Answer box
- What it is: Nutramax Laboratories is a U.S. company whose dog supplements cover joint (Cosequin, Dasuquin), liver (Denamarin, Denosyl), digestive (Proviable and others), skin and coat (Welactin, Dermaquin), behavior, immune, urinary and kidney categories.
- What the evidence says: research is uneven. Some ingredients have supportive trials, others have mixed or negative reviews, and at least two brand-related studies involve Nutramax-affiliated authors.
- NASC seal: the National Animal Supplement Council’s yellow Quality Seal signals a company-level audit, not proof a product works. Check the package and NASC’s member list rather than assuming.
- Best next step: bring the actual label to your veterinarian.
Nutramax is a legitimate, long-established maker of dog supplements, and its best-known names are Cosequin and Dasuquin for joints, Denamarin for the liver, Proviable for the gut and Welactin for omega-3s. Labels disclose contents, but whether a product helps an individual dog is a separate question, and the research is mixed. The yellow NASC Quality Seal, when present, tells you the company passed an audit of its quality systems; it does not tell you the supplement works.
This guide maps the dog line, shows how to read labels, separates independent research from manufacturer-funded work and lists questions for your vet. Product details were read from Nutramax’s own pages on 2026-10-18 and can change.
What does Nutramax make for dogs?
Nutramax’s dog catalog, as listed on its site on 2026-10-18, is grouped by body system. Brand names are the company’s; the “label-listed actives” column quotes what the product pages display.
| Category | Brand (dog products) | Label-listed actives (as displayed 2026-10-18) | Formats shown | Aimed at, by label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joint | Cosequin | Glucosamine hydrochloride (FCHG49), sodium chondroitin sulfate (TRH122), MSM; some add omega-3s, manganese ascorbate or yeast extract (beta-glucan) | Soft chews, chewable tablets | “Joint health” in dogs of any size; senior and small-dog versions |
| Joint | Dasuquin / Dasuquin Advanced | Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU), Boswellia Serrata Extract, Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract; variants add MSM, Curcuma Longa Extract, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Manganese, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Eggshell Membrane | Soft chews, chewable tablets | “Joint health”; Advanced versions are listed as veterinarian-only |
| Liver | Denamarin, Denosyl | S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and silybin-phosphatidylcholine complex (Denamarin) | Chewable and coated tablets; Advanced versions also listed | “Liver health support” |
| Digestive | Proviable, Mycequin, Cobalequin, Panzquin | Proviable: seven bacterial strains plus prebiotic ingredients | Capsules, chewable tablets, powder | “Intestinal balance”; pancreatic enzyme and cobalamin products are separate lines |
| Skin and coat | Welactin, Dermaquin | Welactin: EPA, DHA, ETA omega-3s; chews add yeast extract | Soft chews, liquid, softgels | “Skin and coat health” |
“Nutramax” is a brand family, not one product, so a study of one ingredient does not apply to every item carrying the name. The site also lists behavior, immune, urinary and kidney products, which this guide does not review.
How do you read a Nutramax label?
Start with the ingredient panel, then look at amounts, then at the claims on the front. Here is what the verbatim lists looked like on the dog pages we read.
| Product page read | Ingredients or label panel, as displayed |
|---|---|
| Cosequin Chewable Tablets with MSM | Glucosamine Hydrochloride (FCHG49), Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate (TRH122), Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Manganese (Manganese Ascorbate) |
| Cosequin Soft Chews with MSM and Omega-3s | Same three actives plus Total Omega-3s and EPA + DHA |
| Cosequin for Senior Dogs, Soft Chews | Adds Yeast Extract (a source of beta (1,3)/(1,6) glucan) |
| Dasuquin Soft Chews | Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU), Boswellia Serrata Extract, Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract |
| Dasuquin Advanced With ESM Soft Chews | Base list plus Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Curcuma Longa Extract (Turmeric), Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Manganese, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Eggshell Membrane (ESM) |
| Welactin Soft Chew | Guaranteed analysis lists total omega-3, EPA, DHA, ETA, yeast extract (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and a vitamin/mineral mix |
| Proviable-Forte Chewable Tablets | Lists dried Bifidobacterium bifidum, Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus helveticus, L. delbrueckii, L. casei and L. plantarum fermentation products, plus gum arabic, hydrogenated vegetable oil, maltodextrins, microcrystalline cellulose, natural flavor and silicon dioxide |
Seven-point label checklist
- Match the exact product name on the package to the exact page; Cosequin and Dasuquin each cover many versions.
