Seeing your furry little friend struggle with joint health can be crushing.
Unfortunately, most old dogs will struggle with joint health sooner or later. Luckily, you can use many great joint supplements for dogs to help your best friend feel better.
Joint supplements for dogs are some of the most effective long-term treatments recommended to reduce pain and inflammation. It can efficiently improve joint function and slow the progression of arthritis and certain joint damages.
Below, we’ve gathered 10 of the top joint supplements for dogs. Check them out, and see which can help your dog manage pain, regain mobility, or care for their joint health.
NaturVet
- Include Antioxidants
- Maintains Healthy Hip & Joints
- Contain Omega-3
Dasuquin With MSM
- Help Support Joint Comfort
- Made With All Natural Ingredients
- Organic Ingredients
Our Top Picks Joint Supplements For Dogs
Overall Best Joint Supplement For Dogs
We’re starting this list strong with Holistapet, a fantastic pet supplement company that’s formulated a great product to support your dog’s joint health and mobility.
The secret of this incredible product? CBD, which you may already know, can be incredibly beneficial for humans.
Holistapet’s CBD Dog Treats + Joint & Mobility Care supplements are made with 100% natural ingredients, free of dairy, gluten, or GMOs. The flavor comes in delicious pumpkin spice and cinnamon, which most dogs cannot resist.
The product has three different versions, depending on the strength you want 150 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg. For instance, the 300 mg version contains around 10 mg CBD per serving and is best for dogs between 20-60 pounds.
Holistapet Overview
- Natural formula
- Third-party tested
- Organic ingredients
- Free shipping available
- 90-day money-back guarantee
#2. NaturVet
Best For Variety
NaturVet offers an impressive number of joint supplements for dogs on their site. They come in the form of chewies, tablets, or even liquids, so you will definitely find something your dog will love.
Okay, but what about their potency?
NaturVet is a well-known brand in the pet supplement industry and consistently offers high-quality products to consumers on a global scale. Their joint supplements for dogs are made from proven ingredients that support joint health.
NaturVet also conducts its product studies, and they publish their findings directly on its website so that customers can double-check their efficacy.
NaturVet Overview
- Global, trusted brand
- Clinically-tested products
- Wide variety of joint health supplements for dogs
- A 180-day satisfaction guarantee for US and Canadian customers
#3. Dasuquin With MSM
Tastiest Joint Supplements For Dogs
If your dog is slightly picky about the types of food they need, Dasiquin’s joint supplements for dogs may change their minds.
This tasty treat is made by an industry-leading company and combines three unique ingredients known for their joint-support benefits: ASU, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
The soft chews are ideal for older pups who can no longer chew on hard treats. Thus, they can try dental chew for dogs which proves to be excellent for dental health. The supplements can support the natural cartilage matrix production and inhibit the enzymes that slowly break down the cartilage.
Moreover, the formula is enriched with MSM, a source of sulfur and compound used by cartilage.
Dasuquin Overview
- Manufactured by a top-rated brand
- Soft chews ideal for older dogs
- Tasty flavors dogs can’t resist
- Formula enriched with MSM
- Provided is available at most major retailers (Amazon, Chewy, PetSmart, etc.)
#4. Cosequin
Most Recommended By Vets
Cosequin is the number 1 dog supplement brand recommended by veterinarians, according to a survey that asked vets about which joint supplement they recommend most for small animals like dogs.
The company provides a wide variety of joint supplements for dogs, which means pet owners have all the chances to find the best product for their pup.
Whether you have an older dog who needs a particular formula or want a product enriched with special ingredients such as Omega 3 or MSM, Cosequin has what you need.
We recommend checking out their product catalog to discover their impressive selection of dog joint supplements.
Cosequin Overviews
- Top vet-recommend dog supplement brand
- Wide variety of supplements for dogs
- They are easily purchased at major retailers like Target and Costco or online on Amazon.
#5. Movoflex
Most Convenient Joint Supplement For Dogs
Getting some dogs to take a pill or supplement is no easy task. If your dog is a bit picky about that, you should try Movoflex.
All the pup needs are one chew a day to get potential benefits such as joint support, free radical reduction, and increased flexibility.
The soft chews are perfect for older pups who need a bit of health with their joint and hip health. The formula contains a proprietary BIOVAFLEX® eggshell which helps support mobility and range of motion, as well as other ingredients that help reduce inflammation.
The product is available in three different potencies, so as long as you purchase one appropriate for your pup’s size, you only need to give them one tasty chew per day.
Movoflex Overview
- The formula contains BIOVAFLEX® eggshell
- Dogs only need one soft chew per day
- Designed for dogs of all ages
- Only available at iVet.com
#6. Nutri-Vet Joint Health DS plus MSM
Best Chewable Tablets
If you’re looking for an excellent chewable tablet for your furry friend, then boy, do we have a great one lined up for you!
Nutri-Vet Joint Health MSM Chewable Tablets greatly support a dog’s joint health. They contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, which can help maintain joint and connective tissue function.
These tables work best for pups who need more support in the joint department, though they may not show signs of significant bone or muscle issues.
