here is a drug reaction site you might want to save

[Marty]

And that is glucosamine - chondroitin, right? Is it better than other formulations? And Metacam is human Mobic, right? I'm getting confused...between the arthritic adults and arthritic dogs in this house...

[KristinBNLI]

Traci-
Is Cosamin safe to give to dogs? What are the differences?

[Traci]

Nutramax Labs ...information for Cosamin and Cosequin.

Marty, Cosequin is the only neutraceutical in it's class (glucosamine/chondroitin) with exceptional clinical research, controlled studies and is also backed by Consumer Labs. With other brands, you don't know if the formulations are ideal (the balance of glucosamine/chondroitin), adulterated or contain other (unnecessary) ingredients.

[Marty]

Thanks, my next bottle will be Cosamin....I had been using Knox Nutri Joint, and did notice less creeky joints. Now if we can do better, it's worth a try. And we'll get Cosaquin for Biscotti, too. This getting old stinks!

[Amandasmom]

I heard from some breeders that they are using Cosaquin Equine for their dogs. It's a slightly different formulation and seems to work better then regular Cosaquin. For a large dog it's about 1/2 to 3/4 scoop a day.

[E's]

Marty wrote re Cosequin:
...And that is glucosamine - chondroitin, right?

`Eowyn gets "people grade" glucosamine-chondrotin in both morning and evening feeding - from capsules which I open and sprinkle contents into her food - and has since this dosage was suggested by vet during a hip dysplasia false alarm 3 or 4 years ago. It is my understanding that this supplement may help in over-all joint condition or health, but it will not take the place of a "NSaid" anti-inflamatory/pain medication for arthritis in an aging dog. The GSD is very prone to arthritis - here in South Louisiana I've never heard of one that didn't have some symtoms as it got older. That is why I am hopeful about an OTC med I can have on hand while I monitor my dog day-to-day (much as I do for myself) and not fear over-medication. Of course, it is fortunate that Win and I are together nearly 24/7... I can usually spot the signs when she is getting uncomfortable, even in the middle of the night.

[k9Karen]

Cosamin is for humans, Cosequin is for pets.

I think the main diffenence is the human product has more Vitamin C. (Magnesium -or is that manganese, one day I'll get that straight-ascorbate). Mickey got violently ill from the Vitamin C (ascorbate). If the Cosequin makes your dog sick (the company did reduce the ascorbate level a couple of years ago), try OsteoBiflex (a human product, but no ascorbate).

[E's]

K9-Karen wrote:

If the Cosequin makes your dog sick (the company did reduce the ascorbate level a couple of years ago), try OsteoBiflex (a human product, but no ascorbate).

Thanks - Winnie takes Walgreen's generic OsteoBiflex. I didn't realize there was so much difference... I just hope what I'm buying has no shark in it; would it have to say specifically if it does contain shark?

[Traci]

I just hope what I'm buying has no shark in it; would it have to say specifically if it does contain shark?

A good standard practice would state the ingredients, but unfortunately, supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so consumer beware. Many supplements contain adulterated ingredients, additional unneccesary ingredients, or excesses or none at all of the ingredient claimed.

Unscrupulous companies will do whatever it takes to get away with it (until they are investigated, or caught). Other companies practice better standards.