Your pup’s senior years bring with them the comforts of routine and placid companionship. But, they also bring the struggles of getting older – and with this comes joint issues such as osteoarthritis. As such, many owners of senior dogs find themselves searching for the best dog treats with glucosamine.
Dog treats with glucosamine offer a tasty and exciting way to give your pooch the supplementation they might need. However, finding the best ones requires some footwork – not all treats offer the same dose, some will come in flavors that your dog might be allergic to, and some may contain harmful ingredients. To find our top 11 picks of the best dog treats with glucosamine, read on with us today!
11 Best Glucosamine Treats For Dogs
Our top dog treats with glucosamine offer a variety of doses, and a variety of flavors, and are made in the USA. NaturVet–Glucosamine DS Plus is our best pick on the list since it has 500mg of glucosamine, 60mg of chondroitin, and 500mg of MSM, and is made with all-natural ingredients. It also received a high-rating given by more than 5000 customers.
| Product Name | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| NaturVet – Glucosamine DS Plus | 500mg glucosamine & 60mg chondroitin, 500mg MSM. Made in the USA. “Natural” flavor. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Happy Hips Chicken Jerky | 600mg/kg glucosamine & 350mg/kg chondroitin. Made in the USA. Chicken flavor. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Nutriline Labs Flex EZ Hip and Joint | 900mg glucosamine & 350mg chondroitin, 800mg MSM. Made in the USA. Beef flavor. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Zesty Paws 8-in-1 | 200mg glucosamine & 20mg of chondroitin, 100mg of MSM. Made in the USA. Chicken flavor. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| PetNC Natural Care Hip and Joint Soft Chews for Dogs | 250mg glucosamine & 100mg chondroitin, 100mg MSM. Made in the USA. Liver flavor. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| PetHonesty 10 in 1 Dog Multivitamin | 200mg of glucosamine & 50mg chondroitin. Made in the USA. Peanut butter flavor (with chicken). | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| VETRISCIENCE Glycoflex 3 | 1000mg glucosamine & 35mg chondroitin, 1000mg MSM. Made in the USA. Chicken flavor. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Synovi G4 Dog Joint Supplement | 450mg glucosamine, chondroitin undescribed, 400mg MSM. Poultry liver flavor. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| waggedy Advanced Hip and Joint | 500mg glucosamine, chondroitin undescribed, 600mg MSM. Made in the USA. Pork liver flavor. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| DOGSWELL Hip & Joint Dog Treats | 2000mg/kg glucosamine & 1000mg/kg chondroitin. Made in the USA. Chicken flavor. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Buddy Biscuits Hip & Joint Chews | 50mg glucosamine & 15mg chondroitin. Made in the USA. Chicken flavor. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
1. NaturVet – Glucosamine DS Plus – Level 2 Moderate Care – Supports Healthy Hip & Joint Function
For large breeds, NaturVet Glucosamine DS Plus might be just what your pooch needs to get that spring back in their step. Each chew contains 500mg glucosamine and 60mg chondroitin, with an extra 500mg MSM to top it off. You’ll also find 1,800mcg of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed to further support your dog’s joint health.
You can rest assured that your pooch is getting the best quality treats – NaturVet is FDA and NASC-approved, as well as audited yearly by Underwriters Laboratories for cGMP compliance. And, these treats are made in the USA! Because of these safety protocols, this product is our top pick for the best dog treat with glucosamine.
This product also comes in tablet form – compared to this, the chews contain half the dose of the active ingredients. Also, note that the ingredients are based on a serving size of two chews. Some pet parents dislike the size and shape of these chews as well, stating that they are more akin to round, hard discs that may be difficult for senior dogs to eat comfortably.
Pros
- Contains 500mg glucosamine
- Contains 60mg of chondroitin
- Additional 500mg MSM
- FDA and NASC approved
- Limited ingredients
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Large, round chews
- Occasional “rotten” smell reported
2. Happy Hips Chicken Jerky
Happy Hips Chicken Jerky is chewy and delicious. With real chicken raised without hormones, each piece is grain-free as well as free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial colors and flavors. These jerky strips are high in protein and low in fat, ensuring that your pooch gets the protein they need to maintain its active lifestyle.
