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Choosing the Best Glucosamine for Your Dog’s Joint Health

Micki Bleha
Written By Micki Bleha
Writer + Editor
Last updated: Sep 2, 2024, 01:26 PM
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dog joint health

Everyone wants to age gracefully. I know I sure do. We take good care of our health and well-being and we take different supplements to delay the signs of aging. But when it comes to our four-legged companions, we often neglect that they have unique nutritional needs for aging as well. Their signs of aging are so subtle that we sometimes miss them. If you see that your dog spends most of the time sitting, hesitates using the stairs, and doesn’t run around the house like he used to, he might have osteoarthritis.

If you don’t want to lament over your four-legged companion’s mobility, you should get a glucosamine supplement to prevent painful conditions. The main reason behind elderly joint pain in dogs is that protective cartilage between bones wears away with age. When bones rub against each other, the friction causes inflammation, causing your dog to experience joint pain. Glucosamine supplements improve the joint and bone health of older dogs, but with tons of vitamins and supplements available, you can easily end up buying the wrong product. To help deal with this issue, we reviewed and recommended some great glucosamine supplements for dogs in 2024 for your pet’s overall well-being.

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Our Top Picks of Glucosamine for Dogs

Comparing Our Favorite Glucosamine for Dogs in 2024

Well Loved Glucosamine for Dog

Best Overall
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If your dog could use some mobility support, the Well Loved Glucosamine for Dog supplement could be a high-quality addition to their diet. These soft chews promote joint health and reduce symptoms of pain and stiffness from old age and trauma.

This glucosamine supplement features only natural ingredients, making it a safe addition to your dog’s healthy diet. It comes in a delicious chicken taste to tempt even the pickiest of eaters.

These supplements are veterinarian approved and are suitable for dogs of all ages. It gets the top overall spot on my list becuase of its natural ingredients and delicious dog-favorite flavor.

Product Pros
  • Promotes healthy joints
  • Enjoyable chicken taste
  • Features natural ingredients
Product Cons
  • May cause loose stools

VetPro Glucosamine for Dog

Best Ingredients
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Vetpro’s glucosamine supplement is formulated by seasoned veterinarians to relieve painful osteoarthritis, reduce joint damage, and treat hip dysplasia. This unique hip and joint supplement promotes liver health, supports the digestive tract, and strengthens skin coats. The formula is suitable for all dog breeds, ages, and sizes; just adjust the dose.

It contains five times more glucosamine than other supplements, which is definitely appealing to me as an elderly dog owner. This type of product saves you in the long run by avoiding costly vet visits and medications. 

Active and playful dogs may suffer from painful swelling in their paws, hips, and joints. This joint enhancer has natural turmeric root powder to alleviate inflammation. I even use turmeric for my own health as it is a superroot with amazing anti-inflammatory benefits. Moreover, a healthy heart, gut, and liver are critical for your furry fellow’s well-being, and this product contains omega-3 fatty acids to improve a pet’s coat and promote a healthy heart. 

Product Pros
  • GMP-certified supplement
  • Vet-approved formula
  • 5x more glucosamine
  • Made in the USA
Product Cons
  • Chews clump together due to humidity

Vet Naturals Glucosamine for Dog

Smart Formula
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Vet Naturals Glucosamine for Dogs provides optimum support for senior dogs’ hips, joints, and muscles with wholesome ingredients. The supplement contains Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and Devil’s Claw Root Extract, which helps to support senior dogs’ hip and joint health throughout their later years. 

The carefully formulated chews provide a good Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio of fatty acids and antioxidants for overall wellness. Additionally, the added collagen, vitamin E, and turmeric help maintain skin elasticity, and strong muscles and tendons which can helps reduce discomfort and promote mobility.

What stands out to me about this senior dog supplement is that it is made in the USA,  upholds excellent quality control standards, and has only natural ingredients. Moreover, these canine treats are tasty and chewy, making them easier to administer to aging pooches.

