There is nothing quite like cuddling up to your pup. They provide all kinds of things for us. They are able to comfort us when we are feeling sad, they make us laugh with their silly antics, and they are always there when we just want to snuggle and binge-watch our favorite shows. Dogs really are “man’s best friend.” But just like us humans, our pups do grow up, and they age, just as we do. So, naturally, their joints aren’t going to be what they used to, either.
The cartilage in between your dog’s joints can break down over time. They can even get arthritis. But in this day and age, we are able to help them. With a good glucosamine supplement for them, we are able to help ease their pain and help them continue to go for walks, and even run around like the puppies they once were. We reviewed dozens of glucosamine for dogs to identify the best of the best. We considered factors like dosing, ingredients, materials and more.
Created with globally sourced ingredients, Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement is a great choice for your dog. It is the number one recommended glucosamine supplement for dogs!
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Glucosamine Supplements For Dogs
Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
---|---|---|
Best Glucosamine For Dogs Overall | Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement | 4.7 |
Best Glucosamine Chews for Dogs | Zesty Paws Glucosamine for Dogs | 4.6 |
Best Budget Glucosamine For Dogs | PetNC Natural Care Hip and Joint Soft Chews | 4.3 |
Best Glucosamine Tablets for Dogs | Lloyd and Lucy's Glucosamine Tablets For Dogs | 4.3 |
Best Liquid Glucosamine for Dogs | TerraMax Pro Liquid Glucosamine | 4.4 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Glucosamine For Dogs Overall: Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement
If your aging pup has trouble running, jumping, climbing up the stairs or trotting along on your daily walks, Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement is here to help your fetching fido out. They are there to help restore their joints to what they were when they were younger. Veterinarians everywhere recommend this supplement. It has been scientifically studied and is excellent to use for the long-term in order to help maintain healthy cartilage and provides joint support.
It also features MSM’s – Methylsulfonylmethane, which is a form of sulfur that is naturally occurring and it helps to support tendons and muscles in your dog’s body. They come in a tasty chewable tablet that your dog will enjoy. It is safe to give to dogs of all sizes. These supplements have been shown to be safe and effective in various peer-reviewed published veterinary studies. Every batch of Cosequin is subject to stringent quality control, so you can be sure that you are always receiving the best product for your dog.
Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement Key Features:
- Helps maintain healthy cartilage
- Provides joint support
- Contains MSMs
- Safe and effective
Best Glucosamine Chew for Dogs: Zesty Paws Glucosamine for Dogs
Perhaps you do not want to give your dog a tablet, or they will not take it. Another great option to give them what they need is a glucosamine chew. Zesty Paws Glucosamine for Dogs is a great choice for your dog. The chews come in a duck flavor, which your dog will find hard to resist, so it will be very easy to give these to your furbaby. These “Mobility Bites” are specially formulated to relieve pains, aches, inflammation, and soreness in your dog.
This specific supplement has a unique form of MSM. It undergoes multiple distillation processes for 99.9% purity. The purpose of that is to lubricate your dog’s joints so they can move with less pain. There are also no artificial flavors or ingredients, it comes in a grain-free formula and made with all-natural ingredients. Not only does this glucosamine supplement help your dog’s joints, but it also helps to promote immune and cardiovascular support. You can support your active dog with this supplement, as well as reduce pain and cushion their hips and their joints. They will have a better range of motion and feel better in general. These are great for any sized dog.
Zesty Paws Glucosamine for Dogs Key Features:
- Specialized MSM helps lubricate dog’s joints
- Grain-free
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Great for any size dog
Best Budget Glucosamine For Dogs: PetNC Natural Care Hip and Joint Soft Chews
These veterinarian formulated soft chews are the perfect choice for picky eaters. PetNC Natural Care Hip and Joint Soft Chews give your dog a better range of motion and will ease any pain that they may feel. The ingredients in this formula are human-grade, so you know that you are getting a high-quality product for your beloved pooch. They lab test all of their batches. The liver flavor will be delicious to your dog, and they will not turn their nose up at it, in fact, they make even think that they are getting a treat.
In addition to having glucosamine in it, there is also chondroitin sulfate, which protects existing cartilage and will slow the breakdown of anymore, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and manganese. The hyaluronic acid in it helps to keep the viscosity of joint fluid. The vitamin C is to promote bone cartilage growth and the manganese, zinc, and copper are natural and form a biochemical reaction that helps to form cartilage. PetNC has earned the honor of being a part of the National Animal Supplement Council, which ensures that you, as a customer are purchasing a product from a reputable manufacturer. These are best used in dogs over the age of 18 weeks.
