Glucosamine HCl · 700 mg per chew
An amino sugar that is a natural building block of cartilage and joint fluid. It is the most-studied joint-support ingredient for dogs and the one owners most often ask about by the milligram. We use glucosamine hydrochloride (HCl), the form used in most veterinary joint products.
A rule of thumb repeated on many pet sites is about 20 mg per pound of body weight per day. At 700 mg per chew, a 30 lb dog on 1 chew gets about 23 mg per lb, and a 50 lb dog on 2 chews gets 1,400 mg, about 28 mg per lb. That is more glucosamine per chew than any other soft chew in our comparison below.
AKC: Glucosamine for dogs
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) · 450 mg per chew
Methylsulfonylmethane, an organic sulfur compound. Sulfur is a component of the connective tissue in and around joints.
450 mg per chew, 900 mg per day for a 50 lb dog. That is more than Cosequin Max Strength (400 mg) and more than Finn or Wuffes (200 mg).
In fairness: Some sources suggest MSM amounts higher than any soft chew contains. We kept MSM strong while keeping the chew small enough for small dogs to eat happily.
Chondroitin Sulfate · 150 mg per chew
Chondroitin sulfate is a major structural component of cartilage, and it is almost always paired with glucosamine.
150 mg per chew, 300 mg per day for a 50 lb dog.
In fairness: This is the row where a competitor is clearly ahead: Cosequin Max Strength has 300 mg per chew. Our formula puts more into green lipped mussel and hyaluronic acid, which Cosequin Max Strength does not include. If chondroitin is your priority, Cosequin is a fair choice.
Fish Oil Concentrate (≥45 mg EPA + DHA) · 150 mg per chew
A concentrated fish oil providing the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which support healthy joints, skin and coat.
150 mg fish oil per chew, with at least 45 mg EPA + DHA. We print the EPA + DHA figure because "fish oil" alone tells you little about how much omega-3 is inside.
In fairness: This is a supporting amount. If your veterinarian has recommended a specific fish-oil dose for your dog, Struttlys adds to it rather than replacing it.
Green Lipped Mussel · 120 mg per chew
Green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) is a New Zealand shellfish that naturally contains omega-3s and other compounds that support joint health. Because it is a shellfish, skip it for dogs with a known shellfish allergy.
120 mg per chew, 240 mg per day for a 50 lb dog. That is the most green lipped mussel of any chew in our comparison.
In fairness: Studies of green lipped mussel in dogs have generally used larger daily amounts than a chew can hold. We include it as a complement to glucosamine, not as a stand-alone dose.
AKC: Green lipped mussels and dog joints
Vitamin C · 30 mg per chew
An antioxidant and a cofactor in collagen formation. Dogs make their own vitamin C, so this is a supporting amount.
30 mg per chew.
Hyaluronic Acid · 15 mg per chew
Hyaluronic acid is the main component of synovial fluid, the lubricant inside the joint capsule.
15 mg per chew, 30 mg per day for a 50 lb dog. Among the chews we compared, only Wuffes also includes it (10 mg).
A 2021 randomized trial of oral hyaluronic acid in dogs (Animals, PMC8146498)
Yucca Schidigera · 8 mg per chew
Yucca schidigera is a desert plant traditionally included in pet supplements.
8 mg per chew, printed rather than hidden in a blend.
