Nutramax Laboratories sells nutritional joint supplements under the brands Cosequin and Dasuquin. Both dietary supplements, or “nutraceuticals,” contain sodium chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, two components crucial for joint health.
For both cats and dogs, both products are offered in a range of formulations and forms. Boswella serrata extract, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and Omega-3s—the latter of which is only present in Cosequin—are among the added compounds found in some formulations.
However, avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, or ASU for short, are the main component that distinguishes Dasuquin from Cosequin. ASU is present in Dasuquin but not in Cosequin.
Avocado and soybean oils are the natural sources of ASU. ASU has been shown to reduce inflammation and relieve the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, autoimmune disorders, and other health issues in humans.
The makers of Dasuquin claim that glucosamine and chrondoitrin sulfate supplements for pets are more effective at preventing cartilage degradation when combined with ASU than when the two nutrients are taken separately.
The Cost Difference
Beyond their individual components, cost is another topic of discussion in the Cosequin vs. Dasuquin argument.
A 150-count bottle of Dasuquin costs about twice as much as a bottle of Cosequin at the time of this writing. This cost might be justified for some pet owners due to the inclusion of ASU. Some people might decide that Cosequin is efficient enough to avoid the extra cost.
Is Cosequin superior to Dasuquin?
Cosequin and Dasuquin are available for dogs and cats and share the same active ingredients—glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. Another essential element in Dasuquin is called ASU, or Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables.
Cost
Cosequin frequently costs less than Dasuquin. The formulation of the two supplements is essentially similar, with the exception that Dasuquin has ASU added. Dasuquin will work better for some pets, hence the price increase might be justified.
Is Dasuquin the ideal canine joint supplement?
The Dasuquin with MSM soft chew is our top pick for the Best Joint Health Product. The greatest anti-inflammatory and joint-protecting components are in this supplement, and it comes in the form of delightful treats to make administering it to your dog each day easier.
By attacking the problem from various angles, using little doses of various sorts of goods improves how well they perform. Additionally, we are less likely to experience unpleasant side effects while using lesser doses of complimentary products.
Flavor chews are fantastic for dogs who are driven by food. Making medicine a treat rather than a job. If you don’t sure how your dog thinks about someone, this is a fantastic place to start.
Our animal pals greatly benefit from joint supplements. Often, getting them started young is best. In order to provide your family member with comprehensive medical care, make sure to consult your veterinarian and keep them updated on any supplements you use.
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Dr. Peters spent a lot of time and effort writing this blog post to benefit the community of dog owners. If you think about posting it on social media, that would be great for me.
What canine joint supplement is the most potent?
Some owners claim their dogs have reacted poorly, vomiting or having diarrhea.
Veterinarians highly recommend Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Health Plus MSM & HA because, unlike many glucosamine supplements, it has been clinically proven to increase canine mobility.
This American-made supplement comprises sodium hyaluronate, also known as hyaluronic acid, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), in addition to glucosamine HCl from shellfish and chondroitin sulfate from cow cartilage (HA). Osteoarthritis and associated tendon and ligament diseases are commonly treated with MSM, a common anti-inflammatory drug. It also encourages sound digestion. A prevalent ingredient in skincare products for people, HA may be recognizable to you. It keeps joints moist in dog supplements and enhances the viscosity or thickness of the fluid in joints, providing a cushion between the bones.
The count of these chewable tablets ranges from 60 to 120. Large breeds will require a higher dose based on weight because they are safe for all ages. The initial dose should be taken every day for four to six weeks, followed by a switch to a maintenance dose that is roughly half the initial amount.
After experimenting with a variety of supplements, owners claim that their dogs were notably more energetic and mobile when given this particular brand. This brand is also offered in alternative formulations, soft chews, and lower standard and double strength concentrations.
What negative consequences might dogs using Cosequin have?
A minor anti-inflammatory, glucosamine aids in cartilage synthesis. Additionally, it aids in halting additional cartilage deterioration. Chondroitin encourages water retention, maintaining the cartilage’s flexibility. Additionally, it reduces cartilage deterioration. Natural painkillers and anti-inflammatories include methylsulfonylmethane.
The entire impacts of how this may aid your dog may not be noticed for 4 to 6 weeks, though initial effects might be noticeable in a few days. You can discuss your expectations with the vet if you don’t think the desired result has been achieved. The dosage of the supplement might change. Cosequin for dogs can be taken in lower doses to maintain the desired effect.
