Joint pain and stiffness are two of the more distressing signs that your pet is not quite as young as they used to be. Such symptoms of aging are as common in canines (especially those on the larger side) as they are in people with a few years behind them. If your pup is feeling discomfort in this area and it’s impacting their daily life, there are a few things you can do. For instance, the best joint supplements for dogs are designed specifically to help with maintaining joint health, delaying the onset of degenerative issues. They can help to keep your Dood both comfortable and mobile right into their golden years.
Here are some of the best ones on the market.
Table of Contents
- What Exactly Are Joint Supplements for Dogs?
- Does My Dog Need Joint Supplements?
- Dog Joint Supplements: Buyer’s Guide
- Best Joint Supplements for Dogs (Without CBD): Reviews
- Canine Joint Pain: Frequently Asked Questions:
Top 4 Joint Supplements For Your Dog
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Pick #1:
Nutramax Cosequin Senior Maximum Strength Soft Chews Joint Supplement for Dogs. A potent mix of all the very best joint-health-enhancing ingredients in one easy-to-chew regular supplement, Nutramax’s offering is perfect for aging pups easing movement pain.
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Pick #2:
PetHonesty Advanced Hip + Joint Chicken Flavored Soft Chews Joint Supplement for Dogs. For optimum hip and joint health, and far more besides, you can’t go wrong with PetHonety’s chews with their tempting chicken flavor that should appeal to most dogs.
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Pick #3:
Doggie Dailies Glucosamine for Dogs Peanut Butter Advanced Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs. Specially formulated to maintain mobility and ease discomfort from normal activity, these supplements are great for getting an early start on protecting your pup’s joint health.
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Pick #4:
Infinite Pet Life All-Natural Hip & Joint Powder Dog Supplement. Perfect for pups you can get to swallow a supplement even when it comes in chewable treat form; this power is a great solution and contains only natural ingredients too.
What Exactly Are Joint Supplements for Dogs?
Symptoms of joint pain in your pal can be pretty obvious. You might notice that they are not bounding up and out of bed quite as quickly as they used to, that they prefer walking over running these days, or they can’t jump up onto the bed or into the car anymore. You might even notice your pet limping, having issues with stiff hips, and displaying signs that they are in pain.
Many of these are linked to the kind of slowing down that is simply a natural part of aging in all species. But if your pup truly is in pain, then it’s always best to chat to your vet. Otherwise, you don’t need to be too concerned, but wouldn’t it be nice if you could do something to help your pet get around a little easier?
Enter…joint supplements. With research-backed active ingredients, these magical little pills/chews/powders are a great way to help your four-legged friend ease back into the kind of more active life that they no-doubt used to enjoy so much. You could even see the re-emergence of the puppy that your dog still very much is in their heart.
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Does My Dog Need Joint Supplements?
Your dog may be displaying clear signs of having issues with their joints, or you might just want to put your pup on them for preventative reasons. Either way, many dogs can benefit from having these kinds of daily supplements added to their diet, especially:
Large Breeds
It goes without saying that the more weight your dog is carrying, the more pressure on their joints. That’s why larger pups often have more problems than smaller ones. If your pet is overweight, this problem will be further exacerbated. Such dogs often benefit from ingredients that preserve and protect their joints from a younger age.
Senior Dogs
As we’ve covered above, aging dogs can have particular joint problems. This is often to do with general wear and tear but is also linked to the fact that the body naturally slows the production of vital nutrients that help with growth and repairs. Adding these to their diet can reduce joint issues and discomfort and keep your hound healthier for longer.
Those With Malformations or Injuries
Injuries, even those that have had the opportunity to heal, take a toll on the body. This is especially the case for joint or skeletal problems. Birth defects and hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia can also put joints at greater risk of damage and dysfunction. For any of these, your vet might recommend joint supplements as a way to ease pain and support better movement.
As always, before adding any supplements to your pet’s diet, it is advised that you consult with your vet. They will be able to confirm whether the discomfort your pet seems to be feeling is due to natural aging or some other kind of injury or medical condition.
