These are the seven supplements you can trust to keep your dog’s joints in tip-top shape and help prevent issues down the road.
Joint pain is a reality for many dogs as they age — but especially for super active and large-breed dogs. One of the most common causes of joint pain is osteoarthritis, which occurs when protective cartilage in a dog’s joints begins to break down. The pain can make it difficult and uncomfortable for your doggie to go on long walks and do other activities they used to love.
A joint supplement can help prevent and ease your dog’s pain. But with so many to choose from, it can be difficult to find the best option for your pup. To help, the betterpet team reviewed popular hip and joint supplements for dogs based on a number of factors, like smell, ingredients, packaging, effectiveness, and more.
Why you should trust our reviews | How we picked | At first glance | How we tested these products | What else should pet parents consider? | Frequently asked questions
We searched the internet and top marketplaces like Amazon and Chewy for popular, highly-rated dog joint supplements. From there, Dr. Irish helped us narrow down our list, and we ordered the products and sent them to our reviewer. Our team then determined which product was our top pick, the product that scored the highest in all of our criteria.
Here’s a closer look at how the products stack up against each other.
*price at the time of our review
We worked with our product reviewer and Dr. Irish to determine important criteria pet parents consider when buying dog joint supplements. We tested each option against the following criteria:
Joint supplements can help breeds that are prone to joint pain and arthritis. For dogs experiencing joint pain, supplements can help prevent further damage and offer some relief by reducing inflammation. If your dog is a large breed, an older dog, or has existing joint pain or mobility issues, you may want to talk with your vet about a joint supplement.
That said, you should also be aware that certain supplements can actually cause joint issues in dogs. As betterpet vet Dr. Erica Irish explains, “Overuse of vitamin supplements early in life can contribute to the malformation of bones and joints.” Many puppies just need a good, well-balanced diet and nothing more, so keep this in mind before incorporating supplements into your pup’s diet.
Joint supplements for dogs can work to ease joint pain and prevent joint damage. Supplements may help reduce or prevent inflammation and can protect the cartilage around a dog’s joints.
As many of us know all too well, people suffer from all kinds of joint woes. We have that in common with our four-legged friends. While some of the ingredients in human and dog supplements might be the same, treatments formulated for people may also include substances like xylitol that are toxic to dogs. That’s why it’s never a good idea to give your dog a supplement formulated for humans.
Many picky pups prefer taking supplements a certain way. Some are happy to gobble up powder sprinkled atop their food, while others prefer a pill or tablet. Just keep in mind that you have some options when it comes to how to dose your doggo.
Joint supplements work by inhibiting certain enzymes that wear down and destroy cartilage. Cartilage is the tissue that acts as a shock absorber or cushion between a dog’s bones. Some ingredients in these supplements also provide a mild anti-inflammatory effect.
Supplements differ from joint medications in that they’re not considered drugs. Drugs are regulated and require a prescription, while supplements are considered nutritional additives.
To pick the best supplement for your dog, it’s helpful to know more about some of the most common ingredients they contain. We’ve listed a few of the most common below:
Glucosamine hydrochloride. Glucosamine is an amino sugar that helps keep cartilage healthy by aiding in its restoration. It also helps reduce inflammation.
Chondroitin sulfate. This compound fights certain enzymes that harm cartilage.
Omega fatty acids. Fish and krill oils are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega fatty acids are helpful for lots of things, such as immune system and organ health. They also help reduce joint inflammation.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). This compound provides pain relief and has anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.
Green-lipped mussel. Yep, we are referring to mussels from the ocean. These little sea critters naturally contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and fatty acids.
Hyaluronic acid. This is a compound that keeps connective tissue healthy. It also helps with joint lubrication and makes cartilage more resistant to wear and tear.
Collagen. Collagen is a compound found in connective tissue. As dogs age, they lose collagen, so including it in their diet can be helpful.
Antioxidants. Antioxidants are found in lots of supplements. They prevent damage from free radicals and support liver health.
Turmeric. You might know it as a spice, but turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties. Scientists have actually studied its properties, and research says it works. (Trusted Source) Cue the arthritis-free tail wagging!
Joint issues in dogs are usually either degenerative or developmental. Degenerative joint issues can be caused by the aging process or injuries caused by activity. In short, wear and tear on our dogs’ bodies causes problems over time.
