As your furbaby ages, you may have concerns about his mobility and comfort. That’s natural because 20% of pups will experience some form of arthritis during their lifetime. As a matter of fact, experts from The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine estimate that 60% of older pooches will suffer from this degenerative condition. So, if your pal is slowing down and taking more time out to rest, it might be more than a sign of old age. He could be in pain.
Fortunately, you may be able to help Fido’s mobility and joints by supplementing his diet with glucosamine. It’s a natural substance that you can provide as an ingredient in dog food or give in a separate supplement, and it may help to reduce arthritis pain and prevent degenerative changes in the joints.
Maybe you’ve already noticed food brands that claim to have a rich source of glucosamine. We took the time to research a number of products to help you find the best dog food with glucosamine for your furry friend. Our analysis includes other important information like the taste, vitamins, and other important ingredients.
In case you’re not familiar with glucosamine, we’ve included details in our buyer’s guide below to keep you informed.
What Type of Food Does Your Dog Eat?
Table of Contents
Science Diets
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Large Breed, Healthy Mobility for Joint Health
Our ratings:
4.6/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 644 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 1059 mg/kg
This kibble formula is based on food science research for joint-health. The first ingredient is protein from chicken meal. There are no meat by-products in this food. It uses natural sources for glucosamine and chondroitin. As a large-breed kibble, the chunks are sized to suit your big dog. Fish oil in the formula provides omega-3 fatty acids. The ingredients include L-carnitine and calcium to support strong muscles and bones. Prebiotic fiber and digestible ingredients help to support gut health.
What We Like About It
- The first ingredient is protein from chicken meal
- It’s glucosamine and chondroitin rich
- The formula includes omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil
- It has digestible ingredients and prebiotic fiber
- It includes calcium and L-carnitine for bone and muscle health
What We Don't Like
- It can be hard for older dogs to chew
- Some animals are allergic to the grains in the ingredients
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Healthy Mobility, Small Bites, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe
Our ratings:
4.7/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 644 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 1059 mg/kg
Glucosamine and chondroitin levels are not listed for this food.
Based on the same formula as for large-breed dogs, this kibble from Hill’s Science Diet is made for smaller breeds. It’s specially formulated to support joint health and includes natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin. The ingredients include fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids, L-carnitine, and calcium. Because this product is for small-breeds, the kibble is about the size of a pea.
What We Like About It
- It has real chicken meal as the top ingredient
- There are natural sources of Glucosamine and chondroitin
- It has omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil
- The ingredients include L-Carnitine and calcium for healthy bones and muscle’
- It includes calcium and L-carnitine for bone and muscle health
- There are digestible ingredients and prebiotic fiber for gut health
What We Don't Like
- It includes grains that can be allergens
- Some dogs gain weight on this food
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Maxi Joint & Coat Care Dry Dog Food
Our ratings:
4.5/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 750 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 25mg/kg
Made for large-breed dogs (between 56 and 100 pounds), this dry food has chicken by-product meal as the top ingredient. It includes Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate in the formula. There are digestible ingredients and prebiotic fiber to support gut health. The product has L-carnitine and calcium to support strong bones and muscles. The kibble is about the size of a nickel.
What We Like About It
- The first ingredient is a protein source
- It’s glucosamine rich
- The formula includes digestible ingredients and prebiotic fiber
- It has L-carnitine and calcium
What We Don't Like
- The protein source is a chicken by-product
- It causes some dogs to have diarrhea and vomiting
Dry Food
Victor Purpose - Performance, Dry Dog Food
Our ratings:
4.6/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 800 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 250mg/kg
Made with sporting dogs and other high-performance breeds in mind, this kibble includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. Beef meal tops the ingredient list as the primary protein, but the formula also has chicken and pork meals. L-carnitine and calcium are included for strong bones and muscle. Yucca Schidigera extract provides some omega-3 fatty acids. There are also probiotics for digestive health. The kibble is smaller than a penny.
