5 Best Dog Food with Glucosamine for Joint Health [2023]

I am a clinical veterinarian, and I see that dogs are more frequently suffering from joint pain. But there’s a solution for healthy joints, dog food with glucosamine.

Among all the dog’s joint health problems, osteoarthritis is the most common and prevailing. This problem is growing fast and mostly affects senior dogs. There is a need to cope with these joint problems because you can’t treat joint issues completely once developed.

That is why the best strategy is to control these types of problems in dogs. Large dog breeds like Great Dane are more likely to suffer from these issues because of their larger size.

Glucosamine provides the way of solution to this problem. Glucosamine is a combination of amino acids and sugar. Great Dane produces glucosamine naturally, and it helps in the formation and healing of bone cartilage. But unfortunately, its production decreases with the age of the dog. Therefore, Great Dane needs glucosamine from external sources at older ages to keep the bone cartilage at normal.

In addition, glucosamine helps fight the inflammation of joints. And therefore, it is required at all ages to cope with dog’s joint health problems. If the body cannot produce glucosamine, we should provide the dog food with glucosamine so that dogs can better cope with the issues like osteoarthritis.

This article will give you everything you need to know about glucosamine, its sources, uses, and beneficial effects. The best solution is to enhance the intake of glucosamine in the diet of the dog. Many dog foods have made glucosamine a major ingredient of their product. Some of the best dog foods with Glucosamine have been reviewed below.  So, sit back! And start your glucosamine journey right now.

Selection of dog food with glucosamine and chondroitin

In this blog post, we’ll explore dog foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin. What are the essential features? And how to know which large breed dog food is the best? Here are the links directly to high quality dog food or you can dig in and read the reviews below:

1. Bayer Synovi G4
2. Zesty Paws Mobility Bites
3. Infinite Pet Supplement for Dogs     
4. VetriScience Laboratories – Glycoflex 3 Hip & Joint Support
5. Doggie Dailies

Best Dog Food with Glucosamine on the Market

1. Bayer Synovi G4

One of the dog food that makes it to the list of best dog food with glucosamine is Bayer Synovi G4 which is  an easily chewable supplement for the dogs.

It aids in promoting the health of the hip bone and other joints of the dog’s body and it is suitable for dogs of all ages.

No matter what the size of the dog is, Bayer Synovi G4 suits the dogs of all sizes and all breeds. It also increases the suppleness and agility of the dog.

With an amalgam of diverse ingredients Bayer Synovi G4 aids in maintaining and enhancing the health of the joints, toning of the muscles, and also the intoxication function of the body.

It contains Boswellia serrata which is a natural ingredient and is quite often used in Eastern medicines.

It also has green-lipped mussel which is regarded as a good source of chondroitin. Other magical ingredients include turmeric, glucosamine, and creatine.

It is soft and is easy to chew. It is a supplement that has a sweet poultry flavor and is very helpful in improving the dog’s joint health.

Bayer Synovi G4 successfully went through a quality audit and has earned the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Quality Seal.

Key Features

• Joint supplement to be used on a daily bases
• Blend of multiple specialized ingredients
• A formula with multi-benefits
• Easy-to-give supplement
• NASC Quality Seal

2. Zesty Paws Mobility Bites

Zesty Paws Mobility Bites Hip & Joint Support Chews are natural chews that are especially been designed to surge the mobility of the joints.

It is a blend of wholesome ingredients that are very nourishing. Its key ingredients include glucosamine chondroitin, vitamin E, and flaxseed meal.

It tastes like a delicious duck which makes it irresistible for the dogs and makes it an appetizing treat for the dog.

Zesty Paws Mobility Bites is one of the best dog foods with glucosamine.

This wonderful supplement for your furry pet helps in reducing and preventing pains, sores, inflammation, and other arthritis problems.

All the ingredients used in this product are natural ones and they provide the best joint and hip health support that your dog really needs. These ingredients include glucosamine, yucca extract, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).

These ingredients not only help in maintaining good hip and joint health but also promote the heart health of the dog and enhance the immune system of your four-legged pet.

Zesty Paws Mobility Bites are supplements that are being manufactured in facilities that are FDA-registered and are also NSF and GMP-certified in the USA.