Product Pros
  • May improve pain associated with arthritis
  • Good supplement for joint pain and improved mobility
  • Helps alleviate discomfort and stiffness
Product Cons
  • Not the tastiest dog supplement out there

PetHonesty Glucosamine for Dog

Quality Ingredients
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The PetHonesty Glucosamine for Dogs is an advanced hip and joint chew supplement designed to provide relief from the stiffness, inflammation, and discomfort that I see arise in my own senior dog from everyday activities. With a combination of powerful natural ingredients, this product works to support healthy joint function and promote flexibility.

Glucosamine HCL, turmeric, green-lipped mussel, and balanced collagen all work to support synovial fluid and connective tissue, while also promoting a healthy inflammatory response in the joints. All these ingredients are sourced using strict safety standards, with green-lipped mussels coming from New Zealand and organic turmeric from India, so you can be sure you’re getting quality. As a bonus, the chews contain zero wheat, GMOs, corn, soy, or sugar. The chews come in a delicious natural chicken flavor that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. 

Product Pros
  • Helps alleviate pain from aching joints 
  • Improves mobility in older dogs, vet-recommended for hip and joint health
  • Excellent quality ingredients
Product Cons
  • Not the tastiest, but can be mixed with food

Finn Glucosamine for Dog

All-Natural Ingredients
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Just like humans, joint pain is quite a common health problem in dogs, especially as they get older or if they’re battling a condition like my dog who has osteoarthritis. Adding Glucosamine to their diet helps keep their joints strong and functioning properly.

This Finn Hip and Joint glucosamine product for dogs is one of the best products on the market. The amazing recipe tastes heavenly for your pooch and is loaded with the much-needed nutrition to fight off joint problems. It is filled with natural cheese, beef, and bacon to produce flavors that are appealing to most dogs, if not all! 

Product Pros
  • Tasty beef liver flavor
  • Glucosamine, MSM, and Chondroitin blend
  • Premium ingredients
  • Made in a NASC facility
Product Cons
  • Might cause stomach upset in some elderly dogs

Zesty Paws Glucosamine for Dog

Multifunctional Chew
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The Zesty paws supplement has an ingredient-rich 8-in-1 formula that offers essential ingredients, glucosamine, and multivitamins that support hip and joint health for better mobility. Moreover, it helps strengthen the immune system, supports the liver and gut, and enhances physical performance. This glucosamine supplement works well for dogs of all ages and sizes. 

The package has 90 soft chews of tasty chicken flavor to satisfy your four-legged companion’s taste buds. The active support ingredients are B-complex, MSM, and cod liver oil that help improve your pet’s general well-being. It also contains a five-strain dog probiotic blend to help promote gut flora for healthy bowel function. This is a great multi-functional choice for your pup.

Product Pros
  • Features powerful antioxidants
  • Safe for all dog breeds
  • 90 chicken-flavored chews
  • Packed with vitamins
Product Cons
  • Has potentially allergic ingredients like palm fruit

Petlab Co. Glucosamine for Dog

Great Source of Omega-3
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The Petlab Co. Joint Care Chews offer a high-quality joint supplement for your canine companion. This advanced formula contains green-lipped mussels, omega-3, and glucosamine that actively help ease everyday stiffness and support joint structure in your pets, old and young alike. Unlike traditional supplements that can be difficult to administer, these delicious pork-flavored chews make it easy for your pet to enjoy the benefits of this powerful mobility-supporting formula. With my own dog, I feel bad giving her poor-tasting supplements but, with this product, I don’t need to worry about that.

What makes the Petlab Co. Joint Care Chews so special is that they are made from top-notch ingredients sourced from the U.S. and prime locations worldwide. Their products are manufactured in the U.S., providing an assurance of quality for pet owners. The chews also use Time Released Technology (TRT) to optimize absorption and reduce digestive stress. These chews offer a safe and effective way to ease stiffness and ensure your pet enjoys a healthy, active, and comfortable life.

Product Pros
  • Delicious pork flavor that appeals most dogs
  • Uses time-release technology for effective absorption
  • Reduces digestive stress, great for elderly dogs
Product Cons
  • Chews can clump together if exposed to humidity

Nutramax Labs Glucosamine for Dog

Ideal for Large Dogs
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Unlike other joint supplements, Nutramax Cosequin has been scientifically researched to improve mobility and bone health in dogs, making it one of the top recommendations by veterinarians, which is something I look for as a dog owner. It contains MSM and hyaluronic acid that work as an anti-inflammatory to relieve joint pain and other ligament disorders. 