Plus, the chewables are liver-flavored, and what dog doesn’t like that?
Nutri-Vet Overview
- The formula contains a blend of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM
- Soft tablets make them ideal for older pups
- Veterinary-formulated joint supplement for dogs
- Product available at most major retailers
#7. Duralactin
Best For Reducing Inflammation
Duralactin is specially formulated to help manage inflammation. These tasty chewables contain a type of dried milk protein concentrate derived from hyperimmunized cows.
The concentrate contains certain compounds that may effectively block cytokines and inhibit the inflammatory response.
The supplement is vanilla-flavored, which may seem strange considering it’s made for dogs, but guess what? Pups actually love this flavor!
You can give your dog a chewable as-is or mix it with their favorite food or treats, whichever they prefer.
Duralactin Overview
- Formulate enriched with dried milk protein concentrate derived from hyperimmunized cows.
- It has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
- Available at all major pet ePharmacies such as WalmartPetRx.com
#8. Flexadin
Best For Joint Health Support
Flexadin Advanced with UC II helps promote healthy cartilage development and supports joint health at an immunologic level.
The formula contains a patented type of collagen that interacts with the digestive and immune systems to reduce joint pain and swelling and support overall joint wellness. The supplement can help the pup improve its mobility, flexibility, and physical activity.
Moreover, this formula is actually designed both for cats and dogs, so if you also have a cat as a pet, both of them can safely take one chew per day to support joint health.
Flexin Overview
- The formula contains a proprietary type of collagen
- Joint function is supported by targeting the immune system
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee (only applicable if the product is purchased from an authorized seller)
#9. Vetoquinol Triglyceride OMEGA
Best OMEGA 3 Supplement
The same company has yet another joint supplement perfect for cats and dogs, but this one works differently.
Dogs and cats can’t produce omega-3 fatty acids naturally, so they must take it from their diets. For pets, that usually means fish oil, but if your dog doesn’t like that, you might love Vetoquinol Triglyceride OMEGA. It comes both in capsule and liquid form, and consistent use may help support the pup’s overall joint health.
Vetoquinol Overview
- Great omega-3 enriched formula
- Works both for cats and dogs
- Products come in capsules or in liquid form
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee (only applicable if the product is purchased from an authorized seller)
#10. Zesty Paws Mobility Bites
Best For Hip, Joint, And Muscle Recovery
Last but certainly not least, we have Zesty Paws Mobility Bites, a delicious treat that comes in duck or bacon flavor.
Each chewable has 400 mg of OptiMSM®, a GRAS-designed type of MSM that may support muscle recovery and physical performance in dogs. The formula also contains GLucosamine HCL and Chondroitin Sulfate, which can support joint lubrication and healthy cartilage.
Overall, Zesty Paws Mobility Bites are an excellent choice for pups who need extra joint and muscle support.
Zesty Paws Mobility Bites Overview
- Great for supporting muscle and joint health
- It comes in either duck or bacon flavor
- Free shipping for orders over $50
- 35% if you subscribe
How To Choose The Best Joint Supplements For Dogs?
Choosing the right joint supplement for your dog can be difficult. With many options on the market, knowing what will work for your pet cannot be easy.
However, you can find a high-quality product if you take into account the following factors:
Brand Reputation
First, always buy joint supplements for your dog from top-rated brands you can trust.
Look for companies with a good reputation in the industry and offering additional safety measures such as natural formulas or third-party testing for all their products.
Unfortunately, the market for pet supplements isn’t very well legislated, so not all companies put the extra effort into ensuring the safety and efficacy of their products.
Joint Supplement Ingredients
Then, check if the supplement’s formula contains ingredients known to support joint health for dogs.
If you want to learn more about which ingredients have proven joint-support properties for dogs, we recommend reading the next section of our article.
Needs And Preferences
It’s important to ensure the dog takes the daily joint supplement. As a result, you should look for products that your dog will most likely love, such as a specific flavor they like.
If the dog is picky, you may choose a liquid supplement that can be mixed with their food.
Moreover, consider the other medical needs of your dog. Vets might not recommend some supplements if the dog is dealing with specific illnesses or taking certain medications.
Accessibility
Most joint supplements need to be taken daily. It’s best to choose a brand you can easily access online or at a major retailer like Walmart. All the brands in our review can be easily purchased online, delivered to your door, or found locally at major stores.
We also recommend buying in bulk, especially if you find an excellent joint supplement your dog likes. Some brands can even offer additional discounts if you purchase multiple products, which could help you save more in the long run.
Speak to Your Dog’s Vet
Pet owners might know everything about the types of flavors their dog prefers, but the vet can give you the complete picture when it comes to their health.
We recommend double-checking with your vet before giving your dog a joint supplement to ensure it’s a good idea.
The vet can consider your dog’s health and current medications and help you make the safest decision for your dog.
How To Know The Needs For Dog Joint Supplements?
Joint supplements for dogs are not meant to treat any joint, bone, or muscle condition.
However, they can provide a dog with either relief or support for its body in managing healthy joint function.
