Best Joint Supplement for Dogs | How to Pick the Best Dog Joint and Hip Supplement
This post contains affiliate links, and we may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, at no additional cost to you.
Joint health is of utmost importance for our dogs to live happy and long lives. If the joints and hips of your dog are not functional, your dog will not be able to move around freely.
As dog lovers, it is a very sad experience to see our dogs walking in pains and stiffness. This is not something any dog parent wants for his or her dog.
Fortunately, you can give your canine friend a little extra boost to keep his or her joints healthy and highly functional. With the best supplement for dogs, you can give your dog the boost it needs to get back to an active and healthy life.
In this guide, we have reviewed some of the best dog joint supplements for dogs on the market. We will also walk you through a guide on how to pick the right product for your dog.
Right at the top of our list, we have the Nutramax Cosequin DS Joint Health Supplement for dogs. This is one of the best dog joint supplements, and many dog owners love this product. This product is highly trusted and it delivers great results.
It contains a great blend of three powerful ingredients that are known to facilitate cartilage regeneration and remodeling, enhance joint and hip health, and alleviate the symptoms associated with arthritis.
This formula contains chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM, and they all work together to ensure your dog has healthy joints and hips. This product is pretty easy to administer, as it comes in a chewable tablet form.
Each tablet contains 300mg of chondroitin sulfate from pork cartilage, 600mg of glucosamine from shellfish, and 250mg of MSM. You can give the tasty chewable tablets to your dog directly or hide it in its favorite food.
It is available in 60 counts, 132 counts, and 250 counts, giving you the option of starting small or choosing a bigger container if you have more than one dog at home.
This product is safe and effective, and it is ideal for adult dogs of all sizes and breeds. This product is from a vet-recommended brand, so rest assured you are getting a high-quality and safe product for your dog.
Specs
Available in small and standard sizes
Materials: Stainless Steel, Plastic, Rubber
Pros
Easy to administer
Contains a blend of chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM
The Doggie Dailies Advanced Hip & Joint Dog Supplement is another great joint supplement for dogs. This product is very popular for the number of active ingredients it contains. It contains an impressive six active ingredients.
This supplement contains the most active ingredients on our list, and possibly on the market too. It contains everything your canine friend needs to prevent joint issues and repair any existing one.
This formula contains the regular joint and hip supplement ingredients like chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM, including other active ingredients to boost and support the joint health of your dog. The formula is also rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, and this helps to boost the skin and coat health of your dog.
It also contains Cod Liver Oil, Salmon Oil, and Vitamin C, E to leave your dog with a glossy coat and healthy skin. This supplement was made using cold-pressing extrusion, and this helps to preserve the potency and strength of the ingredients. It comes in a soft chew form that makes it easy to administer.
The product is ideal for adult and senior dogs of all breeds and sizes. It also has a real chicken flavor that makes it appealing to dogs. The product comes with a money-back guarantee, which means you can get your money back if you are not happy with the product.
Next up is the Paws & Pals Advanced Hip & Joint Chews Dog Supplement, and this formula contains ingredients that would help boost the joint and hip health of your dog. This is an advanced formula that helps to boost the immune system of your dog.
The formula enhances mobility, allowing your dog to move freely without any pains. It is ideal for adults of all breeds and sizes. This product comes in a soft chew form, and your dog is going to enjoy it like a treat.
It would also help to clean your dog’s teeth while it chews. This joint supplement contains 500mg of glucosamine from shellfish, 60mg chondroitin sulfate from porcine, and 500mg of MSM.
It also contains other active ingredients that help to boost the overall health of your dog. The formula is also rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to provide your dog with a shiny coat and healthy skin. It is ideal for dogs with allergies and sensitivities.
If you are looking for the best budget-friendly joint supplement for your dog, you might want to consider the PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Mobility Support Dog Supplement.
This product comes at a pocket-friendly rate, and it delivers great results despite its affordability. This supplement is made with the same joint-supporting ingredients as other expensive options out there.
