The Best Glucosamine Supplements For Dogs

For older dogs, glucosamine can be one of the most important things to making sure they have the happiest, healthiest life possible. This naturally-occurring chemical provides organic bone strength and can be a wonder for dogs with arthritis, bad joints, or other skeletal ailments. But not all glucosamine for dogs will be as solid as the best out there, which is why we've made this list of our personal favorites. Read on and get ready to teach your old dog some new tricks.

What to Look For

When assessing glucosamine for dogs, we looked at three major points of interest: does it reliably heal and strengthen your dog’s bones? Is it tasty, or does it at least taste good enough for your dog to not outright reject? Finally, does it have any additional nutritional benefits besides promoting bone health? All the glucosamine for dogs you see here met or exceeded our expectations in these areas. Nutramax won our top spot with their delicious chews that featured a whole range of additional health bonuses for dogs of all ages. We also loved that Zesty Paws was able to create glucosamine for dogs that also functioned as a full day’s serving of vitamins as well. Keep reading to see which glucosamine for dogs will help your dog live their best life today.

Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Glucosamine For Dogs

The best of all worlds

Whatever you want in glucosamine for dogs, these treats will probably have it.
Best Overall

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These chews hit all the right intersections for what we were looking for in glucosamine supplements for dogs. Nutramax pulled off the amazing feat of giving us nutritious chews that expertly promote bone strength, all while tasting excellent. You also get a generous 132 chews per order, letting you keep your dog healthy for some time to come. You don’t have to compromise in any area of glucosamine for dogs, as these chews aptly prove. 

Pros 

  • Potent enough to start showing results quickly 
  • Easy to break apart and hide in meals 
  • Good for preventing further arthritic symptoms 

Cons 

  • Slightly more expensive than other glucosamine for dogs 

Strellalab Omega-3 Fish Oil Glucosamine For Dogs

Treat time

Your pup won't be able to tell the difference between this glucosamine for dogs and their favorite snack.
Runner Up

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There’s no accounting for taste, but we’re pretty sure your pup will love these glucosamine chews for dogs. It’s available in bacon, chicken, and peanut butter, with almost no filler ingredients to cause complications or dilute the taste. It can also be given to dogs of any age, so your pooch won’t have to show their senior ID to get in on the flavor. Add a huge helping of beneficial nutrients, and you have one superb example of glucosamine for dogs. 

Pros 

  • Orderable in various quantities and flavors 
  • Works quickly even in larger dogs 
  • Great taste makes dogs excited to take them 

Cons 

  • Multiple chews per day required for some dogs 

Zesty Paws Multifunctional Glucosamine For Dogs

A full plate

This glucosamine for dogs also happens to make an incredible vitamin.
Best Multi Vitamin

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If your dog has trouble getting their daily dose of vitamins, this may be the glucosamine for dogs you need. Thanks to its incredible blend of ingredients, this glucosamine for dogs doesn’t just help with their bones but also with gut health, hair luster, and so much more. Plus, you can order them in a huge variety of flavors to fit your dog’s taste. No health-conscious pooch parent should take a pass on these excellent chews. 

Pros 

  • Comes in many different quantities and flavors 
  • Treats ailments the vast majority of glucosamine for dogs cannot 
  • Ideal for owners of smaller senior dogs 

Cons 

  • Hard to eat whole for dogs with jaw issues 

Nutramax Dasuquin Glucosamine For Dogs

Wonderful woof

Bigger breeds will love this glucosamine for dogs.
Best For Large Dogs

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More dog just means more to love, and the same goes for this glucosamine for dogs. These beefy chews are specially made for beefy canines, using a special formula that stops the enzymes responsible for breaking down cartilage. These chews aren’t just great for reducing bone issues, but potentially for preemptively halting them too. Big-boned dogs with even bigger bone issues will be well served by this hefty dose of glucosamine for dogs. 

Pros 

  • Uses avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, which is unique to this glucosamine for dogs 
  • Highly potent since intended for bigger dogs 
  • Tasty enough to be devoured with no issue 

Cons 

  • Quite a bit more expensive than typical glucosamine for dogs 

Natural Dog Company Liquid Glucosamine For Dogs

Splash it on

Using this glucosamine for dogs is as simple as rubbing it in.
Best Liquid

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If it’s tricky to get your pup to eat glucosamine for dogs, why not just spray it on them instead? Simply pump a few drops onto your dog’s regular meal and watch as the hassle of getting your canine companion to take their medicine melts away. Even better, it’s safe to use on dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds. Convenience and quality make this one glucosamine solution for dogs worth checking out.  

Pros 

  • Generous size means one bottle goes a long way 
  • Large dogs can absorb this better than some chews 
  • No irritating or allergy-inducing chemicals in formula 

Cons 

  • Can give some dogs diarrhea 

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get glucosamine for dogs even if my dog doesn’t have osteoporosis or arthritis?

The great thing about glucosamine for dogs is that it can not only treat the symptoms of bone disease but also strengthen and heal them so that it never occurs in the first place. If your dog likes the taste of treats, you might be able to get some glucosamine for dogs in the form of chews, which will work as both a scrumptious reward and a way of promoting bone health.

Is it better to use liquid glucosamine for dogs or give it in the form of chews?

It really depends on your dog’s sense of taste and sensitivity. Chews will likely work just fine for the vast majority of dogs, but if your pooch is resisting the taste or texture, a spray might be just the way to go.

About the Author

Chris lives in Austin with a very spunky red heeler mix. This pooch has very specific dietary needs and requires lots of attention and exercise, so Chris knows exactly how to search for the best products out there to keep dogs happy. Chris is great at finding dog-friendly items that aren't just the best in their class, but work for the specific needs of different types of dogs as well.

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