The 15 Best Joint Supplements for Dogs (Vet Approved Review)

Our pets not only need a carefully selected and balanced diet, active walks, daily care, and attention to maintain health and well-being. They also need a consistent supply of vitamins to be healthy, active, cheerful, and of course, beautiful. If animals do not receive the necessary substances, they can suffer from vitamin deficiencies or mineral imbalances. These conditions are treated with an additional intake of essential elements. Unfortunately, their excess — hypervitaminosis — is no less dangerous for the animal’s health.

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At a Glance: TOP-3 Joint Supplement for Dogs

Dogs of all breeds love to move, so our four-legged friend’s quality of life decreases dramatically if there are any problems with joints or bones. To prevent diseases of the musculoskeletal system standard in animals, an additional intake of specific vitamins is necessary.

Products	Features	Links
Our #1 Pick	1. Cosequin DS Maximum Strength Plus MSM & Omega-3's Chewable Tablets Veterinarian recommended retail joint health supplement brand.  Maintaining healthy cartilage and providing joint support.  Available in tasty soft chews and chewable tablets.	Check Price
#1 Powder	2. Raw Paw Organic Hip and Joint Green Lipped Mussel Supplement Powder A rich source of omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and enzymes.  Use daily as a natural pet arthritis supplement or to relieve the pain associated with canine hip dysplasia and feline joint pain. Contains naturally occurring glucosamine and chondroitin.	Check Price
#1 Liquid	3. TerraMax Pro Best Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs Veterinarian recommended. Natural and safe. Repairs and Supports Joints and Cartilage to Help Maintain Mobility.	Check Price

Puppies and growing young dogs should receive two to three times more of these nutrients than adult animals. Vitamin and mineral complexes promote bone growth and proper skeletal formation and prevent dysplasia. This is especially true for puppies of large and giant breeds, for which the usual requirement for the development of their musculoskeletal system is significant. ^[5]

These vitamins help restore the cartilage tissue’s elasticity and mobility faster for an adult dog suffering from various joint or tendon injuries. It is also helpful to support your pet’s health during heavy physical work or during intensive training competitions with such supplements. Another indication for taking these supplements is to aid bone and joint injuries of various etiologies and surgical interventions. Vitamins accelerate the healing of wounds and tissue breaks, promote the appearance of callus formation, and rapid bone repair.

Dr. Edele Grey

Like humans, dogs in old age often suffer from osteoarthritis and other problems. Therefore, to prevent such diseases, it is advisable to add vitamins and minerals for joints to the pet’s diet in advance because mobile and active pets will be healthy and happy at any age, and this is the dream of every caring and loving owner.^[2]

The Best Dog Joint Supplements Reviews

1. Cosequin DS Maximum Strength Plus MSM & Omega-3’s Chewable Tablets

Our #1 Pick

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Research has shown that Nutramax Cosequin DS Plus with MSM is an excellent choice for dogs with joint problems. Many customers note that they quickly noticed the beneficial effect of these chewable tablets.

Also, special attention should be paid to the composition of high-quality and natural ingredients. For example, this supplement contains glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sodium sulfate, and magnesium. These supplements play a crucial role in maintaining health and significantly improving your pet’s joint function. On top of that, Cosequin also contains MSM, which has been found to help repair connective tissue within joints.

2. Raw Paw Organic Hip and Joint Green-Lipped Mussel Supplement Powder

#1 Powder

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This product is a very healthy blend of green-lipped mussel powder, turmeric, and pumpkin. The product is suitable for daily use with a positive effect on the pet’s joints and may also relieve arthritis symptoms in your pooch.

3. TerraMax Pro Best Hip and Joint Supplement

#1 Liquid

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This formula is designed specifically for hip support. The Supplement contains:

• An unsurpassed 1600 mg of glucosamine.
• 1200 mg of chondroitin sulfate.
• 1000 mg of MSM for maximum results.

Glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM are natural substances that help maintain the dog’s joints and the health and elasticity of other connective tissues throughout their body. This product has the added advantage of being liquid. Liquid supplements are often absorbed faster and more effectively than tablets, providing better and faster results.

4. PetHonesty Advanced Hip & Joint Chews

#1 Soft Chew

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These soft chewable tablets are recommended by veterinarians for dogs, and puppies with joint problems. The supplement relieves the pain caused by various diseases while also increasing the pet’s mobility and mobility. These chews combine powerful and natural support ingredients to help maintain healthy bones, muscles, connective tissue, and cartilage.

Key features:

• Helps reduce joint pain and inflammation with natural ingredients.
• Glucosamine HCL, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and turmeric help restore mobility.
• It may even help reduce symptoms associated with arthritis, limping, aches, hip dysplasia, and more.

5. Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews

Great for Puppies

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The Dasuquin product includes the most useful ingredients to provide the most complete joint support.

Key features:

• Comes in both small/medium and large breed products.
• Does not have a flavor.
• Veterinarian recommended and approved it.

6. Vetoquinol Flexadin Advanced Chews with UCII

Great for Adults

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Flexadin Advanced chewable tablets are the a great way to keep your dog’s joints healthy. These supplements contain all the ingredients you need to care for your dog’s cartilage. The product also improves your pet’s overall quality of life.

Key features:

• Soothes stiff joints and supports a structure.
• Aids mobility and flexibility.
• Supports long-term joint health.
• Pork liver flavor.

7. PawHealer Back-Hip Joint Support

Great for Seniors

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This effective formula will help reduce pain and weakness in the lower back and joints of pooches. The ingredients included in this product will also increase the elasticity of the pet’s muscles and connective tissue.

Key features:

• Improves joint mobility for dogs.
• Helps reduce pain and inflammation with natural ingredients.
• Promotes healthy joints and improved mobility.
• Easy to dose and suitable for dogs.

8. PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews

Budget Choice

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These supplements help maintain your pet’s joints’ health and improve the overall mobility of dogs. These soft, chewy treats are designed by veterinarians.

The Supplement contains powerful nutrients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. The tablet’s rich composition is excellent for aging dogs, dogs with arthritis, or dogs with other joint diseases.

Key features:

• With vitamin C for antioxidant support.
• Made with glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM.
• Promotes healthy joints and improved mobility.

9. Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Dog Supplement

Pick for Large Breed Dogs

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Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Dog Supplement is a food Supplement made from anchovies and sardines from the South Pacific. The product contains essential fatty acids, EPA, and DHA, which help support the brain, heart, and eyes while protecting the joints and keeping the skin and coat healthy and beautiful.

Key features:

• Supports joint function, and heart function.
• Supports healthy skin and coat.
• Development and maintenance of the brain and eye tissues.

10. Invite Joint Hx

#1 Glucosamine

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This option is designed to support your pet’s joints. The product contains turmeric, which provides joint comfort, facilitates walking, and flexion. The composition also has a food-borne MSM and glucosamine, which promotes the maintenance and recovery of joints.

Key features:

• May be helpful with pain symptoms.
• May safely be combined with many arthritis medications. (Always consult your veterinarian first).
• Great for joint health due to the combining of synergistically acting ingredients.

11. VetriScience Labratories Glycoflex Joint Support

Pick with vitamin E

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The Glyco Flex Supplement is explicitly designed to support hip joints at all stages of your dog’s life. This formula is recommended by veterinarians. It contains higher levels of glucosamine, MSM, and Perna canaliculus for maximum joint care. Glyco Flex is ideal for active and competitive dogs to maintain full joint health.

Key features:

• Delicious chicken liver or duck flavor. 
• Contains vitamin E, vitamin C, manganese, grape seed extract, and selenium.
• Recommended by veterinarians for over 30 years.