Key Features

• Provides high-level joint support
• Natural ingredients, dry dog food
• The appealing and mouthwatering taste
• Reduces aches, sores, inflammation, and arthritis
• NSF and GMP-certified in the USA

3. Infinite Pet Supplement for Dogs

Infinite Pet Supplement is a formula that has been specially designed to promote the joint health of your dog, especially hips.

It is a blend of ingredients that are purely natural and have no side effects. It contains ingredients that include Organic Turmeric, MSM, Glucosamine, and Chondroitin.

Glucosamine along with chondroitin are used to provide support and also repair the cartilage and the joints of the four-legged pet. It also helps in retaining the flexibility of the joint and the muscles.

MSM aids in the reduction and the soothing of inflammation and also provides relief from the old age disease Arthritis.

It has an appealing beef flavor that is much loved by dogs. It not only satisfies the dogs’ taste buds but also provides the desired nutrients to the dog.

Among other key ingredients, organic turmeric is an ingredient that has been proven to be the most significant natural ingredient that reduces inflammation, helps in alleviating Arthritis among dogs.

It also improves the health of the heart, it further aids in reducing allergies and kills parasites. Different kinds of stomach ailments can be cured by its usage, helping in improving metabolism, and maintaining a healthy weight. In more severe cases you could use Pepto Bismol for dogs.

It comes with a lifetime money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the results of the product and if you think that your dog’s health is not improving, you can send the message to the manufacturers and get your money back.

It is a very powerful formula that is equally effective for large dogs, small dogs, dogs with Hip Dysplasia, and joint health problems.

Key Features

• Natural ingredients with no side effects
• It revitalizes the joints and cartilage of the dog
• Approved by the vets
• Improves heart and liver
• Relieves allergies
• Helps in removing parasites
• Aids in stomach ailments
• Lifetime money-back guarantee
• Suitable for all kinds and breeds of dogs

4. VetriScience Laboratories – Glycoflex 3 Hip & Joint Support

VetriScience Laboratories – Glycoflex 3 Hip & Joint Support are chewable tablets that are especially being designed to aid dogs having serious joint problems.

It is also recommended to the vets as a follow-up after major orthopedic surgery. This supplement is regarded as the best dog food with glucosamine for dogs needing joint support.

The major ingredients of these chewable tablets include advanced levels of MSM, glucosamine, DMG, and manganese. To provide the dogs with the added support grape seed extract and L-glutathione are also added.

These chewable tablets have a yummy flavor of chicken, which easily tempts the dogs and they munch at it and remain healthy.

It is equally suitable for dogs of all weights and all ages and helps in maintaining the weight and the mobility of the dogs through all the phases of your furry pet’s life.

It has been clinically proven that after using this product for four weeks, the hind leg strength of the dogs is increased considerably.

Key Features

• Helpful for the dogs in need of serious joint problem
• Suitable for dogs of all ages and all weights
• Clinically proven
• Tasty chicken flavor

5. Doggie Dailies

Doggie Dailies is yet another supplement in our list of best dog foods with glucosamine. The ingredients used in this product are all trustworthy. It has a pleasant taste of the chicken that appeals to the taste buds of the dog.

The ingredients used in this product provide the vital minerals, vitamins, necessary enzymes, and nutrients that are needed by the dog and that provide the dog with the much-needed strength and energy.

The ingredients used in this product include Glucosamine, MSM, Schidigera, Chondroitin, Yucca, Hyaluronic Acid (HA), and CoQ10 (coenzyme q10), and Omega 6 & 3, Vitamin E & C, and Cod Liver Oil & Salmon Oil. These ingredients not only help in maintaining health but are also good for the skin.

This product is also safe for dogs of all ages, weights, and breeds. This special formula is very effective for the reduction of inflammation. It lubricates the joints which in turn reduces joint pain.

It also repairs the cartilage. If a dog is provided with a daily dose of this supplement, the four-legged pet would live a much happier and healthier life.

Doggie Dailies is suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes. The manufacturers of this product also provide a money-back guarantee to the customers. If you are not satisfied with the results of the product, you may claim your money.

