The 5 Best Joint Supplements for Dogs

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The Spruce Pets / Amelia Manley

When it gets harder for your senior pup to jump off the couch or bound down the steps, you might considerdog joint supplements. Available as chews, powder, liquid, or capsules, joint supplements typically contain glucosamine and chondroitin. These two compounds are important components of cartilage found naturally in the body.

There is not yet a strong scientific consensus on the value of supplementing with either compound to benefit your dog’s joint health, though some studies have found a reduction in discomfort related to osteoarthritis.虽然许多兽医和狗主人提供一个ecdotal evidence for the effectiveness of joint health supplements—and they are widely considered safe for use—more research is needed to say for sure whether or not your dog will benefit from glucosamine and chondroitin.

Some joint supplements also contain omega fatty acids. “Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects on the body and can be useful in reducing joint inflammation in cases of osteoarthritis,” says veterinarian Lisa Chimes, ofDOG by Dr Lisapet care in Australia.

这是一个好主意在添加之前跟你的兽医a supplement to your dog’s diet. “Not all supplements are created equal,” says Chimes. “Typically, vet-recommended brands are the most reliable.”

Our best overall joint supplement for dogs is Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as methylsulfonylmethane and hyaluronic acid and is often recommended by veterinarians.

Here’s a look at this popular supplement and several more great choices to protect your pup’s joints.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement for Dogs

4.9
Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement for Dogs

Chewy

What We Like
  • Contains glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as methylsulfonylmethane

  • For all ages, dose based on body weight

  • Vet-recommended

  • Made in the United States

What We Don't Like
  • Some users report GI upset

Each chewable tablet contains 600 mg of glucosamine HCI from shellfish and 300 mg of chondroitin derived from bovine cartilage. It also adds 250 mg of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which is an anti-inflammatory supplement sometimes used by people with osteoarthritis.

平板电脑可以用于各种规模的狗。塔尔k to your vet, but Nutramax recommends that you begin with a higher dosage for the first 4-6 weeks and then drop down to a lower maintenance level. A 40-pound dog, for example, would begin by taking two tablets a day and then transition to just one tablet.

This brand comes in bottles of 75, 132, or 250 tablets. It’s also available in lower concentrations of standard and double strength, in other formulations, and as soft chews and capsules.

Price at time of publish:$37/132 tablets

Quantity:75, 132, 250-tablets |Flavors:n/a |Dose:1 tablet for 16-30 pounds |Active Ingredients:Glucosamine HCl, sodium chondroitin sulfate, MSM, manganese ascorbate

Best Chews

Zesty Paws Mobility Bites Hip & Joint Support Duck Flavor Chews

Zesty Paws Mobility Bites

Chewy

What We Like
  • Contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM

  • No artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors

  • No grain, corn, or soy

  • For all ages and sizes

  • NASC seal

What We Don't Like
  • Some owners report GI issues

Zesty Paws has a complete line of supplements for dogs, including several that specifically target joint health. These Hip and Joint Mobility Bites are heart-shaped chews packed with joint-protecting ingredients. Each chew has 450 mg of glucosamine HMI, 400 mg of MSM, and 125 of chondroitin. along with added kelp and vitamins C and E. The supplements have no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors and they’re made without grain, corn, or soy.

The chews can be given to all ages and all sizes, starting with one supplement for up to 25 pounds of body weight. There are several different recipes of this supplement including one for seniors, another that is vet strength, and some that feature the added nutrition of mussels or hemp. Ourfavorite supplements for dogsareZesty Paws 8-in-1 Multifunctional Bitesthat address eight different health benefits ranging from joint function to skin health. They contain smaller amounts of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, but also include cod liver oil, a vitamin blend, digestive enzymes, and “good” bacteria for gut health.

Price at time of publish:$30/90

Quantity:90, 180, and 250 |Flavors:Bacon, duck |Dose:1 chew for up to 25 pounds |Active Ingredients:Glucosamine HCl, methylsulfonylmethane, vitamin C, chondroitin sulfate, kelp, vitamin E

Best Treats

Bocce's Bakery Hip Daily Support Treats for Dogs

Amazon Bocce's Bakery Hip Daily Support Treats for Dogs

Amazon

What We Like
  • Only three ingredients

  • No by-products, fillers, or wheat

  • Small batches baked in the United States

What We Don't Like
  • More calories than some

Bocce’s Bakery makes lots of limited-ingredient crunchy treats in many flavors, all in their distinctive “B” shape. This particular peanut butter recipe is targeted toward hip and joint health. The treats have only three ingredients: oat flour, peanut butter, and glucosamine. There’s a minimum of 800 mg/kg of glucosamine in the treats.

