A Review of the Best Dog Joint Supplements

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The Benefits of Dog Joint Supplements

Vitamins. We are often told from a young age that we need to take our vitamins to grow and be strong. For our dogs, this is also true. When dogs face certain ailments or even age things tend to decline and not work to their best ability. 

Offering supplements is a great way to help your dog’s joints, and body parts stay in tip-top shape. A lot of owners start thinking about supplements when their pets get older but, offering supplements before issues begin can ensure a better outcome. Not sure what your dog may need or why?

Don’t fret (my pet) we are here to help you navigate through the supplement shelf and have selected a few of our favorites. 

A Review of the Best Dog Joint Supplements for Online Purchase

Best Overall

★★★★★ 5 Stars

NUTRAMAX Dasuquin Soft Chews with MSM

NUTRAMAX Dasuquin Soft Chews with MSM are a superior nutraceutical. Like other joint supplements, they contain glucosamine, and chondroitin which are natural products made by the body to cushion the joints. This product has an added bonus of MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) which helps with inflammation and pain. 

Features we love

• The MSM component helps keep the pain at bay for our dogs.
• The chew is soft and palatable making it easy to administer. 
• It is the most comprehensive joint health management for dogs.
• Helps block the breakdown of joint cartilage and also helps to regenerate it. 

Features we aren’t so crazy about

• It can become pricey especially for large breed dogs.
• There’s a potential of possible overdose if your dog eats too many at once.
• It is not good for dogs with food allergies.

Mobility – Green-Lipped Mussel Joint Powder: Best for Supporting Dog’s Hips and Joints in All Stages of Life (Our Rating: 5/5 Stars)

This product supports the health of your dog’s hip and joints. When a dog becomes aged, it is prone to joint problems. Use of Mobility- Green-Lipped Mussel Joint Powder prevents joint health problems in your dog at an early age.

The several ingredients that this product contains address joint problems from multiple angles. The product also has the building blocks of ligaments, cartilage, and connective tissues. The following are some of the ingredients and their benefits:

• The Green-Lipped Mussel Joint Powder contains Omega-3s (fatty acids) reduces inflammation-related joint diseases.
• Fish oil supports a silky coat and heart health. It also improves flaky and itchy skin besides relieving joint pain.
• Chondroitin sulfate keeps your pet active.
• MSM sulfur initiates the production of cortisol to lower inflammation. As a result, it relieves pain and bone, hip, and joint discomfort.
• Vitamin C is an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and promotes healthy aging.
• Boswellia Serrata powder reduces joint discomfort from your dog’s daily activities.
• Manganese gluconate aids in the development of a healthy skeletal structure.
• Glucosamine HCL supports the healthy functioning of the dog’s bones for easy mobility.
• Hyaluronic acid supports the functioning of cartilage.

You now understand the health benefits that Mobility – Green-Lipped Mussel Joint Powder offers. The following is more information on the product:

• Ingredients: Green-lipped mussel powder, fish oil, chondroitin sulfate, MSM sulfur, vitamin C, Boswellia Serrata powder, manganese gluconate, glucosamine HCL, hyaluronic Acid
• What does the product do? The Boswellia serrata tree herbal extract supports the connective tissues and the health of the dog’s joints. The green-lipped mussel enables the joint capsule to retain water besides protecting it. This joint powder also provides a dog with all major glycosaminoglycans (natural joint-lubricating and anti-inflammatory compounds). 
• Life stage?: All life stages
• Weight: 2.65 ounces (75 grams)
• Item form: Powder
• Flavor/s: Bacon, popcorn flavor
• How to use the product: Mix with peanut butter or any pet food
• Size of dog the product is for: All sizes
• Dosage info: Half scoop for dogs below 25 pounds (11.25 kilograms), one scoop for dogs 25 to 50 pounds (11,25 to 22.5 kilograms), two scoops for dogs above 50 pounds (22.5 kilograms)
• List of product features: Plastic jar, made in the USA

Best Immune Booster

★★★★★ 5 Stars

Zesty Paw’s Mobility Bites

If you are looking for a supplement that does it all then Zesty Paw’s Mobility Bites is a great option. It contains glucosamine, chondroitin, OptiMSM, vitamin E, flaxseed, and vitamin C. All of these ingredients not only lubricate and aid the joints but they help boost the immune system too.