Key Features

• Trustworthy ingredients
• A pleasant taste of chicken
• Provides the dogs with the strength and energy
• Good for skin
• Suitable for dogs of all ages, weights, and breeds
• Helps reduce inflammation
• Lubricates the joints
• Repairs the cartilage
• Money-back guarantee

Should dog food have glucosamine?

We have discussed that glucosamine is naturally produced in the body of Great Dane, but its production decreases with age. Great Dane dogs cannot cope with joint issues in the older ages because of the reduced production of glucosamine. Therefore, you should administer glucosamine-rich dog food to make up for its deficiency in the body. You can also give glucosamine to young dogs or puppies as it promotes the formation of joint cartilage.

Studies have shown that glucosamine shows anti-inflammatory effects in Great Dane dogs, which is beneficial for older dogs and young dogs and puppies.

Puppies: Glucosamine helps the development of cartilage at a young age. Therefore, when puppies are in growing ages, it is best to administer enough dog food with glucosamine up to their requirements. It is essential for those puppies who are suffering from joint problems like hip dysplasia.

Adults: Great Dane dogs tend to run, jump, and play; therefore, there are more chances of developing joint problems. Adult Great Danes are more prone to inflammation of joints, and the best way to treat is to provide their dog food with glucosamine in their diet.

Seniors: Great Danes at older ages are prone to joint immobility due to loss of fluid and bone weakness. Glucosamine helps recover the joint fluid and regenerate the joint cartilage. There is nothing more lovely than senior Great Danes, and therefore you should be more vigilant in taking care of your dog’s joints. A recommended quantity of senior dog food with glucosamine can maintain the bones, support healthy joints and prevent your Great Dane from all kinds of joint problems.

What foods have glucosamine for dogs?

The health of a dog depends on the nature of the diet that is being provided to it. A well-balanced diet helps in keeping your dog fit for a longer time.

All dogs do need a protein diet to support their muscles and fats to boost their energy level. But there are other nutrients that are being needed by the dog and glucosamine is one of these.

As your dog gets older in age, it is likely that it will slow down. Not only will his activities be affected but his metabolism will also slow down. The ultimate result will be a restriction on the diet of the dog as overfeeding can result in unhealthy weight gain.

You should also be observant about your dog’s joint health as Osteoarthritis is very common in older dogs. It occurs when the cartilage between the bones wears down, which results in the rubbing of the bones with each other.

Glucosamine is a compound found in the body that helps in keeping the dog’s joints stronger and agile. Regrettably, as the dog advances in age, the production of glucosamine slows down considerably, which increases the risk of arthritis.

Glucosamine is a natural supplement and is therefore present in natural dog foods. You can provide your Great Dane with dog foods rich in glucosamine to support joint health and bones.

Chicken feet

One of the excellent sources of dog food with glucosamine is the chicken feet. Chicken feet are almost 31% cartilage, out of which 5% is glucosamine, making it a good source of glucosamine. You can use chicken feet as a treat for your Great Dane, and your dog will be much healthier and happier to eat chicken feet.

Beef trachea

Unlike chicken feet, the beef trachea is also made of cartilage, out of which 5% is glucosamine. Five percent glucosamine is more than enough for your Great Dane. This is because a 30g piece of beef trachea contains almost 1450g of glucosamine. And your vet prescribes 1000g glucosamine in the treatment of arthritis to ease the pain.

Pork tails and some other foods

You can have the advantage of another natural dog food containing glucosamine. It may be difficult, but adding pigtail to your Great Dane diet can help feed and develop the achy bones and joints. However, other than pigtails, you can use pig ears, ducks’ feet, neck, and the necks of lambs. These are all sources of glucosamine-rich dog food that you can provide to your dog in the diet.

Other dog foods for larger breeds may contain glucosamine. Also, bone broth for dogs made from high-quality bones has lots of glucosamine and chondroitin.

How can I get my dog to take glucosamine naturally?

I have discussed some of the sources of dog food with glucosamine that you can provide to your Great Dane. These are all-natural sources of glucosamine, and your dog can eat them as a treat. Whenever you play or exercise with your dog, you should provide him with these glucosamine food sources. It is better to take the advice of a veterinarian to know the daily requirement of glucosamine depending on your dog’s weight.

