9 Best Glucosamine Supplements for Dogs [2024]

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As our beloved canine companions age, they may experience joint discomfort and mobility issues, just like humans. Glucosamine supplements have gained popularity in recent years as a natural solution to support joint health and improve the quality of life for dogs. With a myriad of options available in the market, it can be challenging to discern which glucosamine supplements are the most effective and trustworthy.

In this article, we review the top glucosamine supplements for dogs, diving into their ingredients, efficacy, and safety profiles to provide you with a comprehensive guide. Whether your furry friend is a senior dog with arthritis, an athlete recovering from an injury, or a younger pup looking to maintain optimal joint health, our recommendations cater to a wide range of needs. So, join us as we explore the best glucosamine supplements to help your dog enjoy a happier, more comfortable life by their side.

Our Top Picks for the Best Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs

1. iHeartDogs Advanced 8-in-1 Hip & Joint Chews for Mobility
2. Cannanine™Advanced 9-in-1 Hip & Joint Chews
3. Pet Honesty Senior Hemp Mobility
4. VetIQ Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs
5. Nutramax Dasuquin Soft Chews
6. GlycoFlex Everyday, Daily Hip, and Joint Supplement
7. Vet’s Best Aches + Pains Dog Supplement
8. The Missing Link Hip & Joint Probiotics
9. iHeartDogs Bone Broth For Dogs Immune Support Powder

The 9 Best Glucosamine Supplements for Dogs

#1 – iHeartDogs Advanced 8-in-1 Glucosamine Hip & Joint Chews for Mobility

iHeartDogs Advanced 8-in-1 Hip & Joint Chews offer a unique blend of eight natural and powerful active ingredients that work together to promote healthier joints, less pain, and more activity. It’s all the benefits of glucosamine, green-lipped mussel, turmeric, and chondroitin captured in one tasty chew your dog will love. The addition of power plants Boswellia Serrata and Yucca Schidigera also helps pups find their easy and fluid stride once again! These joint chews are formulated by vets and made in the USA.

Key Features

• Eight powerful active ingredients
• Reduces painful inflammation
• Slows cartilage breakdown
• Improves mobility and flexibility
• Includes glucosamine and MSM
• Veterinarian-formulated for effectiveness
• Each bag purchased provides 14 healthy meals to shelter dogs

Pros

• Appropriate for dogs of all sizes
• Tasty soft chews from a trusted brand
• Highly palatable; even picky eaters approve
• Save 5% when you opt for auto-ship
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Reviewers mention the strong smell

#2 – Cannanine™Advanced Glucosamine 9-in-1 Hip & Joint Chews

Cannanine™Advanced 9-in-1 Hip & Joint Chews contains chondroitin, curcumin, organic turmeric, MSM, and omega-3 to support mobility and provide arthritis relief. All natural anti-inflammatory properties target joint pain in dogs suffering from hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other painful joint issues. These tasty chews are formulated to improve cartilage function for dogs, contain Hemp, and provide your pup with a source of stearidonic acid (SDA), a precursor to the long-chain fatty acids that deliver healthy benefits to the body. These are included in the formula to support your dog’s immune function. If you’re familiar with iHeartDogs 8-in-1 Mobility Chews, you notice these have the same ingredients as iHD 8-in-1 Mobility chews but with a boost of broad-spectrum Hemp.

Key Features:

• Tasty soft chew your dog will eat like a treat
• Includes powerful broad-spectrum hemp extract
• Rebuild cartilage and help restore your dog’s joint function.
• Supports immune health
• Formulated specifically for senior dogs
• Each bag purchased provides 14 healthy meals to shelter dogs

Pros

• Contains glucosamine and green-lipped mussels
• Helps skin, coat, and digestion
• Vet formulated
• Hemp extract is 3rd party tested up to 4 times
• Made in the USA

Cons

• On the higher end of the price scale due to the inclusion of premium Hemp

#3 – Pet Honesty Senior Hemp Mobility

PetHonesty Senior Hemp Mobility chews contain natural ingredients like glucosamine HCL, turmeric, green-lipped mussel, organic hemp oil, and a premium collagen form that work together to target inflammation and help improve your senior dog’s mobility. Choose from one of three tasty flavors and know your pup will also receive a healthy dose of veggies that includes carrots, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes when they gobble down one of these soft chews. You can also trust PetHonesty’s Hemp oil and powder contains zero THC but packs a load of Omegas 3, 6, and 9 to help improve joint function.