It contains chondroitin sulfate from porcine, glucosamine hydrochloride from shellfish, and MSM (which is short for Methylsulfonylmethane). In addition to these ingredients, this formula contains several other nutrients and vitamins to boost the overall health of your dog and help it to remain active and strong.
There is also hyaluronic acid and vitamin C in this formula to provide your dog with the additional support it needs. You will not even encounter any challenge giving this supplement to your dog, as it comes in a highly palatable, soft chew form. The chews are well-flavored, and your dog will love the taste and smell.
This formula is made with wholesome ingredients, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies. It supports healthy cartilage and mobility, which means your dog is no longer going to have issues running and playing. It is ideal for dogs of all life stages, breeds, and sizes.
Specs
Life Stage: Puppy, adult, senior
Form: Soft Chew
Health Feature: Hip & Joint Supplement, healthy skin and coat
If you are looking for a joint supplement that your dog can hardly say no to, we recommend you go for the Infinite Hip & Joint Advanced Formula Dog Supplement. This is a genuine product that is made with natural ingredients. In addition to the normal three ingredients that support proper joint health, this product contains turmeric.
The product is also very easy to administer, as it comes as a chewable treat. It comes in chewable tablets, which are crunchy and well-textured. The chew also helps to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy as it chews. On buying this product, you will also get a free eBook on how to take care of your dog.
The formula is free from dangerous additives and it contains only wholesome ingredients. The chews have a beef liver flavor, and this makes it more appealing. The organic turmeric works together with chondroitin and glucosamine to help reduce joint pains and inflammation.
This product is made in the USA and it is ideal for puppies, adults, and senior dogs of all breeds and sizes.
If your dog has a severe case of arthritis, one of the most trusted solutions to opt for is the Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Joint Health Dog Supplement. This product is also as effective as our top pick.
However, there is a difference between them, that is the inclusion of Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables, and this significantly helps in the management of osteoarthritis.
While our top pick helps to prevent osteoarthritis, this model helps to resolve the issue for dogs that already have it. It is formulated to take care of any joint-related issues.
This product comes in a soft chew form, and each chew contains 800mg of MSM, 350mg of chondroitin, and 900mg of glucosamine. It is available in an 82-count and 150-count container.
This product is meant for puppies, adults, and seniors. However, it is ideal for only large breed dogs. The supplement blocks enzymes in joints that cause the breakdown of cartilage. It also supports the preparation and regeneration of new cartilage. This product is clinically proven, and it is completely safe for your dog.
If you have a dog that does not like taking supplements in chew or powder forms, you might want to try the TerraMax Pro Extra Strength Dog Hip & Joint Supplement. This product comes in a liquid form, and it is one of the easiest to administer.
You can give it to a dog without it knowing. It contains MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin, and they all work together to provide your dog with maximum joint and hip support.
This formula also provides enhanced articular cushioning, thanks to the hyaluronic acid in it. In addition to supporting your dog’s hip and joints, this supplement also helps with inflammation, skin issues, and more.
It is made with all-natural ingredients and it is 100 percent pure, safe for your dog. This product is also vet-recommended, and this would give you the extra confidence you need.
It also enhances the muscles, nails, bones, eyes, skin, and overall health of your dog. The liquid acts pretty fast, and it helps relieve arthritis pain. The formula is completely free from gluten, wheat, corn, and soy, making it a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies.
It enhances flexibility and mobility by revitalizing and nourishing cartilage, joints, and tissues.
Specs
Life Stage: Puppy, adult, senior
Form: Liquid
Special Diet: Human-grade, gluten-free, no wheat, no corn, no soy
Health Feature: Hip & Joint Supplement
Pros
100 percent safe and pure
Acts as anti-inflammatory and pain inhibitor
Very easy to administer
Helps with stomach ailments, skin issues, and incontinence
Cons
Lacks a measuring cup that could encourage consistent dosage
The GlycoFlex Stage III Ultimate Strength Joint Support from VetriScience is one of the best joint supplements to consider if you are looking for a product from a highly trusted brand.
This product is formulated for dogs and offers advanced joint support. It comes in a chew form with delicious chicken liver flavor that dogs find very appealing.
