Best Dog Cosequin Alternatives (2026) – Top 10 Reviewed

Cosequin has been a household name in canine joint supplements for over 25 years, but it’s far from the only option for supporting your dog’s hip and joint health. Whether you’re looking for a more advanced formula, a budget-friendly option, or a supplement your picky eater will actually take, there are plenty of quality alternatives that deliver proven joint-supporting ingredients. Here are the best Cosequin alternatives for dogs that can help keep your pup moving comfortably.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM – upgraded Cosequin formula from the same manufacturer
• Best Value: VetIQ Hip & Joint Soft Chews – effective ingredients at a budget price
• Best Premium: VetriScience GlycoFlex 3 – vet-formulated with green-lipped mussel

Quick Comparison

Product	Key Ingredients	Form	Servings	Best For
Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Large Dogs	Glucosamine 900mg, Chondroitin 350mg, MSM 800mg, ASU	Soft Chews	84	Advanced joint support
VetIQ Hip & Joint Soft Chews	Glucosamine 600mg, MSM 210mg, Krill	Soft Chews	180	Budget-friendly option
VetriScience GlycoFlex 3	Glucosamine 500mg, MSM 500mg, Green-Lipped Mussel	Soft Chews	120	Moderate to severe joint issues
Zesty Paws Mobility Bites	Glucosamine, Chondroitin, OptiMSM, Vitamin C & E	Soft Chews	90	Tasty daily supplement
Wuffes Advanced Hip & Joint	Glucosamine 400mg, MSM 200mg, Green-Lipped Mussel, Chondroitin	Soft Chews	60	Small/medium dogs
PetHonesty Advanced Hip & Joint	Glucosamine 313mg, Chondroitin 105mg, MSM 163mg	Soft Chews	90	Natural ingredients blend
Nutramax Dasuquin Soft Chews Large Dogs	Glucosamine 900mg, Chondroitin 350mg, ASU, Boswellia	Soft Chews	84	Vet-recommended upgrade
Zesty Paws Senior Mobility Bites	Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Hyaluronic Acid	Soft Chews	90	Aging dogs
Cosequin Maximum Strength Plus MSM	Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM	Chewable Tablets	132	Best value Cosequin

1. Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM for Large Dogs – Best Overall Alternative

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Made by the same company as Cosequin, Dasuquin is essentially Cosequin’s more advanced big brother – and the #1 veterinarian-recommended joint health supplement brand.

Dasuquin contains everything in Cosequin (glucosamine and chondroitin) plus ASU (avocado/soybean unsaponifiables), which research shows works synergistically with glucosamine and chondroitin to provide better joint support than either alone. This version also adds MSM (800mg), Boswellia serrata extract, and green tea extract for additional anti-inflammatory benefits. With 900mg of glucosamine and 350mg of chondroitin per chew, the doses are robust and vet-appropriate. The tasty soft chew format makes daily dosing easy.

What We Like

• ASU ingredient provides benefits beyond what Cosequin offers
• High glucosamine (900mg) and MSM (800mg) doses per chew
• Same trusted Nutramax manufacturer as Cosequin

What Could Be Better

• Premium price – significantly more expensive than Cosequin
• Large dog formula requires multiple chews for giant breeds

Bottom Line: If you’re upgrading from Cosequin to something more effective, Dasuquin with MSM is the natural next step from the same trusted manufacturer.

2. VetIQ Hip & Joint Soft Chews – Best Budget Alternative

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At 180 soft chews for a fraction of Cosequin’s price, VetIQ delivers solid joint support ingredients without the premium price tag.

Each serving provides 600mg of glucosamine and 210mg of MSM, along with krill as a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids for anti-inflammatory support. The chicken-flavored soft chews are suitable for all breed sizes and have become a bestseller on Amazon for their combination of effectiveness and affordability. The 180-count bag makes this one of the best values in canine joint supplements, especially for multi-dog households or large breeds that go through supplements quickly.

What We Like

• 180-count bag offers excellent per-dose value
• Includes krill-derived omega-3s for inflammation support
• Chicken-flavored and well-accepted by most dogs

What Could Be Better

• No chondroitin in the formula
• Chews can dry out quickly once the bag is opened

Bottom Line: VetIQ proves you don’t need to spend a fortune on joint supplements – this budget-friendly option delivers solid results for dogs with mild to moderate joint concerns.

