Review of Dasuquin Supplement for Dog Joint and Hips

Dasuquin is a joint supplement for dogs containing glucosamine and chondroitin. This range of dog joint supplements is very popular, but do they work?

Dasuquin Review

Dasuquin is one of Nutramax Labs joint supplements. Natural joint supplements containing glucosamine, like Dasuquin, have been used as a treatment to maintain mobility for companion dogs.

As dogs start to slow down, supplements can help keep them comfortable and active. Dasuquin is one of the dog joint products available from Nutramax Laboratories.

Is Dasuquin the best product for my dog?

Dasuquin contains some ingredients shown to reduce the breakdown of cartilage in joints over time. Studies on the ingredients often show results in 6-12 months. However, some studies on the ingredients in Dasuquin have shown no appreciable benefit.

Dasuquin Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Glucosamine and chondroitin can help some dogs with mild osteoarthritis
2. Contains glucosamine sodium, chondroitin sulfate, and avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU)
3. Contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to help reduce breakdown of cartilage in joints
4. The addition of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a dietary source of sulfur

Cons:

1. The ingredients do not have a specific anti-inflammatory effect.
2. Some studies on the ingredients have shown no appreciable benefit in dogs.
3. Glucosamine and chondroitin don’t work immediately;  it may take 4-6 weeks before improvements are visible.
4. Some dogs are allergic to shellfish ingredients, such as glucosamine.
5. Many dogs benefit from additional supplementation beyond the ingredients in Dasuquin
6. Dasuquin is a nutraceutical and not a cure for osteoarthritis.
7. The ingredients have been researched and the aim is to slow the progress of the disease -- but it can’t repair the damage already within a joint with advanced arthritis.
8. Not all supplements are the same. The specific formulas under the Dasuquin brand have not been researched, only some of the primary ingredients.
9. Dosages of ingredients in Dasuquin may be lower than the dosages used in clinical studies.

About Nutramax Dasuquin

Founded in 1992, Nutramax Laboratories has sold glucosamine-based products for dogs for several years.

Dasuquin is claimed to protect cartilage within the joints while stimulating further cartilage production. 

How can joint health supplements help my dog?

Osteoarthritis/Degenerative Joint Disease: Osteoarthritis refers to progressive cartilage degeneration that causes chronic inflammation within a joint leading to pain and destruction of joints and connective tissue. Affecting up to 25% of dogs, osteoarthritis tends to affect older dogs.

Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: Dysplasia is the abnormal development of a joint with hips and elbows the most commonly affected joints. Dysplasia primarily affects larger breeds of dog --  German Shepherds and Labradors being some of the most commonly affected.

Preventive joint care: As always, prevention is better than cure in many cases and the same holds true regarding osteoarthritis. Preventative steps such as weight management, controlled exercise plans and nutraceuticals can all support dog’s joint health -- and these can be started at any point in their life. These options can help to slow the onset and progression of joint conditions.

How Does Dasuquin Work?

Dasuquin is marketed to support normal joint function and stimulate cartilage regeneration. 

Dasuquin: What’s In It?

Dasuquin contains some of the building blocks of joint cartilage. 

Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables, Glucosamine hydrochloride, and Low molecular weight Chondroitin Sulfate. These ingredients are heavily processed, and aren't found in abundance in a typical dog's food supply.  

Benefits of Dasuquin

Dasuquin claims the following benefits, which have not been studied in clinical trials on the same combination and dosage of ingredients in these products: Support cartilage matrix production, may slow and prevent destruction of cartilage.