What We Like About It
- It contains beef meal as the top ingredient and also includes chicken and pork meals
- It’s glucosamine and chondroitin rich
- The formula includes probiotics for easy digestion
- L-carnitine and calcium are in the product for strong muscles and bones
What We Don't Like
- The kibble is too small for larger dogs
- Some dogs don’t like the flavor
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Senior Dog Food
Our ratings:
4.1/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 800 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 700mg/kg
Wellness complete dry food for senior dogs starts with deboned chicken and chicken meal as the top two ingredients. This product has wholesome ingredients that are digestible and provide a balanced blend of nutrients. It includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and calcium for strong bones. There are probiotics, prebiotic fiber, and omega fatty acids in the formula. The kibble is medium-sized.
What We Like About It
- It has real, deboned chicken as the first ingredient
- It’s glucosamine and chondroitin rich
- The ingredients include a source of omega-3 fatty acids
- There are probiotics and prebiotic fiber for digestive health
- The formula includes calcium for strong bones
What We Don't Like
- Some owners report it gives their dog gas and increases poop volume
- Some dogs get sick when they eat the food
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Meat Dry Dog Food
Our ratings:
4.2/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 800 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 800mg/kg
Using real, deboned beef as the first ingredient, Merrick Backcountry red meat dry food is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin. Salmon meal and other ingredients provide omega fatty acids. This grain-free kibble is made from digestible ingredients and includes probiotics for gut health. The balanced blend of vitamins and minerals includes calcium for strong bones.
What We Like About It
- The first ingredient is deboned beef
- It’s rich in glucosamine and chondroitin
- There are omega-3 fatty acids from salmon meal
- The formula includes probiotics and digestible ingredients for gut health
What We Don't Like
- Owners report dogs gained weight on this food
- There have been some bad batches that made dogs sick
ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food & Topper Recipe - Natural High Protein, Alternative to Raw, Limited Ingredient
Our ratings:
4.5/5
Price Range: $$$
Glucosamine: Not listed
Chondroitin sulfate: 1,300mg/kg
ZIWI Peak Air-Dried food is a limited ingredient, high-protein product. Real meat from free-range chicken, beef, or lamb tops the ingredient list. The formula includes green mussels as a natural source of glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids. The food also includes prebiotic fiber for healthy digestion and a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals. You can serve this as a food topper or your pal’s main course.
What We Like About It
- The ingredients start with real meat and organ meats for protein
- It’s rich in chondroitin and has naturally sourced glucosamine
- It has omega-3 fatty acids
- The formula has prebiotic fiber and easy-to-digest ingredients
What We Don't Like
- The product can dry out and turn to powder
- The pieces are more brittle in the new formula
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Our ratings:
4.5/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 750 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 250 mg/kg
This large-breed formula from Diamond Naturals starts with real chicken as the primary ingredient. It has digestible ingredients, prebiotic fiber, and probiotics for gut health. There are no fillers, artificial ingredients, corn, wheat, or fillers in the food. The formula includes sources of calcium and L-carnitine to support strong bones and muscles. Flaxseed provides a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids. The kibble is about dime-sized.
What We Like About It
- The first ingredient is real chicken
- It’s rich in glucosamine and chondroitin
- The formula includes Omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and L-carnitine
- The prebiotic fiber and probiotics support healthy digestion
What We Don't Like
- Owners reported a batch with mold
- It can give dogs bad gas
DOGSWELL Vitality Dry Dog Food with Vitamins & Essential Fatty Acids, Chicken & Oats Recipe
Our ratings:
4.1/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 600 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 300 mg/kg
This DOGSWELL kibble for happy hips has real chicken as the first ingredient. The formula includes digestible fiber from fruits and vegetables as well as probiotics for a healthy gut. There’s no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients in this product. It has calcium to support strong bones. There’s flaxseed in it, which is a source of Omega fatty acids.
What We Like About It
- It has real chicken as the first ingredient
- It’s rich in glucosamine and chondroitin
- It has prebiotic fiber and probiotics for good digestion
- It includes a source of omega fatty acids and calcium
What We Don't Like
- Some batches have spoiled before the expiration date
- It gives some dogs bad gas
Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed & Toy Breed Grain-Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food
Our ratings:
4.4/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 300 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 525 mg/kg
Using a blend of freeze-dried chicken pieces and dry kibble, this recipe for small and toy breeds has cage-free chicken as the number one ingredient. It’s grain-free and has prebiotic fiber and probiotics to aid digestion. The formula includes natural sources of glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids to support healthy joints. There’s also calcium and phosphorus for strong bones. This variety has small kibble for little mouths.