PetNC Natural Care Hip and Joint Soft Chews Key Features:
- Veterinarian formulated
- Lab-tested batches
- Human-grade ingredients
- Liver flavored
Best Glucosamine Tablets for Dogs: Lloyd and Lucy’s Glucosamine Tablets For Dogs
Dogs believe that they are getting a treat when you give them Lloyd and Lucy’s Glucosamine Tablets For Dogs. Each tablet includes glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, and vitamin C. Each tablet is infused with a savory delicious liver flavor that dogs will go crazy for. It does not contain sugar, starch, gluten, wheat, corn, milk or soy derivatives. This is especially important if your dog has a sensitive stomach and can’t handle some of those ingredients.
All of their products are made within the United States, so you do not have to worry about imported ingredients. Everything is made with wholesome and high-quality ingredients. A great way to give these to your dog is either in the morning or at night, and they will think they are just getting a little bit of an extra treat. These are great for dogs who need a little help with their hips and joints. There are little to no side effects. It is very rare that there are any at all. They list various loading doses for dogs of different sizes. The loading stage typically takes between 4-6 weeks. After that, they suggest a maintenance dose.
Lloyd and Lucy’s Glucosamine Tablets For Dogs Key Features:
- Tasty liver-flavored tablets
- Dogs think its a treat
- Free of most ingredients that can irritate the stomach
- Little to no side effects, very rare
Best Liquid Glucosamine for Dogs: TerraMax Pro Liquid Glucosamine
It is super easy to give your furry best friend the dosage with TerraMax Pro Liquid Glucosamine. It is so simple, all you have to do is give your dog the recommended dosage as a few drops in their drinking water each day. Because of its liquid state, it absorbs much better than other forms of glucosamine. Veterinarians recommend this brand for dogs. It is made with only the highest-quality human-grade ingredients. Not only does this liquid glucosamine help with their skin, inflammation, stomach ailments and more.
This formula also benefits your dog’s eyes, skin, bones, muscles, and nails. It also can promote wound healing. It has 62% more glucosamine than other formulas out there on the market. It has 100% pure aloe juice. What it does not have is wheat, soy derivatives, dairy, starch and more, so it is safe to give your dog, even if they have a sensitive stomach. Their formula is all-natural and is made in an FDA and cGMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified facility. Your dog won’t even know that they are getting a supplement. Each day, with each dose, you can improve their quality of life with this.
TerraMax Pro Liquid Glucosamine Key Features:
- Made for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Benefits skin, nails, muscles and bones
- Promotes wound healing
- Easy to administer
Who Should Buy Glucosamine For Dogs
Anyone with an aging dog would benefit from purchasing a form of glucosamine for their dog. As the aging process progresses, your dog’s joints begin to weaken, and thus so, it makes it hard for them to run around, play, and sometimes even walk as they used to when they were younger. Also, sometimes, dogs can be diagnosed with arthritis, just like us, humans. A glucosamine supplement would benefit them greatly.
Many glucosamine supplements also have various other ingredients that can help your dog with other issues. Some have a calming effect on your pup, while others promote healthy skin and a healthy coat. Another great idea and they probably don’t receive donations of this too often, is to donate a dog glucosamine supplement to your local animal shelter for the older dogs that they are taking care of. You can help restore the youthful vigor that they once had!
Important Features To Consider
Glucosamine for dogs should help their mobility, use proper ingredients, be safe for them to take, come recommended, and be able to be administered easily. Here is what to consider when selecting a glucosamine supplement for your dog.
- Ingredients. This is possibly the most important feature to consider when it comes to purchasing a glucosamine supplement for your dog. You want to take a good hard look at the ingredient list. Some of the ingredients that you want to look for in a good supplement are MSMs, Chondroitin, vitamin C, and more. All of those ingredients combined make for a great formula that can help your dog’s joints and hips and have them up and walking around comfortably in no time.
- Recommendations. It is a good idea to find a glucosamine supplement that comes with a veterinarian’s recommendation. You will typically find that when you are looking at supplements, they are also tested for quality and purity. If you are not sure, you could always ask your veterinarian, if you find one that you like, just ask them about it, and they will be more than happy to tell you what they think about it.