Features we love

• The immune-boosting ingredients.
• It is made for all ages making it easy to create healthy choices for your dog early on.
• The product is made without high allergen ingredients. 
• It is made with OptiMSM- which is the purest form of methylsulfonylmethane. 

Features we aren’t so crazy about

• The chew isn’t hydrolyzed. Hydrolyzed chews make it less likely for an allergic reaction to occur because the proteins are broken down into small pieces.
• A lot of owners complain that their dog does not like the taste. 
• The chew is hard for dogs with bad dentistry to break down. 

Best Soft Chews

★★★★ 4 Stars

Phycox Max Soft Chews Canine Joint Support

It goes without saying that your dog’s body works like a machine and sometimes needs a supplement that will aid in every direction. Phycox Max Soft Chews Canine Joint Support is an action-packed joint supplement that aids in every angle. It contains phycocyanin, OMEGA 3 fatty acids, and antioxidants that help combat and treat osteoarthritis. 

Features we love

• It’s one of the only supplements that contains phycocyanin.
• It also comes in small bites. 
• It is offered in a hypoallergenic formula.
• It is made with minerals and herbal ingredients. 
• It combats and addresses healthy weight in your dog as well as the cardiac, urinary, and immune system.

Features we aren’t so crazy about

• It is mainly geared towards seniors.
• Only comes in a chewable form, which can limit picky eaters. 

Best Large Breed 

★★★★ 4 Stars

Tomlyn Joint and Hip Chews with MSM and Glucosamine

When we think of large breeds we have to take into account how much strain their hips, knees, and joints are taking daily. That is why it’s best to keep them lean (but that’s a whole other topic).  

Labradors, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers among other breeds are commonly diagnosed with hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis which makes them a prime candidate for joint supplements.

The joint supplement must have a high enough amount of ingredients to properly work for your dog. Therefore it’s essential to choose a supplement that best falls into that category such as Tomlyn Joint and Hip Chews with MSM and Glucosamine.

Features we love

• It’s offered at a relatively inexpensive price.
• The ingredients include DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which can help with inflammation and heart disease. 
• This supplement supports flexibility, range of motion, and better mobility.

Features we aren’t so crazy about

• The chew is relatively hard.
• The chew comes in chicken flavor which is limited if your dog is allergic to it.

Best Small Breed

★★★★★ 5 Stars

Vetriscience Glycoflex Stage III Ultimate Strength Mini Bite-Sized Dog Chews

When back and leg issues come to mind the larger breeds are not the only ones facing challenges. Focusing on the smaller breeds such as Daschunds, Bulldogs, and Terriers you can run into a plethora of anatomy issues, backs, knees, hips, to name a few. So introducing a joint supplement that is formulated for their size body is a great idea.

Vetriscience Glycoflex Stage III Ultimate Strength Mini Bite-Sized Dog Chews are a great supplement to offer your pup. They are packed with the appropriate amount of glucosamine that won’t be too much and irritate your dog’s stomach. They are also sized properly for your dog’s small mouth. 

Features we love

• The size is appropriate for smaller dog mouths to avoid choking and better chewing. 
• The ingredients are correctly dosed for smaller dogs. 

Features we aren’t crazy about

• Some owners have reported gastrointestinal upset in their dogs.

Strongest 

★★★★★ 5 Stars 

Cosequin Max Strength Plus MSM Chew Tablets

Some dogs have critically bad joints. They either are cursed with bad genetics, have breed dispositions, or had a recent trauma/injury that required surgery. So you have to call in the big guns. A supplement that has the strongest dose to ensure proper joint health, such as Cosequin Max Strength Plus MSM Chew Tablets can help to mitigate the issue.

Features we love

• This supplement is recommended by Veterinarians.
• The price is reasonable for long term use.

