If you are comparing Nutraquin+ and Dasuquin, you have probably noticed that both promise to support your dog's joints and both list glucosamine and chondroitin. It is easy to feel stuck when two products sound so alike, especially when your dog is slower on the stairs or takes a moment to get going after a nap.
The differences sit in the extra ingredients, the format and how much information is available for the UK. This article sets out what each product lists, where they overlap and what to ask your vet before you choose.
Neither product is a medicine. A joint supplement is a complementary feed that sits alongside veterinary care, sensible weight management and gentle exercise. It does not replace a diagnosis.
Where Nutraquin+ and MedPaw differ on joint actives
If you are choosing between Nutraquin+ and Dasuquin, it helps to know exactly what is in each formula. A shortlist of two can leave out a third option worth a look.
The table below sets Nutraquin+ against MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max, which is our own product, and four other UK joint supplements. It starts with a score for six key joint actives.
MedPaw is the only one of the six with all six key joint actives
| Ingredient | MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max | Nutraquin+ | NutraPaw Joint Support | YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS Max | Seraquin Joint | Synoquin EFA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key joint actives | 6 of 6 | 3 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 6 (+1 via mussel) | 2 of 6 | 2 of 6 |
| Glucosamine | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chondroitin | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | Via mussel | ✓ | ✓ |
| MSM | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Green-lipped mussel | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Hyaluronic acid | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Boswellia | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Omega-3 | Mussel, flax | ✗ | Mussel | Mussel, fish oil | ✗ | Krill oil |
| Turmeric | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Collagen | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Antioxidants | Vit C, Vit E, zinc | Vit C, zinc | Manganese | Vit C, Vit E, manganese | ✗ | Vit C, zinc |
| Format | Soft chew | Capsule | Tablet | Tablet | Chewable tablet | Tablet or capsule |
| Guarantee | 60 days | Not stated | 90 days | 6 weeks | Not stated | Not stated |
✓ = included, ✗ = not listed. Key joint actives: glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia. Taken from each manufacturer's published information, September 2026.
Nutraquin+ scores 3 of 6. The table shows glucosamine, chondroitin and Boswellia, and it does not list MSM, green-lipped mussel or hyaluronic acid. It comes as a capsule. MedPaw is the only one of the six products to score 6 of 6.
For a dog who is slower to get going or hesitant on the stairs, that wider range matters. MedPaw combines glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia in one daily soft chew. It supports joints, mobility and comfort alongside veterinary care.
Soft chews are often easier to give than capsules. MedPaw also comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, and Subscribe & Save is available if you want to keep going through the 2-3 months we recommend for optimal results.
Explore MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max See the full ingredient list and feeding guide for your dog's weight on the MedPaw product page.
What Nutraquin+ is
According to the manufacturer's published information (September 2026), Nutraquin+ is a capsule, designed to be given daily as a joint supplement for dogs. The details below come from that information, so check the pack in your hands for the most current wording.
The ingredients it lists
Nutraquin+ lists five key ingredients:
- Glucosamine: a natural component of joint cartilage, widely used in supplements that support joint health.
- Chondroitin: another natural cartilage component, usually paired with glucosamine.
- Boswellia: a plant extract included in some joint formulas to support comfort and mobility.
- Vitamin C: a vitamin that plays a part in normal body tissues.
- Zinc: a mineral that supports normal body function.
What it does not list
Nutraquin+ does not list MSM, hyaluronic acid, green-lipped mussel, omega-3, turmeric or collagen. That is not a criticism. Many joint supplements keep things simpler, and a shorter ingredient list can be easier to talk through with your vet.
A guarantee is not stated in the information available, and neither is dose guidance. Follow the pack and your vet's advice on how much to give.
What Dasuquin contains, according to its maker
Dasuquin is made by Nutramax Laboratories, the same company behind Cosequin. The information we have comes from US-based material, including the manufacturer's own page. Availability and exact formulation can differ in the UK, so always read the label on the pack you are buying.
The manufacturer describes a proprietary combination of:
- Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, usually shortened to ASU
- Green tea extract
- Glucosamine hydrochloride
- Chondroitin sulfate
ASU is the main difference between Dasuquin and Cosequin. The manufacturer says it is designed to work alongside glucosamine and chondroitin to support joints.
