synovial fluid thickening has been proven to decrease the course of canine arthritis. Glucosamine is not, however, a treatment for degenerative joint conditions. Increasing the quantity of glucosamine in your dog’s system can aid in reducing stiffness and pain, helping your dog to remain active and healthy.

How might Glucosamine benefit my canine?

Physically Active

Glucosamine enhances joint function, stability, and flexibility, letting your dog’s joints retain their strength and range of motion for longer. Exercise is crucial to good health, and glucosamine supplementation can help your dog remain active and avoid obesity.

Eliminating Discomfort

Since glucosamine thickens the synovial fluid in the joints, the joints are able to move more freely and with less pain.

What Conditions Can Glucosamine Be Used to Treat?

If your dog has a hip or joint disease, your veterinarian may prescribe adding glucosamine to your dog’s regular routine. Despite the fact that glucosamine is not a solution for degenerative conditions, it can halt the evolution of some diseases and lessen the pain associated with them.

Dogs with arthritis

Arthritis in dogs is a degenerative joint condition marked by joint inflammation and pain. In extreme situations, it can cause loss of movement, stiffness, and even lameness if left untreated.

Arthritis in dogs is characterized by limping, slowness to rise, avoidance of stairs, difficulty entering or exiting the automobile and lack of interest in walks. There may be an increase in limping in the morning or during chilly weather.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a degenerative condition of the hip joint. Hip dysplasia is caused by a genetic abnormality of the hip joints and cannot be avoided altogether, even by selective breeding. Hip dysplasia will cause permanent lameness if left untreated.

The symptoms of hip dysplasia and canine arthritis are extremely similar. In instances of hip dysplasia, however, the symptoms are more pronounced in the hind legs. Additionally, hip dysplasia causes swaying while standing and a “bunny-hop” gait.

German Shepherd Dogs are more susceptible to hip dysplasia than other purebred dog breeds. When acquiring a dog from a breeder, a genetic study should be requested. A reputable breeder should be able to provide you with details about the dog and its parents.

Although glucosamine supplements cannot reverse damage or correct malformation of the hip joints, they can alleviate pain and increase the strength and mobility of the hip joints. Typically, hip dysplasia is detectable and diagnosed in puppies. However, the majority of dogs will not experience a significant decline until later in life.

Conclusion

Glucosamine is a vital nutrient for the health of dogs. It can enhance the lifespan and quality of life of our canines. Zesty Paws’ 8-in-1 Multivitamin was BestForPets (bestforpets.org)’s top pick for the best glucosamine supplements for dogs. PetNC’s Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews can be relied upon by frugal pet parents. NutraMax’s Cosequin Maximum Strength chewable tablets are the best premium glucosamine supplement for dogs if you can spend a little more.

Author Image

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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