And, each treat is made in the USA, so you can feel confident in the quality of your pup’s snacks. Most importantly, each jerky treat contains glucosamine and chondroitin. Each bag contains a minimum of 600mg/kg of glucosamine and 350mg/kg of chondroitin. Because there are few critical reviews and no harmful ingredients, this is among our top picks for the best dog treats with glucosamine.
Some jerky chews are too hard for senior dogs to chew. This is an issue, particularly for older dogs with joint issues who would otherwise benefit from glucosamine and chondroitin in these treats. The other issue with harder treats is the possibility of small, sharp pieces breaking off when a dog eats them.
Pros
- Contains min. 600mg/kg glucosamine
- Contains min. 350mg/kg chondroitin
- No grain, wheat, corn, or soy
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Hard texture may be unsuitable for senior dogs
- Occasional stale batches from Amazon
- Grain-free
3. Nutriline Labs Flex EZ Hip and Joint Supplement Dog Chew Treats
Defend your dog from joint inflammation with Nutriline Labs Flex EZ Dog Joint Chews! These chews are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, making them a premium choice for your pup. Made with all-natural ingredients, each treat is soft, tasty, and veterinarian-approved.
These chews contain a minimum of 900mg glucosamine and 350mg of chondroitin. As well as this, they contain 800mg of MSM and 50mg of turmeric. Lastly, these treats are made in the USA and are formulated for large and giant breeds weighing more than 60lbs.
According to product reviews, some dogs experience gastrointestinal issues on these chews. Some dogs develop diarrhea, others develop vomiting. We note that these chews contain vegetable shortening. This ingredient contains few nutrients but is high in calories and fat. As such, it may contribute to obesity in dogs when consumed excessively and can induce vomiting and diarrhea.
Pros
- Contains 900mg of glucosamine
- Contains 350mg of chondroitin
- Additional 800mg MSM and 50mg turmeric
- Made in the USA
- Tasty beef flavor
Cons
- Some dogs experience vomiting and diarrhea
- Contains vegetable shortening
- Not evaluated for use in pregnant or breeding dogs
4. Zesty Paws Multifunctional Supplements for Dogs – Glucosamine Chondroitin for Joint Support with Probiotics
Zesty Paws 8-In-1 Bites provide eight benefits for your furry friend. These functional supplements support your dog’s joints, heart health, skin health, digestive system, liver health, and immune system. Furthermore, Zesty Paws is a member of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), guaranteeing superior quality control. Per one soft chew, you will find 200mg of glucosamine, 20mg of chondroitin, 100mg of MSM, and 100mg of cod liver oil. These little bites are suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes.
For some picky pups, these treats may not be tempting enough for them to eat. Other customers note a “faint” chicken smell, suggesting that they smell more like a typical human multivitamin. Some dogs may not benefit from these chews as well, as some pet parents report that their dogs’ joints and itching did not improve. We also note that the seller does not accept returns for this product.
Pros
- Contains 200mg of glucosamine
- Contains 20mg of chondroitin
- Additional 100mg MSM and 100mg cod liver oil
- Suitable for all ages and sizes
Cons
- Not effective for some dogs
- Faint chicken scent
- Contains palm oil
- Lower glucosamine and chondroitin content
5. PetNC Natural Care Hip and Joint Soft Chews for Dogs
PetNC Natural Care Hip and Joint Soft Chews are a natural alternative to maintain your pup’s joint health. Each soft chew contains 250mg glucosamine and 100mg chondroitin. You’ll also find 100mg of MSM and 2.5mg of hyaluronic acid. As well as this, these soft joint chews contain liver meal and dried cheese for a tantalizing flavor your furry friend is sure to enjoy! Lastly, this product is made in the USA, so you can be certain of the quality of each treat you give to your pooch.