These chews promotes healthy digestion and also keep joints hydrated by increasing the thickness of protective cartilage, which works as a cushion between bones. Your dog will love munching on these chewable tablets. Nutramax recommends an initial daily dose for four to six weeks and then reducing it to half for best results, which is nice considering a lot of supplement makers don’t tell you if or when to adjust the dose. 

Product Pros
  • For all ages and sizes
  • Veterinarian recommended
  • Tasty chicken flavor
  • Chewable tablets
Product Cons
  • Some reports of upset stomach, but that’s common with natural supplements

Active Chews Glucosamine for Dog

Great for Older Dogs
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The next glucosamine supplement on our list comes from Active Chews, and it’s specially formulated to support mobility in aging dogs, like mine. With this supplement, your furry friend can start running circles around you just like the good old days. And the best part? Your dog will absolutely love the flavor, making it a tasty, nutrient-rich alternative to regular treats.

This supplement is packed with glucosamine, which helps lubricate joints and enhances the viscosity of the protective fluid, promoting better mobility and flexibility. It also works to relieve joint and hip pain, allowing your dog to move more comfortably. Plus, it includes turmeric, an ingredient well-known for its ability to support joint health and ease discomfort.

Product Pros
  • Ease joint pain 
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Supports healthy cartilage
  • Strengthens immune system
Product Cons
  • Picky dogs may not like the taste

YuMOVE Glucosamine for Dog

For Active Pets
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YuMove’s supplement is a triple-action formula that has made a real difference for my senior dog, helping to ease stiffness and improve joint structure and mobility. This scientifically-proven formula shows visible results after just six weeks of regular use, which is something I really appreciate. What I love most is that this supplement is backed by extensive clinical research, giving me confidence in its effectiveness.

The formula includes Chondroitin and Glucosamine, which provide strong bone support and help maintain healthy joints. It also features Hyaluronic acid, which efficiently lubricates and cushions joints, allowing for smoother movement. The added vitamins C and E work to further improve joint mobility. Plus, the supplement is powered by super-concentrated ActiveEase green-lipped mussel and joint-soothing omega-3s, keeping my dog active and happy.

Product Pros
  • 60-days money-back guarantee
  • Recommended by vets
  • Improves mobility 
  • Strengthen joints
Product Cons
  • Not ideal for super young pups

Glucosamine for Dogs: What To Know

If you’ve noticed that your dog is limping, sitting around all day, or refusing those evening runs they used to love, there’s a good chance they might be struggling with joint issues. I’ve been there with my own dog—it was heartbreaking to see her, full of spirit, unable to enjoy her favorite activities without pain. Playtime can become challenging for aging dogs, but glucosamine supplements can make a big difference. Since I started giving my dog glucosamine, I’ve seen her limp less and regain some of her old agility.

Glucosamine is a crucial component of your dog’s joints. As Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Linda Simon explains, “Glucosamine forms the building blocks of cartilage—the tough, shock-absorbing substance that cushions two bones at the joint.” Most glucosamine supplements are formulated with a mix of active ingredients designed to alleviate joint pain. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you need to know to choose the best glucosamine supplement for your furry friend.

How Do You Know If Your Dog Has Joint Problems?

Joint issues in dogs can be subtle and easy to miss at first. A common sign is when your dog begins to slow down and becomes more sedentary. While this may seem like a natural part of aging, it could also be a result of joint pain that makes movement uncomfortable. My own dog struggles more after a long walk, and I’ve noticed she hesitates before jumping onto the couch, likely due to joint pain.

Another telltale sign is reluctance to go up stairs or jump onto furniture. Your dog isn’t necessarily scared of missing a jump—they might be avoiding the discomfort that comes with it. If your pet is scratching their limbs after walking, standing with their hind legs close together, or limping, especially in colder weather, these could be signs of more serious joint problems like osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia.

How Does Glucosamine Benefit Dogs?

