Cosequin vs. Dasuquin: What's The Difference?
Cosequin and Dasuquin are both supplements that help promote joint health in dogs and cats. Nutramax®—their parent brand—is a trusted company among veterinarians, thanks to its safety and quality checks to ensure that products are safe and effective for pets.
Joint supplements are used for a wide variety of medical conditions, including arthritis, joint disease, and bone fractures, and are recommended for healthy pets as they age. Joint supplements help maintain mobility, decrease pain, reduce inflammation, limit disease progression, and encourage new cartilage growth while preventing the cartilage that is present from breaking down.
If you think your pet would benefit from a joint supplement, talk to your veterinarian to find the best product to fit your pet’s specific needs.
What Does Cosequin and Dasuquin Do for Cats and Dogs?
All Cosequin and Dasuquin supplements contain glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate.
Glucosamine helps stimulate growth of new cartilage and protect the cartilage in the joint. This is important, because healthy cartilage is essential to pain-free movement. Chondroitin is a naturally occurring compound found in a pet’s joints—it helps lubricate, provides shock absorption, and nourishes tissue lining the joints.
Glucosamine and chondroitin work together to reduce inflammation and help prevent destruction of cartilage in joints. They are safe to give to your pet long-term and are recommended as early treatment in older pets, especially those recently diagnosed with arthritis. It can also be given to young pets (8 weeks old) with hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia or those recovering from a broken bone. Additionally, supplements can be added for preventative care in a pet’s early years.
What's The Difference Between Cosequin and Dasuquin?
The main difference between Cosequin and Dasuquin is that Dasuquin contains ASUs, or avocado- soybean unsaponifiables. ASUs help protect joint cartilage by decreasing inflammation and stimulating healing after damage. They work with glucosamine and chondroitin to maximize the benefits of a joint supplement.
Cosequin and Dasuquin soft chews are the only Nutramax products that offer omega-3 fatty acids. The fish oils in these soft chews are rich in these fatty acids, which have positive effects not only on a pet’s joints but also for the skin, heart, brain, and immune system.
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory and antioxidant used in some Cosequin and Dasuquin products. MSM also helps flush out any toxins in the joint’s cells, making room for healthy vitamins and minerals to be absorbed.
Boswellia serrata extract is a resin found in the Boswellia tree and is an ingredient in some Cosequin products. This all-natural supplement offers anti-inflammatory properties and is most often used for pets with long term chronic conditions like arthritis.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is also available and helps to provide extra lubrication for the synovial (joint) fluid. This helps to improve joint function and it also cushions the joint to reduce friction between the two joint surfaces.
Cosequin and Dasuquin Supplements for Dogs
Cosequin for dogs is available in the following products:
Cosequin Products for Dogs
Cosequin maximum strength formulations for dogs are available in the following products:
For senior pups, Cosequin offers the following product specifically formulated with senior needs in mind:
Most veterinarians may recommend Dasuquin for dogs because the additional ingredient of ASUs provides the most support. The addition of MSM is also a plus, as it provides the anti-inflammatory effect for conditions such as arthritis.
Cosequin and Dasuquin Supplements for Cats
Cosequin for cats is available in the following products:
Most veterinarians will start by recommending one of the Cosequin sprinkle capsules for cats, due to its ease of administration. Cats are known to be very picky eaters, so they might not want to eat the soft chew. The sprinkle capsules are great to put on food so that it is disguised from a picky cat.
What Is the Difference Between Dasuquin and Dasuquin Advanced?
The main difference between Dasuquin and Dasuquin Advanced is that the advanced supplement can only be purchased at your veterinarian’s office and not sold online.
Dasuquin Advanced has the same trusted ingredients as Dasuquin, but it is enhanced with a proprietary blend of ingredients to support your pet’s joint health.
What Is the Cost Difference Between Cosequin and Dasuquin?
Cosequin supplements are approximately 20% less expensive than Dasuquin. Dasuquin offers additional ingredients not found in Cosequin, and the supplement is more expensive to produce.
When considering a new joint supplement for your pet, it’s always best to speak with your veterinarian first to help you determine which product makes sense, based on your pet's health.
Featured Image: Adobe/chendongshan
