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15 Best Glucosamine Supplements for Dogs – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Beth Crane

By Beth Crane

Vet approved

Dr. Lauren Demos  Photo

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Lauren Demos

DVM (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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owner giving a treat to shih tzu dog

If you’ve noticed your dog slowing up or hobbling around, the chances are you’ve looked into glucosamine supplements. There are so many available that it’s overwhelming to compare them, which is why we’ve stepped up and looked through all the options available to find the absolute best for your pup.

We looked at the formulations, various joint-protecting ingredients, and owner reviews to bring you our 15 best glucosamine supplements for dogs. Take a look and see which will suit your dog perfectly.

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A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
PetHonesty Multivitamin Soft Chews PetHonesty Multivitamin Soft Chews
  • Suitable for all life stages and breeds
  • Contains many vitamins, minerals, and prebiotics
  • 400 milligrams (mg) glucosamine bolstered by other ingredients
  • Best Value
    Second place
    PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chew PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chew
  • Great price
  • Simple yet powerful formula
  • Liver flavor ensures dogs will take them
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Nutramax Cosequin MSM Nutramax Cosequin MSM
  • High levels of glucosamine
  • Simple but effective formula
  • Formulated by veterinarians
  • Best for Puppies
    Duralactin Canine Joint Plus Soft Chews Duralactin Canine Joint Plus Soft Chews
  • Ideal for long-term use
  • Omega 3
  • Microlactin, high levels of glucosamine
  • VetriScience GlycoFlex Flavored Soft Chews VetriScience GlycoFlex Flavored Soft Chews
  • 1000mg of glucosamine and MSM
  • Clinically proven to improve hind leg strength in four weeks of use
  • Recommended for dogs recuperating from orthopedic surgery or injury
  • The 15 Best Glucosamine Supplements For Dogs 

    1. PetHonesty Multivitamin Chicken Soft Chews – Best Overall

    PetHonesty Multivitamin 10-in-1 Chicken Flavored Soft Chews Multivitamin for Dogs

    Lifestage: Adult, Puppy, Senior
    Breed Size: Small, Medium, Large
    Special Diet: No corn, wheat, or soy
    Form: Soft Chew
    Pieces per Pack: 90

    The PetHonesty Multivitamin 10-in-1 Chicken Flavored Soft Chews ticked all our boxes for the perfect glucosamine supplement for dogs. They’re chewy, tasty, and packed with additional ingredients that support the body’s absorption and use of the glucosamine in each chew. They contain everything your dog needs to stay fit and healthy, including vitamins, minerals, and prebiotics.

    PetHonesty is a multivitamin, and some owners might be put off if they’re only looking for glucosamine on its own. Also, only one flavor is available in this specific recipe, meaning dogs allergic to chicken won’t be able to take PetHonesty multivitamins. However, they’re suitable for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds, and it’s easy to see why they are our choice as the overall best glucosamine supplements for dogs.

    Pros
    • 400 milligrams (mg) glucosamine bolstered by other ingredients
    • Contains many vitamins, minerals, and prebiotics
    • Suitable for all life stages and breeds
    Cons
    • Only one flavor available
    • Not suitable for owners only looking for glucosamine

    2. PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Mobility Support Soft Chew – Best Value

    PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Mobility Support Soft Chew

    Lifestage: Adult, Senior, Puppy
    Breed Size: Small, Medium, Large
    Special Diet: Contains yeast and dairy
    Form: Soft Chew
    Pieces per Pack: 90

    If you’re looking for a simple and effective glucosamine supplement for your dog, look no further. We love the basic yet powerful formula of the PetNC soft chews, as all the ingredients are blended to support healthy mobility in any dog. Liver flavor makes them a really tasty treat, but the added cheese in the formula might upset those sensitive to dairy.

    Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is included in the mix, and it’s a potent anti-inflammatory used to treat joint conditions in people and dogs; these chews are an excellent choice if your dog has a condition such as arthritis. The glucosamine in the recipe is sourced from shellfish, so these chews are unsuitable for dogs with shellfish allergies. The excellent price and synergistic ingredient formulation of the PetNC soft chews make them our recommended pick as the best-value glucosamine supplements for dogs.