Glucosamine has been shown to help dogs with arthritis by reducing pain and inflammation while improving mobility. Dr. Simon suggests, “Bolstering a dog’s diet with glucosamine-rich foods or a supplement containing glucosamine can give your dog’s joints the extra protection they need to stay happy and mobile.”

Clinical studies have found that dogs receiving glucosamine and chondroitin supplements experience less pain and stiffness and show marked improvements in mobility and arthritis symptoms. There’s also evidence that glucosamine may help with conditions like hip dysplasia, though more research is needed to confirm these effects.

In summary, glucosamine offers several benefits for dogs prone to joint issues. Regular use of these supplements can significantly improve the quality of life for dogs suffering from arthritis, but it’s important to choose the right product, as not all supplements are created equal.

How Should You Give Glucosamine Supplements to Your Dogs?

Glucosamine supplements come in various forms, including soft chews, jerky treats, tablets, liquids, and powders. Soft chews are particularly popular among pet owners—myself included—because they make it easy to ensure your dog gets the correct dosage and can double as treats. These chews usually come in flavors like chicken, peanut butter, or fish, making them appealing to most dogs.

If your dog is a picky eater, you might prefer liquid or powder supplements, which can be mixed into their food without them noticing. However, this method might not work for dogs that are especially fussy about their food.

What To Look For When Purchasing Glucosamine for Dogs

  • Formula: The effectiveness of a glucosamine supplement often depends on the combination of active ingredients. The best products include additional components like chondroitin, MSM, or turmeric. Chondroitin helps with water retention in cartilage for optimal shock absorption, especially when paired with glucosamine. MSM has anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate joint pain in aging dogs, while turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory that’s safe for dogs of all ages.
  • Dosage: The concentration of glucosamine directly affects the supplement’s effectiveness. Always check the label to ensure you’re giving your dog the right amount. While it’s best to consult your veterinarian, a general guideline is around 20 mg of glucosamine per pound of your dog’s weight.
  • Safety: Your dog’s safety is paramount, so be cautious when selecting supplements. Avoid products with questionable ingredients or unverified sources. Choose lab-tested, FDA-approved supplements to ensure they’re safe for your pet.
  • Form: Choose a form of glucosamine that your dog will actually consume. Some dogs dislike swallowing tablets, while others might refuse chews. If your dog is picky, a liquid or powder form might be easier to incorporate into their diet.

I’ll Leave You With This

Choosing the right glucosamine supplement for your dog can make a world of difference in their comfort and mobility, especially as they age. By understanding the signs of joint issues and knowing what to look for in a supplement, you can help your furry friend lead a more active and pain-free life. Whether you opt for soft chews, liquid, or powder, the key is finding a high-quality, safe, and effective product that meets your dog’s specific needs. With the right supplement, you can support your dog’s joint health, allowing them to continue enjoying the activities they love for years to come.

People Also Asked

Why should I consult with my veterinarian before buying a supplement for my pooch?

Though supplements are safe to use, not all are made equal. Some manufacturers are using ingredients from dubious sources. Moreover, your dog might be allergic to some ingredients. So, it's better to seek your vet's opinion to know the type of supplement you should get, the right dosage for your furry baby, and any other information that could help you get the most suitable supplement for your dog.

What's the price of a glucosamine supplement?

Since different supplements can have a blend of different ingredients, the cost may vary widely. On average, you can find a dependable and reliable glucosamine supplement for $10 to $100. 

Should I get supplements for my pup only when he is old?

Absolutely not! You should start maintaining your dog's joint health from as early as 9 weeks. Starting your dog on supplements early on can help prevent different joint and hip issues as they age. 

What keeps a dogs joints healthy?

In addition to proper supplementation and diet, activity is essential to maintaining your dog's joint health. Movement is medicine for dogs too. If your dog is not getting regular walks and play, its joints will feel the negative effect and lock up over time. 

What other ingredients help joint health in addition to glucosamine?

In addition to glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, and turmeric all are great for your dog's joint health. Many glucosamine supplements are blends of these supplements.

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Micki Bleha
Micki Bleha
Writer + Editor
Pet Health
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