Dear Daisy Dog
My dog has osteoarthritis, for which my veterinarian recommended Cosequin, a supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin. I found a less expensive glucosamine-chondroitin product at the discount store. Is it just as good?
Daisy Responds
It depends on the product.
I too have a bit of osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, and I alternate between Cosequin and Glyco-Flex, depending on which flavor strikes my fancy.
Both were tested in dogs and proven to be safe and effective.
On the other hand, the discount products were not tested in dogs, but some don’t even contain the amount of active ingredients claimed on the label.
For example, ConsumerLabs.com, an independent testing laboratory, recently evaluated 13 pet glucosamine-chondroitin products and found that four contained just 5 to 17 percent of the labeled amount of glucosamine and/or chondroitin: Dogswell Happy Hips Chicken Breast with Glucosamine and Chondroitin, Joint Complete, Joint Max and K-9 Liquid Health.
All Cosequin products contained the labeled amounts of each ingredient.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally-occurring substances that make up joint cartilage. Supplements like Cosequin nourish the cartilage and joint fluid, inhibit cartilage breakdown and help rebuilt damaged cartilage. Furthermore, they have anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce the stiffness and discomfort associated with osteoarthritis.
My advice is to stick with the product your veterinarian recommends.
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