Dasuquin VS Cosequin: What’s The Difference?

Medications

WRITTEN BY:

Meg Marrs

26 Comments

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cosequin vs dasuquin

Dasuquin and Cosequin are both dog joint supplements made by Nutramax Labs.

Both products contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM.

The difference between Dasuquin and Cosequin is that Dasuquin also contains ASU, which is an additional ingredient believed to prevent cartilage erosion.

This is also what makes Dasuquin more expensive than Cosequin.

What Do Dasuquin and Cosequin Do?

dog glucosamine medicine

These two canine joint supplements designed for canines have a lot in common, with only a few differences between them.

Both are designed to relieve doggy arthritis and relieve joint pain, including hip dysplasia or other joint-related injuries.

Both come in the form of chewable tablets, which often makes a supplements much easier to give to your dog than a classic pill.

They also contain very similar ingredients, with both supplements including:

  • Glucosamine
  • Chondroitin
  • MSM

But Dasuquin has one ingredient that Cosequin does not, called ASU.

What is ASU?

ASU, which stands for Avocado & Soybean Unsaphonifiables is the major ingredient that differentiates Dasuquin from Cosequin.

ASU is seen as considerably more effective in regards to repairing stiff, sore, and injured joints. Basically, it’s more of a good thing!

The question you’re probably wondering – is Dasuquin’s ASU worth paying more for? It’s hard to say, as it really depends on your dog’s situation.

Dasuquin vs. Cosequin: Which Is Better?

Both of these supplements are very similar, so the main question becomes, is ASU really that much better?

Best for Mild to Moderate Joint Issues

This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more

Cosequin DS

Cosequin DS Joint Supplement

A popular canine joint supplement with chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM.

Best for Moderate to Severe Joint Issues

This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more

Dasuquin Joint Supplement for Dogs

Dasuquin Joint Supplement

Made with all three supplements that are in Cosequin, plus ASU.

There’s a range of opinions on this topic – some owners claim that they noticed significant improvement when switching from Cosequin to Dasuquin.

However, others found no discernible difference, switching promptly back to Cosequin since it seemed to get the job done effectively enough to resolve their dog’s joint issues (plus, Cosequin is a fair bit cheaper).

Ultimately, it seems that Dasuquin is best suited for dogs with severe arthritis or hip dysplasia, and need an extra boost for curing those joint issues.

If you’re unsure, the best advice is always to consult with your vet, as they will have a better understanding of how severe your dog’s joint issues are, and what your furry buddy will need to get back on his feet.

***

Have you given Cosequn or Dasuquin to your doggo? How did it work out? Did you see a tangible improvement in your pupper’s mobility? Let us know all about your experiences in the comments below!

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Written by

Meg Marrs

Meg Marrs is the Founder and Director of Marketing at K9 of Mine. She is a lifelong canine enthusiast and adores dogs of all shapes and sizes! She loves iced coffee, hammocks, and puppy-cuddling!

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  1. Pam Avatar
    Pam

    Lollipop, my 13 yr old Chihuahua, has had a luxating patella in her left rear kneecap since she was a puppy. She’s so small that I opted against surgery since she didn’t appear to be in pain. She gets the zoomies and runs, jumps and pivots at high rates of speed and recently twisted her leg and it didn’t pop back (ouch). Poor Lolli was limping and couldn’t put weight on her back leg! Her vet prescribed pain meds and Dasuquin. She’s just 6.5 lbs and so her initial dosage was 1/2 tab every day for 4 weeks reduced to 1/2 tab every other day going forward. Initially, Lolli would not take the tab directly or mixed in with her food (a recipe that I prepare). I finally figured out that she would tolerate 1/4 tab mixed in with her meals (2X a day). IT’S A MIRACLE! Lollipop is cured! Also, no more luxating patella. Dasuquin is a MIRACLE drug that I highly recommend. For those concerned about the expense (about $35 +/- per bag) it may be possible to halve the tablet after your dog is stabilized. Good luck to everyone.

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      We’re glad to hear Lollipop is doing better, Pam! Thanks for sharing your story.
      🙂

  2. Jana Rivera Avatar
    Jana Rivera

    I tried cosequin and honestly didn’t see a big difference. Dasuquin has been a game changer for my pup. I have a 3year old GSD who was diagnosed with hip dysplasia around 8 months old. He has been crying when chasing his ball, dropping after only 3 or 4 throws rolling and crying. He could get on the bed, couldn’t climb in my camry. Stairs were taken one step at a time. He was falling and slipping. Since switching to dasuquin his life has been almost normal. Honestly. Night and day. He can jump in my car and for the for the first time in his life he can jump in our truck! It’s not perfect. But he is so much happier. Thankful for the switch but it is definitely more expensive..

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      Hey there, Jana.
      Thanks for sharing your experiences, and we are delighted to hear Dasuquin has worked for your GSD.