    Pros
    • Simple yet powerful formula
    • Liver flavor ensures dogs will take them
    • Great price
    Cons
    • Not suitable for dogs with a shellfish allergy
    • Made with dairy, and may upset some dogs’ digestive systems

    3. Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Plus MSM – Premium Choice

    Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Plus MSM

    Lifestage: Adult, Senior
    Breed Size: Small, Medium, Large
    Special Diet: Contains yeast
    Form: Chewable Tablet
    Pieces per Pack: 132

    High-quality ingredients formulated by veterinarians take these joint supplements to the next level, making them the official supplement choice of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. If you want to ensure the quality and performance of your dog’s joint supplement, these chewable tablets by Nutramax are the easy choice.

    Only three ingredients are included to bolster the glucosamine in these tablets (chondroitin, MSM, and manganese), but they all pack a punch and ensure joint protection and performance for your pup. These tablets contain 600 mg of glucosamine per tablet, so they are more than worth their high price. Unfortunately, the formula doesn’t contain any other additional beneficial ingredients and isn’t suitable for puppies, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a supplement better for your adult or senior dog’s joints.

    Pros
    • High levels of glucosamine
    • Simple but effective formula
    • Formulated by veterinarians for peak performance
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Not suitable for puppies

    4. Duralactin Canine Joint Plus Soft Chews – Best for Puppies

    Duralactin Canine Joint Plus Soft Chews

    Lifestage: Adult, Puppy
    Breed Size: Small, Medium, Large
    Special Diet: Contains wheat
    Form: Soft Chew
    Pieces per Pack: 90

    Duralactin is perfect for puppies who need a spring in their step. These chews are tasty and ideal for long-term use, meaning your dog can enjoy their benefits throughout its life! Duralactin chews contain dried milk proteins (microlactin), which protect and maintain joint function in puppies.

    In addition, 1,000 mg of glucosamine per chew ensure that your puppy has the joint support they need to run and grow, particularly for large breed puppies. Omega-3 fatty acids also protect the joints from wear, working with MSM and vitamin E to reduce inflammation and promote normal immune responses in the joints. Your puppy will also love the chicken liver flavoring, but the chews aren’t suitable if they’re allergic to chicken.

    Pros
    • Microlactin, high levels of glucosamine, and MSM protect and nourish joints
    • Ideal for long-term use
    • Omega 3 and vitamin E decrease inflammation
    Cons
    • Only one flavor, not suitable for dogs with chicken allergies
    • Microlactin is derived from dairy

    5. VetriScience GlycoFlex Stage III Chicken Flavored Soft Chews

    VetriScience GlycoFlex Stage III Chicken Flavored Soft Chews

    Lifestage: Adult, Senior
    Breed Size: Small, Medium, Large
    Special Diet: Contains whey and shellfish
    Form: Soft Chew
    Pieces per Pack: 120

    The VetriScience Glycoflex Stage III Chicken Flavored Soft Chews are formulated specifically for dogs that need support during athletic performance or recovery after orthopedic surgery, so you know the 30 years of expertise in the joint care field VetriScience boasts is being put to use. Stage III is part of their joint care program that uses high levels of glucosamine alongside MSM and vitamins E and C to support your dog’s joints regardless of weight.

    These joint supplements suit your dog if they are struggling with their hind legs, as the GlycoFlex chews have been clinically proven to increase hind leg strength by 41% in 4 weeks. However, these supplements only have one flavor, so fussy dogs might not take them. In addition, the glucosamine in these chews is sourced from shrimp and crab, boosting the purity and effectiveness but making them unsuitable for dogs with shellfish allergies. 

    Pros
    • Clinically proven to improve hind leg strength in four weeks of use
    • 1000mg of glucosamine and MSM
    • Recommended for dogs recuperating from orthopedic surgery or injury
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Only one flavor
    • Not suitable for dogs with a shellfish allergy

    6. Nutramax Cosequin Soft Chews with Glucosamine

    Nutramax Cosequin Soft Chews with Glucosamine

     

    Lifestage: Adult, Senior
    Breed Size: Small, Medium, Large
    Special Diet: Contains fish oil
    Form: Soft Chew
    Pieces per Pack: 120

    The Nutramax Cosequin soft chews have been formulated with specific ingredients to protect and maintain your dog’s joint health. These targeted supplements contain glucosamine, chondroitin, manganese, and MSM to support joint health and decrease recuperation time after injuries.