Key Features

• NO harsh preservatives, harmful steroids, or GMOs
• Formulated without corn, wheat, or soy
• Designed to relieve joint discomfort and stiffness, support cartilage growth, and more
• Supports healthy inflammatory response
• Delicious chicken, bacon, or duck flavor options
• Also contains a mix of nutritious vegetables

Pros

• Helps reduce joint pain
• Includes powerful natural ingredients
• Nothing fake, and no corn, wheat, or soy
• Three delicious flavors
• Available in two sizes – 90 or 180-count
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Packaging may lead to product drying out

#4 – VetIQ Glucosamine Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs

VetIQ Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs makes our list not only for their efficacy but also for their affordability. This chewable dog joint supplement contains glucosamine and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) to support cartilage and healthy connective tissue. They’re also a good source of hyaluronic acid and omega-3 fatty acids with DHA and EPA. These budget-friendly joint chews are made in the USA with high-quality ingredients such as krill oil and fish oil. And the delicious chicken flavor is a win for dogs.

Key Features

• Good source of hyaluronic acid and omega-3 fatty acids
• Triple-action supplement formulated for healthy cartilage, joints, and muscle
• Made with all-natural ingredients and real chicken flavor
• Supports hip and joint mobility in a tasty treat form

Pros

• Great value
• Provides vital omega-3s DHA and EPA
• Dogs love the flavor
• Veterinarian recommended
• Available in large 180-count pack
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Not for dogs with chewing difficulties

#5 – Nutramax Dasuquin Soft Chews 

Nutramax Dasuquin Soft Chews are formulated and recommended by veterinarians. They’re packed with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and delicious ingredients like avocado oils and green tea extract to promote cartilage growth and inhibit cartilage breakdown while providing a rich dose of antioxidants. They’re available in 84 or 150-count packages and are formulated with large dogs in mind.

Key Features

• Developed and recommended by veterinarians
• Supports cartilage structure and function
• Premium ingredients for optimal dog joint health
• Includes decaffeinated green tea for an antioxidant boost

Pros

• Formulated for large dogs
• Made in the USA
• Tasty soft chew
• High-quality ingredients

Cons

• Premium price
• Chews can dry out quickly without proper storage

#6 – GlycoFlex Everyday, Daily Hip, and Joint Supplement

Vetriscience GlycoFlex Everyday chews provide joint support while keeping within your budget. As one of the best hip and joint supplements for dogs, this economical choice is excellent for dogs of all ages who need additional nutrients to help strengthen and maintain hip, joint, and soft tissue health. In addition to glucosamine, these soft chews also include green-lipped mussels, which are packed with nutrients necessary to maintain healthy connective tissue, rebuild healthy cartilage, and support normal joint function. They can be given to dogs daily and are available in a 60-count pack. 

Key Features

• Contains glucosamine and green-lipped mussel
• Developed and recommended by veterinarians
• Nutrient-rich to support joint health

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Made for dogs of all ages
• Delicious chicken liver-flavored chew
• Trusted and recommended by vets
• Manufactured in the USA

Cons

• Hard to chew
• Can dry out easily

#7 – Vet’s Best Aches + Pains Dog Supplement

Vet’s Best Aches + Pains Supplement provides your pup with relief from occasional discomfort caused by regular exercise and normal daily activity. Made with plant-based ingredients such as glucosamine HCL, pineapple bromelain, MSM, and white willow bark, this joint supplement was formulated by veterinarians to help with your dog’s sore and stiff joints and muscles. And because they’re chewable and tasty, your dog will chomp them right down.

