Best Dog Nutramax Alternatives (2026) – Top 10 Reviewed
Nutramax Laboratories is the name behind some of the most trusted dog supplements on the market, including Cosequin, Dasuquin, and Welactin. While their products are widely recommended by veterinarians, many pet parents are looking for alternatives—whether for pricing reasons, different ingredient approaches, or to try something new. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best Nutramax alternatives on Amazon that deliver quality joint support, digestive health, and overall wellness for your dog.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall: VetriScience GlycoFlex Plus – Clinically proven 11-ingredient formula
- Best Value: VetIQ Hip & Joint Supplement – 180 chews at a great price
- Best Premium: Flexadin Advanced – Innovative UC-II collagen approach
Quick Comparison
| Product | Key Ingredients | Form | Servings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VetriScience GlycoFlex Plus | Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Green-Lipped Mussel | Soft Chews | 120 | Advanced joint support |
| VetIQ Hip & Joint | Glucosamine, MSM, Krill | Soft Chews | 180 | Budget-friendly joints |
| Flexadin Advanced | UC-II Collagen | Soft Chews | 60 | Collagen-based joint care |
| PetHonesty Hip & Joint Health | Glucosamine, MSM, Turmeric, Hemp | Soft Chews | 90 | Natural formula with hemp |
| Doggie Dailies Hip & Joint | Glucosamine, MSM, CoQ10, Hyaluronic Acid | Soft Chews | 225 | Large count value |
| VetriScience GlycoFlex 3 | Glucosamine, MSM, Green-Lipped Mussel, DMG | Soft Chews | 120 | Maximum-strength joints |
| Zesty Paws Multivitamin | Glucosamine, Omega-3, Probiotics, Vitamins | Soft Chews | 90 | All-in-one wellness |
| Petaxin Hip & Joint | Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Turmeric | Soft Chews | 240 | High-count option |
| Amazon Basics Hip & Joint | Glucosamine, MSM, Green-Lipped Mussel | Soft Chews | 120 | Budget basics |
1. VetriScience GlycoFlex Plus – Best Overall
- ULTIMATE JOINT SUPPORT FOR DOGS: VetriScience Ultimate Strength Hip & Joint Supplement, GlycoFlex Plus delivers our most powerful joint health formula, combining glucosamine HCl, MSM, chondroitin sulfate, and green-lipped mussel to help maintain hip and joint comfort, flexibility, and mobility in dogs needing maximum strength support.
- CLINICALLY TESTED & VET FORMULATED – Developed by veterinarians and backed by clinical research, Ultimate Strength Hip & Joint Supplement, GlycoFlex Plus offers complete joint and cartilage care for dogs. Formulated for those needing additional mobility support, this high-strength supplement helps maintain joint lubrication and flexibility.
- COMPLETE INGREDIENT BLEND FOR CARTILAGE & MOBILITY: Each Peanut Butter-flavored soft chew delivers 11 active nutrients including glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, green-lipped mussel, DMG, manganese, and antioxidants to support cartilage integrity, joint strength, and everyday mobility in dogs of all sizes.
- TASTY PEANUT BUTTER-FLAVORED SOFT CHEWS: High-potency joint supplement chews made with real Peanut Butter flavor that dogs love. Easy to feed daily and ideal for consistent glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin support to promote mobility, flexibility, and healthy hip and joint function at every life stage.
- NASC CERTIFIED & MADE IN THE USA: Produced in an FDA-registered facility under the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal for safety, purity, and consistency. GlycoFlex Plus contains no artificial colors, flavors, or fillers, ensuring clean, clinically trusted hip and joint care for dogs.
VetriScience is the closest direct competitor to Nutramax in terms of veterinary trust and clinical backing.
GlycoFlex Plus packs 11 active ingredients into every peanut butter-flavored chew, including glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, DMG, and Perna canaliculus (green-lipped mussel). In clinical testing, this formula improved hind-leg strength by up to 41% in just four weeks—comparable results to what you’d expect from Nutramax’s Dasuquin line. VetriScience has been formulating veterinary supplements for over 40 years, making it a legitimate alternative to the Nutramax ecosystem.