The best way of providing your dog with glucosamine is the diet. However, it is difficult to provide glucosamine in daily meals, so you should use dog foods with glucosamine as a treat. Great Dane love treats, and their body absorbs maximum glucosamine from the stomach.

What is a natural anti-inflammatory for dogs?

A natural anti-inflammatory for dogs serves to reduce the inflammation in the body. However, inflammation is the body’s response to treat the injury or other damages, but severe inflammation can impair functions. Therefore, severe inflammation is treated, and natural anti-inflammatory agents help treat the inflammation.

Glucosamine is one of the natural anti-inflammatory agents that are produced in the body of Great Dane dogs. The body has glucosamine as a natural anti-inflammatory agent to cope with osteoarthritis and other joint inflammatory problems.

Veterinarians recommend dog food with glucosamine to increase the development of bone cartilage in puppies and help cure joint issues. Therefore, glucosamine is equally important for Great Danes puppies, adults, and seniors, and its provision in the body increases the growth and development of important bones, joints, and cartilage.

In some cases, you need to give your dog drugs like meloxicam. But always consult the vet before.

What type of glucosamine is best for dogs?

Several types of glucosamine are available in the market, but we recommend you the best among those.

1. Bayer Synovi G4

It is an easily chewable supplement with the advantage of daily use. Manufacturers have made it the best formula for multi-benefits by adding multiple specialized ingredients.

2. Zesty Paws Mobility Bites

It is an effective chew dog food with glucosamine and chondroitin specially designed to increase the mobility of the dog’s joints. Its ingredients are wholesome and provide all the necessary nourishment to support joint health.

3. Infinite Pet Supplement for Dogs

It is an easily chewable tablet specially made to promote the development and growth of the hip and joints of Great Dane. It is a clinically proven dog foods with glucosamine that will revitalize the Great Dane’s cartilage and joint health.

How to Choose the Appropriate Dog Food?

Choosing the right dog food for your pet is very vital as the wrong selection can be catastrophic for your dog. This review will provide you with the key points that you ought to keep in your mind prior to the selection of dog food.

• Always keep in mind the age, breed, and reproduction status of your pet. You must keep in mind the activity level of your dog in mind. A more active dog requires more calories than a less active one.
• Make sure that you are familiar with the ‘buzz words’ on the dog food packaging. The actual wording of the package is basically a code about that product.
• Read the list of ingredients. The food having meat or meat meal as its first choice has to be selected. As the dogs are omnivores so they should be given meat. A vegetable diet should be given only in case of some sort of allergy.
• If you desire to switch to a grain diet for your dog, do consult a vet prior to it.
• Make sure that you check the nutritional adequacy statement. It is mandatory that you look for the AAFCO statement at the back.
• Choose the brand of the product depending on the quality and appropriate ingredients.
• Based on the liking of your product, choose whether you want canned dog food or dry dog food for your pet.
• Do check for allergies. Dogs are more prone to food allergies. Select the food that is easy to digest.

Now you know when you need dog food with glucosamine

The selection of appropriate food is a prerequisite for a healthy dog. As the dog begins to age its dietary needs begin to change.

Dog food with glucosamine is equally important for all ages to Great Danes because it is the essential requirement of the body. However, glucosamine is produced in the body, but its production decreases with the age of great dane. This means the additive would make it the best dog food for Great Danes.

Among all the top-ranked dog foods, Infinite Pet Supplement for Dogs is the best dog food with glucosamine. It does not have any side effects and can be given to dogs with minor allergies.

It has strongly been approved by the vets and improves the functioning of the heart and the liver. and it is suitable for dogs of all ages. All these unique features of this product make it a must for your pet.

Therefore, you should supply glucosamine in the diet to make up for the essential requirements of the body.

Author: Dr. Saba Iqbal – I am Dr. Saba Iqbal, a Pharmacist by profession. I got my Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) degree from the University of Sargodha. Currently, I am working in a US-based Biotech firm. My expertise includes pharmacology, pathology, pharmaceutics, physiology, and medicinal chemistry. My interest and vast knowledge about drugs, doses, and formulations help me understand Trazodone’s effects in veterinary medicine and on dogs much better than an average. Drug dosage adjustment, therapeutic drug management, and pharmacovigilance are the primary pharmacist responsibilities I employed while writing this article.