Pet supplements have seen a surge in popularity as a response to consumer demand. The supplement range for pets has now become relative to the amount available for humans. There exists today diet and weight loss pills, protein foods for underweight dogs and more for our furry counterparts.
In particular, there have been advancements in the field of joint health supplements for dogs by the brand Curaflex, which is owned by parent company TRAVCO products. Curaflex has released two joint-health products to date, namely Curaflex 2 and Curaflex XS.
What Is Curaflex 2 and Curaflex XS?
Both Curaflex 2 and Curaflex XS have similarities and are recommended by the manufacturer to be used in conjunction with each other for best results. The supplements are readily available to purchase at online retailers such as Vitacost, Valley Vet Supply and more.
Curaflex 2
Curaflex 2 has been specifically formulated to help assist healthy joint cartilage in dogs. Healthy joints are important in keeping one’s dog active and a mobile. A lack of joint mobility may lead to adverse behaviors, such as a lack of interest in play and exercise. There is also a known correlation between aggression in dogs and a lack of exercise, which is something that Curaflex 2 can help to prevent.
Curaflex 2 Ingredients
Curaflex 2 reportedly uses two natural ingredients that are used by veterinarians. Curaflex states that their ingredients are safe and free from side effects and complications. Curaflex 2 is allegedly safe to be used in conjunction with other medications.
Curaflex 2 contains the following:
- Glucosamine hydrochloride: This is a naturally-occurring compound in the body that is a known stimulant of the body’s mechanism to maintain and repair healthy joints.
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): This ingredient is used as a source of organic sulfur. It can also be found in the body of dogs, and helps supports the healthy functioning of cartilage.
Curaflex 2 is sold in bottled tablet form, with each tablet containing 500mg of the above ingredients.
The average price across retailers that stock Curaflex 2 is $22.45 for their 120 bottle and $66.49 for their 360 pill option.
Curaflex 2 Administration Schedule
The size of the dose is determined by the weight of the dog for the period of four to six weeks. Curaflex advises that one should progressively lower the number of pills as times go on. The number of doses can be increased at any given time based on the needs of one’s pet.
The numbers below represent the recommended daily dose of Curaflex 2
- Under 15 lbs – ½ chewable
- 16-30 lbs – 1 chewable
- 31-60 lbs – 2 chewables
- 61-100 lbs – 3 chewables
- 100+ lbs – 4 chewables
Curaflex 2 Product Advantages
- Inexpensive joint health supplement
- Pork and liver-flavored chewables
- Fun bone-shaped pills
- Ingredients and contents guaranteed to meet label claim
Curaflex XS
Curaflex XS is the company’s extra strength joint health supplement. It is commonly purchased by dog owners that do not mind paying a slightly higher price for a more potent formula. Like Curaflex 2, the supplement was designed to promote a healthy lifestyle for the family pet through healthy joints and bones.
Curaflex XS Ingredients
Unlike its predecessor, Curaflex XS contains the original formula as well as some new additions that give the supplement its potency. While the Curaflex 2 is mostly recommended by vets as a supplement for the maintenance of healthy joints, Curaflex XS is recommended for dogs suffering from late stages of Arthritis and Osteoporosis.
Curaflex XS introduces two new ingredients that are used in its formula, as well as the original two that can be found in Curaflex 2.
- Glucosamine hydrochloride: This is a natural compound that is known to stimulate the the dog’s ability to maintain healthy joints
- Chondroitin sulfate: Helps to block harmful enzymes that deteriorate cartilage and works and synergizes well with Glucosamine.
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): This is used as a source of sulfur. Sulfur is a nutrient readily found in the dog’s body and supports the growth and repair of cartilage.
- Perna Mussel: This is taken from green lipped mussels to promote healthy joints.
Curaflex XS Administration Schedule
The administration schedule for Curaflex XS is that same as that of Curaflex 2 with some slight adjustments. As previously stated, one should wait between four and six weeks to measure the results of taking the supplement before concluding the results.
- Under 15 lbs – ½ chewable
- 16-30 lbs – 1 chewable
- 31-60 lbs – 2 chewables
- Over 60 lbs – 3 chewables
The dose should be tapered off gradually as time goes on. It is not recommended to administer the supplement for a period of longer than three months. However, the number of tablets can always be increased at any given time based on the pet’s health requirements.
Curaflex XS Product Advantages
- Extra Strength – Higher quantities of key ingredients in comparison to competitors
- Contains ingredients recommended by veterinarians
- Inexpensive formula
- Fun bone-shaped chewables
- Tasty, natural liver-flavored pills
- Ingredients are contents are guaranteed
What Are People Saying About Curaflex?
There is an even distribution of positive and critical reviews of Curaflex products. The positive reviewers state that they are ‘Very satisfied’ with the performance of the product and that it is ‘Highly recommended’ that consumers give the product a try at the very least.
Much of the negativity about Curaflex stems from variables that are arguably not within the company’s control. Lack of stock levels, late deliveries and unhelpful customer service were some of the most common complaints. These faults are ostensibly the responsibility of the retailer and not Curaflex. It should be noted that Curaflex has made steps to avoid these issues from recurring, having increased the diversity of retailers that one can choose from.
The Bottom Line – Is Curaflex Recommended?
There could be enough positive reviews about Curaflex to warrant a recommendation. Unfortunately, the products sold by Curaflex do not come with a money back guarantee period, nor the convenience to test their product quality for free. This may be enough to dissuade some skeptical shoppers that have been burned by companies in the past.
In conclusion, the products sold by Curaflex have a generally good reputation and the business has existed since 2006, which could inspire confidence for some. The products are not very expensive so one would not be losing much by giving their supplements a spin for better or for worse in exchange for a huge potential windfall in their pet’s health.