What We Like
- Clinically tested with measurable results in 4 weeks
- 11 active ingredients for comprehensive joint support
- 40+ year track record trusted by veterinarians
What Could Be Better
- Premium pricing similar to Nutramax products
- Peanut butter flavor doesn’t appeal to every dog
Bottom Line: The best Nutramax alternative for pet parents who want equal veterinary credibility and clinical evidence.
2. VetIQ Hip & Joint Supplement – Best Value
No products found.
VetIQ offers effective joint support at a price point that’s significantly lower than Cosequin or Dasuquin.
With 180 chicken-flavored soft chews per bag, VetIQ provides glucosamine, MSM, and Antarctic krill for joint mobility and omega-3 support. The formula is designed for dogs of all sizes and breeds. While it doesn’t match the clinical pedigree of Nutramax products, it delivers the core joint-supporting ingredients at an outstanding value. Many pet parents find this to be a perfectly adequate daily maintenance supplement.
What We Like
- 180 chews at one of the lowest prices in the category
- Includes krill oil for added omega-3 benefits
- Suitable for all dog sizes and breeds
What Could Be Better
- Missing chondroitin, which Nutramax products include
- Lower overall potency than Cosequin or Dasuquin
Bottom Line: The best alternative when you want to move away from Nutramax pricing while still providing meaningful joint support.
3. Flexadin Advanced – Best Premium Alternative
No products found.
Flexadin takes a fundamentally different approach to joint health with UC-II undenatured collagen.
Instead of the traditional glucosamine-chondroitin approach that Nutramax uses, Flexadin Advanced centers its formula around UC-II collagen. This ingredient works through the immune system to support cartilage health, offering a completely different mechanism of action. Made by Vetoquinol, a respected veterinary pharmaceutical company, Flexadin is vet-approved and particularly useful for dogs who haven’t responded to conventional glucosamine-based supplements.
What We Like
- UC-II collagen provides a unique alternative mechanism
- Made by Vetoquinol, a trusted veterinary company
- Only one chew per day required regardless of dog size
What Could Be Better
- Only 60 chews per container
- Higher cost per serving than most alternatives
Bottom Line: The best alternative if your dog hasn’t responded well to Nutramax’s glucosamine-based approach and needs something different.
4. PetHonesty Hip & Joint Health – Best Natural Formula
No products found.
PetHonesty blends traditional joint support with natural botanicals and hemp for a clean-label approach.
These chicken-flavored chews combine glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, organic hemp oil and powder, green-lipped mussel, and balanced collagen. The hemp ingredients provide anti-inflammatory omega fatty acids without any THC. PetHonesty also includes a veggie blend of carrots, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes for added nutritional value. It’s a more natural, holistic alternative to Nutramax’s pharmaceutical-style formulations.
What We Like
- Organic hemp oil adds anti-inflammatory omegas with zero THC
- Clean label with no harsh preservatives or GMOs
- Includes green-lipped mussel and collagen
What Could Be Better
- Only 90 chews per container
- Less clinical data backing the formula compared to Nutramax
Bottom Line: A clean-label alternative for pet parents who prefer natural ingredients over the more pharmaceutical approach of Nutramax.
5. Doggie Dailies Hip & Joint – Best Count for the Money
No products found.
At 225 chews per jar, Doggie Dailies stretches your supplement budget further than almost any Nutramax product.
These soft chews deliver glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, hyaluronic acid, CoQ10, and omega fatty acids from salmon and cod liver oil. The cold-press extrusion process preserves ingredient quality and potency. With eight active ingredients, Doggie Dailies provides a broader profile than Nutramax’s Cosequin line while offering significantly more chews per container.
What We Like
- 225 chews—far more than any Nutramax product
- Includes CoQ10 and hyaluronic acid not found in Cosequin
- Cold-press extrusion for ingredient preservation
What Could Be Better
- Lower individual dosages of core ingredients
- Less veterinary backing than Nutramax brands
Bottom Line: The best choice when you want a comprehensive formula with maximum chews per dollar spent.