- Find amounts, not just names. Cosequin pages show per-chew amounts. The Dasuquin catalog page we read lists ingredients without amounts; the individual product pages and the package panel show them.
- Compare per serving, then per day. Small-dog and large-dog versions carry different amounts per chew, so two products cannot be compared by looking at one chew.
- Read “Advanced” and “Plus” as different formulas. They add ingredients; they are not a larger version of the same thing.
- Treat “#1 veterinarian recommended” as a manufacturer claim. The footnote cites a survey we could not review.
- Look for the NASC seal and a lot number, which helps if you ever need to report a problem.
- Follow the label or your vet’s instructions, not a blog’s, including this one.
What does the research say about joint products?
| Evidence | Type | What it reports | Funding or affiliation note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barbeau-Grégoire et al., 2022 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | Evident analgesic efficacy for omega-3 diets and supplements; “a very marked non-effect” of chondroitin-glucosamine nutraceuticals, so the authors recommend they no longer be used for pain management | Authors report industry work but declare no conflict directly related to the review |
| Aragon et al., 2007 (JAVMA) | Systematic review of 16 trials | “Moderate level of comfort” for a combination of chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride and manganese ascorbate | Academic authors; funding not checked in our read |
| McCarthy et al., 2007 (Vet J) | Randomized, double-blind trial, 35 dogs | Glucosamine/chondroitin dogs improved on veterinarian-scored pain and weight-bearing by day 70; carprofen was the positive control and onset was slower; assessments were subjective | Funding not verified in our read |
| Boileau et al., 2009 | Experimental dog model, 8 dogs per group | ASU was associated with smaller cartilage lesions over 8 weeks | Experimental injury model, not pet dogs with naturally occurring arthritis; supported by Laboratoires Expanscience, whose employees and consultants were among the authors |
| Kampa et al., 2023 (Front Vet Sci) | Randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 75 dogs with hip OA, 6 weeks | The glucosamine/chondroitin arm, which the full text identifies as Dasuquin with MSM soft chews, did not improve peak vertical force significantly from baseline; marine fatty acid products and carprofen did | Funded by Pharmalink International, which the authors say was not involved in design or analysis |
| Grzanna et al., 2020 (Cartilage) | Laboratory cell culture | A combination of ASU, glucosamine and chondroitin reduced inflammatory markers in dog cartilage cells | Authors list Nutramax R&D; the conflict statement describes four of five as former Nutramax employees |
Three points follow. First, the glucosamine and chondroitin evidence is mixed: a 2007 JAVMA review gave one combination a moderate rating, while a 2022 review of 57 articles reached the opposite recommendation. Second, for ASU, the evidence we found is limited to experimental and laboratory work rather than trials in client-owned dogs. Third, a PubMed search for Cosequin and Dasuquin by brand name returned no indexed papers, so the research is mostly attached to ingredients rather than to these exact products; the one exception we found is the 2023 hip trial, which used a Dasuquin product for its glucosamine/chondroitin arm and did not show a significant change in its main measure.
Our guides on glucosamine for dogs and on Cosequin for dogs go through the ingredient and product questions separately.
What about Dasuquin Advanced?
Dasuquin Advanced is listed as available through veterinarians and adds turmeric extract, alpha-lipoic acid, manganese and omega-3s, with an eggshell membrane version. Whether those additions change outcomes in dogs is not established by the papers above; our write-up of Dasuquin Advanced covers how its formula differs from the retail Dasuquin line.
What about liver, gut and skin products?
Denamarin. The best-known study is a 2011 randomized trial in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine in dogs receiving CCNU chemotherapy. Liver enzyme increases occurred in 84% of dogs on CCNU alone and 68% of dogs also given Denamarin, and treatment delays were more likely in the CCNU-alone group. One author lists Nutramax Laboratories as their affiliation, and the trial tested the company’s product, so read it with that in mind. The result applies to that oncology setting under veterinary supervision, not to every dog’s liver.
Proviable. Nutramax’s Proviable page (proviable.com) says the probiotic has “6 published studies in dogs and cats” and describes a study in which at least one of seven strains was detected in 91% of dogs. We could not find these papers by searching the brand name in PubMed, so we treat those claims as unverified manufacturer statements. Strain-level questions apply to any probiotic, so ask your vet which strains, if any, are relevant.
