Best Glucosamine for Dogs.
It is often said that good things do not last forever, like your dog maintaining his youthfulness. We disagree. Your friend should live all his life enjoying every piece of goodness it has to offer. That is why keeping him mobile is important. How do you achieve this? Keeping his joint health in perfect condition always.
Issues on hips and joints are a major health problem experienced by many pooches around the world today. This problem is common in aging dogs and occurs a lot in breeds like the German Shepherd that are predisposed to conditions like hip dysplasia. A leap here, a licking of joints there, stiffness, and inability to scale heights they could before are some of the tell-tale signs that signal the onset of joint discomfort in dogs. The wonderful news is that there is a silver lining in all this, glucosamine.
In the case you are thinking of administering it to your dog, here are some things you need to know.
What is Glucosamine?
Glucosamine hydrochloride is an amino sugar that is naturally produced by the dog’s body for the formation of collagen for the development of cartilage. It is also known to provide anti-inflammatory protection though in low quantities. Over time, the glucosamine production in the body wears down causing the cartilage to do so as well which then takes a toll on the joints. Glucosamine supplements should therefore be introduced to meet that deficit and ensure joints stay in good health. Glucosamine supplements are available in powders, tablets, creams, or liquids.
After sifting through the many products in the market, here are some of the best glucosamine products that will help maintain the healthy joint in your furry friend.
#1) Nutramax Laboratories Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement
This joint supplement has undergone rigorous research and is commonly recommended by vets whenever your canine starts experiencing difficulty in movement. Here, glucosamine has been combined with three key components that are all essential for great joint health. The glucosamine itself keeps cartilage in the right condition. It is then complemented by chondroitin which keeps off enzymes that cause break down in the cartilage. There is MSM, methylsulfonylmethane, a chemical that occurs naturally in dogs and is good in keeping pain or inflammation at a low. The product has hyaluronic acid which keeps the joints lubricated. With such a combination any joint health issues will be kicked out as soon as they try to crop up. The supplement is a chicken-flavored chewable tablet that works with dogs of all sizes. It also has some omega 3 beneficial to the skin. Overall, your dog gets a boosted immune system every time they consume this product. Features
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#2) Nutramax Laboratories Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews
The best glucosamine for dogs will constantly feature the addition of MSM because it not only kicks out inflammation but also assists with the formation of connective tissue in bones and keeps cartilage from wearing out. It is a naturally produced chemical by dog’s bodies but like glucosamine, its production declines as the pup grows older. This is why you need the help of products such as Nutramax Laboratories Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews to keep your buddy moving. This health supplement contains chondroitin, decaffeinated green tea extract, avocado/soybean unsaponifiables alongside the glucosamine to have cartilage functioning as is expected. Green tea extract and the avocado/soybean blend are antioxidant-rich for good oxidative balance which is needed for healthy joints. You will find this supplement helpful with large size dogs plus cats can benefit from it as well. Features
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#3) VETIQ Maximum Strength Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs
Aging is a beautiful and graceful process but as the youth fleets in dogs, joint issues can never be avoided. You will notice slowed-down movement with your once energetic fur ball slowly retreating to the couch and showing no liking for much activity. This should not be the case. At least not with VETIQ Maximum Strength Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs around to keep the dog happy and active. This supplement sources its ingredients from natural sources essential for enhanced mobility. What stands out in this product is that they not only have glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM for strong healthy cushioning in joints but also krill. Krill is great in promoting a healthy cardiovascular system and has omega 3s that keep skin and coat healthy. Each tablet is soft to the tooth and is seasoned with sweet chicken flavor that your dog will find irresistible. Features
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#4) PetNC Natural Care Hip and Joint Soft Chews for Dogs
Do you have a senior pooch experiencing hip and joint discomfort while still having a few teeth missing here and there? Do not be alarmed because PetNC Natural Care Hip and Joint Soft Chews are here for your troubles. For feeble or missing teeth, the tablets have been formulated to be gentle on the mouth for problem-free ingestion. These hip and joint chews have glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM for maintenance of great mobility in dogs. Every intake of this product delivers hyaluronic acid that is involved in lubricating the joints, vitamin C to take off oxidative stress on bones, and minerals that keep cartilage in great form. It is packed with yummy flavors to entice the choosy pups. The joint supplement is formulated by vets and has undergone thorough testing to ensure its effectiveness is felt in dogs with hip and joint problems. Improve the quality of life for your canine friend by trying this product today. Features
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#5) Zesty Paws Glucosamine for Dogs
Like human beings, not all pups welcome the idea of ingesting meds. With Zesty Paws Glucosamine for Dogs, you can easily get around that by breaking these savory flavored bites and mixing them up in their food. They come in chicken or duck flavors so you can choose according to how your dog likes it. Glucosamine is combined with chondroitin in this product to keep joints well lubricated. Chondroitin is big on strong cartilage maintenance. This brand has the OptiMSM that promotes good muscle form in the dog. This form of MSM is also a great relief for joint-related pain. For boosted immunity, the soft chews contain vitamin E and C. If your pup has sensitivities, you will be happy to know that this glucosamine supplement features no corn, wheat, or soy. Features
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#6) VETRISCIENCE Laboratories – Glycoflex 3 Hip & Joint Support for Dogs
