A Step Ahead: The Benefits of Cosequin

White horse in motion

In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about joint supplements. With the supplement market being so saturated with product options, it can be difficult to determine which joint supplement is the right one for your horse, dog, or cat. 

One of the most popular joint supplements on The Cheshire Horse shelves is Cosequin – a unique, scientifically-researched joint health supplement. Made with the highest quality, trademarked Glucosamine Hydrochloride and Chondroitin Sulfate ingredients, Cosequin has been proven to be safe and effective. Furthermore, many peer-reviewed veterinary studies have outlined the bioavailability of the ingredients in both horses and dogs. For these reasons, Cosequin continues to be the #1 veterinarian recommended joint health supplement brand in the United States.

The quality ingredients and highly-researched formulas are the hallmark to Cosequin’s success. Keep reading to learn more about the ingredients in Cosequin supplements that promote joint health.

Main Ingredients

The two main ingredients in Cosequin, Chondroitin Sulfate TRH122® and Glucosamine Hydrochloride FCHG49®, combine together to stimulate cartilage cells to increase production of cartilage matrix materials as well as inhibit the enzymes that break down cartilage.

Glucosamine Hydrochloride FCHG49®: This is a building block for the key joint components, including articular cartilage. By increasing the amount of Glucosamine within the body, it helps to rebuild the cartilage within the joint during the course of the supplementation. Studies have also shown that it enhances the performance of the Chondroitin. The Cosequin insourced quality control of their Glucosamine Hydrochloride tested 99.9% pure, allowing you to be confident in what you are feeding your animal.

Chondroitin Sulfate TRH122®: This helps to reduce cartilage breakdown and protects the matrix around the joint cartilage. Cosequin’s TRH122® Low Molecular Weight (LMW) Chondroitin Sulfate is the only chondroitin on the market that has been proven to be absorbed and effective in regards to joint health. Many other Chondroitin compounds on the market are not absorbed at all, and it’s not bioavailable to your equine, canine, or feline companion. 

Additional Active Ingredients

MSM: This organic form of sulfur has anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that MSM can also assist in maintaining healthy coat, skin, and hoof quality. When shopping for a joint supplement, it is exceedingly important that you purchase a supplement with high-quality MSM, such as Cosequin. Traces of lead have often been found in poor quality MSM.

ASU NMX1000®: Exclusive to Cosequin products, this trademarked ingredient is a potent natural anti-inflammatory ingredient shown to protect cartilage and support joint function. Standing for Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables, ASU has been shown to enhance the effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate in many clinical trials. 

Hyaluronic Acid: A prevalent compound found in the body and a major component of Synovial fluid, HA lubricates joints and keeps them moving fluidly. The combination of HA with ASU, Glucosamine, and Chondroitin Sulfate has been shown to be more effective in reducing factors involved in the breakdown of cartilage than ASU, Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, or HA alone.

Green Tea Extract (ECGC):  Believed to work as an antioxidant which protects joint tissues from free radicals, Green Tea Extract has some anti- inflammatory properties. It has also been shown to enhance the effects of Hyaluronic Acid.

Boswellia: Also known as Frankincense, this plant-based extract reduces the levels of an enzyme that is involved in the inflammatory process. This provides anti-inflammatory properties and may provide a natural pain relief. 

Manganese: This mineral supports cartilage matrix production, which in turn assists the structure of healthy cartilage. As a building block of chondroitin sulfate, it is believed to help with bioavailability of Glucosamine and Chondroitin.

Woman feeding horse

Manufacturing and Quality Control

Nutritional supplements are not closely monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that you must rely on the manufacturer to accurately report what is in the supplements that you are feeding.

According to independent studies, Cosequin consistently meets label claims 100% of the time. Other brands struggle to keep up with this standard. In a university study on label claim done with human, canine, and equine joint supplements, they found that: 70% of human joint supplements do not meet label claim; 50% of canine joint supplements do not meet label claim; and 30% of equine joint supplements do not meet label claim. When purchasing a supplement, make sure that you turn to a reputable company that you trust, such as Cosequin.

Cosequin is manufactured in a controlled environment following the standards of the pharmaceutical industry. They do all of their own in-house quality control testing on all the raw ingredients using many methods and technology in order to ensure the best product possible.

Cosequin products

The Best Product For Your Horse or Pet

When it comes to supplements, there is not a one size fits all approach. You will want to consider a myriad of factors, including the age and joint health of your pet. If you are looking for an equine joint supplement, you should assess your horse’s workload and competitive level as well.

Many equestrians and pet owners choose to use a preventative joint supplement, such as Cosequin (Original) Equine Powder and Cosequin Standard Strength Plus for Dogs. Once you begin to notice joint degradation within your animal, either due to age, activity level, or injury, we recommend that you utilize a stronger formula, like the Cosequin ASU Plus for Equines and the Professional Strength Cosequin DS Maximum Strength Plus MSM and Boswellia

In addition to equine and canine supplements, we also carry feline joint supplements from Cosequin. Cosequin Joint Health Supplement for Cats do not contain MSM, which is detrimental to their urinary tract. As an additional benefit, Cosequin can help support bladder health in cats because a cat’s bladder lining contains some of the same compounds found in cartilage.

Some people are hesitant to feed joint supplements because their feed or treats contain contain glucosamine and chondroitin. However, on average, a dog would need to consume 32 entire bowls of dog food containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to receive the levels delivered by one serving of Cosequin DS.

Help your horse, dog, or cat feel their best with a joint supplement from Cosequin. If you have any questions about joint supplementation or would like assistance selecting the proper supplement for your animal, we invite you to speak with a member of our friendly and experienced sales staff.

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