Welactin. The label describes omega-3s for skin and coat health. The meta-analysis above found omega-3 supplements had the clearest analgesic signal in canine osteoarthritis, but that is a joint outcome from many different products, not a skin finding for this one.
What does the NASC Quality Seal actually mean?
NASC, the National Animal Supplement Council, is a nonprofit trade organization. Its Quality Seal page states that member companies must “successfully pass an independent quality audit and maintain ongoing compliance” with criteria that include:
- a quality control manual with written production procedures;
- an adverse event reporting and complaint system;
- compliance with labeling guidelines and FDA-CVM caution statements;
- random product testing by an independent lab against label claim;
- annual NASC training.
NASC’s home page says companies must earn the seal and that “it cannot be purchased.” The seal page links to a list of audited member companies.
What the seal does not do: NASC does not claim the seal shows a supplement works. It is a company-level quality-system audit.
A gap worth knowing about. None of the Nutramax pages we read on 2026-10-18, including its “Our Quality” page, mentioned NASC. Nutramax’s own quality claims (more than 80 quality checks, contaminant testing) are its statements. NASC’s member list did not load for us in a readable form, so we could not confirm or rule out membership, so check the package for the yellow seal and NASC’s member list directly rather than relying on this article.
How long do owners realistically wait?
Sources describe a slow timeline rather than an immediate effect:
- Cosequin dog pages show a directions table with an “Initial 4-6 Weeks” column followed by “After Initial 6 Weeks,” so the label itself builds in a trial period.
- In the McCarthy trial, significant improvement appeared by day 70, and the authors noted a slower onset than the carprofen control.
- Subjective scores can shift for unrelated reasons, so note a baseline first (stairs, rising after naps, walk length) and review with your vet at a set date.
Common mistakes and myth versus fact
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| “Vet recommended” means proven in clinical trials | It describes a manufacturer-cited survey of recommendations, not a trial result |
| A seal means the product works | The NASC seal addresses company quality systems |
| More ingredients means a better product | Added ingredients may lack canine clinical evidence |
| Chews are harmless treats | Overconsumption can cause problems; one 2023 case report describes seizures and sodium and sugar abnormalities after joint supplement toxicity (the abstract does not name a product) |
Common mistakes include doubling up on two products that share glucosamine and chondroitin and switching brands without comparing amounts per serving. For cross-brand comparisons, our broader best hip and joint supplement for dogs guide sets out a neutral framework.
Which questions should you ask your vet?
Use this short decision framework at your next visit:
- What is the goal? Comfort, mobility, liver monitoring, stool quality or coat? Each points to different ingredients.
- Does my dog need an exam first? Stiffness has many causes.
- Which ingredient is worth trying, and how will we judge it? Ask for a review date and a measure.
- Does anything interact with my dog’s medications or diet? Omega-3 and herbal ingredients such as boswellia and turmeric extract deserve a medication check.
- What are the stop signs? Ask which symptoms mean call right away.
When to call your vet
Call your veterinarian promptly if your dog:
- eats a large amount of a chewable supplement or any supplement bottle;
- vomits repeatedly, has diarrhea that persists, or seems lethargic after starting a product;
- has seizures, collapses or shows sudden weakness;
- develops itching, facial swelling or hives;
- has jaundice, dark urine or markedly reduced appetite;
- is lame, painful or reluctant to move, especially if it comes on suddenly;
- takes prescription medication, is pregnant or has kidney, liver or bleeding concerns and you want to add anything new.
For possible ingestion of a large amount, contact your vet or an animal poison control service immediately. Our guide to Cosequin side effects in dogs lists reported digestive effects and what to watch for.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nutramax a good brand for dogs?
Nutramax is a long-established U.S. supplement maker with a broad dog catalog and published ingredient lists. Quality and evidence vary by product and ingredient, and some studies on its products were funded by the company. A veterinarian can help judge whether a specific product suits your dog.
What is the difference between Cosequin and Dasuquin?
By the labels read on 2026-10-18, Cosequin lists glucosamine hydrochloride, sodium chondroitin sulfate and MSM, with some versions adding omega-3s or manganese. Dasuquin adds avocado/soybean unsaponifiables and boswellia serrata extract, and Advanced versions add further ingredients. Which one fits is a question for your vet.
Does the NASC seal mean a supplement works?
No. NASC describes the seal as showing a company has passed an independent quality audit, with systems for production control, adverse event reporting, labeling and random product testing. It does not state that any supplement is effective.
Is there research on Nutramax products?