      🙂

  3. Rick Soup Avatar
    Rick Soup

    My 10+ yr old Female English Mastiff was not getting up at all. Only to go outside a couple times a day and to eat once. Was staying on her bed and not climbing on her chair. This was going on for several months and getting worse. I called the Vet and they recommended Dasuquin Advanced. Started using on her 145lbs. I thought the vet told me 2 tabs for first two weeks and one after two weeks. Well in two weeks i seen a huge difference. I actually gave her two tabs for 3 weeks then one after that. I never really looked at the vets script on package. It said” give two tabs for 4 weeks. So, i seen a new dog in 2 weeks. She is getting up and around. Eating in the morning and night. Gets up in middle of night to get a drink. Goes on her chair again. Rushes to the door to go on car rides which she loves. Trots outside when in backyard. Even picks up some of the Shepard’s toys to swing around. Which she rarely did as a young dog. This stuff made her a new dog. Which makes me feel a whole lot better.

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      That’s absolutely fantastic, Rick! We LOVE that your gal is feeling better and appreciate you sharing your experiences!

  4. MAGS Avatar
    MAGS

    My shiba is 8 and we have stairs . Notice her walking very slow in the morning after going down the stairs and after naps. She also wants to stop more in walks. Vet said try Dasuquin see if after a month you noticed any difference and after only 2 weeks she doesn’t have a hard time in the morning not stiff doing great.

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      That’s fantastic, Mags!
      Thanks for sharing and congratulations on finding a solution for your Shiba!

  5. Mona's Mom Avatar
    Mona's Mom

    My 3 year old Boxer/Aussie had contracted Lyme and it left her lame and fatigued. I tried Cosequin, but did not notice any improvement. My son’s girlfriend recommended Dasaquin MSM. Holy Smokes. I got my dog back within 10 days. She is full of speed again and so much happier. I did the recommended double dose for six weeks, then halved the dosage. We will never be without. We had a minor bout of intestinal distress, but thankfully, it was temporary. Highly recommend Dasaquin MSM.

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      Thanks for sharing, and we’re glad to hear Mona recovered!

  6. KassaGirl20 Avatar
    KassaGirl20

    My pit/bulldog miss was recently diagnosed with a partially torn ACL in his back right leg. The lump and pain was extremely noticeable.
    The vet put him on Dasuquin. We used two of the large bags of them with him, as per her directions, and now, 2 mos later, he is back to his old self! With no discernable limp, etc as there was before. I’ve no experience with Cosequin, but I can tell you that the Dasuquin ONE HUNDRED PERCENT works for this type of repair/healing issue and I do highly recommend it. It is definitely worth the price!!

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      Thanks for sharing your experiences! We’re glad your pooch is doing better.
      🙂

  7. Rex Avatar
    Rex

    I have a 10/11 year old rescue beagle that I have had for eight years. Up until about a year ago she had no trouble jumping up onto my bed. She loves to eat, as all beagles do, but there was no treat that would intice her to jump anymore. That is until my vet prescribed Dasuquin Advanced. After only five days she was having no problem jumping on the bed again and she is noticeably more active. Thank you Dasuquin.

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      That’s great, Rex! We’re glad your beagle is feeling better, and we appreciate you sharing your experiences!

  8. Loki's mom Avatar
    Loki's mom

    My pomeranian showed excellent improvement with Dasuquin and regarded them as “treats”. However, suddenly but after about six months, he no longer wanted them and I had to crumble up into his food. Is there a better tasting alternative or should I go with the tablets if the soft chews have to be broken up anyway? Thank you.

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      Hey there, Loki’s mom. 🙂
      There are a bunch of alternatives (though they may or may not work as well as Dasuquin). Check out our article about the 10 best joint supplements to see some of our favorites!
      Best of luck!

    2. Ginger Avatar
      Ginger

      My dog stopped eating them whole as well. I had to crumble them into his food.

  9. Kristin Sheppard Avatar
    Kristin Sheppard

    We use dasuquin with our 15 year old cocker. Huge difference than the other options. She can go up and down the 2 stairs in/out of the house, but not the ones inside. She doesn’t cry or whine like she used to before we started. Highly recommend.

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      That’s great, Kristin!
      We’re happy for your pupper and we appreciate you sharing your experiences!

      1. Jan Avatar
        Jan

        I haven’t tried cosequin but when my 14 yr old lab goes without his dasaquin for a few weeks – once I get a refill hes like a brand new boy. He’s def got a little more pep in his step and it even feels like he’s in a better mood. I also give him tumeric w black pepper from Costco.

        1. Ben Team Avatar

          Hey, Jan.
          Thanks for sharing your doggo’s story, and we’re glad the supplements seem to be helping him.

  10. karen Avatar
    karen

    My Boston Terrier one year old will not do the Come command. I am so frustrated with her, and she knows it. She will bolt the other way
    Karen

    1. Shelley w Avatar
      Shelley w

      What does that have to do with taking the supplement?

  11. Shelley Payne Avatar
    Shelley Payne

    I have a pit bull that’s about 10 yrs old and his front legs are trying to give out on him. Will this drug help him?

    1. Ben Avatar
      Ben

      Dasuquin will. I have a 16yr old gollie and only dasuquin made a difference quite a notable one in fact. Whereas the cosequin has no noticible effect.

    2. Mara Avatar
      Mara

      My dog was with the same issue.It turned out he had IVDD.Please,check for that!Herniatic of a disc is very common on dogs,and I wasn’t aware of it!

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