Some pet parents note the size of these treats, stating that they are too small for larger dog breeds. Others note quality control issues – some tubs arrive with less than the stated 90 chews and others arrive with no lid to keep them secure. Also, some dogs experience diarrhea after eating these soft chews.
Pros
- Contains 250mg glucosamine
- Contains 100mg of chondroitin
- Additional 100mg MSM and 2.5mg hyaluronic acid
- Made in the USA
- Tasty liver flavor
Cons
- Smaller treat size
- Some quality control issues
- Occasional vomiting and diarrhea
6. PetHonesty 10 in 1 Dog Multivitamin – Glucosamine Essential Dog Supplements & Vitamins
PetHonesty 10 in 1 Dog Multivitamin is packed with essential supplements for your aging pup. Not only do these chews support joint function, but they also support your dog’s digestive system, coat condition, and immune system in a well-rounded blend of ingredients. Each chewy treat is free from wheat, corn, soy, dairy, artificial sweeteners, and chemicals and comes in a tasty peanut butter flavor. Furthermore, this product is made in the USA. Most importantly, these multivitamins contain 200mg of glucosamine and 50mg of chondroitin.
Perhaps one of the most important critical reviews to note is that some dogs appear to experience seizures on these chews. On Amazon, there are currently seven global reviews stating that this has occurred in their dogs. This product also contains chicken flavoring, so be aware if your pup has a chicken allergy.
Pros
- Contains 200mg of glucosamine
- Contains 50mg of chondroitin
- Just 7.2 calories per chew
- Tasty peanut butter flavor
- No wheat, corn, soy, or dairy
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Some reviews mention seizures
- Contains palm oil
- Contains chicken flavoring
7. VETRISCIENCE Glycoflex 3 Maximum Strength Hip and Joint Supplement with Glucosamine for Dogs
VETRISCIENCE Glycoflex Stage 3 is among the highest strength joint supplements for senior dogs. The company claims that this supplement is clinically proven to increase your dog’s hind leg strength by up to 41% within 4 weeks. Each soft chew offers 1000mg glucosamine as well as 35mg chondroitin and 1000mg MSM. The company is also NASC-certified and made in FDA-registered facilities. Lastly, this product is made in the USA! All of these traits put this product on our list of the best dog treats with glucosamine.
Some pet parents note the lack of tempting smell of these treats. Some dogs will refuse to eat these too, but this is to be expected with most supplements – not all dogs will appreciate all supplements. And, because this product contains high amounts of glucosamine, some dogs may experience diarrhea after eating them.
Pros
- Contains 1000mg glucosamine
- Contains 35mg of chondroitin
- Additional 1000mg MSM
- Made in the USA
- Tasty chicken flavor
Cons
- Occasional vomiting and diarrhea
- Large chew size
8. Synovi G4 Dog Joint Supplement Chews
Synovi G4 Dog Joint Supplement Chews feature a unique combination of ingredients that assist with joint health. In every soft chew, you’ll find 450mg of glucosamine and an extra 400mg MSM. Green-lipped mussels provide chondroitin too, but the dosage is not described on the label. These chews come in a tasty chicken flavor and are soft and chewy to entice your pooch to eat them. And, this tub contains 240 soft chews, so your pup is sure to have a long-lasting supply!
Some pet parents note strong turmeric or “acidic” smell from these chews. Others note occasional dry batches of chews that are difficult for dogs to eat. As with the other supplements on our list, several owners also report their dogs developing diarrhea on these supplements. This product also contains wheat, so if your pup has a specific allergy be sure to avoid this supplement!
Pros
- Contains 450mg of glucosamine
- Additional 400mg MSM
- 240 soft chews per tub
Cons
- Contains chicken – avoid it if your pup is allergic
- Contains wheat – avoid it if your pup is allergic
- Occasional diarrhea
9. waggedy Advanced Hip and Joint Turmeric
waggedy Hip and Joint Dog Supplements are a tasty and exciting way to deliver your pooch the supplements they need. Each soft chew contains 500mg glucosamine and an extra 600mg MSM. These chews are made in the USA. Also, they’re made with pork liver powder for an enticing taste that’s sure to get your dog’s tail wagging.