What We Like About It
- It has real freeze-dried chicken pieces, and chicken is the top ingredient
- It includes a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin
- The formula has herring meal for omega fatty acids
- There are probiotics and prebiotic fiber to aid digestion
What We Don't Like
- The number of freeze-dried pieces can be inconsistent from bag to bag
- Some owners report that the new formula gives their dogs diarrhea
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Senior Dry Food
Our ratings:
4.6/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 150 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 350 mg/kg
Nutro Wholesome Essentials lists farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient on the list. The formula includes fish oil as a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids. There are digestible fibers from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. It has no artificial ingredients, corn, wheat, or soy. This product has a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and is fortified with calcium for strong bones. The kibble is medium-sized.
What We Like About It
- The top ingredient is real chicken
- It has natural sources of glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids
- The formula has easy-to-digest ingredients
- It’s fortified with calcium
What We Don't Like
- It has a strong fishy smell
- It gives some dogs diarrhea
Petcurean Now Fresh Large Breed Adult Dog Food
Our ratings:
4.7/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 360 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 120 mg/kg
As a grain-free product, Petcurean Now dry dog food lists deboned turkey as the top ingredient. It also has deboned salmon for a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids. The formula includes L-carnitine and calcium to promote healthy bones and muscles. The ingredients are easy to digest and free of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
What We Like About It
- It has three real protein sources including deboned turkey as the top ingredient
- It has natural sources of glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids
- The formula includes L-carnitine and calcium to support muscle and bone health
- It’s grain-free for easier digestion
What We Don't Like
- The cost
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large-Breed Adult Recipe
Our ratings:
4.4/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 1,200 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 1,200 mg/kg
This Wellness Core kibble is formulated for large-breed adult dogs. It’s grain-free and has deboned turkey as the first ingredient. With prebiotic fiber and probiotics, this food is made for easy digestion. Salmon oil provides a rich natural source of omega-3 fatty acids. The product is also rich in glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health. There are no artificial ingredients or soy in this kibble. The chunks are smaller than a penny in size.
What We Like About It
- The first ingredient is deboned turkey
- It’s rich in glucosamine and chondroitin
- It has a natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids
- It’s grain-free and has prebiotic fiber and probiotics for easy digestion
What We Don't Like
- There has been inconsistency in the batches leading to digestive upset in some dogs
- The bag closure mechanism on the new packaging isn’t very effective
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Recipe
Our ratings:
4.7/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 400 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 300 mg/kg
Made for senior small-breed dogs, this dry food lists deboned chicken as the top ingredient. It’s fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin as well as omega fatty acids to support your aging pup’s joint health. The ingredients include prebiotic fiber, probiotics, and whole-food ingredients for easy digestion. There are calcium and L-carnitine in the formula for strong bones and muscles. This product has no artificial ingredients, corn, wheat, or soy.
What We Like About It
- The top ingredient is real deboned chicken
- The formula includes glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids
- It has whole grains, prebiotic fiber, and probiotics for easy digestion
- It’s fortified with L-carnitine and calcium to support healthy muscles and bones
What We Don't Like
- The vitamin and mineral mix is in a separate Lifesource bit that some dogs won’t eat
- Dogs may gain weight on this food due to the higher fat content
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Dog Food
Our ratings:
4.5/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 700 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 500 mg/kg
Blue Buffalo Life Protection for large-breed dogs has deboned chicken as the first ingredient. It uses whole grains and a mixture of fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources of energy, antioxidants, and digestible fiber. The formula includes glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids to promote joint health. L-carnitine and calcium help support strong muscles and bones. This food also has prebiotic fiber and probiotics for optimum gut health. There are separate lifesource bits that provide a balanced blend of essential vitamins and minerals. The product has no artificial ingredients, corn, wheat, or soy.