Key Features

• Veterinarian-formulated
• Provides plant-based ingredients that ease soreness and stiffness
• Packed with glucosamine and MSM
• Tasty and chewable, your pup will think they’re treats

Pros

• Highly-rated on Amazon
• Yummy taste
• Ideal for senior dogs
• Great for pain relief
• Quality, natural anti-inflammatory 

Cons

• Causes gas in some dogs, according to reviewers

Related: 10 Best Eye Supplements for Dogs

#8 – The Missing Link Hip & Joint Probiotics

Missing Link Ultimate Canine Hip & Joint Formula is a powder supplement that can be sprinkled onto your dog’s food. Each dose contains 400 mg of glucosamine and ingredients such as ground flaxseed and freeze-dried beef liver. It’s a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and contains ingredients that help support heart health. Available in two-pack sizes. All ingredients are sourced in the USA and Canada. This product is veterinarian formulated to support a healthy inflammatory response in your dog’s joints, relieve uncomfortable stiffness after daily exercise, and increase joint fluid viscosity.

Key Features:

• Produced using cold-process technology for maximum nutritional value
• Contains a special blend of probiotics to help boost absorption
• Veterinarian-formulated powder designed especially for your canine comrade

Pros

• Easy to dose
• Good source of omega fatty acids
• Two package sizes available
• Ingredients are sourced in the US and Canada
• Veterinarian formulated

Cons

• Picky eaters may turn up their nose
• on the expensive side

 

#9 – BONUS – iHeartDogs Bone Broth For Dogs Immune Support Powder

While this last supplement doesn’t include glucosamine on the list of ingredients, its an excellent source of collagen which aging dogs also need. iHeartDogs Bone Broth For Dogs Immune Support Powder is a nutritious, flavorful broth that can be mixed with your pup’s dinner or consumed alone as a warm soupy treat. This easy-to-serve powder is made with organic chicken bone broth and nutrient-rich mushrooms to support immune health and strong joints. Included in the mushroom blend, you’ll find organic Chaga mushrooms, known to be a potent anti-inflammatory that can aid in relieving arthritis. It’s great for seniors and can encourage dogs with food boredom to relish dinnertime again.

Key Features

• Nutritious support for the immune system and joints
• Supports heart and gut health too
• Loaded with healthy ingredients from trusted sources
• Includes six different types of mushrooms
• Great boost for senior dogs

Pros

• Boosts the immune system and joint health
• Promotes collagen growth
• Easy to use; serve dry or wet
• Highly affordable, only $0.33 per day
• Veterinarian approved
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Picky eaters may take time to appreciate the mushroom flavor

Related: The 9 Best Beds for Senior Dogs

Buying Guides: Factors to Consider When Buying a Glucosamine Supplement for Dogs

If you’re giving a supplement to your dog for the first time, it’s essential to consider these factors. Each product has a formula that combines specific ingredients to support joint health. Below, we discuss what to look for before deciding on the best joint supplement for your dog.

Supplement Type

The main thing to consider before deciding on the right hip & joint supplement for your dog is the form of supplement you choose. Some supplements may come in capsules, others may be tablets, while other delivery methods are more treat-like to lure your dog into chomping them down. Some dogs are very picky and don’t want to take their supplements. If you have to be sneaky about it, choose a flavored option that mixes easily with your pup’s favorite foods.

Ingredients

Many products use glucosamine and chondroitin but look for those that contain scientifically proven levels of essential ingredients to have the best chance at relieving joint pain and maintaining healthy joints. Also, check active ingredient levels to be sure your dog is receiving enough to make a difference. As a general rule, dogs should receive 20 milligrams of glucosamine daily for each pound they weigh.