3. VetriScience GlycoFlex 3 – Best for Moderate to Severe Joint Issues

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VetriScience’s most potent joint formula, GlycoFlex 3 is designed for dogs who’ve already developed significant joint problems and need maximum-strength support.

This vet-formulated supplement delivers 500mg of glucosamine and 500mg of MSM per chew, plus a key differentiator: Perna canaliculus (green-lipped mussel), a natural source of both chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids. Green-lipped mussel has shown promising anti-inflammatory effects in canine joint studies, making it a powerful addition to the standard glucosamine/MSM formula. The chicken-flavored soft chews are highly palatable, and the 120-count jar provides a generous supply. GlycoFlex offers a tiered system (Stage 1, 2, and 3) so you can match the formula to your dog’s needs.

What We Like

• Green-lipped mussel provides natural chondroitin and omega-3s
• Vet-formulated and veterinarian-recommended
• 120-count jar offers good value for the quality

What Could Be Better

• More expensive per chew than basic glucosamine supplements
• Large dogs need multiple chews daily, increasing cost

Bottom Line: GlycoFlex 3 is the step up for dogs whose joint issues have progressed beyond what basic glucosamine supplements can address – a true veterinary-grade alternative to Cosequin.

4. Zesty Paws Mobility Bites – Best Tasting Alternative

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If your dog turns their nose up at Cosequin’s chewable tablets, Zesty Paws’ bacon-flavored soft chews might be the answer to your dosing struggles.

These popular soft chews combine glucosamine HCl, chondroitin sulfate, and OptiMSM (a premium, purified form of MSM) along with vitamins C and E for antioxidant support. Zesty Paws is one of the most popular pet supplement brands on Amazon, known for creating supplements that dogs actually enjoy eating as treats. The 90-count bag works well for daily supplementation across all breed sizes. The company offers a 90-day satisfaction guarantee, which speaks to their confidence in the product.

What We Like

• Uses OptiMSM – the purest form of MSM available
• Bacon flavor that even picky dogs love
• Added vitamins C and E for antioxidant joint protection

What Could Be Better

• Lower glucosamine dose than some competitors
• Contains palm oil (though sustainably sourced)

Bottom Line: When palatability is your top priority, Zesty Paws Mobility Bites make joint supplementation feel like treat time – no more chasing your dog around with a pill.

5. Wuffes Advanced Hip & Joint – Best for Small and Medium Dogs

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Specifically formulated for small and medium breed dogs, Wuffes packs a well-rounded blend of joint-supporting ingredients into pork-flavored chews your smaller pup will love.

Each chew delivers 400mg of glucosamine, 200mg of MSM, 50mg of chondroitin, 50mg of green-lipped mussel, and 10mg of hyaluronic acid – a surprisingly comprehensive formula for smaller breeds that are often overlooked in the joint supplement market. The addition of Alaskan salmon oil provides omega-3 fatty acids, while yucca schidigera offers natural anti-inflammatory support. The 60-count bag is sized right for smaller dogs who don’t need the massive doses found in large-breed supplements.

What We Like

• Specifically dosed for small and medium breeds
• Includes green-lipped mussel and hyaluronic acid
• Pork-flavored chews with high palatability

What Could Be Better

• Only 60 chews per bag
• Not ideal for large or giant breed dogs

Bottom Line: Small and medium breed owners will appreciate a joint supplement that’s actually dosed for their dog’s size, with premium ingredients you’d usually only find in large-breed formulas.

6. PetHonesty Advanced Hip & Joint – Best Natural Formula

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PetHonesty combines traditional joint ingredients with nutrient-dense whole foods like sweet potatoes and carrots for a more holistic approach to joint health.

Each chicken-flavored soft chew provides 313mg of glucosamine, 105mg of chondroitin, and 163mg of PurforMSM, plus green-lipped mussel for additional joint support. What sets PetHonesty apart is the inclusion of whole-food antioxidants and their collaboration with veterinarians in formulating their products. The soft chews are gentle enough for dogs with chewing difficulties, and the company backs everything with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. It’s available in two package sizes to suit different needs.

What We Like

• Includes whole-food ingredients for broader nutritional support
• Soft texture suitable for senior dogs with dental issues
• 100% satisfaction guarantee from the manufacturer

What Could Be Better

• Lower glucosamine dose than some competitors
• Some picky dogs may not find the flavor appealing

Bottom Line: PetHonesty is a great pick for pet parents who want joint support that goes beyond just glucosamine, with whole-food nutrition and a clean ingredient profile.