- Safety. We all want our pets to be safe, especially when it comes to something like supplements. You do not want to find a supplement that is full of fake ingredients or ingredients that are known to upset a dog’s digestive system. Try to look for all-natural glucosamine supplement formula. These will be made with ingredients that are found in nature, and are also listed as “human-grade,” meaning that it is safe for humans to ingest. Again, most supplements are tested in labs, to make sure that you, the consumer, and your dog, the one taking the supplement is getting the best possible product.
- Administration. There are so many different kinds of glucosamine supplements out there. In saying that, there are various methods of administration when giving the supplement to your dog. For example, for dogs that do not like tablets, there are plenty of liquid glucosamine supplements that can easily be added to drinking water. On the other hand, there are also chewable, and your dog may think of that as an extra treat for them and take it easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is glucosamine for dogs and how does it work?
Glucosamine, in and of itself is a compound that is found occurring naturally in connective tissue. It is the same for dogs. When their connective tissue and cartilage between their joints begin to wear down over time, a supplement of glucosamine may be needed. This is because the glucosamine they were once making has slowed down. It is used to help build and maintain the connective tissue in your dog’s joints and their hips. It is especially helpful if your dog is having pain or trouble walking. It can help to lubricate the joints to make it less painful for them to do the activities that they used to do.
How long does it take for glucosamine to work in dogs?
It depends on your dog’s system. It can take up to 30 days in order for a glucosamine supplement to fully take effect on your dog. Typically there are recommended “loading doses” when it comes to the supplement. Loading doses are usually pretty high compared to a maintenance dose. Loading doses can take 4-6 weeks. After that, you would give your dog a maintenance dose, which is lower than a loading dose and is just used to maintain the amount of glucosamine in your dog’s body.
What are the side effects of glucosamine for dogs?
Luckily, there are not too many side effects that have been reported when dog glucosamine has been taken. Since glucosamine is more of a food “supplement” than it is a drug, it would have to be given in a very large dose in order to be toxic to your dog. There are some cases where dogs do have side effects. For example, a dog may be allergic to glucosamine, and thus so, would not be able to take glucosamine, but would have to find a substitute. Other rare side effects can include fatigue and insomnia. In dogs with diabetes, some worry about the sugar that could be in these supplements. In high doses, glucosamine may cause excessive thirst and urination.
How much glucosamine do you give a dog?
This all depends on the size of your dog. If you are looking to start a glucosamine supplement with your dog, it may be best to speak with your veterinarian about how much glucosamine you should give your dog, depending on what breed and how much they weigh. Loading doses, as stated above, will be higher, in the beginning, to get the glucosamine into their system. After that, it would simply be a maintenance dose. But the best way to know for sure is to contact your veterinarian.
Other Glucosamine Supplements For Dogs We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other glucosamine supplements for dogs. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best glucosamine supplements for dogs, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your dog. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Glucosamine Chondroitin Complexes
- Glucosamines With Hemp
- Glucosamine Powders
- Glucosamines With Turmeric
Glucosamine Chondroitin Complexes
aSquared Nutrition Glucosamine Chondroitin
With maximum strength formula for your dog’s joints, this is a powerful supplement. It supports your dog’s joints and cartilage health.
Key Features:
- Non-GMO
- Has turmeric, which helps relieve joint pain
- No preservatives
Cost: $25
California Dog Supplements Joint Supplement For Dogs
This supplement is made with MSM’s to promote mobility. This comes veterinarian recommended.
Key Features:
- Manufactured in small batches
- Can be sprinkled over food
- Great for dogs of all sizes
Cost: $27
Created with natural, safe and organic ingredients, so you don’t have to worry. The supplement features innovative ingredients.
Key Features:
- 4 month supply per container
- Non-GMO
- Contains Icelandic Green Algae Kelp, Turmeric and more
Cost: $25
NTSUTSI Glucosamine Chondroitin Joint Supplement
These chewable bites taste just like a treat – your dog will never know its a supplement! It helps to alleviate joint pain and wear.
Key Features:
- Protects and cushions joints
- All-natural ingredients
- Features flaxseed, oat flour and rice bran
Cost: $20
Paws & Pals Glucosamine Supplement
Their extra-strength formula uses vitamins, antioxidants, plants and more to help your dog’s joints. This formula helps with arthritis.