We note that these treats also contain vegetable shortening. This ingredient may cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs when consumed excessively. These treats also contain selenium 6mcg – the form of selenium is not described. Sodium selenite is more toxic than natural selenium yeast, so the uncertainty may cause some concern for some pet parents.
Pros
- Contains 500mg glucosamine
- Additional 600mg MSM
- Tasty pork liver flavor
Cons
- Contains vegetable shortening
- Source of selenium not described
- Dosage of chondroitin not described
10. DOGSWELL Hip & Joint Dog Treats
Dogswell Soft Strips are made in the USA using high-quality and hormone-free chicken. These flavorsome chicken strips support your pup’s hips and joints with their gluten-free recipe. These strips also contain no corn, wheat, or soy, and no artificial colors or flavors. The guaranteed analysis is impressive, boasting 2000mg/kg glucosamine and 1000mg/kg chondroitin – however, this packet contains 284g of chicken strips, so your pooch would need to eat several strips to incur this dosage.
The few critical reviews that exist describe vomiting and diarrhea in dogs who eat these strips. Others report occasional hard or stale batches when ordering through Amazon.
Pros
- Contains 2000mg/kg glucosamine
- Contains 1000mg/kg chondroitin
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Occasional vomiting and diarrhea
- Occasional hard batches through Amazon
- 50 calories per soft strip
11. Buddy Biscuits Boosters, Soft & Chewy Dog Treats with Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Buddy Biscuits Hip & Joint Chews feature real chicken as their first ingredient. These healthy treats are free from grain, corn, and soy, as well as artificial colors and flavors. One hip and joint chew contain 50mg glucosamine and 15mg chondroitin, or 2500mg/kg glucosamine and 2000mg/kg chondroitin. These chewy snacks are highly palatable and easy to chew. They also contain plenty of flaxseed and sweet potato for an extra healthy boost. Lastly, Buddy Biscuits are made and oven-baked in the USA.
The most common complaints are the small size of these treats and occasional broken pieces. For larger breeds, a larger biscuit size would be more appropriate. Because these treats do not offer much glucosamine per bite, they are not leading our list of the best dog treats with glucosamine. However, they still earn a place due to their popularity, low-calorie recipe, and ease for senior pups to eat.
Pros
- Contains 50mg of glucosamine
- Contains 15mg of chondroitin
- Just 9 calories per treat
- Tasty chicken flavor
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Small treat size
- Occasional broken pieces
How to Choose The Right Treat With Glucosamine For Your Dog
When evaluating the best dog treats with glucosamine, there are several things to look out for. These include the amount of glucosamine, the quality of the ingredients, the brand’s transparency, the safety of the product, and the value and cost.
Amount of Glucosamine
While many dog treats contain glucosamine, be sure to look at the label carefully. Some of these treats would require you to feed your dog obscene amounts to get a therapeutic dose of glucosamine. So, a loading dose of two times the maintenance amount for four to six weeks is required for glucosamine HCI to reach a therapeutic level.
For example, a maintenance dose for a 75lbs dog would be 500 to 1,000mg. This works out to be around 15 mg/kg. Be sure to find a treat with a dose that suits your dog’s needs. A larger dog will need a larger dose.
Quality Ingredients
As with any pet treat, you’ll want to select the best quality ingredients for your dog when looking for the best dog treats with glucosamine. This means, ideally, treats with no artificial colors or flavors, no toxic ingredients, and no unnecessary fillers.
Make sure that any meat products are clearly labeled on the packaging and be wary of products that only describe their sources of meat as “meat meal” or “meat by-products.” Avoid products containing heavy metals.
Brand Transparency
Because your pup’s health is in the hands of whichever brand you choose, be sure to stick with a brand that’s transparent and honest. Seek out brands that interact with their customers by responding to questions, those that describe ingredients clearly and with integrity, and those that are members of pet food councils. If in doubt about a treat’s integrity, you should always be able to contact the manufacturer with your concerns.