If you are wondering whether your dog genuinely needs joint supplements, the easiest way to know for sure is to discuss it with your vet. They are the best person to help you establish a good wellness routine for your dog based on their specific needs and health profile.
But generally speaking, most dogs may benefit from these supplements since they usually contain natural ingredients like vitamins and minerals that support healthy canine function.
Some dogs might showcase more apparent signs that they can use a joint supplement, such as:
- Senior dogs – older dogs naturally produce less glucosamine, which makes them prone to joint pains and other issues. As a result, giving an older dog joint supplements could help relieve some of that discomfort;
- Dogs with injuries – if a dog has a joint injury or even an existing malformation, several supplements may impair normal joint function. In these cases, a joint supplement for dogs could be beneficial in either supporting the natural healing process or preserving joint function;
- Larger breeds – bigger dogs are more prone to joint and bone problems. They have extra weight, which puts too much pressure on their joints, so discomfort is not uncommon. Supplements could be a suitable prevention method to help bigger breeds like Great Danes preserve healthy joints.
Symptoms Of Joint Pain In Dogs
If your dog is dealing with joint pain, you may be able to notice it if they also show any of the following symptoms:
- Limping or avoiding using one of their legs
- Not wanting to play or run
- Stumbling or slipping during simple activities like a regular walk
- Difficulty climbing into or out of bed or the couch
- Difficult using the stairs
- Joint swelling
- Growling or biting when you try to touch their leg, especially near the joints
- A drastic change in appetite.
Of course, it’s tough to diagnose a dog with joint pain or any other condition just by analyzing its behavior. However, if you notice any of the above symptoms, you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
In some cases, these signs may show that the dog is having pain and discomfort in their joints, which could be caused by an injury or may be age-related.
But, they could also indicate a medical condition, such as osteoarthritis, where the cartilage in the joints starts to reduce.
In any case, your vet will perform a few tests and establish the proper diagnosis, then can provide the appropriate treatment plan, including medications and joint supplements for dogs.
Best Ingredients For Hip And Joint Supplements For Dogs
Not all joint supplements for dogs are created equal.
To make sure you purchase a supplement that gives your dog the proper support for their wellness, look for products that contain any of the following ingredients:
MSM
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a sulfur compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties. MSM may also help prevent cartilage erosion, which is why supplements that contain it are usually recommended as a prevention measure against joint issues in dogs.
Many of the products we’ve reviewed above contain MSM. It’s one of the best ingredients for joint supplements for dogs.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 Fatty Acids help support healthy digestion, so many people find its presence in a joint supplement for dogs rather strange.
However, when the dog has healthy digestion, it means the body can properly digest compounds such as glucosamine and chondroitin and extract their benefits, including those for joint health.
Often, vets recommend giving the dog omega-3 fatty acids supplements and a joint support supplement. The former can help the dog’s body better absorb the compounds of the latter, which means the joint supplement has more chances of helping the dog.
Unfortunately, dogs do not produce omega-3 fatty acids naturally, so the only way for them to get this critical ingredient is through supplements or fish oils.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring compound that can stimulate cartilage growth. The cartilage is the padding in the bones and helps support the regular movement.
Without this cartilage, the dog’s every move can cause pain, as its bones are essentially rubbing against each other. Giving your dog glucosamine supplements may help prevent cartilage loss and reduce pain.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin acts like a protector against chemicals known to destroy cartilage in the body. Like glucosamine, this compound can be an essential weapon against cartilage erosion and help support joint health in dogs.
Hyaluronic Acid
Most people know hyaluronic acid from skin care as it can be a fantastic moisturizing ingredient. However, this element is also found in the connective tissues of the dog’s joints.
The dog’s mobility and flexibility are intact when hyaluronic acid is high. Giving your dog supplements that contain hyaluronic acids can help dogs with joint discomfort experience relief.
FAQs About Joint Supplements For Dogs
From our review, we’ve found that Holistapet provides the top joint supplements for dogs. Holistapet provides an all-natural formula without GMOs and other harmful ingredients.
Most dogs could benefit from an excellent joint supplement, especially if they are older, injured, or a larger breed.
Yes, joint supplements for dogs really do work, as long as you look for one with effective ingredients like MSM or glucosamine.
Conclusion: Do Joint Supplements Really Work For Dogs?
If you’re in the market for dog joint supplements, we’ve found that Holistapet offers some of the top supplements around!
All their products offer dogs the essential ingredients which they need for their health and wellness. Their joint supplements for dogs have the bonus of containing CBD, which is a perfect ingredient for managing pain and discomfort as well.
Apart from these, they can also try for best multivitamins for dogs which can help them in various aspects.
In general, joint supplements for dogs can help your pup with a variety of things, from supporting normal joint function to reducing swelling, supporting healing, and more.
But, it’s important to note that joint supplements do not replace medical treatment for dogs with severe conditions such as arthritis. But they can be used together to help the dog manage this condition.
If you need to purchase a joint supplement for your dog, we recommend checking out Holistapet or any of the other nine great brands in our review.