    The Nutramax Cosequin supplements will suit your dog if they only need a supplement specifically for their joints, particularly if they’ve started to show signs of mobility or flexibility problems. These supplements are perfect for preventative joint protection no matter the size of your dog, but they’re only suitable for adult and senior dogs.

    Pros
    • Targeted ingredients to support joints and work with glucosamine
    • A good choice for preventative joint support
    • Omega-3 fatty acids increase effectiveness
    Cons
    • May cause stomach upset in sensitive dogs
    • No additional beneficial ingredients
    • Not suitable for puppies

    7. Zesty Paws Senior Advanced 11-in-1 Bites Soft Chews

     

    Zesty Paws Senior Advanced 11-in-1 Bites Flavored Soft Chews

    Lifestage: Senior
    Breed Size: Small, Medium, Large
    Special Diet: Contain fish oil, chicken/beef, palm oil
    Form: Soft Chew
    Pieces per Pack: 90

    The Zesty Paws Senior chews are perfect if your older dog needs a boost alongside a healthy dose of glucosamine. These soft bites are formulated to provide senior dogs with all the support they need for their joints, brain, and heart to continue being healthy and happy. 200 mg of glucosamine is included in the formula; while this is a smaller amount than what’s found in some of the supplements in our list, the inclusion of MSM, chondroitin, and plenty of fish oil boost its effectiveness.

    In addition, the added curcumin, turmeric, and vitamin C provide anti-inflammatory support. Two flavors can satisfy picky pups, but if your dog has a sensitive stomach, the fish oil in the formula might upset them.

    Pros
    • Glucosamine is supported by additional ingredients
    • Specifically formulated for senior dogs
    • Two flavors for picky dogs to choose from
    Cons
    • Might cause stomach upset in sensitive dogs
    • Lower amount of glucosamine than other supplements on this list

    8. The Missing Link Hip & Joint Powder Supplement

     

    The Missing Link Hip & Joint Powder Supplement

    Lifestage: Adult
    Breed Size: Small, Medium, Large
    Special Diet: Contains fish and oysters
    Form: Powder
    Pieces per Pack: 1lb bag

    If your dog does not take tablets (or anything that even remotely looks like a tablet), The Missing Link’s hip and joint powder might be your best option. Along with the joint-protecting glucosamine, the power formula contains omega-3,omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids from flaxseeds, chondroitin, MSM, and calcium to support hips and bones. Probiotics in the formula help your dog absorb joint-beneficial ingredients, but the dietary fiber in the mix might cause digestive upset in some dogs. Also, dogs sensitive to fish can’t enjoy this glucosamine supplement, as it contains salmon and oysters.

    Pros
    • Powder formula is easy to give to your dog
    • Probiotics help the body absorb beneficial ingredients
    • All three omega fatty acids are present in the formula
    Cons
    • Dogs sensitive to fish can’t have it
    • High fiber might cause digestive issues

    9. Liquid–Vet Hip & Joint Support Chicken Flavored Liquid

     

    Liquid–Vet Hip & Joint Support Chicken Flavored Liquid

    Lifestage: Puppy, Adult Senior
    Breed Size: Small, Medium, Large
    Special Diet: N/A
    Form: Liquid
    Pieces per Pack: 32 oz bottle

    The Liquid-Vet hip and Joint Support Liquid is the perfect choice for dogs that won’t eat tablets. Three flavors are available to tempt your dog (chicken, bacon, or pot roast), and the liquid is easily dispensed in the cap for your dog to lap up. This liquid is specifically formulated for joint health, containing a blend of glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and hyaluronic acid to protect and lubricate joints.

