Originally published on OpenClassActions.com
A $11.5 million class action settlement has been reached over allegations that Nutramax Laboratories falsely marketed its Cosequin dog joint supplements as promoting joint health, mobility, and cartilage support. If you are a California resident who purchased Cosequin dog products between May 3, 2016 and May 6, 2022, you may be entitled to up to $150 per household with no proof of purchase required.
Settlement Amount: $11,500,000 | Claim Deadline: July 21, 2026 | Estimated Payment: Up to $25/unit, max $150/household | Proof Required: No
What Is This Settlement About?
Cosequin products were advertised with claims like “Mobility, Cartilage and Joint Health Support,” “Supports Mobility for a Healthy Lifestyle,” and “Use Cosequin to help your pet Climb stairs, Rise and Jump!” The class action lawsuit argued that peer-reviewed scientific studies found no evidence that Cosequin’s active ingredients — glucosamine and chondroitin — actually improve joint health in dogs.
One study published in the British Medical Journal’s VetRecord found that dogs receiving Cosequin showed “no significant response” in gait analysis or subjective assessments, and owners reported “no significant improvements.” Despite this, Nutramax continued marketing Cosequin with these health benefit claims.
Who Is Eligible?
You qualify if you meet all of the following criteria:
- You live in California (or lived in California during the purchase period)
- You purchased any eligible Cosequin dog joint supplement product for personal use (for your own pet, not for resale or business purposes)
- Your purchase was made between May 3, 2016 and May 6, 2022
This settlement is for California residents only. Residents of other states are not included.
Which Cosequin Products Are Covered?
The following seven Cosequin dog products are included in the settlement:
- Cosequin DS Maximum Strength Chewable Tablets
- Cosequin DS Maximum Strength Plus MSM Chewable Tablets
- Cosequin Maximum Strength Plus MSM Chewable Tablets
- Cosequin with MSM Chewable Tablets
- Cosequin DS Maximum Strength Plus MSM Soft Chews
- Cosequin Maximum Strength Plus MSM Soft Chews
- Cosequin with MSM Soft Chews
Cat products are not included. Only dog Cosequin products are covered by this settlement.
How Much Can You Receive?
You can receive up to $25 per unit of Cosequin purchased, up to a maximum of $150 per household. One claim form per household (everyone living at the same address counts as one household).
- Bought 1 unit = $25
- Bought 3 units = $75
- Bought 6+ units = $150 (maximum)
If total claims exceed the settlement fund after fees, payments may be reduced proportionally.
Is Proof Required?
No. You do not need a receipt or any proof of purchase to file a claim. You simply state on the claim form how many units of Cosequin you purchased for your dog during the eligible period. No documentation is required.
How to File a Claim
The claim form is open now. The deadline to file is July 21, 2026. You just need to state how many units of Cosequin you bought for your dog. Visit OpenClassActions.com for full details and to file your claim.
Important Dates
- Claim Deadline: July 21, 2026
- Opt-Out Deadline: June 22, 2026
- Objection Deadline: June 22, 2026
- Final Fairness Hearing: August 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM, Courtroom 6D, First Street U.S. Courthouse, 350 W. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
What Happens If I Do Nothing?
If you do nothing, you will remain in the settlement class and give up your right to sue Nutramax over the same claims, but you will not receive any money. To get paid, you must file a claim by July 21, 2026.
Case Information
| Case | Justin Lytle and Christine Musthaler v. Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. and Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc., Case No. 5:19-CV-00835-FMO-SP |
| Court | U.S. District Court, Central District of California |
| Judge | Honorable Fernando M. Olguin |
| Settlement Amount | $11,500,000 |
| Class Counsel | Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, PLLC; Levin, Papantonio, Proctor, Buchanan, O’Brien, Barr & Mougey P.A. |
| Attorney Fees | Up to 33% of the settlement fund |
| Service Awards | Up to $7,500 per class representative |
Do I need proof of purchase to file a Cosequin settlement claim?
No. You do not need a receipt or any proof of purchase. You simply state how many units of Cosequin you purchased for your dog during the eligible period (May 3, 2016 to May 6, 2022).
How much money will I get from the Cosequin settlement?
You can receive up to $25 per unit purchased, with a maximum of $150 per household. If you bought 6 or more units, you would receive the full $150.
Is this settlement open to all states?
No. This settlement is for California residents only. You must have lived in California at the time of purchase or currently reside in California.
Are Cosequin cat products included?
No. Only Cosequin dog joint supplement products are covered by this settlement. Cat products are not included.
What is the deadline to file a claim?
The deadline to file a claim is July 21, 2026. Visit OpenClassActions.com for full details.
Sources:
- OpenClassActions.com — Cosequin Settlement
- Court-authorized settlement notice (reviewed March 2026)
By Steve Levine | Published: March 9, 2026
Please submit only truthful information. Filing a fraudulent claim is subject to penalties of perjury. OpenClassActions.org is a consumer news site and is not a settlement administrator or a law firm.