Dolfos ArthroMax syrup, 500 ml is a liquid supplement for healthy joint function in dogs and cats. Each 5 ml contains glucosamine sulfate 600 mg, chondroitin sulfate 300 mg, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) 250 mg, devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) 150 mg, hyaluronic acid 40 mg and vitamin C 50 mg. The base is glucose-fructose syrup and water. The daily amount ranges from 1–2 ml for cats to 7.5 ml for dogs over 50 kg. Give it with food or directly by mouth.
What the manufacturer claims
Dolfos positions ArthroMax as a supplement for proper joint function. Unlike many tablet joint supplements, the ingredients here are listed with exact amounts per dose, and the liquid form makes it easy to adjust the amount for animals of any size — from a cat to a giant dog.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Form | syrup |
| For | dogs and cats |
| Glucosamine sulfate | 600 mg / 5 ml |
| Chondroitin sulfate | 300 mg / 5 ml |
| MSM | 250 mg / 5 ml |
| Devil's claw | 150 mg / 5 ml |
| Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C | 40 mg and 50 mg / 5 ml |
| Volume | 500 ml |
Pros
- Exact formula. The amount of each ingredient is given per 5 ml.
- A complex. Glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, hyaluronic acid and a plant extract.
- Flexible dosing. Suits cats as well as dogs over 50 kg.
- Liquid form. Easy to mix into food.
- Vitamin C. An extra antioxidant.
- Large volume. Lasts a big dog about 100 days.
Cons and what to watch
- Glucose-fructose syrup. Sugar is a minus for diabetic and overweight animals.
- Wrong translation. Harpagophytum is mislabelled with another plant's name.
- Typos in the analysis. The listing's analytical section contains errors.
- No shelf life after opening. A cat will take a very long time to finish the bottle.
What each ingredient does
Glucosamine and chondroitin are building blocks of cartilage and are used to support joints during ageing and under load. MSM is a source of organic sulphur. Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of joint fluid. Devil's claw is a plant traditionally used for joint discomfort. Vitamin C is involved in collagen synthesis.
How to work out the dose
Daily amounts per the listing: cats — 1–2 ml a day; dogs up to 20 kg — 2.5 ml; over 20 kg — 5 ml; over 50 kg — 7.5 ml. A needle-free syringe is the easiest way to measure. For a 20–50 kg dog the 500 ml bottle lasts about 100 days, for a dog up to 20 kg about 200 days.
How to give it
The syrup can be mixed into wet food or given directly by mouth from a syringe. The sweet base is rarely refused. Give it every day at about the same time. Joint supplements do not work at once — judge the result after several weeks of regular use.
For cats
For a cat the dose is 1–2 ml a day, so the bottle lasts over 8 months. Check the pack for the shelf life after opening. For overweight or diabetic cats, a sugar-free form is a better choice than a sugar-based syrup, for example Dolfos Arthrofos Cat.
When to see a vet
Limping, stiffness after sleep and reluctance to jump or climb stairs can be signs of arthritis, dysplasia, ligament injury or pain from another cause. A joint supplement does not replace diagnosis and pain relief. If your pet takes anti-inflammatories or other medicines, agree on the devil's claw syrup with your vet.
Weight and exercise
The most effective joint support is a healthy weight and regular moderate activity. Extra kilos load the cartilage more than any supplement can offset. Dogs with problem joints benefit from swimming and calm walks on soft ground.
Alternatives
Tablet joint supplements include Dolfos Arthrofos and Candioli Confis Ultra. More options are in joint supplements for dogs and vitamins and supplements.
Who it suits
The syrup suits dogs of any size and cats with age-related joint changes, animals recovering from injuries and active dogs — especially those that are hard to give a tablet. Diabetic and obese animals are better off with a sugar-free form.
Verdict
Dolfos ArthroMax is a liquid joint supplement with a clearly stated formula — glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, devil's claw, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C — and convenient dosing by weight. The downsides are the sugar base, translation errors in the listing and no information on shelf life after opening.
FAQ
How much for a 30 kg dog?
5 ml a day.
How much for a cat?
1–2 ml a day.
How long does the bottle last?
About 100 days for a 20–50 kg dog.
Can I give it directly by mouth?
Yes, or mix it into food.
Does the syrup contain sugar?
Yes, the base is glucose-fructose syrup.
When will there be an effect?
Usually after several weeks of regular use.
Does it replace pain relief?
No, pain needs a vet.