Developmental joint issues refer to improper joint development. This happens when a dog’s joint doesn’t form properly.
Two of the most common conditions joint supplements can help with are arthritis and hip dysplasia. In addition, joint supplements can also help with the general aches and pains doggos experience as they get older. Below are some of the most common joint issues in dogs, along with information about what causes each condition.
Osteoarthritis. When the tissue that separates and protects bones deteriorates, a dog’s joints become inflamed. In the term osteoarthritis, “osteo” refers to the way the body tries to stabilize joints by creating bone overgrowth in those areas.
Hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip socket doesn’t form properly. Because the socket is improperly shaped, the joint rubs against it, which can be extremely painful.
Connective tissue diseases. These diseases are relatively rare and take a vet to diagnose. They can be caused by genetics or environmental factors. A rare disease called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is one example of this type of condition.
Wobbler syndrome. This condition is also called cervical spondylomyelopathy. It causes issues with the spinal cord and spinal cord roots. It can also cause neck pain.
Luxating patella. This condition occurs when the patella, another word for the kneecap, moves out of place.
Tick-borne diseases. Tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, ehrlichia, and anaplasmosis can cause joint inflammation.
Cancer. Synovial cell sarcoma, a type of cancer, can lead to a condition called cancerous arthritis. Some bone cancers can also affect a dog’s joints.
Osteochondritis dissecans. When cartilage doesn’t develop correctly, it can separate from the bone. Puppies that grow too quickly are especially prone to this.
Panosteitis. This condition occurs when a young dog’s bones grow too fast. It leads to painful inflammation but mostly affects the bone rather than the joint.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. This condition occurs when the top part of the femur (thigh bone) deteriorates due to a lack of proper blood flow. It’s also known as aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. It can lead to pain and movement issues.
Injuries. Bone fractures and ligament tears can lead to joint pain and other issues.
If you notice that your dog is acting like they might be in pain, you’ll want to call your veterinarian. Below are some signs to look for:
Limping and stiffness. Just like in people, these are tell-tale signs of pain.
Lethargy. If your dog is moving slower than normal, they might have joint issues. They might also sleep more than usual.
Slower speeds. If your dog’s “zoomies” suddenly slow or become nonexistent, a joint issue could be to blame.
Irritability. Animals in pain tend to have a shorter fuse.
Difficulty jumping. If your pup is refusing to jump on the couch or climb into the car, they may be experiencing joint pain.
Changes in their running style. If you’ve noticed your dog is hopping or running awkwardly, they might be compensating for a painful joint.
Yelping and crying. These behaviors are sure signs that something’s wrong.
Swollen and tender joints. Always be careful when touching a joint you suspect is swollen.
Loss of muscle mass. If your dog starts losing weight, it could be a sign of muscle loss.
Excessive licking. Dogs sometimes lick areas on their body where they’re experiencing pain.
Size and weight are the biggest contributors to joint issues in dogs. Bigger dogs simply have more mass to carry around. The heavier a pup, the greater the stress on their joints. This is also why it’s important to keep a close eye on your dog’s weight.
If your dog is overweight, your vet will likely suggest a safe and healthy weight loss plan. However, even young dogs of healthy weights can develop joint issues.
There are also some genetic issues that certain breeds are more likely to suffer from. That said, any dog of any breed can be born with joint conditions or develop a problem due to age or injury.
You’ll want to talk to your vet for advice about the best joint supplement for your furry friend. But based on ingredients, brand reputation, and, of course, smell and taste, our top pick is Nutramax Dasuquin.
Supplements are widely unregulated, but there are dog joint supplements that are made with ingredients proven to support joint health. Some companies also put their products through clinical trials to test their efficacy. You should speak with your vet for recommendations, and consider the vet-recommended options on our list.
Glucosamine and chondroitin work together to support joint health. When combined, these ingredients have been shown to repair cartilage, reduce inflammation, and prevent cartilage erosion.
There are many ways to support your dog’s joint health naturally. Help your pup maintain a healthy weight with regular exercise and proper nutrition.
Dogs can begin joint supplements when their body stops growing. Joint supplements can help to prevent your dog from developing problems later in life. Speak with your vet about what might be best for your pup.
