Do Cosequin Dog Supplements Work?

This article is not legal advice. It is presented for informational purposes only.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), a third of U.S. households with dogs and a fifth of households with cats give their animals nutritional dietary supplements. As of 2014, the pet supplement market was worth almost $550 million and is expected to continue to grow.
Some pet owners are wondering whether these products, like Cosequin dog supplements, actually provide any additional nutrients for their dogs and cats.

What are Cosequin Dog Supplements?

Cosequin pet supplements are manufactured by Nutramax Laboratories Inc., a pharmaceutical company that manufactures supplements for dogs, cats, horses, and humans. Many of their pet products contain glucosamine hydrochloride and sodium chondroitin sulfate, both of which are compounds that have been promoted as providing benefits for joint health.

Nutramax claims that their supplements provide dogs and cats with additional nutritional benefits. But some consumers claim the products don’t work the way they’re promoted to. Similar to complaints raised about joint supplements for humans, pet owners argue that the labels on these supplements are misleading and false, and that pet owners have been duped into purchasing products that do not work.

According to Nutramax, the effects of Cosequin supplements have been scientifically researched and proven by published, peer reviewed studies. However, critics say these studies are of poor quality, appear to have been done on other products, or show that the supplements do not actually work, contrary to Nutramax’s claims.

Cosequin Supplements and the AVMA

Cosequin pet supplements are manufactured by Nutramax Laboratories Inc., a pharmaceutical company that manufactures supplements for dogs, cats, horses, and humans. Many of their pet products contain glucosamine hydrochloride and sodium chondroitin sulfate.

The AVMA used to have a policy regarding glucosamine, stating that the organization encouraged the marketing of the supplement to non-food producing animals. This policy was rescinded in November 2016 by the AVMA Board of Directors, citing a lack of data showing glucosamine’s effectiveness.

In a statement regarding the policy change, they stated that “advocating for enforcement discretion for unapproved drug products based (on) a long history of use without significant safety concerns, but without efficacy data does not reflect the AVMA’s science-based perspective.”

Cosequin Pet Supplement Claims

Nutramax advertises their supplements as a way to help increase pet mobility and protect joints. On many of their packaging materials, Nutramax states “Use Cosequin to help your pet Climb stairs, Rise, and Jump!” However, studies focusing on Cosequin dog supplements have found that the products do not improve pet activity levels.

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 allows supplements to make statements regarding nutritional support, as long as they include the following disclaimer: “This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”

However, the FDA’s position is that the act does not apply to animals, and there are few regulations pertaining to the way animal supplements are marketed. Additionally, as these supplements are not highly regulated by the FDA, glucosamine or chondroitin supplements may contain additional ingredients or contaminants that are not listed on the label.

Who is Affected?

Nutramax manufactures and markets many products for both dogs and cats. Pet owners who have purchased these products due to their alleged pet health benefits may be eligible to join a Cosequin dog supplements class action investigation pertaining to these claims.

Join a Free Cosequin Pet Supplements Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you purchased Cosequin joint supplements for your dog or cat, you may qualify to join this Cosequin class action lawsuit investigation.

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