Other details worth knowing
One source says MSM is used in some Cosequin and Dasuquin products but not all, so the specific product matters. Another says the soft chew versions are the only Nutramax products with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil. Dasuquin comes in several forms, including soft chews, though the sources do not list every format.
A version called Dasuquin Advanced is described as sold only through veterinary practices. It has the same core ingredients plus a proprietary blend.
Where the two overlap and where they differ
The shared ground is glucosamine and chondroitin. Beyond that, the two products take different routes.
- Nutraquin+ route: Boswellia, vitamin C and zinc alongside the two cartilage components.
- Dasuquin route: ASU and green tea extract alongside the two cartilage components, with MSM or omega-3 in some versions.
The sources do not list Boswellia for Dasuquin, and they do not state vitamin C or zinc for it either. Nutraquin+ does not list ASU or green tea extract. Neither guarantee is stated in the information we have.
So the useful question is not which brand sounds better. It is which set of extras you and your vet feel comfortable with for your own dog. Comparing labels line by line will tell you far more than comparing reputations.
Sorting claims from evidence
You will see phrases such as "vet recommended" or "works better than" on joint products. These come from the makers. They are claims, not independent evidence, and they cannot tell you whether a product suits your dog.
One source suggests many vets may recommend Dasuquin because of the ASU. That is the source's view, not a promise that it suits every dog. The manufacturer also says that, going by label amounts, a dog would need to eat far more than a normal serving of joint-support diets to match the amounts in Dasuquin. Treat that as a manufacturer statement, and ask your vet about your own dog's diet.
Capsule or chew: does format matter?
It can matter a great deal, because the best supplement is the one your dog will take every day. Some dogs swallow a capsule without fuss. Others, especially fussy eaters, find a chew far easier.
Capsules can sometimes be hidden in a little food, but check the pack first and ask your vet or pharmacist before you open or split any product. The contents can taste different from the capsule shell, and you want to be sure of the dose.
Dasuquin comes in several forms, including soft chews, so it may suit dogs that dislike capsules. Going by the information we have, Nutraquin+ is a capsule only.
Allergies and sensitivities
Dasuquin is described as containing avocado and soybean derived ingredients. Other joint products may contain shellfish or fish. If your dog has a known sensitivity, read the whole ingredient list, not just the headline actives, and speak to your vet before starting anything new.
The same goes for dogs on prescribed medication, pregnant or nursing dogs and dogs with other health conditions. Ask your vet to check the product first.
Practical steps before and after you choose
Whichever product you pick, a few simple habits make the whole process calmer and more useful.
- Book a vet check first. Stiffness has many possible causes, and a supplement should never delay a diagnosis.
- Take the label with you. Ask whether the formula suits your dog's age, size, diet and any medication.
- Be consistent. Give it daily as directed on the pack, and note the start date.
- Do not double up. Avoid giving two joint supplements at once unless your vet says so. Overlapping ingredients are easy to miss.
- Introduce it gradually. Watch for tummy upsets, and call your vet if your dog seems unwell.
- Look at the bigger picture. A healthy weight, regular low-impact exercise, non-slip flooring, ramps for cars and sofas and a supportive bed all matter alongside any supplement.
Keep a simple mobility diary
Joint supplements are generally given daily over weeks or months, so changes are rarely overnight. A short diary helps you and your vet see the pattern rather than relying on memory. Review it with your vet after a couple of months of daily use, or sooner if you have any concerns.
A simple diary to keep alongside any joint supplement
| What to note | Example | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Getting up | Easy, slow or needs a few tries | Shows how stiff your dog is after rest |
| Stairs and jumping | Bounds up, hesitates or avoids | Shows willingness to use their joints |
| Walk tolerance | Usual route, shortened or limping at the end | Gives your vet a clear picture of activity |
| Start date and dose | Date the supplement began and how much | Lets you review progress fairly |
For guidance only, not a diagnosis.
Questions to ask your vet
Bring these to your next appointment. They keep the conversation about your dog rather than the marketing.
- Is a joint supplement sensible for my dog's age, weight and health history?
- Are there ingredients on this label that do not suit my dog's diet, allergies or medication?
- Would a capsule or a chew be easier for my dog to take every day?
- How long should I give it before we review progress together?
- What else should I change at home, such as weight, exercise or flooring?