Dosage

Follow the dosage instructions provided on the supplemental package. Some supplements allow you to start your dog at a higher dose and reduce it. But if you’re unsure what dosage your dog needs, ask your veterinarian.

Taste and Smell

Most dogs will have no problem wolfing down supplements formed into a treat or chew. Other supplements may be in a pill form that you must administer. Pill-storage treats or soft foods your dog enjoys, such as cheese or peanut butter, can help mask the taste and smell of pill-form supplements.

Related: The 10 Best Calming Supplements for Dogs

FAQs About Glucosamine Supplements for Dogs

Q1 – Do glucosamine supplements for dogs work?

Yes, joint supplements help lubricate joints, rebuild cartilage, and support the structural integrity of joints. They also work as anti-inflammatories and deliver antioxidants to reduce pain and discomfort.

Q2 – When should you start glucosamine supplements for dogs?

The sooner, the better. You can start joint supplements a year after your dog’s birth when they reach full skeletal growth. Large or extra-large breed dogs are prone to developing painful joint conditions. It’s always best to start joint supplements as a preventative measure rather than reacting to a condition your dog has already developed.

Q3 – How do I choose a glucosamine supplement for my dog?

The best hip and joint supplements for dogs are ones you can easily give your best friend while delivering enough active ingredients to support their joints. Choose joint health supplements containing ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and Omega-3 fatty acids to give your dog the most benefits. Most often, a joint supplement will contain several of these ingredients simultaneously.

Q4 – Can glucosamine cause liver damage in dogs?

Be very careful when giving glucosamine to a dog with liver or kidney problems, as even low doses can cause kidney damage and liver failure in dogs with these problems. This is one reason why it’s always important to check with your veterinarian before giving your dog a new supplement.

Related: 10 Best Liver Supplements for Dogs

Q5 – What’s Better for Dogs, Glucosamine HCL or Glucosamine Sulfate?

Determining whether glucosamine HCL or glucosamine sulfate is better for your dog depends on various factors, including your dog’s specific needs and individual response to the supplement. Both forms of glucosamine are effective in promoting joint health, but they have slight differences in structure and absorption. Glucosamine sulfate is considered more readily absorbed by the body, whereas glucosamine HCL is more concentrated and might require a lower dosage. Research on the efficacy of these two forms is inconclusive, so it is best to consult your veterinarian to determine which glucosamine supplement would be most suitable for your dog’s particular situation.

Q6 – What Form of Glucosamine is Best for Dogs: Chews or Liquid?

The best method of glucosamine administration for dogs, whether chewable or liquid, largely depends on your dog’s preferences and specific needs. Both forms can provide effective joint support, but they have different advantages. Chewable glucosamine supplements are often more palatable, making them an excellent choice for dogs who are picky eaters or those who enjoy treats. They are also easy to administer and can be given as a reward during training or incorporated into your dog’s daily routine.

Liquid glucosamine supplements, on the other hand, can be easily mixed with your dog’s food or water, ensuring consistent daily intake. They may also offer faster absorption and better bioavailability due to their liquid form, potentially providing quicker relief for joint discomfort.

Ultimately, the best method for your dog will depend on their individual taste preferences, lifestyle, and your ability to consistently administer the supplement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, maintaining joint health is crucial to ensuring that our furry friends enjoy a comfortable and active lifestyle. Glucosamine supplements have proven to be an effective and natural approach to support joint function and alleviate discomfort in dogs of all ages and sizes. Our comprehensive review of the best glucosamine supplements for dogs provides a valuable resource for pet owners seeking to make informed decisions about the products that best suit their dog’s unique needs. We have examined the ingredients, efficacy, and safety profiles of each supplement to ensure that our recommendations are reliable and trustworthy. As with any health-related decision, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian before introducing a new supplement into your dog’s diet. By providing your canine companion with the right glucosamine supplement, you can help them maintain optimal joint health and enjoy a happier, more mobile life.

Related: The 4 Best Supplements for Puppies (+1 to Avoid)

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.