What We Like About It
- The #1 ingredient is real, deboned chicken
- It has glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids for joint health
- The ingredients are easy-to-digest
- There are probiotics and prebiotic fiber to aid digestion
- It’s fortified with L-carnitine and calcium to support muscle and bone health
What We Don't Like
- Some dogs won’t eat the Lifesource bits and aren’t getting their vitamins and minerals
- Some batches have been moldy
Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken - Large Breed
Our ratings:
4.7/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine and chondroitin dose not listed
Eukanuba Adult Dry Food for large-breed dogs starts with real chicken as the first ingredient. It also includes a chicken by-product meal as a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. The formula has fish oil and flaxseed for omega fatty acids. There’s prebiotic fiber to aid in digestion. The kibble is small in size.
What We Like About It
- Real chicken is the top ingredient
- It contains naturally sourced glucosamine and chondroitin
- It has natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids
- The formula includes prebiotic fiber to aid digestion
What We Don't Like
- It includes corn, which can be a food allergen
- Some dogs don’t like the flavor
Canned Food
Dogswell Happy Hips Wet Dog Food with Glucosamine & Chondroitin, Adult Formula
Our ratings:
3.9/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 380 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 220 mg/kg
Dogswell Happy Hips stew recipe includes glucosamine and chondroitin. After water, the top ingredients are lamb and lamb liver. The product includes natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids. This product is free of grains and artificial ingredients. It contains digestible fiber and wholesome ingredients.
What We Like About It
- It contains real lamb and beef
- It has glucosamine and naturally sourced chondroitin from beef and lamb liver
- It’s grain-free for easier digestion
- There’s naturally sourced omega-3 fatty acids
What We Don't Like
- It gives some dogs diarrhea and bad gas
- Some dogs don’t like the flavor
Eukanuba Wet Food
Our ratings:
4.4/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine and chondroitin dose not available
Eukanuba Adult canned food with lamb and rice has naturally sourced glucosamine and chondroitin. After water for processing, the top ingredient is real chicken. It includes digestible whole grains and prebiotic fiber for gut health. Flaxseed is a natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids. The food is fortified with calcium for strong bones.
What We Like About It
- The first ingredient after water is real chicken
- It has organ meat as natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin
- The formula includes omega-3 fatty acids and calcium
- It has digestible ingredients and prebiotic fiber
What We Don't Like
- Some dogs get bad gas on this food
- It’s watery
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein
Our ratings:
4.4/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine and chondroitin dose not available
Blue Buffalo Wilderness high protein wet dog food contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin. Real turkey is the first ingredient on the list. There are no grains or artificial ingredients in this product. It includes prebiotic fiber and naturally sourced omega-3 fatty acids. You can feed this as a food topper on kibble or as a complete meal.
What We Like About It
- Real Turkey is the #1 ingredient
- It has naturally sourced glucosamine and chondroitin
- It’s grain-free for easy digestion
- The formula includes a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids
What We Don't Like
- Owners report the food gave their dogs diarrhea
- The jelly around the edges is unappealing
Treats
Dogswell Jerky Dog Treats,with Glucosamine, Chondroitin & New Zealand Green Mussel for Happy Hips
Our ratings:
4.6/5
Price Range: $
Glucosamine: 1,200-2,000 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 700-1,000 mg/kg
These Dogswell Jerky treats for pups have real chicken breast for the top ingredient. The product is fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin and contains New Zealand Green Mussels as a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids. It’s a limited-ingredient treat with no grains or artificial ingredients.
What We Like About It
- Real chicken breast is the first ingredient
- It’s rich in glucosamine and chondroitin
- There are no grains and limited ingredients for easy digestion
- They smell great and dogs like the flavor
What We Don't Like
- Thay can be hard to chew
- The bag doesn’t seal well, and the pieces can get hard and brittle over time
Zuke's Natural Hip & Joint Dog Treats
Our ratings:
4.5/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 13,800mg/kg ; 104mg/treat
Chondroitin sulfate: 4,600 mg/kg ;34 mg/treat
The first ingredient in Zuke’s Hip & Joint treats is real beef. There are no artificial colors, flavors, corn, wheat, or soy in this product. It’s fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin and has eggshell membrane to support joint health. The ingredients include digestible whole grains and prebiotic fiber for gut health.