    Liquid-Vet aims to relieve joint stiffness and pain by promoting lubrication and comfort when moving; if your dog is fussy but needs a glucosamine boost, this liquid is for you. While this joint liquid is great for dogs with joint issues, there aren’t any additional beneficial ingredients that can improve absorption or provide other health benefits. However, it may be the best option for dogs with food intolerances since no other proteins are added.

    Pros
    • Good for fussy dogs as it’s in liquid form and has three flavors
    • Safe for dogs with protein allergies
    • Formulated specifically for joint stiffness and pain
    Cons
    • Dosing correctly can be tricky (and messy)
    • No additional beneficial ingredients

    10. Synovi G4 Soft Chews

     

    Synovi G4 Soft Chews

    Lifestage: Puppy, Adult, Senior
    Breed Size: Small, Medium, Large
    Special Diet: Contains sugar and wheat
    Form: Soft Chew
    Pieces per Pack: 120

    The Synovi G4 Soft Chews are formulated for everyday joint health or as an addition to support dogs with joint and mobility problems. Chicken flavoring makes the chews palatable to most dogs, but they might not make the cut if your dog is fussy about their treats. The Synovi G4 joint chews combine 450 mg of glucosamine with synergistic ingredients to boost its effectiveness, such as creatine, MSM, and green-lipped mussels, but they don’t contain chondroitin.

    Antioxidants and anti-inflammatories such as vitamin C, manganese, grape seed extract, and turmeric work to reduce inflammation and joint pain, giving older dogs, in particular, a spring in their step. If your dog needs a supplement rich in antioxidants, the Synovi G4 chews are an excellent choice. 

    Pros
    • Glucosamine-boosting ingredients
    • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory blend
    Cons
    • No Chondroitin is included
    • Only one flavor is available

    11. PointPet Advanced Hip & Joint Duck Flavor

     

    PointPet Advanced Hip & Joint Duck Flavor

    Lifestage: Adult, Senior
    Breed Size: Small, Medium, Large
    Special Diet: Gluten, corn, and wheat free
    Form: Soft Chew
    Pieces per Pack: 90

    Adult and senior dogs of all sizes can enjoy the PointPet Advanced soft chews for their simple ingredients and effective formula. 800 mg of glucosamine means these chews contain higher amounts of glucosamine than others on our list, and rice bran and flaxseed provide an excellent source of omegas 3 and 6 to get it into the joints.

    Turmeric, black pepper, and curcumin provide anti-inflammatory action to promote joint comfort and help to relieve discomfort associated with joint problems. If your dog is active but is slowing down due to joint stiffness or mild pain, these chews are a good choice for their high glucosamine content and anti-inflammatory additives. However, the high oil content may cause digestive upset in sensitive dogs, and dogs that don’t like ducks won’t enjoy these duck-flavored chews.

    Pros
    • High amounts of glucosamine
    • Two sources of omegas 3 and 6
    • Formulated with anti-inflammatories to reduce mild pain
    Cons
    • Only one flavor
    • High oil content may cause digestive upset

    12. NaturVet Moderate Care Glucosamine DS Plus Soft Chews

     

    NaturVet Moderate Care Glucosamine DS Plus Soft Chews

    Lifestage: Adult, Senior
    Breed Size: Small, Medium, Large
    Special Diet: N/A
    Form: Soft Chew
    Pieces per Pack: 120

    The NaturVet soft chews are formulated to maintain joint flexibility and support the transport of glucosamine and chondroitin into the joints. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help coat the joints and deliver beneficial ingredients, and adding MSM, vitamin C, and vitamin A helps reduce inflammation and provide antioxidant action.

    Only one flavor is available, and it won’t tempt every dog. If your dog is an adult, these tablets provide timed-release joint support to prevent joint wear and support healthy joints into seniority. If you have a senior dog, fatty acids and antioxidants can help to reduce oxidative damage to the joint and promote smooth, painless movement. However, these chews are expensive for large breeds; dogs over 80 pounds need four chews as a single dose. 

