Dasuquin vs Cosequin: Which Joint Supplement Is Right for Your Dog?
Palvi 8 min read
Both support joint health, but they are not the same formula. Learn what separates Cosequin from Dasuquin before you buy.
Key Takeaways
Choosing a joint supplement for your dog can get confusing when two well-known options, Cosequin and Dasuquin, contain many of the same ingredients. So, what is the difference between Cosequin and Dasuquin, and which one is better than the other?
Both supplement lines are designed to support joint health, but their formulas are not exactly the same. Cosequin offers several formulas with ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, and hyaluronic acid. Dasuquin also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, but its signature ingredient is avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU). Some Dasuquin Advanced formulas add even more joint-support ingredients.
The right choice depends on your dog’s age, joint health, and budget. This guide will help you compare their ingredients, differences, and uses so you can pick the right supplement.
What Is Cosequin?
Cosequin is a joint health supplement for dogs made by Nutramax Laboratories. Its core formulas are built around glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, two ingredients commonly used to support healthy cartilage and joints. It is sold in several forms, including soft chews and chewable tablets, so it is easy to find a format your dog accepts.
What Does Cosequin Help Dogs With?
Cosequin is designed to support joint health, comfort, and mobility. It is commonly used for:
- Early stiffness or mild joint wear
- Preventive joint support in active or aging dogs
- Everyday mobility support for dogs that are slowing down
Types of Cosequin Dog Supplement
Cosequin comes in several versions, so it helps to know what each one adds:
- Regular or DS: A basic starting point for mild joint support.
- Maximum Strength plus MSM: For dogs that need more help, with MSM added.
- Maximum Strength plus MSM and HA: Adds hyaluronic acid.
- Senior soft chew: A formula aimed at older dogs.
What Is Dasuquin?
Dasuquin is also made by Nutramax and is positioned as a premium joint supplement. It combines glucosamine and chondroitin with ASU. Nutramax says this combination works better than glucosamine and chondroitin alone. The line also includes Dasuquin with MSM and Dasuquin Advanced.
What Does Dasuquin Help Dogs With?
Dasuquin is designed to support joint health, comfort, and mobility. Owners and vets commonly use it for dogs dealing with:
- Osteoarthritis and general joint wear
- Hip or elbow dysplasia
- Recovery after joint surgery
- Age-related stiffness
Important: It is a supplement, not a medicine. It supports joint health and does not cure arthritis. Dogs in real pain may also need prescription pain relief, so talk to your vet if your dog is limping or struggling to move.
Types of Dasuquin
- Dasuquin: The core formula with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and ASU. Available as soft chews for small to medium dogs and large dogs.
- Dasuquin with MSM: Adds MSM, a source of sulfur used by cartilage.
- Dasuquin Senior: A soft chew formula for older dogs.
- Dasuquin Advanced: An enhanced formula sold through veterinarians.
Cosequin vs Dasuquin Ingredients: What's Inside?
| Ingredient | Cosequin | Dasuquin |
|---|---|---|
| Glucosamine + chondroitin sulfate | Yes | Yes |
| ASU (avocado/soybean unsaponifiables) | No | Yes |
| MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) | In some formulas | In some formulas |
| Hyaluronic acid | In some formulas | Not in the main line |
| Boswellia serrata extract | In some formulas | Only in advanced versions |
Other Supporting Ingredients
Depending on the product, you may also see ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, Boswellia serrata extract, turmeric, or antioxidant-support ingredients.
Don’t choose a joint supplement just because it has more ingredients. Cosequin and Dasuquin come in different formulas, so take a look at what’s actually in the product. Then consider whether those ingredients make sense for your dog’s joint care needs.
Is Dasuquin Better Than Cosequin?
Not always. It depends on your dog.
Dasuquin may suit your dog if he:
- Is a senior or has moderate to severe joint problems
- Has arthritis or hip dysplasia
- Did not improve on Cosequin after a fair trial
- Is a large dog, since big breeds put more strain on their joints
Cosequin may suit your dog if he:
- Is young or middle-aged with early stiffness
- Needs preventive joint support
- Is on a tighter budget
- Has a sensitive stomach or a soy sensitivity
Results vary from dog to dog. Some dogs show a clear change after moving from Cosequin to Dasuquin. Others do well enough on Cosequin, which costs less.
Dasuquin vs Dasuquin Advanced: What's the Difference?
Dasuquin Advanced is the upgraded version. It has the same ingredients as Dasuquin, enhanced with a proprietary blend of researched ingredients for a multimodal approach to joint support. That blend includes green tea extract and alpha-lipoic acid, which work with ASU to help inhibit the inflammatory response. There is also an Advanced version with eggshell membrane.
Can You Give Cosequin and Dasuquin Together?
In most cases, you should not. Both contain glucosamine and chondroitin, so giving both can mean doubling up on the same ingredients without added benefit.