7. Nutramax Dasuquin Soft Chews for Large Dogs – Best Vet-Recommended Upgrade

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If your vet has suggested moving beyond Cosequin, standard Dasuquin (without MSM) delivers the patented ASU ingredient at a slightly lower price than the full MSM version.

This formula provides 900mg of glucosamine, 350mg of chondroitin, and 90mg of ASU (avocado/soybean unsaponifiables), plus Boswellia serrata extract and green tea extract for additional anti-inflammatory support. Research from Nutramax shows that their specific combination of glucosamine, chondroitin, and ASU works better together than glucosamine and chondroitin alone. The soft chews are formulated for large dogs (60+ lbs) and provide an excellent step up from standard Cosequin without jumping to the higher-priced MSM version.

What We Like

• Patented ASU ingredient backed by Nutramax research
• Includes Boswellia and green tea for additional anti-inflammatory effects
• Same trusted Nutramax quality at a lower price than Dasuquin with MSM

What Could Be Better

• No MSM in this version – available separately if needed
• Large dog formula only – small/medium dogs need a different product

Bottom Line: Standard Dasuquin is the natural next step for Cosequin users who want advanced joint support without jumping to the most expensive option.

8. Zesty Paws Senior Mobility Bites – Best for Aging Dogs

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Designed specifically for senior dogs, these mobility bites combine traditional joint ingredients with advanced compounds like hyaluronic acid for comprehensive aging joint support.

This senior-specific formula includes glucosamine, chondroitin, OptiMSM, and hyaluronic acid – which helps lubricate joints and maintain synovial fluid quality. Vitamins C and E round out the formula with antioxidant protection against age-related oxidative stress in joint tissues. The duck-flavored soft chews are formulated to be easily chewed by older dogs who may have dental sensitivities. If your senior dog has been on Cosequin and you feel they need something more targeted for their aging joints, this is a smart upgrade.

What We Like

• Includes hyaluronic acid for joint lubrication
• Senior-specific formula addresses aging joint needs
• Soft texture is gentle on aging teeth and gums

What Could Be Better

• Duck flavor may not appeal to all dogs
• Higher price per chew than basic joint supplements

Bottom Line: Senior dogs deserve a joint supplement formulated for their specific needs, and Zesty Paws Senior Mobility Bites deliver targeted aging joint support in an easy-to-eat format.

9. Cosequin Maximum Strength Plus MSM – Best Value Cosequin

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If you like Cosequin but wish it did more, the Maximum Strength Plus MSM version adds a key anti-inflammatory ingredient while keeping the trusted formula you know.

This enhanced version of Cosequin adds MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) to the standard glucosamine and chondroitin formula. MSM is a sulfur-based compound that helps reduce inflammation and protect cartilage – an ingredient that basic Cosequin lacks. The 132-count bottle of chewable tablets provides excellent per-dose value, and the formula has been tested to verify it contains the labeled amounts of active ingredients. If you’ve been happy with Cosequin but want a bit more joint support, this upgraded version delivers without changing brands.

What We Like

• Same trusted Cosequin formula plus added MSM
• 132-count bottle is an excellent value
• Verified ingredient amounts – you get what the label says

What Could Be Better

• Chewable tablets are less palatable than soft chews for some dogs
• Lacks newer ingredients like ASU, green-lipped mussel, or hyaluronic acid

Bottom Line: When you trust Cosequin but want a step up, the Maximum Strength Plus MSM version gives you enhanced joint support without switching brands.

How to Choose the Best Cosequin Alternative

Understanding what makes Cosequin work is the first step in finding a good alternative. Cosequin’s core formula combines glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate – two compounds that support cartilage health and joint lubrication. Some versions also include MSM and omega-3s. Any effective alternative should contain at least glucosamine, with chondroitin, MSM, or other anti-inflammatory ingredients as bonuses.

Pay attention to ingredient dosages, not just ingredient lists. A supplement that lists glucosamine but only provides 100mg per chew won’t deliver the same results as one providing 500-900mg. For most medium to large dogs, look for at least 400-500mg of glucosamine per daily dose. Small dogs can benefit from lower amounts, typically 200-400mg daily.

The form of the supplement matters for compliance. Cosequin’s chewable tablets work well for some dogs but are less palatable than soft chews from brands like Zesty Paws or Wuffes. If your dog struggles to take their current supplement, switching to a tastier format can make a bigger difference in outcomes than switching to a fancier formula your dog won’t eat consistently.