12. Only Natural Pet Hemp Advanced Hip & Joint Supplement

Pick for Dogs with Arthritis

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This product is a powerful blend of hemp seeds, glucosamine, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). This formula is approved by veterinarians and is an excellent source of omega-3 for joint repair.

Only Natural Pet supplement does not contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Soft chewable tablets are made to provide maximum improvement in the condition of the joints.

Key features:

• Hemp seeds are high in omega-3’s to support joint function.
• Green-lipped mussels are a potent source of chondroitin & hyaluronic acid.
• Comes in as an easy-to-administer soft chew that dogs love.

13. SeaFlex Joint Function Supplement

Pick for Skin & Coat Health

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The dietary supplement is a top-rated product for joint care. This product is designed to support joint health. Also, Seaflex increases vitality and energy levels in young and older dogs while this product also helps to control problems with joints and improves the mobility of the pet.

Key features:

• Boosts the vitality and energy levels.
• Safe for all dogs. (Always consult your veterinarian first if your pet has any illnesses or is taking any medications). 
• Improve skin and coat condition.

What are The Hip supplements for Dogs?

Vitamins for dogs’ joints are:

• An essential supplement to a healthy diet.
• Contributing to the normal condition of cartilage and connective tissues.
• Strengthening bones, teeth, ligaments, and tendons.

The composition of vitamins, minerals, and other joints should include calcium, chondroitin, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, collagen, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. These minerals and vitamins are necessary for building materials for all connective tissue elements, determining the therapeutic effect of taking these drugs. Glucosamine, which improves cartilage nutrition, is absorbed through the digestive system and delivered directly to the joints and tendons, thereby preventing osteoarthritis. ^[1]

Benefits

With some natural feeding diets, a dog may not get enough vitamins and minerals because they are destroyed during the cooking process. In addition, not every owner knows how to choose supplements from a considerable number of different mixtures, powders, capsules, tablets, and other pharmaceutical industry products. That is why we decided to make a rating of the most suitable vitamins for different breeds.

Dogs that eat premium food tend to receive a scientifically balanced diet that includes vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial trace elements. However, not all pets can access such food; many dogs consume homemade meals or eat cheaper food options, which may not contain enough useful substances necessary for the animal’s health.

Types

The most common supplements for dogs with joint problems: 

• Glucosamine. Glucosamine is an amino sugar that is a precursor to glycosaminoglycans (GAG). Joint disease is directly related to a decrease in GAG concentration. These GAGs are needed to repair and maintain healthy joint tissue.
• Omega Fatty Acids. There are several types of omega oils, but the most important are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. 
• S-Adenosyl methionine (SAM-e). This is may help reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis and it also plays a role in cell signaling and communication throughout your pooch’s body. 
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Better known as MSM, this chemical compound is often found in joint supplements and has been shown to reduce inflammation and prevent the breakdown of cartilage within joints.
• Chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin is another substance that is commonly found in supplements. This naturally occurring product known as proteoglycan has been found to slow the process of osteoarthritis.^[3]

READ MORE: Dog is Wobbly and Off Balance

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Common Signs of Joint Pain

Joint diseases are pretty common in dogs. Depending on the symptoms, they are divided into arthritis and osteoarthritis. These diseases are often observed in dogs of the older age group, associated with damage to cartilage tissue structure and concomitant changes in the joint itself, including bones and ligaments.

In most cases, these diseases develop gradually. The first symptoms may be subtle and intermittent, so pet owners should pay special attention to this problem. Early diagnosis and timely treatment usually allow you to successfully control the disease and maintain your pet’s quality of life for a longer time. Unfortunately, apparent symptoms and severe pain typically indicate a severe, later stage of the disease.