Dog Joint Supplements: Buyer’s Guide
While the overall goal of all joint supplements is the same, to reduce stiffness and discomfort in joints, their ingredients can be pretty wide-ranging. You might find that some work better for your pup than others. That’s simply due to individual differences in how their bodies respond to the different nutrients. The very best kind contains multiple active ingredients, such as the ones we have listed below:
Glucosamine
Found naturally in the body, although levels decrease with age, glucosamine plays a vital role in building and repairing tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and the fluid that surrounds joints. Cartilage acts as a kind of shock absorber cushioning the bones against impact, while the joint fluid lubricates the joints and keeps them moving smoothly. Needless to say, they are both crucial for effective and comfortable joint movement.
Chondroitin
Otherwise known as chondroitin sulfate, chondroitin is also produced within the body. It forms a crucial part of joint cartilage, helping to keep it healthy by absorbing fluids into the connective tissues and blocking the action of enzymes that would otherwise break the cartilage down. It also plays a role in stimulating its repair mechanisms and provides the building blocks for the body to develop new cartilage.
MSM
Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, is a common dietary supplement used to treat a wide range of different issues in both people and pets. It’s an organic, sulfur-containing compound that occurs naturally and acts as both a pain killer and an anti-inflammatory. With regards to joints, MSM inhibits the breakdown of cartilage while reducing painful swelling and decreasing the discomfort your pet may already be experiencing.
Omega–3 Fatty Acids
The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for coat and skin health are well established, but they can also fight against joint and musculoskeletal dysfunction. High levels of these handy fatty acids in the joint fluid help to keep joints supple and also helps to reduce the amount of pro-inflammatory substances and cartilage-damaging enzymes in the body. They even strengthen the bones themselves by working with vitamin D to increase their density.
Hyaluronic Acid
Also referred to as hyaluronan or hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid has found great fame as an anti-wrinkle treatment, given that it’s the main component of what gives our skin structure. However, it can also hugely benefit joints too in much the same way – by keeping them well-moisturized. Not only can it restore lubrication levels in joint fluid, but it also aids in the growth and development of cartilage and bone and reduces inflammation too.
Turmeric
The well-known spice used to flavor foods like curry, turmeric, containing the active ingredient curcumin, has recently been applied as a viable treatment for people with arthritis. Evidence suggests that it has significant anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties and, therefore, can be used to help boost joint mobility and alleviate discomfort from issues in this area, and it’s safe for dogs too.
Best Joint Supplements for Dogs (Without CBD): Reviews
Best For Older Dogs
Packed full of active ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM that your pooch may be starting to lack in their later years, Nutramax’s top-quality supplements are excellent for boosting joint health. Alongside that, they contain other nutrients considered beneficial for pups that are getting a little long in the tooth, including omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health and beta-glucans, which support digestion and a strong immune system.
Nutramax Cosequin Senior Maximum Strength Soft Chews Joint Supplement for Dogs
Reviews for these supplements are great in terms of how effective they are for what they are needed to do. Even those who doubted they would do any good have been convinced by the results they have seen in their pups. Many pet parents do, however, do comment that these chewables smell pretty bad. This obviously made it a lot tougher for them to convince their picky pets to get them down in the first place.
Pros
As maximum strength supplements, these chews contain high levels of all active ingredients. This means they are great for dogs who really are struggling to get about at all.
Cons
While considering what these chews would need to contain for joint health, the manufacturers didn’t factor in ingredients that would make them more appealing to dogs. You might have to break these up and hide them in your pup’s food.
Best For Bigger Breeds
If you’re looking to get your hands on supplements that ease sore, aching joints even as they help protect and repair them, then PetHonesty’s chews will be the ones for you. They are rich in glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, and even collagen but also pack in good amounts of turmeric and yucca schidigera, both of which have anti-inflammatory, pain relieving properties, plus the yucca has anti-arthritic effects too.
PetHonesty Advanced Hip + Joint Soft Chews Joint Supplement for Dogs
With 97% of people saying they would go on to recommend these supplements to a friend, you know you’re on to a winner here. Many reviewers talk about how they have “brought out the youngster” in their older pets, making them look and act just “like their old self.” Moreover, the “irresistible” chicken flavor of the chews means that most dogs are happy to chomp them down.
