What is GlycoFlex 3?
GlycoFlex 3 is manufactured by VetriScience (a Vermont company in business since 1972), who assert that their products have an excellent track record in supporting canine joint health.
It is meant as a dietary supplement for dogs suffering from joint problems due to age, size or very active lives. This supplement is available through many retailers; at one source we examined and a bag of 120 soft chews was $30.
The supplements have the same formula, although two soft chews contain as much as one tablet, which may be important to your own cost planning.
How Does GlycoFlex 3 Work?
This supplement contains extracts from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel as well as other joint support compounds, which are intended to supplement your dog’s normal diet.
It is not a replacement for a wholesome diet, or a multivitamin supplement, although it does contain some minerals.
The supplement is available in tablet and chew-treat formula, both of which have chicken flavoring that should make it easy to feed to your pet.
GlycoFlex 3 Ingredients – Are they Safe & Effective?
VetriScience does not list the exact formulation of GlycoFlex 3 on their website. However, we were able to review the product’s label and its active ingredients, which are:
- Green-lipped mussel: A whole-organism extract from a natural (shellfish) source, intended as a source of amino acids, minerals and other compounds
- Glucosamine HCl: A major component in the formation of cartilage and joint tissue
- Methylsulfonylmethane: A source for sulfur, a key mineral in cell formation
- DMG: A metabolic support compound
- Minerals: The supplement includes calcium, manganese and selenium, all important for the health of joints
What are the Advantages of GlycoFlex 3?
- Many ingredients from natural animal sources.
- Sold in many retailers online and traditionally.
- May provide maximum joint support in dogs.
- Can be used as a follow-up post orthopedic surgeries in dogs.
What are the Disadvantages of GlycoFlex 3?
- No veterinary research is cited.
- Not guaranteed to be safe for puppies or pregnant dogs.
- Contains shellfish compounds (mussel, shrimp, crab).
- No manufacturer guarantees.
Alternatives to GlycoFlex 3:
Side Effects
There are no known side effects of this product when it is fed correctly, presuming that your pet does not have an allergy to shellfish compounds. If your dog’s digestion tends to be sensitive, VetriScience recommends using the tablet formulation rather than the chewable treat formulation.
FAQs
Are there other products under the name GlycoFlex?
Yes, VetriScience has an entire product line under that name. While all of the products have some similarities, the formulas are different and intended for dogs in different situations, so please be sure to check the labels carefully before you buy.
Does this product contain any possible allergens?
The active ingredients for this product include a shellfish extract, and it also contains shrimp and crab extracts, as well as chicken flavoring and brewer’s yeast as an inactive ingredient.
What are the dosage directions of this product?
According to manufacturer recommendations:
For the first 4-6 weeks of use, give dogs up to 30 pounds 1/2 tablet daily, 31-60 pounds 1 tablet daily, 61-100 pounds 2 tablets daily, and 101 pounds or higher, 2 and 1/2 tablets daily. After this first 4-6 weeks, halve that – so a 50-pound dog would go from one tablet daily to 1/2 tablet daily. For a small dog, feed 1/2 tablet every other day.
If you choose the soft chew formulation, each chew is equivalent to one-half tablet. For example, a 70-pound dog would be given four chews daily for the first 4-6 weeks, then two chews daily.
If you are feeding more than one tablet’s worth (two chews) daily, the manufacturer recommends dividing it into two doses, one in the morning and the other in the evening.
GlycoFlex 3 Review – Final Verdict
VetriScience’s website presents GlycoFlex 3 in a very detailed light, and it is available from many reputable retailers. However, they do not provide much scientific backing for their claims, some of which are very precise (“increasing hind leg strength by up to 41% in 4 weeks”), which makes complete trust difficult.
There are many pet supplements on the market today, so be sure to research thoroughly before you make a commitment with your hard-earned money.
**This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available informations and our estimation of efficacy.
*Result may vary. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a serious medical condition, or have a history of heart conditions we suggest consulting with a physician before using any supplement. The information contained in this website is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not be relied upon as a medical advice. Always consult your doctor before using any supplements.
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