Consider your dog’s specific situation when choosing ingredients. Dogs with mild stiffness from aging may do fine with basic glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs with diagnosed osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia may benefit from more advanced formulas containing ASU, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, or Boswellia serrata. Dogs on a budget can start with an affordable option and upgrade if needed based on their response.

Always give joint supplements at least 4-6 weeks to show results. Glucosamine and chondroitin work by supporting cartilage repair over time, not by providing immediate pain relief. Consistent daily dosing is far more important than the specific brand you choose.

Benefits of Joint Supplements for Dogs

Joint supplements support your dog’s mobility by providing the building blocks needed to maintain healthy cartilage – the cushioning tissue between bones that allows smooth, pain-free movement. As dogs age, their cartilage naturally breaks down faster than it regenerates, leading to stiffness, reduced mobility, and discomfort. Glucosamine helps stimulate cartilage production while chondroitin helps prevent further breakdown.

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a sulfur-based compound found in many advanced joint formulas that may help reduce inflammation in joint tissues. This anti-inflammatory effect can complement the cartilage-supporting actions of glucosamine and chondroitin, providing both structural support and comfort relief. Green-lipped mussel offers similar anti-inflammatory benefits through its natural omega-3 content.

Joint supplements are particularly beneficial as a preventive measure for breeds predisposed to joint problems, including large and giant breeds, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Rottweilers. Starting supplementation before significant joint damage occurs gives the ingredients the best chance to maintain cartilage health and delay the onset of age-related joint deterioration.

While joint supplements aren’t a cure for arthritis or a substitute for veterinary care, they serve as an important component of a comprehensive joint health strategy. Combined with appropriate exercise, weight management, and veterinary guidance, quality joint supplements can help your dog maintain an active, comfortable lifestyle well into their senior years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dasuquin better than Cosequin?

Dasuquin contains everything in Cosequin plus ASU (avocado/soybean unsaponifiables), which research shows works synergistically with glucosamine and chondroitin for better joint support. If your dog needs more than basic joint maintenance, Dasuquin is generally considered the upgrade. Both are made by Nutramax Laboratories.

How long do joint supplements take to work in dogs?

Most veterinarians recommend allowing 4-6 weeks of consistent daily dosing before evaluating results. Some dogs show improvements sooner, while others may need 8-12 weeks. Joint supplements work by supporting cartilage repair over time, not by providing immediate pain relief.

Can I give my dog human glucosamine?

While glucosamine is the same compound regardless of the label, human supplements may contain ingredients that are unsafe for dogs, such as xylitol. Dog-specific formulas are dosed appropriately for canine needs and use pet-safe inactive ingredients. It’s generally safer and more convenient to use a supplement formulated for dogs.

Do glucosamine supplements actually work for dogs?

Scientific evidence is mixed. Some studies show benefits, while others find limited efficacy. UC-II collagen and omega-3 fatty acids have shown more consistent results in controlled studies. That said, many veterinarians still recommend glucosamine-based supplements, and countless pet owners report positive results. The key is using products with adequate doses from reputable manufacturers.

What’s the best joint supplement ingredient for dogs?

Research suggests UC-II (undenatured type II collagen) and omega-3 fatty acids have the strongest clinical evidence. Glucosamine and chondroitin remain the most widely used and vet-recommended options. For the best results, look for supplements that combine multiple ingredients for a multi-pronged approach to joint health.

Should I give my puppy joint supplements?

Generally, puppies don’t need joint supplements unless they’re a large or giant breed predisposed to joint issues. Talk to your vet about when to start supplementation – many recommend beginning around 1-2 years of age for at-risk breeds. Starting early can help support healthy joint development before problems arise.

Can I combine Cosequin with other supplements?

Yes, Cosequin and most joint supplements can be safely combined with other supplements like fish oil, turmeric, or multivitamins. However, avoid doubling up on joint supplements unless your vet recommends it, as excessive glucosamine isn’t beneficial and can cause digestive upset. Always inform your vet about all supplements your dog takes.

What’s the difference between soft chews and chewable tablets?

Soft chews are typically more palatable and easier for dogs to eat, with a treat-like texture. Chewable tablets (like standard Cosequin) are harder and may be less appealing to picky eaters but often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients per dose. The best choice depends on your dog’s preferences and ability to chew.

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