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GlycoFlex Joint Support for Pets?

GlycoFlex 3 vs. GlycoFlex Plus: Supplement for Cat and Dog Joint Health 

Reviewed by Dr. Whitney Miller, DVM, MBA, DACVPM

GlycoFlex for dogs | GlycoFlex for Cats

dog & cat laying down

GlycoFlex for Dogs

Features GlycoFlex 3 for Dogs GlycoFlex Plus for Dogs
Available forms Chewable tablet, chews Chewable tablet, chews
Purpose Supplement for joint health in dogs Supplement for advanced joint support for dogs; this formula includes chondroitin
Life stages Adult, senior Adult, senior
Available flavors Chicken, chicken liver Duck, bacon, peanut butter
Ingredients

Active ingredients in chews and tablets: Glucosamine HCI (from shrimp and crab), methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Perna canaliculus (GlycOmega™ brand green-lipped mussel), N, N-dimethylglycine HCI (DMG), dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), calcium ascorbate (vitamin C), manganese (manganese amino acid chelate), grape seed extract, L-glutathione, selenium (sodium selenite)

Inactive ingredient in chews: Arabic gum, brewers yeast, calcium sulfate, canola oil, citric acid, glycerin, hydrolyzed chicken liver flavor, maltodextrin, mixed tocopherols, pectin, propionic acid, rosemary extract, silicon dioxide, sodium alginate, sorbic acid, soy lecithin, vegetable oil, water

Inactive ingredients in tablets: Brewers yeast, cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, natural imitation roast chicken flavor, silicon dioxide, stearic acid

Active ingredients for chews: Glucosamine HCI (from shrimp and crab), methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Perna canaliculus (GlycOmega™ brand green-lipped mussel), chondroitin sulfate (Porcine), N,N-dimethylglycine HCI (DMG), dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), ascorbic acid(vitamin C), manganese, grape seed extract, L-glutathione, selenium (Na selenite)

Inactive ingredient in chews: Arabic gum, brewers yeast, calcium sulfate, canola oil, citric acid, citrus pectin, glycerin, hydrolyzed duck (or bacon or peanut butter) flavor, maltodextrin, mixed tocopherols, oat flour, propionic acid, rosemary extract, rye flour, silicon dioxide, sodium alginate, sorbic acid, soy lecithin, vegetable oil, water

Active ingredients for tablets: Glucosamine HCI (from shrimp and crab), methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Perna canaliculus (GlycOmega™ brand green-lipped mussel), chondroitin sulfate (porcine), dl-alpha tocopherol acetate (vitamin E), manganese, selenium

Inactive ingredients in tablets: Brewer’s yeast, cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, natural imitation chicken flavor, silicon dioxide, stearic acid, water
Directions for use

GlycoFlex 3 for Dogs Chews

Initial period (4–6 weeks):

  • Up to 30 lbs.: 1 chew daily 
  • 31–60 lbs.: 2 chews daily 
  • 61–100 lbs.: 4 chews daily 
  • 101+ lbs.: 5 chews daily

If giving more than 1 soft chew daily, divide between AM and PM.

GlycoFlex 3 for Dogs Tablets

Initial period (4–6 weeks):

  • Up to 30 lbs.: ½ tablet daily 
  • 31–60 lbs.: 1 tablet daily 
  • 61–100 lbs.: 2 tablets daily 
  • 101+ lbs.: 2 ½ tablets daily 

Maintenance period:

  • Up to 30 lbs.: ½ tablet every other day 
  • 31–60 lbs.: ½ tablet daily 
  • 61–100 lbs.: 1 tablet daily 
  • 101+ lbs.: 1 ½ tablets daily 

If giving more than 1 tablet, divide between AM and PM.

GlycoFlex Plus for Dogs Chews

Initial period (4–6 weeks):

  • 31–60 lbs.: 2 chews daily 
  • 61–100 lbs.: 4 chews daily 
  • 101+ lbs.: 5 chews daily

Maintenance (after initial period):

  • 31–60 lbs.:1 chew daily 
  • 61–100 lbs.: 2 chews daily 
  • 101+ lbs.: 3 chews daily. 

If giving more than 1 chew daily, divide between AM and PM.

GlycoFlex Plus for Dogs Tablets

Initial period (4–6 weeks):

  • Up to 30 lbs.: ½ tablet daily 
  • 31–60 lbs.: 1 tablet daily 
  • 61–100 lbs.: 2 tablets daily 
  • 101+ lbs.: 2 ½ tablets daily 

Maintenance period:

  • Up to 30 lbs.: ½ tablet every other day 
  • 31–60 lbs.: ½ tablet daily 
  • 61–100 lbs.: 1 tablet daily 
  • 101+ lbs.: 1 ½ tablets daily 

If giving more than 1 tablet, divide between AM and PM.
Grain-free No No
Size recommendation Any size, but dosage may vary

Any size for tablets, dosage may vary

Two types of chews available based on dog size, dosage varies
Recommended for working dogs Yes Yes
Recommended for competitive dogs  Yes Yes
Recommended for senior dogs Yes Yes
Effective for moderate joint issues Yes Yes
Effective for complex joint issues No Yes
Effective arthritis support Yes Yes; GlycoFlex Plus is especially suited to help with canine arthritis
Prescription required No No
Known side effects Rare gastrointestinal upsets Rare gastrointestinal upsets
Veterinarian consultation Strongly suggested Strongly suggested
Possible drug interactions Warfarin, heparin, etoposide, antidiabetics Warfarin, heparin, etoposide, antidiabetics
Manufacturing location Williston, VT Williston, VT