Yes, but it is uneven. Some papers study ingredients, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, ASU or SAMe and silybin, rather than named products. At least one trial of Denamarin and one laboratory study on joint ingredients involved Nutramax-affiliated authors, so check each paper’s disclosures.
How long before I might see a change from a joint supplement?
Sources describe weeks rather than days. Cosequin’s label separates an initial 4-6 week period from later directions, and one trial reported significant improvement at day 70 with slower onset than carprofen. Individual results vary, and evidence for joint supplements remains mixed.
Can I give my dog two Nutramax products together?
Some products share ingredients, so stacking can duplicate them without you noticing. Ask your veterinarian before combining products, and follow label directions or your vet’s guidance.
References
- Barbeau-Grégoire M, Otis C, Cournoyer A, Moreau M, Lussier B, Troncy E. A 2022 Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Enriched Therapeutic Diets and Nutraceuticals in Canine and Feline Osteoarthritis. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(18):10384. DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810384. PMID: 36142319. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36142319/
- Aragon CL, Hofmeister EH, Budsberg SC. Systematic review of clinical trials of treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2007;230(4):514-521. DOI: 10.2460/javma.230.4.514. PMID: 17302547. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17302547/
- McCarthy G, O’Donovan J, Jones B, McAllister H, Seed M, Mooney C. Randomised double-blind, positive-controlled trial to assess the efficacy of glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate for the treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis. Vet J. 2007;174(1):54-61. DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2006.02.015. PMID: 16647870. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16647870/
- Skorupski KA, Hammond GM, Irish AM, et al. Prospective randomized clinical trial assessing the efficacy of Denamarin for prevention of CCNU-induced hepatopathy in tumor-bearing dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2011;25(4):838-845. DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2011.0743.x. PMID: 21689156. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21689156/ (One author’s listed affiliation is Nutramax Laboratories Inc.)
- Grzanna MW, Secor EJ, Fortuno LV, Au AY, Frondoza CG. Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Carprofen Is Enhanced by Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables, Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Combination in Chondrocyte Microcarrier Spinner Culture. Cartilage. 2020;11(1):108-116. DOI: 10.1177/1947603518783495. PMID: 29938530. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29938530/
- Boileau C, Martel-Pelletier J, Caron J, et al. Protective effects of total fraction of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables on the structural changes in experimental dog osteoarthritis. Arthritis Res Ther. 2009;11(2):R41. DOI: 10.1186/ar2649. PMID: 19291317. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19291317/
- Bunnell NM, Weatherton L. Case report: Treatment of joint supplement toxicity resulting in acidemia, hyperglycemia, electrolyte derangements, and multiple organ dysfunction. Front Vet Sci. 2023;10:1141978. DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1141978. PMID: 37456965. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37456965/
- National Animal Supplement Council. Home page, Quality Seal page and FAQs (fetched 2026-10-18). https://www.nasc.cc/ ; https://www.nasc.cc/nasc-seal/ ; https://www.nasc.cc/faqs/
-
Nutramax Laboratories. Product pages for dogs (fetched 2026-10-18): https://www.nutramaxlabs.com/our-products/products-for-your-dog-cat-horse ; https://www.dasuquin.com/products ; https://www.cosequin.com/joint-supplement/dog/chewable-tablet/msm ; https://www.cosequin.com/joint-supplement/dog/soft-chew/omega-3 ; https://www.cosequin.com/joint-supplement/dog/soft-chew/senior ; https://www.denamarin.com/chewable-tablets ; https://www.proviable.com/ ; https://www.proviable.com/proviable-forte-chewable-tablets ; https://www.welactin.com/omega-3-supplements/dogs/soft-chew ; https://www.nutramaxlabs.com/our-quality
-
Kampa N, Kaenkangploo D, Jitpean S, et al. Study of the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, marine based fatty acid compounds (PCSO-524 and EAB-277), and carprofen for the treatment of dogs with hip osteoarthritis: a prospective, block-randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Front Vet Sci. 2023;10:1033188. DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1033188. PMID: 36816197. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36816197/
Veterinary disclaimer
This article is educational and is not veterinary advice. It does not diagnose, treat or prevent any condition. Supplements are not substitutes for veterinary care. Consult your veterinarian before starting, changing or stopping any supplement, especially if your dog is ill, pregnant, elderly or on medication. Product details were read on 2026-10-18 and may have changed. Dog Health Insider is an independent publication and has no connection to any brand mentioned.