Features we aren’t so crazy about

• This product in this strength is only offered in tablets which may limit some dog owners.

Best Long Term Management

★★★★ 4 Stars

Duralactin Canine Chewable Tablets

It’ll probably come as no surprise to you that most dogs who go on a supplement need to stay on it long term. This brings you to question its safety regarding your dog’s internal organs, so choosing a supplement that is effective yet gentle on the insides is important. 

Duralactin Canine Chewable Tablets are a safe supplement that may help your dog come off or avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) which can cause issues if used lifelong.

Features we love

• This supplement can decrease your dog’s inflammation which will help their pain level and help them avoid NSAIDS. 
• The main ingredient is MicroLactin which is a patented dried milk protein that helps your dog’s body from participating in the inflammatory process. 

Features we aren’t so crazy about 

• Reactions may occur in dogs who have a sensitivity to milk products. 

Best Food

★★★★ 4 Stars

Purina JM Joint Mobility Dry Dog Food

If giving your dog a daily supplement isn’t your thing then perhaps using food that helps their joints is. Purina JM Joint Mobility Dry Dog Food is a great alternative since it has glucosamine, and antioxidants to support the immune system. 

It also has a controlled calorie content that keeps your dogs’ weight at bay to avoid adding extra stress to their joints.

Features we love

• This dog food has all the components of a joint supplement packed into a delicious food for your dog. 
• It contains a natural source of glucosamine.
• It is a highly palatable fish-flavored food. 
• It also contains Omega 6 fatty acids to support skin and haircoat health. 

Features we aren’t crazy about

• Veterinary diets are prescription-based, meaning you can only get them from your veterinarian which is not always ideal with food. 

Best Powder

★★★ 3 Stars

Homescape Pets Mussel Mobility

If your dog is picky about its treats and food, then a supplement in powder form may be a good choice. Homescape Pets Mussel Mobility uses only two natural ingredients that will keep homeopathic pet owners’ minds at ease. It uses green-lipped mussels which is a natural source of glucosamine, and organic turmeric which helps aid to decrease inflammation. 

Features we love 

• It’s natural, containing only two ingredients so you don’t have to worry about extra additives. 

Features we aren’t so crazy about

• Sometimes if the powder is not completely mixed in with the food your dog may not eat its entire dose.

Best Budget

★★★ 3 Stars

Prosense Advanced Dog Joint Solutions

We know most of you would do anything to keep your puppy in tip-top shape but sometimes funds cannot be met. Needless to say, it’s important to find a supplement that is effective but doesn’t drain your wallet. Prosense Advanced Dog Joint Solutions is a great option that will keep your dog’s joints lubricated and not break the bank. 

Features we love

• The price is extremely reasonable.
• It has the seal of The National Animal Supplement Council.
• It has all the same ingredients as the other brands but costs less making it a good choice for long-term use. 

Features we aren’t so crazy about

• Some owners complain that their dog does not like the taste. 

Best for Seniors

★★★★ 4 Stars 

Well & Good Senior Stage Joint Support

We know that all of you hate the term “senior” when talking about our evergreen dogs. But, the truth is when dogs reach senior status their body must meet many other nutritional needs as well as avoid harsh ingredients that can cause damage to their bodies. 

Well & Good Senior Stage Joint Support is a great choice for our senior companions that need joint help with a more gentle approach.

Features we love

• This supplement has a time-release formula that allows your dog’s body time to adjust to it. 
• It’s specially formulated for senior dogs with different needs.

Features we aren’t crazy about

• There is a high loading dose for dogs weighing 80 pounds and over, which may be difficult for dogs to eat. 
• Older dogs may have dental issues making the tablets hard to chew.

Best Capsule

★★★★ 4 Stars

Bayer’s Free Form Snip Tip Supplement

Gel capsules can be used in many ways. You can give it to your dog directly, or you can break them open to be used as a liquid. Bayer’s Free Form Snip Tip Supplement is a great choice if you are looking for a capsule. It contains a high dose of Omega-3 fatty acids that allow for less dosing to get the desired result. 