One source suggests joint supplements can be started in young dogs with a vet's guidance, for example those with inherited joint conditions, or in healthy dogs as they age. That is a conversation to have with your vet, not a reason to supplement every dog.
When to see a vet
A supplement is there for everyday support. It is not the answer to new or worsening signs. Use this as a rough guide, and trust your instincts if something seems off.
How quickly to seek veterinary advice
Mild stiffness after rest
Slower to rise or reluctant on stairs. Book a routine check and mention it, particularly before starting any supplement.
Signs that persist or change
Limping lasting more than a day or two or coming and going, licking at a joint, muscle loss in the back legs, less interest in walks or play, or irritability. Book an appointment soon.
Sudden or severe signs
Sudden severe lameness, refusing to put weight on a leg, a swollen or hot joint, yelping when touched, or loss of appetite alongside stiffness. Call your vet straight away.
Please also speak to your vet if a young or large-breed puppy shows a "bunny-hopping" gait or an unusual wobble. These signs deserve a proper look rather than a wait-and-see approach.
Where MedPaw fits
If you would like a third option alongside Nutraquin+ and Dasuquin, MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max is a daily soft chew, a complementary feed for dogs. Its key joint actives are glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia serrata. It also provides omega-3 from green-lipped mussel and flax seed, vitamins C and E, and zinc, and it is made with rapeseed oil and glycerine.
Compared with Nutraquin+, the differences are simple and factual:
- MedPaw is a soft chew, while Nutraquin+ is a capsule.
- MedPaw includes MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and omega-3, none of which Nutraquin+ lists.
- Both include glucosamine, chondroitin, Boswellia, vitamin C and zinc.
- MedPaw has a 60-day money-back guarantee, while Nutraquin+'s guarantee is not stated.
MedPaw does not contain ASU or green tea extract, so it is not a like-for-like swap for Dasuquin. Feeding is 1 chew a day up to 4kg, 2 for 5-17kg and 2-3 for 18kg and over, doubled for the first three weeks. We recommend two to three months of daily use, and Subscribe & Save is available.
Choosing with confidence
There is no single winner between Nutraquin+ and Dasuquin. Both share glucosamine and chondroitin, then go their own ways with the extras. The right choice is the one your dog will take consistently, that suits their health history and that your vet is happy with.
Read the label carefully, keep a short diary and give any supplement time. Remember that it works alongside the bigger picture of weight, movement and comfort at home. Your vet leads on diagnosis and any treatment plan, and a supplement is there to support your dog's everyday mobility alongside that care.
What is the main difference between Nutraquin+ and Dasuquin?
Both list glucosamine and chondroitin, but the extras differ. Nutraquin+ is a capsule that also lists Boswellia, vitamin C and zinc. Dasuquin's maker describes avocado/soybean unsaponifiables and green tea extract alongside the two cartilage components, so it is worth reading the label on the exact pack you are considering.
Is Nutraquin+ a capsule or a chew?
Nutraquin+ is a capsule. Some dogs take capsules without fuss, whilst fussy eaters may find a soft chew easier. Check the pack and ask your vet or pharmacist before opening or splitting any capsule, so you are sure of the dose.
Does Nutraquin+ contain MSM, green-lipped mussel or omega-3?
Going by the manufacturer's published information, Nutraquin+ does not list MSM, hyaluronic acid, green-lipped mussel, omega-3, turmeric or collagen. It lists glucosamine, chondroitin, Boswellia, vitamin C and zinc. A shorter ingredient list can be easier to talk through with your vet.
Does Nutraquin+ come with a money-back guarantee?
A guarantee is not stated in the information we have for Nutraquin+. Check the manufacturer's UK product page before you buy. For comparison, MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max has a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Where does MedPaw fit alongside Nutraquin+ and Dasuquin?
MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max is a daily soft chew, a complementary feed, listing glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia serrata. It does not contain ASU or green tea extract, so it is not a like-for-like swap for Dasuquin. Feeding is 1 chew a day up to 4kg, 2 for 5-17kg and 2-3 for 18kg and over, doubled for the first three weeks.
Should I talk to my vet before choosing a joint supplement?
Yes, it is a sensible first step. Stiffness can have many causes, and a supplement is a complementary feed that sits alongside veterinary care, healthy weight and gentle exercise. It does not replace a diagnosis. Take the label along and ask whether it suits your dog's age, diet and any medication.