What We Like About It
- Real beef tops the list of ingredients
- It’s rich in glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- It’s grain-free and has prebiotic fiber for better digestion
- Owners report their dogs have improved mobility when they give them these treats
What We Don't Like
- The packaging doesn’t seal well, and the treats can dry out
- They’re stinky
Supplements
VetIQ Maximum Strength Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs
Our ratings:
4.6/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 600mg/2 chews
MSM: 210 mg/2 chews
These naturally flavored treats for dogs from VetIQ contain glucosamine and MSM for healthy joints. The formula includes shellfish, krill, and fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids. These bite-sized soft chews offer a tasty way to supplement your pooch’s diet.
What We Like About It
- They’re rich in glucosamine and include MSM for joint and connective tissue health
- They have naturally sourced omega fatty acids for joint lubrication
- Some owners report improved mobility when they use these treats as a supplement
- Dogs seem to like the flavor
What We Don't Like
- The product dries out easily and becomes hard
- Some owners report their dogs to have allergic reactions to the treats
Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement Plus MSM - With Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Our ratings:
4.7/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 600mg
Chondroitin: 300mg
MSM: 250mg
Maximum Strength Cosequin Joint Supplement comes in a chewable tablet for easy dosing. It’s manufactured in the US from trusted global sources. There are dosing instructions on the package. The chicken flavor makes it seem like a tasty treat to your pup.
What We Like About It
- It includes glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM for joint health
- The flavored, chewable tablets make it easy to give to your dog
- Owners report improved mobility and energy levels when giving this supplement
What We Don't Like
- The tablets are pretty large for little dogs
- Some dogs don’t like the flavor
Lintbells YuMOVE Joint Supplement Dog Chews - Contains Glucosamine, Green Lipped Mussel - Natural Relief from Hip Ache, Stiff Joints
Our ratings:
4.3/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 500mg
Chondroitin: dose information not available
YuMOVE joint supplements contain glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and manganese to support healthy joints and cartilage. The formula has naturally sourced chondroitin and omega fatty acids from green-lipped muscles. This product comes in an easy-to-dose tasty treat for your pooch.
What We Like About It
- It’s a rich source of glucosamine
- It contains naturally sourced chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids for joint health
- Owners report some improved mobility with these treats
- Dogs seem to like them
What We Don't Like
- The chews tend to break apart or crumble in the bag
- They have a strong odor
Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews
Our ratings:
4.3/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 900mg
Chondroitin sulfate: 350 mg
MSM: 800 mg
Nutramax Dasuquin soft chews are veterinary formulated for maximum joint health. They’re rich in glucosamine and MSM and include chondroitin to support mobility. The naturally flavored soft chew is easy to give to your pup. It comes in a resealable bag.
What We Like About It
- This product is high in glucosamine so you don’t have to give as many for a full dose
- It includes chondroitin and MSM for joint and cartilage health
- Owners report that it reduces the need for anti-inflammatories and pain meds
- The soft chews are easy to give to your pup
What We Don't Like
- Owners report that some bags had hard, dried out chews
- Some dogs have allergic reactions to the flavoring
TerraMax Pro Best Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs
Our ratings:
4.4/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine: 1,600mg/fl oz
Chondroitin sulfate: 1,200mg/fl oz
MSM: 1,000 mg/fl oz
TerraMax hip and joint supplement is a liquid additive. It contains no wheat, gluten, soy, corn, or milk. The package includes dosing instructions based on your dog’s weight. It’s made in the USA with all-natural, human-grade ingredients.
What We Like About It
- It’s glucosamine and chondroitin rich to support joint health
- It’s easy to dose and you can add it to the food
- It includes MSM for cartilage support
- There’s no gluten or other allergens that could inhibit digestion
What We Don't Like
- Owners report inconsistent quality and results
- Some dogs don’t like the flavor
Glucosamine and Arthritis: What You Need to Know
NOTE: Before we get started, remember that you should always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes in your pup’s diet. Fido’s doctor knows his needs best and can provide you with valuable guidance.
