Nutramax Cosequin $11.5M Dog Supplement Settlement For False Advertising, Are You Eligible to Claim?

Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. and Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc. agreed to pay $11,500,000 to settle a class action lawsuit alleging the companies misrepresented the benefits and effectiveness of certain Cosequin dog supplements in both advertising and product packaging. California residents who purchased qualifying Cosequin dog products for personal use between May 3, 2016, and May 6, 2022, can receive up to $25 per unit purchased, with a maximum of $150 per household — and no receipt is required. The claim deadline is July 21, 2026.

Quick Facts

Current Status & What Happens Next

• The settlement is currently open for claims. Class members may submit a claim form online at CosequinCASettlement.com or by mail postmarked by July 21, 2026.
• The opt-out and objection deadline is June 22, 2026. Class members who want to preserve the right to sue Nutramax separately must submit their opt-out request postmarked by that date.
• The court will hold a Fairness Hearing on August 13, 2026 to consider whether to approve the settlement. Payments will distribute after the court grants final approval and resolves any appeals.

What Is the Nutramax Cosequin Lawsuit About?

The lawsuit alleges Nutramax misrepresented the benefits and effectiveness of certain Cosequin canine supplements both in advertising and on packaging. Nutramax marketed Cosequin with claims that it supports mobility and joint health in dogs — using slogans like “Supports Mobility for a Healthy Lifestyle” and promising to help pets climb stairs, rise from rest, and jump.

According to the lawsuit, a study published in the British Medical Journal’s VetRecord found that dogs receiving Cosequin showed no significant improvement in gait analysis or subjective assessments, and owners reported no meaningful changes. The active ingredients — glucosamine and chondroitin — had no demonstrated efficacy for dog joint health.

Plaintiffs Justin Lytle and Christine Musthaler, two California dog owners who purchased Cosequin, filed the class action after noticing no improvement in their dogs’ health and discovering that Nutramax’s marketing claims lacked scientific support. They alleged Nutramax violated the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act by marketing Cosequin as promoting healthy joints when the product provided no such benefit. Nutramax denies all allegations of fault, wrongdoing, or liability. The court has made no determination of wrongdoing.

Who Is Eligible to File a Claim?

The class is defined as all persons residing in California who purchased the following canine Cosequin products for personal use between May 3, 2016, and May 6, 2022.

Qualifying products include:

• 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

Additional eligibility rules:

• You may qualify if you resided in California at the time you purchased one or more qualifying Cosequin dog products during the class period.
• You may qualify if you purchased the product for personal use — meaning for use by your household pet, and not for resale or any business purpose.
• You may qualify whether you purchased one unit or multiple units — the payout scales up to $25 per unit, with a household maximum of $150.
• You may not qualify if you purchased Cosequin products intended for cats, as cat products are not included in the settlement class.
• You may not qualify if you purchased for resale or commercial use.
• Each household — defined as all persons living at the same physical address — is limited to one single claim form, regardless of how many individuals at that address purchased qualifying products.

How Much Can You Receive?

Class members can receive a settlement payment of up to $25 per unit of Cosequin products purchased between May 3, 2016, and May 6, 2022, up to a maximum of $150 per household. No receipt or documentation is required to file a claim.

Here is what you can expect based on the number of units purchased:

If the total amount of valid claims exceeds what remains of the settlement fund after attorneys’ fees and service awards, then each class member’s payment will be reduced proportionally on a pro-rata basis. Class counsel seeks attorneys’ fees of up to 33% of the $11,500,000 settlement fund.

How to File a Claim

Step 1 — Visit the official settlement website at CosequinCASettlement.com to access the online claim form.

Step 2 — Confirm that you resided in California and purchased one or more qualifying Cosequin dog products for personal use between May 3, 2016, and May 6, 2022.

Step 3 — Enter the number of qualifying Cosequin product units you purchased during the class period. No receipt or documentation is required — you self-certify under the terms of the settlement.

Step 4 — Enter your household contact information. Remember that only one claim form per household (defined as all persons at one physical address) is permitted.

Step 5 — Submit your claim online by July 21, 2026, or download and print the claim form from the settlement website and mail it postmarked no later than July 21, 2026, to the address listed on the form.

Step 6 — Save a copy of your submitted claim form and any confirmation for your records.

For questions, contact the settlement administrator toll-free at 1-888-899-7783.

Estimated time to complete: 3–5 minutes.

Important Deadlines & Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to file a claim? 

No. You can file a claim directly at CosequinCASettlement.com in minutes without hiring an attorney. Class counsel from Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC and Pearson Simon & Warshaw LLP already represent all class members. You may hire your own attorney if you choose, but you would pay those fees yourself.

Is this settlement legitimate? 

Yes. A court authorized the settlement notice, and the settlement is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The case is Lytle et al. v. Nutramax Laboratories Inc., et al., Case No. 5:19-cv-00835. The official toll-free number is 1-888-899-7783. Always use only the official settlement website at CosequinCASettlement.com before submitting any personal information.

When will I receive my payment? 

No confirmed payment date exists yet. The court will hold a Fairness Hearing on August 13, 2026 to consider whether to approve the settlement, and payments will distribute after the court grants final approval and resolves any appeals. Payments are unlikely to arrive before late 2026 at the earliest.

What if I missed the claim deadline? 

The claim deadline is July 21, 2026. Missing that deadline disqualifies you from receiving any payment from this settlement. If you also fail to opt out by June 22, 2026, you will release your right to sue Nutramax separately over the claims covered by this settlement.

Will this settlement payment affect my taxes? 

Small consumer settlement payments may or may not be taxable income depending on the amount received and your individual tax situation. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your circumstances, particularly if you receive the household maximum of $150.

I don’t have my receipt — can I still file? 

Yes. No proof of purchase is required — you simply state how many units you bought on the claim form. You certify your purchase under the settlement’s terms. Receipts, packaging, or other documentation are not needed to submit a valid claim.

Does this settlement cover Cosequin products for cats? 

No. The settlement class covers only canine Cosequin products purchased in California for personal use. Cat products and residents outside California are not included in this settlement.

What did the courts decide about this lawsuit before the settlement? 

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld class certification in April 2024, rejecting Nutramax’s argument that the plaintiffs’ damages model was insufficient at the class certification stage. Nutramax then petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for review, but the Court denied certiorari on March 3, 2025, clearing the way for the case to proceed — and ultimately settle.

Sources & References

• Official Court-Authorized Settlement Notice (PR Newswire, March 9, 2026): prnewswire.com
• Official Settlement Website: CosequinCASettlement.com
• Ninth Circuit Opinion — Lytle v. Nutramax Laboratories, Inc., No. 22-55744 (April 22, 2024): ca9.uscourts.gov

Last Updated: March 10, 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Legal claims and outcomes depend on specific facts and applicable law. For advice regarding a particular situation, consult a qualified attorney.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
Read more about Sarah