Side Effects of Cosequin
Dogs can take the short-acting vitamin cosequin. Within 24 hours of discontinuing the pill, its effects ought to stop. The following side effects could occur in your dog, although they are uncommon with Cosequin:
- Liquid stool (at most, diarrhea)
- Gas
MSM is a component that has been added to several formulations, such as Minis and DS Plus MSM. There can be negative repercussions.
- Itching
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- If they exist, allergy symptoms could get worse.
What item is similar to Dasuquin?
As our pets age, joint pain and other problems can develop, causing discomfort and posing a threat to their mobility. Cosequin, a joint supplement, has recently experienced a surge in popularity, but Dasuquin isn’t far behind.
The two joint supplements that are most frequently suggested on the market are Cosequin and Dasuquin. Both items guarantee to enhance the joint health of pets. Additionally, both of them are produced by reputable pet health product producer Nutramax Laboratories.
So what distinguishes Cosequin from Dasuquin? Which one is best for your pets, most importantly? To learn more, we dug deep.
Dasuquin Advanced (joint supplement)
A fantastic joint supplement is Dasuquin Advanced. It functions by supplying the body of your dog or cat with everything it needs to repair the cartilage in their joints. Tablets and chews are the two available forms. The two kinds are equally effective and of equal quality. This product has no generic substitute.
ASU, which has been scientifically shown to restore cartilage degeneration and improve joint health, is a component of Dasuquin Advanced. A natural oral joint supplement has made a breakthrough in veterinary medicine that has never previously occurred. Due to this, Dasuquin Advanced is the market’s top supplement for dogs with early arthritis (DJD).
Hyaluronic acid, MSM, and glucosamine are a few other components in Dasuquin Advanced that have a long history of helping individuals have better joint health. The effectiveness of Dasuquin and Dasuquin with MSM in treating numerous canine and feline patients showed evidence of this by enhancing joint mobility, reducing joint inflammation, and minimizing joint pain.
What surpasses Cosequin in quality?
The main component that sets Dasuquin apart from Cosequin is ASU, which stands for Avocado & Soybean Unsaphonifiables.
ASU is thought to be significantly more effective at treating injured, sore, and stiff joints. In general, it’s a good thing more!
You may be thinking whether Dasuquin’s ASU is worth the additional cost. It is difficult to say because it largely depends on your dog’s circumstances.
Can dogs with Dasuquin have liver issues?
Supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin, including those made from green-lipped mussels, should be perfectly safe for the liver of your dog. I would advise utilizing a Nutramax product because the veterinary world holds Nutramax’s Cosequin and Dasuquin in high regard for their safety and purity.
What makes Dasuquin advanced and Dasuquin with MSM different?
Our most potent glucosamine supplement is Dasuquin Advanced. It has five extra nutritional support elements that are not present in conventional Dasuquin, making it similar to a souped-up version of Dasuquin. These additional components aid in reducing discomfort and damage inside the joint.
Is dasuquin safe for arthritis-affected dogs?
Not only do humans age as time passes, but so do our dogs. Every time we see a cute puppy destroy furniture or run around the yard, it seems like it was only yesterday. However, your dog may now act in an aged manner. He’s been there to support you in maintaining good health, but occasionally it needs your help to do so.
Similar to how humans age, pets also slow down and become less healthy. Along with other illnesses like arthritis, they have aches and pains. Even while you can’t stop aging, you may lessen its crippling effects by giving your dog a healthy diet. Unfortunately, a lot of dog meals lack essential nutrients. They frequently overlook proteins and fatty acids, which are crucial components of a dog’s diet for maintaining health and activity. Don’t forget that failing to give your dog the right medications is a typical pet owner error.
If your dog starts to exhibit symptoms of arthritis or other joint issues, it’s definitely time to start introducing joint supplements to your dog’s food. Just be sure to check with your neighborhood vet first.
Dasuquin is one of the best supplements you can take if you want to adopt this course of action. Dasuquin, a product of Nutramax Laboratories, aids in the regeneration of cartilage in your dog’s arthritic joints.
Can cosequin worsen my dog’s condition?