Pros
Beyond the essentials, these chews have an impressive nutrient profile that supports skin and coat health, immune function, eyesight, and more.
Cons
With lower amounts of some ingredients that promote better joint functioning, these may be better suited to pups with less joint degradation and more of your garden-variety aging stiffness.
Best For Preventative Use
At a more wallet-friendly price than either of the last two products, Doggie Dailies supplements are great for long-term use. They help to ward off the kind of joint deterioration that can occur due to weight, age, or injury. While they contain lesser amounts of the main active ingredients, they support these with CoQ10, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and E, each of which has its own unique superpowers when it comes to protecting joints.
Doggie Dailies Glucosamine for Dogs Advanced Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs
Owners have used these handy treats to reduce signs of aging, support recovery from injury, and as a preventative measure against joint problems and deformities in still-growing larger breeds – seemingly with great success for all. In this respect, they come highly recommended. There are more negative reviews than we would usually like for products we feature, but as these are to do with dogs not simply not enjoying the taste of the treats, they didn’t tip the scales for us.
Pros
These supplements have a more extensive range of active ingredients than others we have come across. As what works for one doesn’t always work for others, this guarantees the best chance of success for a multitude of dogs and issues.
Cons
These supplements will likely work better in a preventative rather than treatment capacity. When your pup starts to experience more severe symptoms, you might have to switch them out for a stronger formula. However, with regular use, these can delay that from occurring for a while.
Best For Fussy Pets
For those looking for a more natural solution to their pet’s problems (not to mention one that is super easy to administer), Infinite Pet Life’s powder will be the one. It has all the usual suspects: turmeric, glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, but only from all-natural, organic sources. There are no manufactured ingredients or fillers included here. This could be a further plus if your pooch suffers from allergies and intolerances, as Doods tend to.
Infinite Pet Life All-Natural Hip & Joint Powder Dog Supplement
The reviews for this product are likewise excellent for older and younger hounds alike. One satisfied owner mentions how this powder has “completely given [their dog] a happy life back.” That being said, the amounts of active ingredients in this product are much less than any of the other supplements (likely due to the all-natural formula promise), so again this is going to be better for prevention than a much-later-in-the-day cure.
Pros
An excellent alternative for stubborn canines who otherwise refuse to take their pills and those with sensitive tummies too.
Cons
Lesser amounts of vital nutrients mean this supplement will require a longer time to be effective. This isn’t so great if you’re looking for a quick fix and instant changes in your pup’s mobility.
Canine Joint Pain: Frequently Asked Questions:
While glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM will all work to address your dog’s joint issue in the long-term by supporting their repair and helping them to work more effectively, if you’re looking to ease your pup’s discomfort quickly, then make sure to opt for a supplement with ingredients with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties such as turmeric.
There are a range of products on the market today designed specifically to target joint problems in pets, but not all of them will work as well as others. It’s vital that you understand the active ingredients (the ones that actually do something for your pet rather than simply make the snack look or taste better). Above, we have included a quick rundown of some of the most common of these.
Arthritis in dogs is an inflammation of the joints whereby the hip or elbow etc., changes in some way or becomes damaged, which causes the bone and the joint to painfully rub together. This, in turn, causes new bone to form around the joint making it even stiffer and making it more difficult for your pooch to move. All the active ingredients included in the products we have listed above can work against this by keeping the joint in good condition and reducing inflammation.
Joint pain is a common canine issue. Luckily, though, there is a lot you can do to support your hound in living their best possible life for as long as possible. If you’re looking for a supplement that can provide relief for your pup against soreness, pain, inflammation, and degeneration of their joints, then you have come to the right place. Here we have listed our favorites based both on the active ingredients they contain and reviews from those who have bought and used them on their pets. Hopefully, you find something that works for your beloved pooch, helping them with pain-free movement as they go about their day. We wish you the very best of luck!
The information on this page is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for qualified professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have.