6. VetriScience GlycoFlex 3 – Best for Advanced Joint Issues
- Glucosamine for Dogs: Extra Strength Healthy Hip & Joint (previously GlycoFlex Stage 3) is our advanced-strength hip and joint supplement for dogs, with powerful levels of active ingredients that work together to help maintain mobility, lubricate joints, and support flexibility
- Powerful Ingredients: Extra Strength Healthy Hip & Joint for dogs combines 10 active ingredients including green lipped mussel, glucosamine and MSM, DMG, and antioxidants to help improve joint integrity, strength, mobility, and function
- For Active & Senior Dogs: Bite-sized hip and joint chews are ideal for dogs that are slowing down or showing signs of fatigue or weakness in their hind quarters as well as active dogs, competitive dogs and dogs that are recovering from orthopedic surgery
- High-Quality Ingredients: Our vet-formulated dog joint supplements are certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), routinely undergo third-party testing, and contain no hidden ingredients, artificial flavors, or synthetic colors
- Delicious Chicken-Liver Flavor: These glucosamine and green-lipped mussel joint chews are like a treat for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes
GlycoFlex 3 is the maximum-strength answer for dogs who need something as powerful as Dasuquin Advanced.
This extra-strength formula (now called Extra Strength Healthy Hip & Joint) features 10 active ingredients including glucosamine, MSM, green-lipped mussel, DMG, and antioxidants. It’s specifically designed for senior dogs, working breeds, and dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery—the same population that Nutramax’s Dasuquin targets. The chicken-flavored chews are NASC certified and made in the USA.
What We Like
- Maximum-strength formula comparable to Dasuquin
- Specifically designed for senior and working dogs
- NASC certified with third-party testing
What Could Be Better
- Premium pricing
- May be overkill for dogs with mild joint concerns
Bottom Line: The direct Dasuquin competitor for dogs with advanced joint needs who want the most powerful non-Nutramax option.
7. Zesty Paws Multivitamin – Best All-in-One Alternative
- 8-in-1 Formula - Zesty Paws Multifunctional Bites are functional supplement chews with premium ingredients that support physical performance, antioxidants, hip & joint, heart, immune, skin, liver, & gut health for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.
- Skin Health & Antioxidants – For animals with sensitive skin, this formula contains Cod Liver Fish Oil and Vitamin E to help maintain normal moisture and CoQ10 to help reduce oxidative stress.
- Hip, Joint & Performance Support - Each dog chew features OptiMSM, a premium form of MSM for muscular support, which works synergistically with the Glucosamine HCl and Chondroitin Sulfate in these chews for hip and joint support plus Cod Liver Oil and B-Complex Vitamins support normal physical performance.
- Gut Health & Probiotics - These chews also contain a six-strain Gut Health Blend (500 million cfu per chew) and a Digestive Health Blend to promote gut flora while supporting normal bowel function for dogs.
- Heart, Liver & Immune Health - Multifunctional Bites feature powerful antioxidants, premium CoQ10, Cod Liver Oil and Vitamins A, C, & E to promote healthy cardiovascular function, support liver health and enhance immune response.
If you’ve been using multiple Nutramax products for different needs, Zesty Paws’ multivitamin consolidates support into one chew.
Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Multifunctional Bites support hip and joint function, skin and coat health, heart wellness, immune response, and digestive balance—all in a single chicken-flavored soft chew. The formula includes glucosamine, cod liver oil, omega fatty acids, probiotics, and an antioxidant blend. Rather than buying separate Nutramax products for joints, skin, and digestion, this single supplement covers multiple bases.
What We Like
- Covers 8 health areas in one supplement—replaces multiple Nutramax products
- Includes probiotics and digestive enzymes not found in Cosequin
- NASC certified and grain-free
What Could Be Better
- Jack of all trades—lower per-ingredient dosages than targeted supplements
- Only 90 chews per container
Bottom Line: The best alternative when you’re tired of buying multiple Nutramax products and want one supplement to cover most needs.
