26 Best Dog Foods With Glucosamine: Dry Food, Canned & Treats

Dr. Libby Guise
As your furbaby ages, you may have concerns about his mobility and comfort. That’s natural because 20% of pups will experience some form of arthritis during their lifetime. As a matter of fact, experts from The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine estimate that 60% of older pooches will suffer from this degenerative condition. So, if your pal is slowing down and taking more time out to rest, it might be more than a sign of old age. He could be in pain.
Fortunately, you may be able to help Fido’s mobility and joints by supplementing his diet with glucosamine. It’s a natural substance that you can provide as an ingredient in dog food or give in a separate supplement, and it may help to reduce arthritis pain and prevent degenerative changes in the joints.
Maybe you’ve already noticed food brands that claim to have a rich source of glucosamine. We took the time to research a number of products to help you find the best dog food with glucosamine for your furry friend. Our analysis includes other important information like the taste, vitamins, and other important ingredients.
In case you’re not familiar with glucosamine, we’ve included details in our buyer’s guide below to keep you informed.
What Type of Food Does Your Dog Eat?
dog food with glucosamine and chondroitin
Table of Contents

Science Diets

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Large Breed, Healthy Mobility for Joint Health

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Large Breed, Healthy Mobility for Joint Health

Our ratings:
4.6/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 644 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 1059 mg/kg

This kibble formula is based on food science research for joint-health. The first ingredient is protein from chicken meal. There are no meat by-products in this food. It uses natural sources for glucosamine and chondroitin. As a large-breed kibble, the chunks are sized to suit your big dog. Fish oil in the formula provides omega-3 fatty acids. The ingredients include L-carnitine and calcium to support strong muscles and bones. Prebiotic fiber and digestible ingredients help to support gut health.

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What We Don't Like

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Healthy Mobility, Small Bites, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Healthy Mobility, Small Bites

Our ratings:
4.7/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 644 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 1059 mg/kg

Glucosamine and chondroitin levels are not listed for this food. Based on the same formula as for large-breed dogs, this kibble from Hill’s Science Diet is made for smaller breeds. It’s specially formulated to support joint health and includes natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin. The ingredients include fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids, L-carnitine, and calcium. Because this product is for small-breeds, the kibble is about the size of a pea.
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Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Maxi Joint & Coat Care Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Maxi Joint & Coat Care Dry Dog Food

Our ratings:
4.5/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 750 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 25mg/kg

Made for large-breed dogs (between 56 and 100 pounds), this dry food has chicken by-product meal as the top ingredient. It includes Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate in the formula. There are digestible ingredients and prebiotic fiber to support gut health. The product has L-carnitine and calcium to support strong bones and muscles. The kibble is about the size of a nickel.

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What We Don't Like

Dry Food

Victor Purpose - Performance, Dry Dog Food

Victor Purpose - Performance, Dry Dog Food

Our ratings:
4.6/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 800 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 250mg/kg

Made with sporting dogs and other high-performance breeds in mind, this kibble includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. Beef meal tops the ingredient list as the primary protein, but the formula also has chicken and pork meals. L-carnitine and calcium are included for strong bones and muscle. Yucca Schidigera extract provides some omega-3 fatty acids. There are also probiotics for digestive health. The kibble is smaller than a penny.

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Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Senior Dog Food

Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Senior Dog Food

Our ratings:
4.1/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 800 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 700mg/kg

Wellness complete dry food for senior dogs starts with deboned chicken and chicken meal as the top two ingredients. This product has wholesome ingredients that are digestible and provide a balanced blend of nutrients. It includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and calcium for strong bones. There are probiotics, prebiotic fiber, and omega fatty acids in the formula. The kibble is medium-sized.
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Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Meat Dry Dog Food

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Meat Dry Dog Food

Our ratings:
4.2/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 800 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 800mg/kg

Using real, deboned beef as the first ingredient, Merrick Backcountry red meat dry food is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin. Salmon meal and other ingredients provide omega fatty acids. This grain-free kibble is made from digestible ingredients and includes probiotics for gut health. The balanced blend of vitamins and minerals includes calcium for strong bones.
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ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food & Topper Recipe - Natural High Protein, Alternative to Raw, Limited Ingredient

ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food & Topper Recipe - Natural High Protein

Our ratings:
4.5/5
Price Range: $$$
Glucosamine: Not listed Chondroitin sulfate: 1,300mg/kg
ZIWI Peak Air-Dried food is a limited ingredient, high-protein product. Real meat from free-range chicken, beef, or lamb tops the ingredient list. The formula includes green mussels as a natural source of glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids. The food also includes prebiotic fiber for healthy digestion and a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals. You can serve this as a food topper or your pal’s main course.
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Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

Our ratings:
4.5/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 750 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 250 mg/kg

