Dasuquin vs Cosequin: Which Is Best For My Dog?

Dasuquin and Cosequin are joint supplement products manufactured by Nutramax Laboratories.

There are similarities and notable differences between these supplements, which are designed to support your dog’s joints, bones, and cartilage to prevent and treat joint disease and related conditions.

In this guide, we’ll compare Dasuquin vs Cosequin to see which formula is best suited to your dog’s needs. Both can be very useful for promoting mobility – but there are some subtle differences that you need to know about.

Let’s take a look…

Similarities Between Dasuquin and Cosequin

Nutramax Labs is a well-established, reputable company that offers products backed by scientific research and consistently good results for your pet’s health.

When you consider which brand is best for your dog, Dasuquin vs. Cosequin, it’s essential to review the characteristics of each product to determine which dog supplement is a good option for your pet.

If we take a closer look at the active ingredients in Dasquin and Cosequin, you’ll find that they contain chondroitin sulfate, MSM, and glucosamine. These are the primary ingredients that help support your dog’s joint cartilage and connective tissue, slowing the progression of joint diseases such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and joint inflammation while improving mobility and joint function.

These popular joint supplements offer significant joint pain due to a joint-related injury and post-operative healing support after surgery.

Both products are available in soft chews, tablets, and powders that can easily be blended with dog food or as treats for your pet.

The Difference Between Dasuquin and Cosequin

There are notable differences between the two dog joint supplements, Cosequin and Dasuquin, which are essential when choosing the right product for your pup.

Dasuquin contains ASU, which is avocado and soybean unsaponifiable, and this is a primary ingredient that offers more significant support for your dog’s health and joint support.

The main difference between the two supplements is that Cosequin doesn’t contain this ingredient. Dasuquin is typically more expensive due to this formula because ASU offers additional support in repairing sore and stiff joints due to injury or chronic illness.

It’s also a powerful ingredient that may prevent cartilage breakdown. It can offer preventative support for your pet’s bones and joints if they are at risk of developing arthritis or hip dysplasia.

Which Supplement Is Best for Your Dog?

When considering the properties of Cosequin and Dasuquin, both products offer tremendous benefits for your dog.

While Dasuquin contains ASU, which offers a greater layer of protection and treatment for joint stiffness and diseases, it may not always be necessary, depending on your dog’s health and overall joint condition.

Since Dasuquin is more expensive, it’s essential to consider whether the added benefit of ASU is required to treat your pet’s condition.

The Benefits of Cosequin

Cosequin is generally ideal for younger dogs, including puppies over six months old, as a preventative supplement to support joint function and mobility. It’s a good choice for dogs with mild arthritis and joint inflammation symptoms.

Cosequin is a joint health supplement that promotes healthy joints for all breeds and sizes of dogs. It’s best for pets with mild to moderate joint problems, especially if your dog has been recently diagnosed with arthritis or joint disease.

Your veterinarian may recommend Cosequin as the first line of defense for treating joint inflammation, especially if your dog shows the first signs of a disorder.

Cosequin can help your pet stay active by reducing joint pain and swelling, the two prominent symptoms of arthritis.

Glucosamine and chondroitin play a significant role in protecting your pet’s cartilage and connective tissue, significantly reducing the progression of cartilage erosion in the early stages of the disease.

The Benefits of Dasuquin

When your dog reaches an advanced stage in life or shows more severe signs of joint disease, Dasuquin is often better for pain relief and joint health.

Dasuquin also contains ASU, which provides a significant advantage over Cosequin. It is best for senior dogs and pets with moderate to severe arthritis, joint damage, and limited mobility that causes consistent pain.

 It’s a good option for dogs with hip dysplasia or advanced joint disease where even the simplest motions, such as jumping up on furniture or moving from a standing to a seated position, can be challenging and cause pain.

Dasuquin vs Cosequin for Your Dog

Overall, if you notice a significant improvement in your dog’s health with Cosequin, you may not have to pay the extra expense by switching to Dasuquin. In some cases, Cosequin doesn’t provide adequate prevention or treatment, which should be noticeable within a four to six-week period.