Vets recommended this product for dogs that are in severe need of connective and joint tissue support, as well as working and senior dogs, to support normal recovery after orthopedic surgery.
This supplement is formulated to provide your dog with the perfect amount of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM it needs to maintain healthy joints and hips.
The formula is suitable for dogs of all life stages, sizes, and breeds. It is clinically proven to boost hind leg strength in dogs by an impressive 41 percent in just one month.
The glucosamine hydrochloride in this formula is from crab and shrimp. It also contains other ingredients that cater to the skin, coat, and overall health of your dog.
Specs
Life Stage: Puppy, adult, senior
Form: Soft Chew
Health Feature: Hip & Joint Supplement
Pros
Boosts hind leg strength by 41%
Naturally flavored with chicken
Suitable for dogs of all weights, sizes, age, and breeds
Helps with a quick recovery after orthopedic surgery
The last on our list is the Ultimate Canine Hip & Joint Formula from The Missing Link. This is another great joint supplement for dogs, and it comes in a powder form.
You can sprinkle it on the favorite food of your dog, and your dog will eat it with joy. The major active ingredients of this formula are glucosamine and omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are great antioxidants; they help to boost the immune health of your dog and reduce inflammatory processes.
This is a nutritional joint supplement because it contains fiber, protein, fat, and moisture, and this helps to make your dog active and boost its overall wellbeing. This supplement also contains omega 6 fatty acids, and each tablespoon contains about 500mg of glucosamine.
The minimum protein content of this supplement is 18 percent, the fat content is 28 percent, the moisture is 10 percent, and the maximum fiber is 15 percent. This product is completely sourced in Canada and the United States and it was cold-processed to ensure all the nutritional value stays intact.
The fiber in this supplement supports a healthy digestive system while the plant nutrients support general nutrition and health. This supplement is suitable for adult and senior dogs of all breeds and sizes.
Specs
Life Stage: Adult, senior
Form: Powder
Health Feature: Hip & Joint Supplement
Pros
Supports flexibility and healthy joints
Contains protein, fat, and fiber to boost overall health
Promotes a healthy digestive system
Reliefs arthritic joint pain
Cons
Lacks chondroitin, but contains a substantial amount of glucosamine
Types Of Joint Supplements For Dogs
Chewable Tablets
Dog joint supplements come in different forms, and a chewable tablet is one of them. The most common issue about this form is that it is somewhat difficult to get your dog to swallow it. Experts recommend you push the tablet down to the back of the throat to bypass the gag reflex of your dog.
However, this is not an easy process and it would also be painful to watch your dog suffer unnecessarily, especially if your hand is bigger than the mouth of your dog. Nevertheless, some pet parents usually hide the tablet in treats or cheese.
Some supplements also come in the form of soft chews that serve as doggie treats. This makes the supplement highly palatable and very easy to administer.
With this form, your dog will consume the supplement as a treat and you do not have to push it down its throat or hide it in its favorite food.
Powder
There are also powdered-form joint supplements for dogs. If you do not want the hassle of working with tablets or making your dog chew the supplement, you can go for this option. You can mix the powdered-form with your dog’s food or dissolve it in its drinking water.
Liquid
This is usually the most preferred type, as the intestinal tract of your dog can easily absorb all of the active ingredients. Some products require mixing it with your dog’s food while others have to be given through a medication syringe or a medicine dropper.
A Guide to Choosing the Best Dog Joint Supplement
Ingredients
The ingredients used to make the joint supplement is the most important thing you need to consider before buying. The ingredients are the things that would go to work; they are responsible for the improvement and recovery of your canine’s joint health.
You need to make sure the ingredients are scientifically proven to be effective at supporting the joint health of a dog. You also need to make sure that the ingredients contained in the formula are in the right doses, as this would determine how effective it would be.
There is a wide range of ingredients out there that deal with dog joint health, but here are the basic ingredients the supplement should contain:
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is one of the most important things you should look out for in the supplement. If a joint supplement does not contain glucosamine, and in the right quantity, then it is not a joint supplement.