    Pros
    • Promotes joint flexibility and smooth movement
    • Beneficial for adult and senior dogs
    • Antioxidants and omega fatty acids reduce oxidative damage
    Cons
    • Not cost-effective for large dogs
    • Only one flavor available

    13. Greenies Chicken Flavored Soft Chew

     

    Greenies Chicken Flavored Soft Chew

    Lifestage: Adult, Senior
    Breed Size: Small, Medium, Large
    Special Diet: Contains shellfish, wheat, corn syrup, milk
    Form: Soft Chew
    Pieces per Pack: 30

    Greenies Chicken chews are a great option for your dog if you only want joint-boosting ingredients from your glucosamine supplement. The four active ingredients (glucosamine, ascorbate, manganese, and chondroitin) work harmoniously to protect your dog’s joints and help them move comfortably. These chews are formulated by experts in the animal nutrition field and are made in the USA.

    They contain a good amount of glucosamine for your money (500 mg per chew), but they can be costly for larger dogs that need three chews as a single dose. Break the chew up if your dog is small; they’re pretty large and can pose a choking hazard. The natural chicken flavoring in the Greenies chews makes them tempting for most dogs, but they contain potential allergens (like milk and wheat).

    Pros
    • Formula includes other joint-protecting ingredients (chondroitin, ascorbate, manganese)
    • Made in the USA
    • Formulated by animal nutritionists
    Cons
    • Choking hazard for small dogs
    • Contains potential allergens
    • Costly for dogs over 50 pounds

    14. Nutri–Vet Hip & Joint Extra Strength Wafers

    Nutri–Vet Hip & Joint Extra Strength Wafers

    Lifestage: Adult
    Breed Size: Large
    Special Diet: Contains wheat, milk, egg
    Form: Treat biscuit
    Pieces per Pack: Approx 77

    If you have a large or giant breed, Nutra-Vet Hip & Joint Extra Strength Wafers are a cost-effective choice. While they don’t provide the largest amount of glucosamine per portion (300 mg per biscuit), they are a surefire way to protect your dog’s joints if they refuse other supplements. The tasty flavor is tempting for picky dogs, but they can be too tempting, so keep them out of reach!

    Also, if your dog is sensitive to wheat or dairy, these treats are unsuitable. These supplements are made in the USA and formulated to promote healthy joint function, but they lack some of the other vital ingredients that can help make glucosamine go further. 

    Pros
    • Formulated for large breeds
    • Tasty peanut butter flavor
    • Cost-effective
    Cons
    • Smaller amount of glucosamine
    • Contain potential allergens
    • No additional beneficial ingredients

    15. SmartBones Hip & Joint Care Chicken Chews

     

    SmartBones Hip & Joint Care Chicken Chews

    Lifestage: Adult
    Breed Size: Small, Medium, Large
    Special Diet: Rawhide-free, contains corn and fructose
    Form: Treat Stick
    Pieces per Pack: 16

    These treats are the most “treat-like” of the glucosamine supplements in this list. They combine a tooth-cleaning and satisfying chew with the benefits of glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamin E, and manganese for an antioxidant boost. These chews don’t have the most glucosamine (only 150 mg), but if your dog doesn’t like most supplements, they provide an alternative.

    One thing to note is that these chews are made in China, which may make some owners look elsewhere for glucosamine supplements. Biotin, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 are added to boost your dog’s skin and coat, and green-lipped mussels further protect their joints.

    Pros
    • Familiar treat chew design can tempt very picky dogs
    • Glucosamine gets a boost from chondroitin and green-lipped mussels
    • Antioxidants are included
    Cons
    • Made in China
    • Not suitable for puppies or senior dogs
    • Can be difficult to determine dosage

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    Final Thoughts

    Now that we’ve reviewed our top 15 picks for glucosamine for dogs, we hope you can dive in and find your perfect pick. For our best overall glucosamine for dogs, we chose the PetHonesty Multivitamin due to the amount of glucosamine and added beneficial vitamins that work harmoniously to protect joints.

    We loved the PetNC Natural Care Hip and Joint chews as they offer synergistic ingredients at an excellent price point. Finally, the Nutramax Cosequin chews were our premium choice, and the astounding levels of glucosamine and high-quality ingredients were reflected in their stellar reviews.


    Featured Image Credit: Hulabear, Shutterstock

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