During this time, if you don’t see improvement in your pet’s mobility, a reduction in swelling, and pain relief, Dasuquin may be the better option until you see results. Dasuquin’s specialty ingredient, ASU, provides increased protection against cartilage damage and erosion.

Before switching from one supplement to another, it’s essential to consider the significant price difference between Cosequin and Dasuquin.

Whether this extra cost provides the benefits you need for your dog’s health, your veterinarian recommends the best option based on your dog’s health profile, the specific breed, and medical history. Your vet can assess all these factors to determine which joint supplement is a good fit.

What Happens When Dasuquin Doesn’t Provide Results: Next Steps

Cosequin and Dasuquin are both supported by extensive laboratory testing, with solid results supported by the health benefits of these supplements’ main active ingredients.

While these joint supplements are well established in providing significant relief in dogs, cats, and other pets, some furry friends may not benefit much or at all due to other factors.

If you don’t see any improvement in your dog’s health after one or both supplements, this may be due to one or more of these reasons:

• Digestive issues or similar factors may prevent your dog from absorbing the supplements and the active ingredients.
• A severely advanced case of arthritis or injuries that require surgery or another medical treatment may not respond to Cosequin or Dasuqin. These supplements may help following a surgical procedure or prescription treatment during the healing process.
• Allergies may interfere with the impact of supplements on your dog’s mobility and health, either due to specific ingredients in the formulae or other factors.

Suppose you suspect that there are underlying reasons that may be interfering with the benefits of Cosequin or Dasuquin.

In that case, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian or vet nutritionist to determine the cause of your pet’s health concerns, which may be related to another illness, diet, or other medical treatments that may impact the effects of these supplements.

Cosequin and Dasuquin as a Combined Treatment: Is it Effective?

Nutramax Labs offers exceptional quality joint supplements and an overall good investment in your dog’s health. Ideally, it’s best to start with Cosequin, for your dog, as the milder option of the two products.

Dasuquin is the next choice if you need to increase pain relief and target inflammation in the joints while helping your dog’s mobility. Whether you choose Dasuquin soft chews or tablets, you’ll see similar results in your pet’s health.

Increasing your dog’s dosage to include both supplements in their diet may seem tempting for more substantial relief. While this option may seem ideal, considering Cosequin and Dasuquin are natural, safe supplements, there is an increased risk of side effects with a larger dosage.

Larger dogs may have an easier time handling a more significant dose of either twice the amount of Cosequin or Dasuquin or one of each combined. However, small or medium dogs may experience indigestion, diarrhea, or vomiting from too much at once.

If the specific supplement you choose includes vitamins D, E, or zinc, there may be a higher risk of side effects harming your dog’s health. Typically, it’s best to follow the dosage requirements on the product’s bottle or follow your veterinarian’s instructions.

Unless a vet recommends a change in supplement or dosage amount, it’s best to maintain the same amount and administer it consistently.

The Side Effects of Dasuquin vs Cosequin

What happens if your dog experiences an allergic reaction to Cosequin or Dasuquin?

In most cases, side effects are mild and only last a few days. Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, indigestion, and in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea. If these worsen or persist for more than two days, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Prescription medication or other supplements may increase the impact of your pet’s symptoms, and it’s best to rule out any severe effects on your dog’s health.

Suppose there are serious concerns that either Cosequin or Dasuquin may interfere with another medical treatment or have a negative impact on your pet’s health. In that case, it’s best to discontinue until you consult with a vet for advice.

Final Thoughts

Cosequin and Dasuquin are special joint supplements for your dog’s health.

They both offer similar benefits with various degrees of relief. While Cosequin is often the first option for milder joint pain and inflammation, Dasuquin is better for more severe conditions.

You’ll find a wide selection of supplement options offered by Nutramax Laboratories, which provide an excellent opportunity to improve your pet’s health and quality of life. While some supplements may vary in their success or cause side effects, these issues are mild and pale compared to their overall benefits.

Cosequin and Dasuquin are among the top options for your dog and are highly recommended by veterinarians.