Dasuquin already includes everything in Cosequin's core formula plus ASU. If you want to move from Cosequin to Dasuquin, switch rather than combine.
Side Effects and Safety
Both supplements are generally well-tolerated. The most common issue is mild digestive upset, such as loose stools or vomiting, especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs. Starting with a lower amount and building up can help. Some dogs are sensitive to ingredients like the soy in Dasuquin.
Stop the supplement and call your vet if you see ongoing vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of an allergic reaction.
Which Joint Supplement Is Right for Your Dog?
Consider these factors before choosing between Cosequin and Dasuquin:
- Your dog's age: Older dogs may need more attention to joint health, but joint support can also be considered for younger dogs with specific needs.
- Your dog's size: Large dogs can place more stress on their joints. Both brands offer products or directions designed around different weight ranges.
- Your dog's mobility: Stiffness, reluctance to climb stairs, difficulty getting up, or reduced activity can have several causes. A veterinarian should evaluate new or worsening changes in mobility.
- Your veterinarian's recommendation: If your dog has an existing joint condition, takes medication, or has other health concerns, ask your veterinarian before starting a supplement.
Shop Cosequin and Dasuquin Joint Supplements at HardyPaw
Once you know which formula fits your dog, you can find joint support options at HardyPaw.
Cosequin
- Cosequin DS Joint Health Chewable Supplement for Dogs: Glucosamine and chondroitin for everyday joint support.
- Maximum Strength Joint Health Supplement for Dogs: Glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM in a chewable tablet.
- Cosequin Maximum Strength with MSM Plus Omega-3s Soft Chews: Adds omega-3 fatty acids that also support skin and coat.
Dasuquin
- Dasuquin Joint Health Supplement for Small to Medium Dogs (Soft Chews): Glucosamine, chondroitin, ASU, Boswellia serrata extract, and green tea extract.
- Dasuquin Joint Health Supplement for Large Dogs (Soft Chews): The same formula for larger breeds.
- Dasuquin with MSM Joint Health Supplement for Large Dogs (Chewable Tablets): Adds MSM to the Dasuquin formula.
Browse more: Nutramax collection | Dog hip and joint supplements | Joint and mobility support
Final Verdict: Dasuquin or Cosequin?
Cosequin and Dasuquin can both be useful options when you're looking for supplements to support your dog's joint health, but they are not interchangeable formulas.
Cosequin comes in different versions. Some stick to glucosamine and chondroitin, while others include extras like MSM, hyaluronic acid, or omega-3s. Dasuquin also uses glucosamine and chondroitin, but adds ASU to its formulas. If you're looking for more ingredients, Dasuquin Advanced is another option to compare.
Before picking one, look at the ingredients, how the supplement is given, and the recommended daily amount. What works for one dog may not be right for another, so check with your vet if you’re not sure which formula to choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Cosequin contain MSM?
Ans: Some Cosequin formulas contain MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), check the label of the exact product. Cosequin products that include MSM are:
- Cosequin Maximum Strength Plus MSM chewable tablets: Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM in a chewable tablet.
- Cosequin Maximum Strength Plus MSM and HA chewable tablets: Adds hyaluronic acid to the MSM formula.
- Cosequin Joint Health Supplement with MSM and Omega-3s Soft Chews for Dogs: Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM, plus omega-3 fatty acids that also support skin and coat.
Q2: Can puppies or young dogs take joint supplements?
Ans: Joint supplements aren’t just something to consider for older dogs, but puppies may not need them unless there’s a specific reason. Large-breed puppies can be more prone to joint issues as they grow. Before giving your puppy a supplement, check the age recommendations on the label and ask your vet if it’s suitable.
Q3: Can I give these supplements with food?
Ans: Yes. Soft chews can be fed as a treat or broken up over a meal, and chewable tablets can be given by hand or mixed with food. Giving the supplement with a meal may also help dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Note: If your dog misses a dose, give the next dose at the usual time instead of doubling up.
Q4: Is it safe for dogs to eat ASU if avocado is toxic to them?
Ans: ASU is an extract made from avocado and soybean oils, and it is used in measured amounts in Dasuquin. That is different from a dog eating avocado fruit, pit, or skin. Dasuquin is made for dogs and widely used. If your dog has a known allergy to soy or avocado, check with your vet before you start.
Q5: Can joint supplements be used with other medications?
Ans: Many dogs take joint supplements alongside other treatments, but you should tell your vet about everything your dog takes. This matters most if your dog is on prescription pain relief, has a chronic health condition, or is scheduled for surgery.
Q6: How long can a dog stay on a joint supplement?
Ans: Joint supplements are designed for ongoing daily use, and many dogs stay on them long term. After the initial period, labels usually move to a maintenance amount. Have your vet review your dog’s progress at regular checkups so the product and amount still fit as your dog ages.
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