GlycoFlex 3 Bite-Sized Dog Chews

GlycoFlex 3 Chewable Dog Tablets

GlycoFlex 3 Mini Bite-Sized Small Dog Chews

GlycoFlex Plus Joint Support, Chicken Flavor Dog Tablets

GlycoFlex Plus Joint Support Bite-Sized Peanut Butter Flavor Dog Chews

GlycoFlex Plus Small Breed Joint Support, Duck Flavor Dog Chews

GlycoFlex for Cats

Features GlycoFlex 3 for Cats GlycoFlex Plus for Cats
Available forms Chews Chews
Purpose Supplement for joint health in cats; this formula offers higher levels of glucosamine, MSM and Perna canaliculus for superior joint care Supplement for advanced joint support for cats
Life stages Adult, senior All
Available flavors Chicken Liver Fish
Ingredients

Active ingredients: Perna canaliculus (GlycOmega™ brand green-lipped mussel), glucosamine HCI (from shrimp and crab), methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), N,N-dimethylglycine HCI (DMG), dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), manganese (manganese amino acid chelate), grape seed extract, L-glutathione, selenium (sodium selenite)

Inactive ingredients: Arabic gum, brewers yeast, calcium sulfate, canola oil, chicken liver flavor, citric acid, glycerin, maltodextrin, mixed tocopherols, pectin, propionic acid, rosemary extract, silicon dioxide, sodium alginate, sorbic acid, soy lecithin, vegetable oil, water

Active ingredients: Glucosamine HCI (from shrimp and crab), methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Perna canaliculus (GlycOmega™ brand green-lipped mussel), chondroitin sulfate (porcine), N,N-dimethylglycine HCI (DMG), dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), manganese, grape seed extract, L-glutathione, selenium (Na selenite)

Inactive ingredients: Arabic gum, brewers yeast, calcium sulfate, canola oil, citric acid, citrus pectin, fish meal, glycerin, maltodextrin, mixed tocopherols, propionic acid, rosemary extract, silicon dioxide, sodium alginate, sorbic acid, soy lecithin, vegetable oil, water
Directions for use

Initial period (4–6 weeks):

  • 2 chews per 10 lbs. of body weight daily 

Maintenance (after initial period):·

  • 1 chew per 10 lbs. of body weight daily 

If giving more than 1 chew daily, divide between AM and PM.

Initial period (4–6 weeks):

  • 2 chews per 10 lbs. of body weight daily 

Maintenance (after initial period):

  • 1 chew per 10 lbs. of body weight daily 

If giving more than 1 chew daily, divide between AM and PM.
Grain-free No No
Size recommendation Any size; dosage varies Any size; dosage varies
Effective for moderate joint issues Yes Yes
Effective for complex joint issues No Yes
Effective against arthritis Yes Yes; GlycoFlex Plus is especially suited to help with feline arthritis
Prescription required No No
Known side effects Rare gastrointestinal upsets Rare gastrointestinal upsets
Veterinarian consultation Strongly suggested Strongly suggested
Possible drug interactions Warfarin, heparin, etoposide, antidiabetics Warfarin, heparin, etoposide, antidiabetics
Manufacturing location Williston, VT Williston, VT

VetriScience GlycoFlex 2 Bite-Sized Cat Chews

VetriScience GlycoFlex 3 Feline Formula Bite Sized Chews for Cats

FAQs about GlycoFlex 3 vs. GlycoFlex Plus

What is the difference between GlycoFlex 3 and GlycoFlex Plus?

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Both formulas have the same levels of glucosamine and MSM and are recommended for pets diagnosed with joint problems. The GlycoFlex Plus Joint Support Bite-Sized Dog Chews have added chondroitin sulfate to the formula as another muscle and joint support supplement. Plus also comes in a wider range of flavors. Ingredients in both may vary slightly, but not much.

Is GlycoFlex safe for dogs?

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Yes, Glycoflex is considered safe for dogs, as it hasn’t been known to cause any significant health issues in dogs or cats. However, there is the possibility of rare side effects related to dog hip and joint solutions that combine glucosamine and chondroitin. With GlycoFlex for dogs, side effects include mild forms of gastrointestinal upset. It’s always recommended to consult your veterinarian before adding new vitamins or supplements to your dog's diet.

Is GlycoFlex safe for puppies?

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GlycoFlex 3 for dogs is formulated for pups of all ages, but it’s recommended to consult your veterinarian to ensure it’s an appropriate supplement for your pet. They may recommend starting with smaller doses and monitoring your puppy closely to watch for possible side effects. GlycoFlex Plus for dogs isn’t recommended for puppies and should only be provided to adult or senior pets.

How quickly does GlycoFlex work?

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GlycoFlex for cats and dogs have shown significant improvement and increase in joint strength for these pets in as little as four weeks.

Can glucosamine cause liver damage in my dogs?

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While many studies have been conducted on the hepatoxicity of glucosamine, dog health & wellness solutions containing this anti-inflammatory haven’t been proven to damage canine livers. GlycoFlex for dogs should not adversely affect your pup’s liver in any way.

Can humans take GlycoFlex?

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While it doesn’t contain any ingredients that are harmful to humans, it’s not recommended to take these supplements for your own joint support. GlycoFlex is formulated especially for pets’ biology, and while it does share some ingredients included in human joint support solutions, it will not provide the same results.

Where is GlycoFlex made?

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GlycoFlex Joint Support for dogs and cats is made by VetriScience Laboratories in Williston, Vermont.

Reviewed by Dr. Whitney Miller, DVM, MBA, DACVPM

As Petco’s Chief Veterinarian, Dr. Miller is the lead veterinary subject matter expert, overseeing the company’s standards of excellence in animal care and welfare, growth in pet services and much more. Dr. Miller leads Petco’s medical team, supporting over 200 full-service hospitals and mobile vaccination clinics operating in over 1,000 Petco Pet Care Centers nationwide.

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