8. Petaxin Hip & Joint – Best Bulk Option
- PERFECT FORMULA TO IMPROVE YOUR DOG'S JOINT HEALTH: For working dogs, active dogs, and old dogs, Petaxin Hip and Joint Support soft chews feature premium ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and turmeric to support comfort and mobility in the hips and joints of your favorite canine. Help your furry friends stay active and energetic with these dog joint supplement chews!
- RELIEVE SORENESS AND PROMOTE HEALTHY JOINT STRUCTURE: The powerful blend of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM work together to improve cartilage, relieve soreness, and support joint strength. This helps promote overall joint function and eases the pains and aches that come from aging or just a day at the park.
- NATURAL HERBS FOR HEALTHY INFLAMMATION AND IMMUNE SUPPORT: Every soft chew packs turmeric, yucca extract, and Vitamin C plus E, ingredients that help reduce inflammation around the joints. These ingredients also provide antioxidants that promote the immune system, support heart health, and help improve energy levels in your best friend.
- BEEF FLAVOR DOGS LOVE - NO CORN, GRAIN, WHEAT: We believe in making the highest quality products for pets. Each of these dog glucosamine chews is Made In The USA in a FDA registered facility following strict cGMP standards and contains no corn, grain, wheat, or artificial flavorings. These chews come in a beef flavor that dogs gobble up like treats.
- HAPPY DOGS PROMISE: Petaxin began with our team's love for our pets and our passion for wanting to help them live their healthiest lives possible. Petaxin's mission is to create products like this glucosamine chondroitin for dogs that keep your pet sniffing, barking, and wagging.
Petaxin’s 240-count bottle provides more servings per purchase than any Nutramax joint supplement.
This formula includes glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, organic turmeric, yucca extract, manganese, and vitamins C and E. The turmeric and yucca additions provide natural anti-inflammatory support that Nutramax’s basic Cosequin line doesn’t include. Manufactured in the USA in an FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facility, Petaxin meets strict quality standards despite its value pricing.
What We Like
- 240 chews—nearly double what most Nutramax products offer
- Organic turmeric and yucca extract for added anti-inflammatory benefits
- FDA-registered facility manufacturing
What Could Be Better
- Less established brand reputation than Nutramax
- No clinical studies specific to this formula
Bottom Line: The best value-per-chew alternative for pet parents switching from Nutramax for budget reasons.
9. Amazon Basics Hip & Joint – Best Everyday Budget Option
- Includes 1 resealable bag of 120 hip & joint bite-sized chews for dogs
- Each chew has 200 mg of glucosamine HCl, 100 mg of MSM, and 100 mg of green-lipped mussel that contains amino acids
- Includes Glucosamine and manganese to help maintain healthy joints
- Includes MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and chondroitin to provide building blocks to the joint cartilage
- Direction for use: 1 chew per day for dogs up to 15 lbs, 2 chews per day for dogs 15-45 lbs, 3 chews per day for dogs 45-75 lbs, 4 chews per day for dogs over 75 lbs
Amazon’s house brand delivers essential joint support at everyday-low pricing with convenient Prime shipping.
Amazon Basics Hip & Joint chews provide glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, green-lipped mussel, vitamin C, and manganese in a duck-flavored soft chew. Each chew delivers 200 mg of glucosamine HCl, 100 mg of MSM, and 100 mg of green-lipped mussel. While the dosages are modest compared to Nutramax products, the price makes daily joint maintenance accessible for any budget.
What We Like
- Among the most affordable joint supplements available
- Includes green-lipped mussel at this price point
- Convenient Amazon Prime delivery
What Could Be Better
- Lower ingredient dosages than Nutramax formulas
- Limited flavor options (duck only)
Bottom Line: The most accessible Nutramax alternative for pet parents who want basic daily joint support at the lowest possible cost.