Why Choose Glucosamine Rich Dog Food For Your Dog’s Joint Health?
Glucosamine is a substance that your dog’s system uses to produce a building block of cartilage. As pups age, their bodies tend to produce less glucosamine, and that can lead to degenerative arthritis. However, evidence suggests that supplementing the diet with glucosamine may help to reduce pain and inflammation and repair damaged cartilage.
What are Glucosamine and Chondroitin?
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino sugar that owners can use as an over-the-counter joint supplement for their dogs. This compound helps the body produce glycosaminoglycans, which are one of the key building blocks for building or repairing cartilage and other body tissues. The supplement is available in three forms:
- Glucosamine sulfate - the most common form in supplements. This contains sulfur, which assists in cartilage repair.
- Glucosamine hydrochloride - the salt form of this supplement. It’s more concentrated than the sulfate form and less expensive.
- N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG) - a derivative form that’s a precursor to hyaluronic acid. This form may be useful for gut health.
Chondroitin is a large molecule that also occurs naturally in the body. It interferes with inflammatory enzymes that break-down cartilage in joints.
When you give the supplements together, they can demonstrate a synergistic effect that results in reduced levels of inflammation.
How Effective Are Glucosamine and Chondroitin?
Although research on the efficacy of these supplements in dogs is limited, there is anecdotal evidence that giving glucosamine and chondroitin can help manage degenerative arthritis pain and inflammation. In a 2007 review of 16 clinical trials, scientists from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine concluded that treatment with glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate provided a moderate level of comfort in patients.
Natural Sources of Glucosamine and Chondroitin
As a naturally occurring substance, you can find glucosamine in:
- Exoskeleton or chitin of crustaceans like crab, shrimp, or lobster
- Shells of shellfish
- Beef trachea
- Chicken Feet
- Pork tails and pig ears
Chondroitin is present in green-lipped mussels, beef gristle, beef trachea, pork tails, pig ears, and other cartilage sources.
Average Glucosamine Dose Recommendations for Dogs
Based on scientific research, veterinarians are recommending healthy dogs get a glucosamine dose of 20 mg/pound of body weight a day. For example, my 70-pound pooch would get 1,400 mg in a 24-hour period. If your furbaby has joint or mobility issues, your veterinarian may recommend a higher dose.
So, how do commercial dog goods measure up? Rodney Habib, Pet Nutrition blogger and owner of Planet Paws, evaluated several kibble brands available at pet stores and veterinary offices. His goal was to determine whether a pup can get the recommended daily dose of this supplement from his food.
Of all the dry foods he reviewed, the most glucosamine-rich product was a veterinary brand that had 950 mg of glucosamine per kg of food. For a 50-pound dog to get a full dose of glucosamine from this kibble, it would have to eat more than 9 cups a day! The conclusion: feeding your pal dry dog food alone will not be enough to meet the daily recommended dose.
The takeaway from Habib’s research is this: take time to read the ingredient list and nutritional analysis rather than trusting the label. You’ll also need to provide additional supplements or raw meat treats to boost Fido’s daily dose. Remember, raw meat alone will not provide the balance of nutrients like antioxidants, fiber, and probiotics that your furbaby needs. Select premium quality dry food with high concentrations of glucosamine to help ensure a well-rounded diet.
What To Look For in a Quality Glucosamine Dog Food?
- The first Ingredient is Real Meat - Real meat sources mean high-quality protein. Unless you’re seeking a vegetarian diet for your pal, look for ingredients like chicken, beef, lamb, or fish, not animal by-products or fillers.
- Glucosamine - When you’re looking for food that supports your pup’s mobility and joint health, glucosamine should appear on the label. You want to be able to calculate how much Fido is getting in the kibble.
- Chondroitin - As we stated above, chondroitin works with glucosamine to prevent joint destruction and support joint repair. Look for this ingredient on the label.
- Omega-3 fatty acids - The omega-3 fatty acids are powerful antioxidants that complement the work of glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health. A common source of these nutrients is fish oil.
- Easy to digest - Ingredients like fiber and probiotics help to support digestive health. If your pooch has a sensitive stomach, these are important components of the food.