Key Features:
- Features Yucca Schidigera, which also helps to combat dry skin
- Helps heal inflammation
- Contains 400MG MSMs
Glucosamines With Hemp
fur belly Glucosamine for Dogs
The hemp in this formula helps to reduce inflammation. This will help your dog regain mobility.
Key Features:
- Organic ingredients
- Chicken flavored
- No artificial ingredients
Cost: $28
FurroLandia Hemp Hip & Joint Supplement
These hemp chews will soothe your dog’s joint pain. It will also support their hip health.
Key Features:
- Infused with 8,000MG of hemp oil
- GMO-free
- Gluten-free
Cost: $39
LEGITPET Hemp Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs
Using organic hemp oil, this formula helps your dog’s joints and is nutritious for them. It also helps to improve skin and coat health.
Key Features:
- Improves immune system
- Extra MSM & Chondroitin
- Soft treat
Cost: $25
Primova Pet Products Hemp Hip and Joint Supplement
This is a grain-free and veterinarian approved supplement. Their treat’s taste is “dog approved.”
Key Features:
- Also supports heart, brain, liver and kidney health
- No artificial ingredients
- Non-GMO
Cost: $33
StrellaLab Hemp Treats + Glucosamine for Dogs
These chews contain natural and premium ingredients. It is good to use in pets of all ages.
Key Features:
- No artificial flavoring, sugar or hormones
- Provides inflammation relief
- Infused with 15,000MG of hemp oil
Glucosamine Powders
NuLife Natural Pet Health Advanced Glucosamine Powder for Dogs
The convenient powder form can be easily sprinkled over your dog’s food. This formula alleviates arthritis and hip dysplasia.
Key Features:
- Contains 74 naturally-occurring trace minerals
- Fortified with nutrients
- Has coral calcium which helps strengthen bones
Cost: $28
NaturVet – Joint Health Level 3 Powder
This veterinarian-formulated powder will help support healthy joint function. It also contains important antioxidants.
Key Features:
- NASC certified
- Antioxidants fight free radicals
- Easily absorbed
Cost: $16
Nupro Joint Support + Glucosamine
This formula helps arthritic joint pain. It also lists vitamin C as an ingredient.
Key Features:
- Helps improve appetite
- Aids in digestion
- Has Norwegian kelp and bee pollen
Cost: $50
The Missing Link Original Superfood Dog Supplement
Featuring superfood nutrition, this supplement is easy to administer. It also will help with your dog’s coat and skin.
Key Features:
- Non-GMO
- Contains vital nutrients
- Has Omega-3 fatty acids
Cost: $24
Vet Classics ArthriEase Gold Powder
With a blend of antioxidants and enzymes, it helps your dogs mobility. The chondroitin acts as a lubricant.
Key Features:
- Contains MSMs
- Helps increase dog’s activity
- Clinically tested
Glucosamines With Turmeric
Whippy Glucosamine for Dogs Turmeric Superblend
Along with glucosamine, turmeric is powerful and helps their joints and improve their mobility. It also features other vitamins and minerals as well.
Key Features:
- Turmeric super blend
- MSMs
- Convenient tablet form
Cost: $6
K9 Dimensions Multi-Health Premium Supplement
This powerful supplement is easy to administer. Amongst turmeric, it has many helpful ingredients.
Key Features:
- Human-grade ingredients
- Aids in digestion
- Supports heart and liver
Cost: $38
Pet Faves Natural Dog Hip & Joint Supplement
This supplement supports heart health as well as helping hips and joints. It also enhances longevity.
Key Feature:
- Has hemp oil in it
- Natural ingredients
- Veterinarian recommended
Cost: $27
PetHonesty Glucosamine for Dogs
With 8 ingredients, including turmeric, this supplement helps your dog regain mobility. It also has antioxidants that help prevent inflammation.
- VeggieBlend base
- Carrot, sweet potato and tomato base
- Veterinarian formulated
Cost: $26
WellyTails Glucosamine Chondroitin Turmeric Dog Joint Supplement
DHA and EPA are in this supplement, helping your dog’s range of motion and for joint support. It is a savory gravy flavor that your dog will love.
Key Features:
- Mixes up as a gravy that dogs will love
- Rich in turmeric
- Tummy friendly ingredients
Cost: $32