This large-breed formula from Diamond Naturals starts with real chicken as the primary ingredient. It has digestible ingredients, prebiotic fiber, and probiotics for gut health. There are no fillers, artificial ingredients, corn, wheat, or fillers in the food. The formula includes sources of calcium and L-carnitine to support strong bones and muscles. Flaxseed provides a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids. The kibble is about dime-sized.
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DOGSWELL Vitality Dry Dog Food with Vitamins & Essential Fatty Acids, Chicken & Oats Recipe

DOGSWELL Vitality Dry Dog Food with Vitamins & Essential Fatty Acids

Our ratings:
4.1/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 600 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 300 mg/kg

This DOGSWELL kibble for happy hips has real chicken as the first ingredient. The formula includes digestible fiber from fruits and vegetables as well as probiotics for a healthy gut. There’s no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients in this product. It has calcium to support strong bones. There’s flaxseed in it, which is a source of Omega fatty acids.
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Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed & Toy Breed Grain-Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food

Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed & Toy Breed Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food

Our ratings:
4.4/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 300 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 525 mg/kg

Using a blend of freeze-dried chicken pieces and dry kibble, this recipe for small and toy breeds has cage-free chicken as the number one ingredient. It’s grain-free and has prebiotic fiber and probiotics to aid digestion. The formula includes natural sources of glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids to support healthy joints. There’s also calcium and phosphorus for strong bones. This variety has small kibble for little mouths.
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Nutro Wholesome Essentials Senior Dry Food

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Senior Dry Food

Our ratings:
4.6/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 150 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 350 mg/kg

Nutro Wholesome Essentials lists farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient on the list. The formula includes fish oil as a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids. There are digestible fibers from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. It has no artificial ingredients, corn, wheat, or soy. This product has a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and is fortified with calcium for strong bones. The kibble is medium-sized.
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Petcurean Now Fresh Large Breed Adult Dog Food

Petcurean Now Fresh Large Breed Adult Dog Food

Our ratings:
4.7/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 360 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 120 mg/kg

As a grain-free product, Petcurean Now dry dog food lists deboned turkey as the top ingredient. It also has deboned salmon for a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids. The formula includes L-carnitine and calcium to promote healthy bones and muscles. The ingredients are easy to digest and free of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
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Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large-Breed Adult Recipe

Wellness CORE Natural Dry Dog Food Original Turkey & Chicken

Our ratings:
4.4/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 1,200 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 1,200 mg/kg

This Wellness Core kibble is formulated for large-breed adult dogs. It’s grain-free and has deboned turkey as the first ingredient. With prebiotic fiber and probiotics, this food is made for easy digestion. Salmon oil provides a rich natural source of omega-3 fatty acids. The product is also rich in glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health. There are no artificial ingredients or soy in this kibble. The chunks are smaller than a penny in size.
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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Recipe

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Dog Food

Our ratings:
4.7/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 400 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 300 mg/kg

Made for senior small-breed dogs, this dry food lists deboned chicken as the top ingredient. It’s fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin as well as omega fatty acids to support your aging pup’s joint health. The ingredients include prebiotic fiber, probiotics, and whole-food ingredients for easy digestion. There are calcium and L-carnitine in the formula for strong bones and muscles. This product has no artificial ingredients, corn, wheat, or soy.
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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Dog Food

Our ratings:
4.5/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 700 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 500 mg/kg

Blue Buffalo Life Protection for large-breed dogs has deboned chicken as the first ingredient. It uses whole grains and a mixture of fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources of energy, antioxidants, and digestible fiber. The formula includes glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids to promote joint health. L-carnitine and calcium help support strong muscles and bones. This food also has prebiotic fiber and probiotics for optimum gut health. There are separate lifesource bits that provide a balanced blend of essential vitamins and minerals. The product has no artificial ingredients, corn, wheat, or soy.
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What We Don't Like

Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken - Large Breed

Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken - Large Breed

Our ratings:
4.7/5
Price Range: $$
Glucosamine and chondroitin dose not listed

Eukanuba Adult Dry Food for large-breed dogs starts with real chicken as the first ingredient. It also includes a chicken by-product meal as a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. The formula has fish oil and flaxseed for omega fatty acids. There’s prebiotic fiber to aid in digestion. The kibble is small in size.

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Canned Food

Dogswell Happy Hips Wet Dog Food with Glucosamine & Chondroitin, Adult Formula

Dogswell Happy Hips Wet Dog Food with Glucosamine & Chondroitin, Adult Formula

Our ratings:
3.9/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 380 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 220 mg/kg

Dogswell Happy Hips stew recipe includes glucosamine and chondroitin. After water, the top ingredients are lamb and lamb liver. The product includes natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids. This product is free of grains and artificial ingredients. It contains digestible fiber and wholesome ingredients. 