Safety and Quality
When choosing a dog treat with glucosamine, look for glucosamine hydrochloride rather than glucosamine sulfate. While the sulfate form is said to be absorbed better, there are currently no studies to show that it retains any usefulness in synovial tissue after ingestion. A joint supplement cannot help your dog if it cannot get to where it needs to be!
Despite the widespread belief that nutritional joint supplements are universally safe, hepatotoxicity associated with supplement overdose in dogs has been reported. However, this hepatoxicity has only been reported with large overdoses. Toxicologists at the ASPCA noted 21 cases of hepatic failure secondary to joint supplement overdose in 2008-2009.
Unfortunately, the underlying mechanism by which these joint supplements cause hepatotoxicity is unknown. Current theories include heavy metal contamination, pesticide contamination, pre-existing liver disease, or synergistic effects of multiple ingredients at once. Always follow the dosage on the label carefully. Never exceed the recommended dose.
Cost & Value
Because your pooch is likely to require long-term supplementation, good value is important. This especially applies if you own a large breed that will need more treats to reach a therapeutic dose than a small breed would. While you want the best for your senior pup, be sure that you choose treats that won’t leave you out of pocket.
How Much Glucosamine Should a Dog Intake
You should never exceed the stated dose on the label of your dog’s treats. Doing so comes with a risk of toxicosis for your dog. While the mechanism for this toxicosis may not come from glucosamine itself, there may be a synergistic effect of all the ingredients combined.
What Dog Joint Ailments Can Glucosamine Treat?
The supplement glucosamine may be helpful in managing canine arthritis and other causes of joint pain.
There are at least three studies evaluating the effectiveness of glucosamine for osteoarthritis in dogs. A literature review in 2007 looked at a study that used a combination of glucosamine HCI, chondroitin sulfate, and manganese ascorbate for arthritic dogs. These showed no significant improvement, but no adverse effects were seen. Another study done in 2003 compared glucosamine to carprofen and meloxicam. This found that carprofen and meloxicam were the most effective. While glucosamine did offer some benefits, they were less significant. In contrast, another review in 2009 suggested that there were statistically significant improvements for dogs taking glucosamine and chondroitin. As such, there is a mixed bag of results to work with.
Because the onset of action for glucosamine is slow, your vet may recommend covering your dog’s pain with NSAIDs for two to three months. Then, the NSAID dose can come down to the lowest dose needed. Also, it’s worth noting that joint supplements will not offer any significant relief from end-stage osteoarthritis in every joint. If one joint is affected, supplements may be recommended to protect the other joints.
Best Dog Treats With Glucosamine: FAQs
Have any more questions or concerns about the best dog treats with glucosamine? Feel free to check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more details. If in doubt about your dog’s joint health, always ask your vet for advice.
The effectiveness of glucosamine is debated amongst researchers, but it may offer benefits for dogs with osteoarthritis. This supplement has anti-inflammatory properties, which is particularly useful, as osteoarthritis has an inflammatory component to it. Glucosamine also has some cartilage-protecting effects through a combination of mechanisms.
Because some glucosamine supplements can cause nausea, it’s best to give your pup their treat after they’ve eaten a full meal. It’s also best to give it to them around the same time every day to maintain the therapeutic dose.
The most common side effects of glucosamine include an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. As with any new food, be sure to monitor your dog’s condition. If your dog frequently vomits or has diarrhea on a new diet or new treat, make sure to lower the amount and switch to a new food.
Glucosamine itself should not worsen your dog’s condition. However, frequently giving your dog more than the recommended dosage can worsen it. This is through a combination of potential toxicosis as well as weight gain – weight gain puts more pressure on your dog’s joints, thereby increasing discomfort and pain.
It’s important to follow the dosage instructions on the label of your dog’s treats. Most dog treats will recommend a serving given once or twice a day. Do not exceed this dose in an attempt to better your dog’s joint pain, as doing so can cause adverse effects and potentially toxicosis.
The best dog treats with glucosamine offer a safe dose, are easy for senior dogs to eat, and contain no toxic ingredients.