Glucosamine is a chemical compound, and it helps in the production of cartilages, ligaments, and tendons. Researchers said that giving your dog a supplement that contains glucosamine would enhance its joint health significantly.
Chondroitin
This is another very important ingredient to look out for. Chondroitin sulfate is a building block and it makes up some types of cartilages. This ingredient would help rebuild damaged cartilages in your dog’s body effectively and quickly.
Omega Fatty Acids
Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are also important. These fatty acids will help to promote skin health, eye development, and brain function. They also help with the reduction of joint inflammation and this helps to relieve pain due to osteoarthritis, injuries, or dysplasia.
Methylsulfonylmethane
Also known as MSM, this is another vital ingredient that you should consider. It helps to prevent inflammation and relieve pain. If your dog has arthritis or any other joint issue, you should make sure the product you choose does not lack this ingredient, as it has proven highly effective in dealing with arthritis.
Ease of Administration
You also need to consider the ease of administration when making a choice. The last thing you want is to buy a joint supplement that your dog will not take.
These supplements come in different forms, and we recommend you go for an option that works best for you and your dog. If you have a fussy eater, you should go for a product that has a flavor that your dog will love.
Safety
Are the ingredients used to make the supplement safe for your dog to consume? You can confirm by looking at the recommendation and certification of the product. You can also speak to your vet about it or read dog joint supplements reviews of other users online.
You should also make sure that the product is free from artificial ingredients and other ingredients that could upset your dog’s tummy. If your dog has allergies, you should try to avoid the ingredients that trigger allergic reactions.
Other Beneficial Additives
Some joint and hip supplements come with additional ingredients that do other things besides improving the joint health of your dog. These ingredients are highly beneficial to the overall health and wellbeing of your dog.
They help to improve your dog’s skin and coat health, digestive system, immune system, and more. They are highly beneficial and they will help your dog live a better, happy, and healthy life.
Final Thoughts
There you go! Those are the top-rated joint supplement for dogs and virtually everything you need to know before buying. Our buyer’s guide will guide you through the process of looking for the right product for your dog and streamline your decision-making process.
Remember, choosing the right option and an administration method that works best for you and your dog is very important.
From the dog joint supplements reviews in this guide, our top recommendation is the Nutramax Cosequin DS Joint Health Supplement for Dogs because it is highly effective and it helps to restore joint and hip health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does My Dog Need A Joint Supplement?
There are three major categories of dogs that need joint supplements: dogs with a predisposition to a joint disorder, senior dogs, and dogs diagnosed with joint disorders. If your canine friend falls in any of these categories, it would greatly benefit from a joint supplement.
Can I Give Human Joint Supplements To My Dog?
While human glucosamine can be safe for your dog, the rest of the ingredients in the supplement might not be suitable for your dog. Hence, it is best you stick to a joint supplement formulated for dogs.
Does Glucosamine Have Side Effects On Dogs?
Yes! Some of the side effects include fatigue, excessive thirst and urination, insomnia, and allergies (for dogs that are allergic to shellfish)
Although pets entered our homes and our hearts long ago, it seems like more people than ever are now adopting pets. In fact, according to the American Pet Products Association, as many as 67% of U.S. households have a pet. And, because renting is also trending among Americans, there’s also been a rise in the […]
Maintaining dental health is vital for your dog. Many pet parents tend to ignore tooth care, but this can have very painful consequences. If your dog’s teeth are not taken care of, they can develop plaque and tartar. Without proper care, your dog can even lose their teeth. If you want to give the best […]
Like humans, dogs have feelings, and the one thing that gets them really down is neglect. That feeling they get when we avoid them when all they want is to slobber us with kisses. Can’t blame some owners, though – a dog’s breath isn’t exactly a whiff of fresh air. Fortunately, it's easy to rectify […]
PetFashionWeek provides comprehensive resources for everything you need to know about your dog. We research and review the dog related products so you don’t have to. Let your furry friend be at their best with our professional tips.
We may earn commission on eligible purchases you make using our links at no additional cost to you.