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What We Don't Like

Eukanuba Wet Food

Eukanuba Wet Food

Our ratings:
4.4/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine and chondroitin dose not available

Eukanuba Adult canned food with lamb and rice has naturally sourced glucosamine and chondroitin. After water for processing, the top ingredient is real chicken. It includes digestible whole grains and prebiotic fiber for gut health. Flaxseed is a natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids. The food is fortified with calcium for strong bones.

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What We Don't Like

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Natural Senior Wet Dog Food

Our ratings:
4.4/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine and chondroitin dose not available

Blue Buffalo Wilderness high protein wet dog food contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin. Real turkey is the first ingredient on the list. There are no grains or artificial ingredients in this product. It includes prebiotic fiber and naturally sourced omega-3 fatty acids. You can feed this as a food topper on kibble or as a complete meal.

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Treats

Dogswell Jerky Dog Treats,with Glucosamine, Chondroitin & New Zealand Green Mussel for Happy Hips

Dogswell Jerky Dog Treats, Made in USA Only with Glucosamine, Chondroitin & New Zealand Green Mussel for Happy Hips

Our ratings:
4.6/5
Price Range: $

Glucosamine: 1,200-2,000 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate: 700-1,000 mg/kg

These Dogswell Jerky treats for pups have real chicken breast for the top ingredient. The product is fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin and contains New Zealand Green Mussels as a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids. It’s a limited-ingredient treat with no grains or artificial ingredients.
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Zuke's Natural Hip & Joint Dog Treats

Zuke's Natural Hip & Joint Dog Treats

Our ratings:
4.5/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 13,800mg/kg ; 104mg/treat
Chondroitin sulfate: 4,600 mg/kg ;34 mg/treat

The first ingredient in Zuke’s Hip & Joint treats is real beef. There are no artificial colors, flavors, corn, wheat, or soy in this product. It’s fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin and has eggshell membrane to support joint health. The ingredients include digestible whole grains and prebiotic fiber for gut health.
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Supplements

VetIQ Maximum Strength Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs

VetIQ Maximum Strength Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs

Our ratings:
4.6/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 600mg/2 chews
MSM: 210 mg/2 chews 

These naturally flavored treats for dogs from VetIQ contain glucosamine and MSM for healthy joints. The formula includes shellfish, krill, and fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids. These bite-sized soft chews offer a tasty way to supplement your pooch’s diet.
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Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement Plus MSM - With Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement Plus MSM - With Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Our ratings:
4.7/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 600mg
Chondroitin: 300mg
MSM: 250mg

Maximum Strength Cosequin Joint Supplement comes in a chewable tablet for easy dosing. It’s manufactured in the US from trusted global sources. There are dosing instructions on the package. The chicken flavor makes it seem like a tasty treat to your pup.

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Lintbells YuMOVE Joint Supplement Dog Chews - Contains Glucosamine, Green Lipped Mussel - Natural Relief from Hip Ache, Stiff Joints

Lintbells YuMOVE Joint Supplement Dog Chews - Contains Glucosamine, Green Lipped Mussel - Natural Relief from Hip Ache, Stiff Joints

Our ratings:
4.3/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 500mg
Chondroitin: dose information not available

YuMOVE joint supplements contain glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and manganese to support healthy joints and cartilage. The formula has naturally sourced chondroitin and omega fatty acids from green-lipped muscles. This product comes in an easy-to-dose tasty treat for your pooch.
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Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews

Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews

Our ratings:
4.3/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 900mg
Chondroitin sulfate: 350 mg 
MSM: 800 mg

Nutramax Dasuquin soft chews are veterinary formulated for maximum joint health. They’re rich in glucosamine and MSM and include chondroitin to support mobility. The naturally flavored soft chew is easy to give to your pup. It comes in a resealable bag.
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TerraMax Pro Best Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs

TerraMax Pro Best Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs

Our ratings:
4.4/5
Price Range: $$

Glucosamine: 1,600mg/fl oz
Chondroitin sulfate: 1,200mg/fl oz 
MSM: 1,000 mg/fl oz

TerraMax hip and joint supplement is a liquid additive. It contains no wheat, gluten, soy, corn, or milk. The package includes dosing instructions based on your dog’s weight. It’s made in the USA with all-natural, human-grade ingredients.
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Glucosamine and Arthritis: What You Need to Know

NOTE: Before we get started, remember that you should always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes in your pup’s diet. Fido’s doctor knows his needs best and can provide you with valuable guidance.

Why Choose Glucosamine Rich Dog Food For Your Dog’s Joint Health?

Glucosamine is a  substance that your dog’s system uses to produce a building block of cartilage. As pups age, their bodies tend to produce less glucosamine, and that can lead to degenerative arthritis. However, evidence suggests that supplementing the diet with glucosamine may help to reduce pain and inflammation and repair damaged cartilage.