Features we love

• The capsule offers flexible dosing so you can give in a way that fits your schedule and lifestyle. 
• The high concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids is from anchovies that are tested for quality safety scanning for any bacteria, fungi, or metals. 
• The supplement has the National Animal Supplement Council Quality Seal. 

Features we aren’t crazy about

• If the capsules burst open in the container you can lose most of the product or it can cause them to stick together.

Best Injectable

★★★★★ 5 Stars

If you’re up to giving your dog injections then Elanco’s Adequan Canine is an amazing supplement. Its main ingredient is a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) which is used to alleviate pain and help control arthritis. 

It is given in the muscle and suggested twice weekly, but always consult with your veterinarian first for administration instructions.

Features we love

• It’s very effective.
• Gets to your dog and begins working faster. 

Features we aren’t crazy about

• Injections can lead to possible trauma if the owner does not know how to properly give them.
• May cause owners to skip doses out of fear. 

Best Liquid

★★★★ 4 Stars

Liquid Health Pets Original K9 Glucosamine Dog Supplement

If your dog is not a chow hound and actually smells and investigates its food before eating it then liquid may be your best bet. Most liquids contain pumps to help you properly administer it directly into their food. 

Liquid Health Pets Original K9 Glucosamine Dog Supplement is a great option that you can drizzle over your dog’s food like a professional chef. 

Features we love

• The liquid formula allows for easy absorption by all breeds of dogs.
• It is made in the USA without sugar. 
• It also contains hyaluronic acid for an extra boost of lubrication to your dog’s joints. 

Features we aren’t so crazy about

• Must be kept refrigerated.
• Has to be out of sunlight so owners must remember to do so.
• The strong fish odor may deter owners from using it. 

The Best Ingredients in Dog Joint Supplements

Now that we discussed the different supplements in length let’s discuss what the main ingredients are and why they’re important to your dog’s joint care. 

Glucosamine Hydrochloride

The main ingredient in most joint supplements is glucosamine. Glucosamine hydrochloride is a natural compound found in your dog’s cartilage that cushions its joints. In predisposed dogs or dogs who grow older, glucosamine hydrochloride tends to decrease. 

That is why it’s so important to give it back to them in supplemental form. Glucosamine Hydrochloride supplements are derived naturally from shells or synthetically in a lab. It is also said to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are an excellent source for many parts of your dog’s body.  Omega-3s helps to promote joint lubrication, as well as decrease present inflammation. They are also amazing for your dog’s skin, and haircoat, as well as heart and kidneys. 

Fish or krill oil contains a great amount of omega-3s and is usually very tasty to your dog. 

MSM

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring supplement that is found in milk, fruits, and vegetables. It is considered to be an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and aids in collagen production. It is often combined with glucosamine supplements to help your dog absorb it faster all the while keeping them comfortable. 

Chondroitin Sulfate 

Chondroitin sulfate is used in joint supplements because it protects cartilage. It does this by stopping the enzymes that work towards breaking cartilage down. It is also said that it helps reverse the damage previously made to your dog’s joints.

Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASUs)

Dogs love to run, jump, leap, and play. All this activity can make your pup very happy but also increase their chances of getting hurt. When they get hurt, with the possibility of needing surgery they are often put on a joint supplement to avoid scar tissue or arthritis from developing (or worsening) in the future. 

ASUs help protect cartilage by reducing inflammation and stimulating the healing process after damage is present. This makes it ideal for dogs who were recently injured and need help protecting and regaining new cartilage. It is not needed for dogs with end-stage osteoarthritis because most of their cartilage is already gone. 

Summary

When picking a supplement it is best to do proper research. Reading about ingredients, your dog’s condition, and speaking with your veterinarian are all ways to ensure your dog is getting the best supplement for their joints. You always want to make sure to pick a brand that is reputable and reliable.

Always check your ingredients, the amount of the ingredients present, and make sure you are purchasing from a real website. Fraudulent supplements are out there, especially when purchasing through the internet. The best way to avoid this is by asking for help from your veterinarian and comparing ingredients and prices.