Best glucosamine supplements to consider for your dog

Glucosamine is one the most popular and widely used supplements in the United States, aside from vitamins and minerals. It is administered to humans and animals as well, for a variety of bones and joints related problems.

Glucosamine is a natural compound found in our bodies and its main role is to develop and maintain a healthy cartilage.

Why does your dog need glucosamine?

As dogs get old, their glucosamine production decreases and cartilage becomes damaged. That is when joint related problems occur. Your pet can develop arthritis, its mobility will get affected, it may suffer from inflammation and it can get to the point where it will be in pain simply from moving.

Glucosamine supplements can be of great help and can improve their condition and mobility significantly. While they cannot heal/treat the problem completely, they can be very effective in relieving pain, improving mobility and keeping everything under control. Some owners administrate them as a preventative measure. Glucosamine is helpful for hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, spinal disc disease, for speeding up the healing process after surgeries and more.

Larger dogs, very active dogs and dogs that are overweight can benefit from this supplement as well.

Glucosamine supplements will make your dog happier, more energetic and active. You can start giving glucosamine to your dog at any age, as long as you will respect the right dosage, which is why you should consult your vet. Most supplements are safe to be administered to dogs of any breed, age and size.

How to administer glucosamine to your dog?

Glucosamine usually comes in chewable tablets, liquid form or as a powder. There is no exact amount you should give; the dosage varies from dog to dog. Glucosamine is not FDA approved.

Chewables are a good option for dogs that like the taste and are willing to eat the supplements as a treat. However, not all dogs will accept them.

Liquid glucosamine is a better option in this case, because you can simply add it to your regular dog food.

Powder glucosamine is another option to consider, as it can also be sprinkled on your dog’s food. However, you should also make sure you choose one that seems to be more popular in terms of taste, because some powders have a really bad taste and you might still have problems with your dog eating it.

Here are the best glucosamine supplements to consider for your dog:

Doggie Dailies. The Doggie Dailies glucosamine supplements come in a soft chewable form and there are 225 treats in a pack. The tablets are a mix of vitamins, minerals and essential enzymes and nutrients necessary for your dog’s health and strength. They contain ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, yucca schidigera, coenzyme q10, hyaluronic acid, Omega 3 and 6, vitamin C, vitamin E, salmon oil, cod liver oil.

The treats have a tasty chicken flavor and are suitable for all dog breeds, ages and sizes. They are made in the US. They can be administered on a daily basis and help in relieving pain caused by arthritis, hip dysplasia, they lubricate joints and help in reducing inflammation.

The price for a pack with 225 chewables is approximately $34.

Cosequin DS Plus with MSM. The Cosequin DS Plus with MSM is one of the most popular supplements on the market. A pack of 132 chewable tablets costs $35. The product contains glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, methylsulfonylmethane and manganese. This blend is great for joints and improving mobility in dogs. Just like the Doggie Dailies, the Cosequin is also safe for dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes. It is recommended to initially administer it to your dog for 4 to 6 weeks.

ProSense.  ProSense is another great glucosamine supplement to consider for your dog. It also comes in a chewable form and you can choose packs with 60, 90 or 120 tablets. ProSense is a more budget-friendly option to consider. A pack of 120 tablets can be purchased for only $12.59 with Amazon Prime.

The ProSense supplement includes vitamin C as well, which promotes collagen growth. Collagen is an essential protein that determines the strength and elasticity of bones, hair, nails. A poor production of collagen (which is a common issue as dogs age) leads to a series of joint problems, injuries and others. ProSense is especially recommended to dogs that are overweight or/and old. Just like with Cosequin, the initial administration period should be somewhere from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how fast the dog responds to the treatment.

Zesty Paws. Zesty Paws is a complex multivitamin formula that contains over 35 essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. It is a 5 in 1 formula created to help your dog’s heart, immune system, digestion, skin & coat, hip & joint problems.

The chews come in chicken and peanut butter flavors and among others, they contain glucosamine & chondroitin, MSM, digestive enzymes, CoQ10, fish oil and vitamin E. Zesty Paws is also a great probiotic that helps with digestion and is effective against constipation, diarrhea and bloating. The supplement is suitable for dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes.

A pack of 90 chews can be purchased for $26.