- Kibble that’s properly-sized for your dog - Just like you look for small kibble for small-breed dogs, you want bigger pieces if you have a large or giant-breed pup. The increased size encourages your pal to chew the food which aids digestion. It also helps to scrape tartar and keep the teeth cleaner.
- Other beneficial ingredients - Other ingredients that can help to benefit your furbaby include L-carnitine and calcium. The first is an amino acid that’s important for building muscle tissue, and the latter is needed for strong bones and teeth. Both of these assist with joint stability.
Can My Dog Overdose on Glucosamine?
While it is possible to give your furbaby too much of this nutritional supplement, a large dose of glucosamine is not likely to harm him. What you may see is some digestive upset with soft stools, gas, and possibly some vomiting. However, your supplement may include other ingredients that could be toxic if you give them in excess. That’s why it’s best to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations and label guidelines.
Are Glucosamine-rich Foods Good For All Dogs?
In a word, no. Veterinarians recommend this supplement most often for larger-breed dogs. Their weight and size can make them more vulnerable to joint wear and tear as they age. But high levels of glucosamine are not necessary or advisable for all dogs. Canines that should avoid foods with glucosamine and chondroitin include:
- Dogs with blood clotting diseases like Von Willebrand’s or Hemophilia A should not receive supplements beyond what is contained in standard kibble. Glucosamine can lengthen the time it takes for blood to clot.
- Dogs with or at risk for diabetes should avoid glucosamine because it is an amino-sugar. Some breeds at risk for developing diabetes are Morkies and Chihuahua-Shih Tzu mixes.
- Dogs on a low potassium diet should not receive supplements if the formula is high in potassium.
- Avoid giving glucosamine and chondroitin from shellfish sources if your dog is allergic to these crustaceans.
Have a Comprehensive Strategy For Your Dog’s Joint Health
While providing your furry friend with a quality kibble for joint-health is important, it should only be part of a comprehensive approach. Other things you can do include:
- Start early. You don’t have to wait until your pooch develops severe pain and mobility problems to supplement his diet. If your pal is showing signs of joint disease, talk to your veterinarian about glucosamine as an early intervention.
- Take dietary changes slowly. When you want to switch to a glucosamine rich food, don’t go cold turkey. Transition to the new food over the course of one or two weeks by replacing a portion of the kibble with the new food and slowly increase the percentage. This can help to prevent digestive upset and accidents in the house. If your pal’s system doesn’t tolerate the change try another food and start over.
- Plan regular health checks. Dogs that are at risk for arthritis or other joint diseases need regular check-ups to monitor their health. We recommend yearly examinations by your veterinarian. However, if you notice mobility changes in your pal that don’t resolve in a few days, set up an appointment. Early diagnosis and treatment can positively affect Fido’s quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed this food to a healthy younger adult dog? If you’re considering an adult dog food with glucosamine, it’s nutritionally balanced and safe for a healthy younger adult pooch. Senior foods may not have the energy content.
Is there any difference in glucosamine and chondroitin content between small and large dog foods?
If you’re looking at the same brand, there is usually little to no difference between the nutritional content for small and large breed options. It’s the kibble size that’s altered to fit the breed size.
What is beef/chicken/lamb meal?
When the ingredients listed include a meal, it means the muscle has gone through a process to separate the protein from the fat and water. Then, the dried muscle is ground to make a meal.
Our Survey Says…
After reviewing the above products and comparing them to our criteria for glucosamine rich dog food, we select Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Dog Food as the best dog food with glucosamine.
This product has real, deboned chicken as the top ingredient and includes easy-to-digest brown rice. Other ingredients include prebiotic fiber, fruits, and vegetables that are easy on the gut and provide essential nutrients. Live cultures of probiotics also aid digestion.
The formula includes 700 mg/kg glucosamine hydrochloride and 500 mg/kg Chondroitin sulfate to help promote joint health. It also has flaxseed and fish oil as sources of omega-3 fatty acids for joint and skin health. Supplementation with L-carnitine and calcium help to support strong muscles and bones.
Overall, this product meets our criteria for your dog’s total health and is our pick for the best glucosamine-rich dog food.
