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GlycoFlex: Your Guide to the Best Joint Support for Pet Mobility
Updated on June 18, 2026
Written by Dr. Whitney Miller, DVM, MBA, DACVPM
VetriScience GlycoFlex Plus Ultimate Strength Healthy Hip & Joint Supplement for Cats, 0.13 lbs., Count of 30
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Dogswell Hip & Joint Chicken Soft Strips Dog Treats, 20 oz.
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Blue Buffalo True Solutions Chicken Mobility Care Natural Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs, 24 lbs.
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VET WORTHY JOINT SUPPORT LEVEL 4 CHEWABLE TABLETS FOR DOGS, COUNT OF 60
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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 ingredients 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 ingredients 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: Brewers 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 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 |
This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.
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FAQs about GlycoFlex 3 vs. GlycoFlex Plus
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.
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.
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.
GlycoFlex for cats and dogs have shown significant improvement and increase in joint strength for these pets in as little as four weeks.
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.
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.
GlycoFlex Joint Support for dogs and cats is made by VetriScience Laboratories in Williston, Vermont.