• A general decrease in activity is possibly the most common sign. For example, the dog begins to get tired more quickly and may sleep more; it is not as actively happy as before when the owner returns from work, runs less on a walk, stops playing earlier, or even abandons his favorite game. You can notice that the dog has difficulty climbing stairs, does not jump into the car the first time, or lies more on the floor, although previously, it always preferred the sofa.
• Irritability and aggressiveness. Some dogs may begin to react to normal manipulations and actions differently: for example, growl, snarl (show their teeth), or express dissatisfaction if the owner sits on the sofa and forces the dog to change position or jump to the floor. They may also begin to avoid communicating with children, despite previously having got along well with them, or even suddenly show obvious aggression: for example, try to bite the owner when trying to put it in the bath.
• Increased licking of a certain area is usually triggered by pain and discomfort. Dogs can often lick the skin around the affected joint or bite the fur in this area, as when catching fleas.
• Lameness can vary from mild, moderate, or even pronounced, may occur after prolonged exercise or only in the morning, after sleep. There may be dragging of the hind legs, uncoordinated gait, or a general stiffness when moving in diseases of the vertebral column’s joints.
• Muscle atrophy occurs because the dog “protects” a particular joint due to pain and changes the weight distribution of their limbs. As a result, over time, the affected limb’s muscle mass or individual muscles will appear smaller in volume compared to the opposite limb.^[4]

READ MORE: How to give a Dog a Pill – Tips from Vet

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Causes of Joint Pain

Dogs of large breeds, as well as those who are obese, are at increased risk. These diseases in young dogs are usually associated with injuries and congenital or genetic pathologies of joint development, such as hip or elbow dysplasia.

Buying Guide

The main recommendations will be given to you by a veterinarian, but some nuances of choosing such supplements are still worth knowing in advance.

You need to focus on the characteristics of your dog:

• Age. Puppies, pregnant or nursing animals require an increased amount of some trace elements, so their dosage may exceed the daily norm. The composition itself should be as complete as possible. For older dogs, you need a special caring multi-complex with calcium and phosphorus to strengthen bones and joints and retinol, supporting a failing vision.
• Breed. Some breeds have a genetic predisposition to problems with the skin or musculoskeletal system. For example, German shepherds often suffer from hip dysplasia, Shih Tzus have stifled (knee) issues, and dachshunds suffer from spinal problems. Supplements for such dogs should contain chondroprotectants and minimize the possibility of such diseases.
• Palatability. Some pets love variety and trying different flavors, while others may only enjoy the taste of one type.

Things to Consider

We have prepared some tips to help you find what suits your dog:

1. First, make sure that your pet really has problems with the joints. You should definitely consult with your veterinarian before you diagnose it yourself. There can be other illnesses that cause similar signs to those listed above.

2. Buy reliable brands. Our article selected only reliable brands that turned out to be among the best in the industry. 

3. Study the ingredients of the product. Some supplements can induce allergic reactions in your pet, so be sure to study the components of the product to ensure it’s suitable for your pet.

Popular ingredients

The ingredients listed below help lubricate joints, treat cartilage, and increase comfortable mobility:

• Glucosamine HCL
• Chondroitin sulfate
• Hyaluronic acid
• Yucca schidigera
• Coenzyme Q10
• MSM
• Omega fatty acids
• Sodium hyaluronate

You should avoid giving supplements that include the following: 

• Artificial flavors
• Preservatives
• Artificial colors

FAQ

Article Sources:

1. “Glucosamine.” Wikipedia, 27 Jan. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucosamine.
2. “FDA’s Regulation of Pet Food.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 12 May 2020, fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/fdas-regulation-pet-food#DSHEA.
3. Chondroitin Sulfate – Wikipedia. 14 Jan. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chondroitin_sulfate.
4. B.Paganoa, Teresa. “Age Related Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Upregulation of Autophagy in Dogs.” Science Direct, sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1090023315002798.
5. Staff, AKC. “Glucosamine: How This Supplement Can Alleviate Arthritis And Joint Pain.” American Kennel Club, 4 Oct. 2019, akc.org/expert-advice/health/glucosamine-for-dogs-to-treat-arthritis-joint-pain/.