As the name suggests, the VETRISCIENCE Laboratories – Glycoflex 3 Hip & Joint Support for Dogs is guaranteed to leave your pooch flexing his muscles. This brand features on our best glucosamine for dogs list because of its rich blend of ingredients brought together in tablet form to ensure a great quality of life for your fur friend even as he grows old. Glycoflex 3 is an improvement of the Glycoflex 1 that is focused on basic strength and 2 that offers moderate strength. Glycoflex 3 gives the ultimate strength to the active dog that requires his joints well fueled to keep up with activity. It is also recommended for the senior dog experiencing painful mobility. This formula brings glucosamine, MSM, and Perna canaliculus together for maximized joint support. Perna canaliculus is naturally sourced from sea life and has immense benefits on the dog. Along with great joint health, it possesses anti-inflammatory power, is rich in chondroitin, and releases a variety of minerals needed for good organ function. VETRISCIENCE Laboratories – Glycoflex 3 Hip & Joint Support for Dogs is available in chicken liver and duck flavors. What’s more, is that homes with cats can use this product too. Features
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#7) Petlab Co. Joint Chews for Dogs
Lastly, we have Petlab Co. Joint Chews for Dogs that combines carefully selected ingredients for the promotion of good joint health. Every chew of this supplement contains six key ingredients: glucosamine, green-lipped mussel, salmon oil, turmeric, and calcium fructoborate. Glucosamine for prevention of deterioration of cartilage, green-lipped mussel for fatty acids that keep off inflammation and related pains, turmeric for pain soothing as well, and calcium fructoborate is important for relieving joint discomfort and supports heart function. Together they keep your dog fully mobile even those with arthritis find relief in these chews. This supplement has a bit of pork flavor in it and have you met a dog that does not love a meaty taste addition in the mix? Neither have we that is why the brand assures they will savor it the moment it is offered. You can feed it as a snack, treat or add it to their food. Features
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Related
Types of Glucosamine
- Glucosamine Sulfate-This is simple glucosamine combined with sulfur that is useful in slowing down wearing out of the cushioning in bone cartilage. It is derived from shellfish
- Glucosamine Hydrochloride-This features a combination of glucosamine and chloride molecules and is usually manufactured from other non-shellfish sources. Vegetarians find it to be a great alternative to glucosamine sulfate
- N-acetyl-glucosamine -Unlike the other two forms, this one is a combination of glucosamine and acetic acid that is more complex than chloride and sulfur. It is great for joint health, skin and to some extent aids the digestion process.
Sources of Glucosamine
Apart from natural products in the body glucosamine can be found in any of the following sources
- Shellfish shells
- Chicken feet
- Beef, lamb, or goat
- Green-lipped mussel
- Bone broth
- Pork tails
When to Start Glucosamine for Dogs
When you notice your dog is experiencing difficulty in movement first take them to the vet for better diagnosis before giving any supplements. With the vet, you can identify how bad the condition is and the required level of dosage needed. However, vets recommend dogs predisposed to joint-related issues be started on glucosamine once they hit the adult stage to delay the onset of the problems that come with it. Some of the conditions that could call for glucosamine supplementation to a dog’s diet include:
- Stiff joints
- Resistance to activities they loved engaging in before
- Slow-motion when walking or getting up
- Groaning or aggressiveness when you touch these parts of their body
- Constant licking of joints
Glucosamine Dosage
Always go by the recommended dosage either by the vet or as is indicated on the product label. It may take some time before you see improvement on your dog after they have used the product but eventually, it starts to show. It is therefore important not to switch from one to another before you see any changes.
Different products have varying concentration levels and side effects if you are not careful with the selection. Depending on the situation, the dog may need to take the dosage for a short period or all through its life especially when they suffer from a given health condition. If you halt the administration of glucosamine to your dog, you might notice that they go back to experiencing pain, stiffness, and inability to move.
The weight of the dog is also a key player in determining the right dosage for them. The average glucosamine recommendation for dogs is 1000mg for dogs weighing 80 pounds downwards. Those at over 80 pounds will need about 1500mg
Frequently Asked Questions on Best Glucosamine for Dogs
Q: Does Glucosamine Have Side Effects in Dogs?
A: The reason glucosamine is most preferred as a treatment for osteoarthritis and joint health issues is how it is well tolerated in dog’s bodies. Side effects are on the low with this component though in rare cases you can find mild gastrointestinal issues like a dog being gassy or stool loosens, allergies, fatigue, excess thirst, and insomnia.
Q: Can My Dog Take Too Much Glucosamine?
A: Overloading the dog’s system with glucosamine can happen without you noticing and as much as it is harmless it overrides the intended purpose and effectiveness seeking to be achieved. Some chews are offered as treats and their flavor or great smell may lead the dog’s nose to where they are and he may end up consuming the whole bottle. Mostly your dog becomes nauseated, vomits, or diarrheas for a short period before the intoxication wears out. Other additional sources of glucosamine to the body may be the kibble you are feeding your pup.
Q: Can I Give My Dog Over the Counter Glucosamine?
A: No. While you may be tempted to go this direction, you might want to know that the formulation of glucosamine for humans can never equate to that of the dog because of their very different digestive systems. The products for humans may not pass the regulations set to be met by those of pets. Administering the correct dosage of human glucosamine on dogs can be difficult to determine. Also, there may be the addition of other ingredients that are tolerated by the human body but to the dog, it can even cause sickness.
Q: Does Glucosamine Work for Dogs?
A: Yes. Many users who have introduced glucosamine to their canine’s diet have come back with positive responses of improved condition. It has few side effects that is why it is most recommended for joint issues. Plus, glucosamine proves very useful when combined with other drugs and in other pet products.
Conclusion
Picking out some products for your fur baby can be a daunting task. On this one, you have to work with a vet because how on earth do you go about diagnosing when they cannot even speak up and tell you what it is they are feeling. If they recommend glucosamine then we got you. Our selection of the best glucosamine for dogs focuses not only on joint health but all-around health and we trust you bumped into one that matched your specific preferences.