What are Glucosamine and Chondroitin?

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino sugar that owners can use as an over-the-counter joint supplement for their dogs. This compound helps the body produce glycosaminoglycans, which are one of the key building blocks for building or repairing cartilage and other body tissues. The supplement is available in three forms:

Chondroitin is a large molecule that also occurs naturally in the body. It interferes with inflammatory enzymes that break-down cartilage in joints.

When you give the supplements together, they can demonstrate a synergistic effect that results in reduced levels of inflammation.

How Effective Are Glucosamine and Chondroitin?

Although research on the efficacy of these supplements in dogs is limited, there is anecdotal evidence that giving glucosamine and chondroitin can help manage degenerative arthritis pain and inflammation. In a 2007 review of 16 clinical trials, scientists from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine concluded that treatment with glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate provided a moderate level of comfort in patients.

Natural Sources of Glucosamine and Chondroitin

As a naturally occurring substance, you can find glucosamine in:

Chondroitin is present in green-lipped mussels, beef gristle, beef trachea, pork tails, pig ears, and other cartilage sources.

Average Glucosamine Dose Recommendations for Dogs

Based on scientific research, veterinarians are recommending healthy dogs get a glucosamine dose of 20 mg/pound of body weight a day. For example, my 70-pound pooch would get 1,400 mg in a 24-hour period. If your furbaby has joint or mobility issues, your veterinarian may recommend a higher dose.
So, how do commercial dog goods measure up? Rodney Habib, Pet Nutrition blogger and owner of Planet Paws, evaluated several kibble brands available at pet stores and veterinary offices. His goal was to determine whether a pup can get the recommended daily dose of this supplement from his food.
Of all the dry foods he reviewed, the most glucosamine-rich product was a veterinary brand that had 950 mg of glucosamine per kg of food. For a 50-pound dog to get a full dose of glucosamine from this kibble, it would have to eat more than 9 cups a day! The conclusion: feeding your pal dry dog food alone will not be enough to meet the daily recommended dose.
The takeaway from Habib’s research is this: take time to read the ingredient list and nutritional analysis rather than trusting the label.  You’ll also need to provide additional supplements or raw meat treats to boost Fido’s daily dose. Remember, raw meat alone will not provide the balance of nutrients like antioxidants, fiber, and probiotics that your furbaby needs. Select premium quality dry food with high concentrations of glucosamine to help ensure a well-rounded diet.

What To Look For in a Quality Glucosamine Dog Food?

Can My Dog Overdose on Glucosamine?

While it is possible to give your furbaby too much of this nutritional supplement, a large dose of glucosamine is not likely to harm him. What you may see is some digestive upset with soft stools, gas, and possibly some vomiting. However, your supplement may include other ingredients that could be toxic if you give them in excess. That’s why it’s best to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations and label guidelines.

Are Glucosamine-rich Foods Good For All Dogs?

In a word, no. Veterinarians recommend this supplement most often for larger-breed dogs. Their weight and size can make them more vulnerable to joint wear and tear as they age. But high levels of glucosamine are not necessary or advisable for all dogs. Canines that should avoid foods with glucosamine and chondroitin include:

Have a Comprehensive Strategy For Your Dog’s Joint Health

While providing your furry friend with a quality kibble for joint-health is important, it should only be part of a comprehensive approach. Other things you can do include:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed this food to a healthy younger adult dog? If you’re considering an adult dog food with glucosamine, it’s nutritionally balanced and safe for a healthy younger adult pooch. Senior foods may not have the energy content.

Is there any difference in glucosamine and chondroitin content between small and large dog foods?
If you’re looking at the same brand, there is usually little to no difference between the nutritional content for small and large breed options. It’s the kibble size that’s altered to fit the breed size.

What is beef/chicken/lamb meal?
When the ingredients listed include a meal, it means the muscle has gone through a process to separate the protein from the fat and water. Then, the dried muscle is ground to make a meal.

Our Survey Says…

After reviewing the above products and comparing them to our criteria for glucosamine rich dog food, we select Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Dog Food as the best dog food with glucosamine.
This product has real, deboned chicken as the top ingredient and includes easy-to-digest brown rice. Other ingredients include prebiotic fiber, fruits, and vegetables that are easy on the gut and provide essential nutrients. Live cultures of probiotics also aid digestion.
The formula includes 700 mg/kg glucosamine hydrochloride and 500 mg/kg Chondroitin sulfate to help promote joint health. It also has flaxseed and fish oil as sources of omega-3 fatty acids for joint and skin health. Supplementation with L-carnitine and calcium help to support strong muscles and bones.

Overall, this product meets our criteria for your dog’s total health and is our pick for the best glucosamine-rich dog food.