At first, it moves along somewhat slowly. With a silly grin and wagging tail, your dog still wants to play and run around, but now and then you’ll observe your pup circleing around more frequently than usual before sitting down. The next thing you know, she’s taking her time getting up, and the same cues that once made her run now just cause her to saunter. You believe that “she’s just maturing.” She still finds the activity enjoyable, but she has learned patience.
Then all of a sudden, you’ll see that she rarely ventures outside of the comfort of her preferred places. She hardly ever invites you to play or take a stroll. Even if she still wants to leave when you ask, her timid movements towards the door make the wagging tail and broad smile appear fake. One day she’ll start to sit down when all of a sudden her legs will give way. “Aged is she. All there is to it is that.”
However, these are indicators of degenerative joint disease, not signs of good aging, so your dog doesn’t have to suffer in silence. Numerous joint supplements and drugs are available to help her regain her energy. Cosequin DS is one of the top supplements available for treating canine arthritis. This supplement has the ideal ratio of minerals, amino sugars, and carbohydrates to help dogs with degenerative joint diseases recover their joints.
What Makes Cosequin DS So Effective?
The greatest components for building and repairing the cartilage and synovial fluid that maintain healthy joints are abundant in Cosequin DS. Joints must have cartilage, which synovial fluid lubricates to prevent deterioration. Chondoritin sulfate, glucoasmine hydrochloride, and manganese ascorbate are constituents in Cosequin DS; the following is a list of their functions:
- One chemical version of the aminosugar glucosamine is called glucosamine hydrochloride. One of the substances that make up cartilage naturally in the body is glucosamine, although older animals typically have a declining supply of the substance. By replenishing this supply, your pet’s natural joint-maintenance system can function as intended.
- Proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid, two elements of cartilage, are stimulated by the carbohydrate chondroitin sulfate, which also aids in reducing inflammation. Hyaluronic acid is needed to create synovial fluid in addition to having a similar function to glucosamine in the development of cartilage.
- Manganese ascorbate: Due to its presence in vital enzymes that control inflammation, manganese plays a crucial part in a number of biological processes.
Despite the fact that these are the main components of Cosequin DS, the supplement is also available in a different formulation that incorporates methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). MSM is a substance that reduces pain and inflammation by providing the sulfur needed to create healthy molecules like chondroitin sulfate. Together, these components offer a thorough defense against arthritis and provide relief from its different symptoms.
Side Effects and Alternative Supplements
Cosequin DS is extremely safe for animals, although there are some negative effects from using it. Less than 2% of dogs that took the supplement have reported mild gastrointestinal distress, and some dogs may become more thirsty. Similar to the majority of supplements, when dose guidelines are not followed, negative effects are more likely to occur. Any lingering side effects are typically eliminated when the guidelines are followed by lowering the dosage from the loading level to the maintenance level.
For animals with various needs, Cosequin is also available in other formulations. The same active chemicals are included in Cosequin for Cats, but in concentrations tailored exclusively for felines. Dasuquin, a different joint supplement from Nutramax, is also available to provide further joint protection for your dog. Dasuquin contains the same components as Cosequin plus unsaponifiables from avocado and soy, which stop enzymes from degrading cartilage.
We trust that this article has assisted you in deciding if Cosequin DS is the best medication for your dog. See the following articles for further details on Cosequin DS and related joint supplements:
Is Cosequin right for my dog?
Any dog with sore joints, whether from osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or cruciate damage, should take Cosequin. It is also a helpful adjunctive therapy for canines receiving painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs.
If you’re unsure whether your dog needs Cosequin, keep an eye out for symptoms of joint illness in your furry buddy. These symptoms include limping, stiffness or trouble rising, a desire to walk shorter distances, a reluctance to use the stairs or get into the automobile, general stiffness, and joint swelling. Get your dog checked out by your veterinarian if any of these symptoms are present in your dog. The doctor will want to inspect your dog to see what’s wrong, and then they’ll want to talk to you about various supplements and treatments.
Cosequin might be a good option if you’re worried about your dog’s joint health and want to start them on a supplement before the symptoms of discomfort and joint illness show up. By including cosequin into your dog’s routine at a young age, you can prevent the development of clinical symptoms because it slows the course of joint disease. Large breeds and breeds predisposed to particular joint issues, like hip or elbow dysplasia, can benefit most from it.
It is usually best to first discuss whether Cosequin is the right solution for your dog with your veterinarian.