How to Choose the Best Nutramax Alternative
When moving away from Nutramax products, start by identifying which specific Nutramax supplement you’ve been using. If you’re switching from Cosequin, look for a formula with glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM at comparable dosages. If you’re moving from Dasuquin, you’ll want a more advanced formula that includes additional anti-inflammatory ingredients to replace the ASU that Dasuquin provides.
Consider the level of clinical evidence behind each alternative. Nutramax is known for backing their products with research, so if scientific validation is important to you, look for brands like VetriScience that also conduct clinical trials. Products like GlycoFlex have published data showing measurable improvements in joint function, which provides confidence similar to what Nutramax offers.
Think about whether you want to stay with a joint-focused supplement or expand to a multifunctional product. Many Nutramax users eventually end up buying multiple products—Cosequin for joints, Welactin for omega-3s, and Proviable for digestive health. An all-in-one supplement like Zesty Paws or PetHonesty can consolidate these needs into a single daily chew, potentially saving both money and hassle.
Quality certifications are non-negotiable when choosing an alternative. Look for NASC certification, manufacturing in the USA, FDA-registered or GMP-certified facilities, and transparent ingredient labeling. These standards help ensure you’re getting a product that meets safety and potency requirements comparable to what Nutramax provides.
Benefits of Switching from Nutramax Supplements
One of the primary benefits of exploring alternatives is cost savings. Nutramax products are among the most expensive joint supplements on the market, and many alternatives deliver similar core ingredients at significantly lower prices. Over the course of a year, switching to a more affordable brand can save you hundreds of dollars—money that can go toward other aspects of your dog’s care.
Different brands bring different ingredient innovations. While Nutramax focuses on the traditional glucosamine-chondroitin-MSM approach, alternatives may include ingredients like green-lipped mussel, UC-II collagen, turmeric, hemp oil, or CoQ10 that offer additional benefits Nutramax doesn’t provide. Trying a different formula can sometimes address joint issues that weren’t fully resolved by Nutramax products alone.
Some dogs respond better to certain formulations than others. If your dog has been on a Nutramax product for several months without noticeable improvement, switching to an alternative with a different mechanism of action—like UC-II collagen from Flexadin—may produce better results. Every dog’s body chemistry is unique, and sometimes a fresh approach is exactly what’s needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nutramax the best brand for dog joint supplements?
Nutramax is widely regarded as one of the best, particularly for their clinical research and veterinary trust. However, brands like VetriScience also have strong clinical backing, and many pet parents find comparable results with other quality brands at lower prices.
Can I switch from Nutramax to another brand immediately?
Yes, you can generally switch joint supplement brands without a transition period. However, you may want to overlap the old and new supplements for a few days to maintain consistent joint support during the transition.
Why is Nutramax more expensive than other brands?
Nutramax invests heavily in clinical research, quality control, and veterinary marketing. Their products undergo over 80 quality checks per batch and are backed by published studies. These costs are reflected in the retail price.
Are generic or store-brand joint supplements effective?
Products like Amazon Basics can provide basic joint support, but they typically contain lower dosages of active ingredients. For dogs with mild joint stiffness or as a preventive measure, they may be sufficient. For dogs with diagnosed arthritis or significant joint issues, a more potent formula is generally recommended.
Do I need a vet’s recommendation to switch brands?
While a veterinarian’s recommendation isn’t required for over-the-counter supplements, it’s always a good idea to discuss any changes with your vet—especially if your dog has a diagnosed joint condition or is taking prescription medications.
What if my dog doesn’t like the taste of a new supplement?
Most quality supplements come in palatable flavors like chicken, bacon, or peanut butter. If your dog refuses a new supplement, try a different flavor or hide it in a treat or food. Some supplements also come in powder form that can be mixed into meals.
Are Nutramax alternatives safe for all dog breeds?
Most joint supplements are formulated for dogs of all breeds and sizes, with dosing adjusted by weight. Always check the product label for age restrictions—some supplements aren’t recommended for very young puppies. Large and giant breeds may need higher doses, so check per-chew ingredient amounts accordingly.