Bocce treats are oven-baked in the United States in small batches. Ingredients are often locally sourced and the treats contain no by-products, fillers, or wheat. The feeding instructions for the snacks are somewhat vague, suggesting they be fed as a snack or a treat as part of a healthy diet. Each crunchy little treat contains 12 calories, so be sure to count those calories, particularly if your pup is small or overweight.

Price at time of publish:$10

Quantity:12 ounces |Flavors:Peanut butter |Dose:Daily as a treat |Active Ingredient(s):Oat flour, peanut butter, glucosamine

Best Powder

Missing Link Original All Natural Superfood Dog Supplement Hip and Joint Formula

Amazon Missing Link Original All Natural Superfood Dog Supplement Hip and Joint Formula

Amazon

What We Like
  • Contains glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and hyaluronic acid

  • Also has omega fatty acids and probiotics

  • Powder is easy to measure and dose

  • NASC seal

What We Don't Like
  • Can be harder to mix with dry food

The Missing Link Hip and Joint Powder has all but the kitchen sink thrown in for joint support ingredients. It has 440 mg of glucosamine, 250 mg of MSM, and 100 mg of chondroitin. But the first ingredient is flaxseed, which is rich in omega fatty acids. There’s also kelp, taurine, hyaluronic acid and so much more.

Powder is easy to measure to make sure you are giving the correct dose. It’s also the most direct way to deliver nutrients. You start with small amounts then work your way up to the recommended maintenance dose which is 1 teaspoon per 25 pounds of body weight. You can sprinkle it directly onto wet food or kibble, but if you feed dry food, it might work best to add it to a little broth or water to make sure it gets absorbed by the pieces.

Price at time of publish:$15/8 ounces

Quantity:8 ounces, 1 pound, 5 pounds |Flavor:Beef and salmon |Dose:1 teaspoon per 25 pounds of body weight |Active Ingredients:Omega 3,9, and 6 fatty acids, glucosamine, MSM, rice bran, nutritional yeast, chondroitin, and more

最好的Omega - 3

Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Liquid Supplement

Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Liquid Supplement

Amazon

What We Like
  • Liquid or gel caps

  • Made using sustainable and ethical practices

  • Tested by a third party

What We Don't Like
  • Liquid can be messy

Omega-3 fatty acids are often recommended for skin and coat health, but these healthy fats can also help with joint health, pain, and stiffness.One of the best ways to add these nutrients to your dog’s diet is through fish oil supplements like Nordic Naturals. Made with wild-caught anchovies and sardines, the supplements are made using ethical and sustainable practices and are tested by a third party for purity.

The supplements are available in liquid form and as capsules. You can use the dropper to directly splash some on your pup’s food or even squirt it directly into their mouth. Some pups don’t love swallowing capsules, but a dab of peanut butter or a pill treat can often help. Because strength varies, choose the size bottle based on the weight of your dog: 2-ounces for dogs under 20 pounds and 8 or 16 ounces for dogs 20 pounds and up.

Price at time of publish:$15/2 ounces

Quantity:2, 8, and 16-ounce bottles |Flavors:Anchovy and sardine |Dose:1 teaspoon for 40-59 pounds |Active Ingredient(s):Anchovy oil, sardine oil

Final Verdict

Our favorite joint supplement for dogs isNutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and hyaluronic acid (HA) and is often recommended by veterinarians. Another great option isZesty Paws Hip and Joint Mobility Bites. These soft, heart-shaped chews are also packed with joint-protecting ingredients.

What to Look for in Dog Joint Supplements

Active Ingredients

Most joint supplements include one or more of the following ingredients:

  • Glucosamine hydrochloride– This natural compound is found in cartilage, the tissue between joints. It is often used to target joint pain and stiffness in people, dogs, and horses. There’s little veterinary scientific evidence that it works, but a 2007 study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin offered a “moderate level of comfort” for dogs with osteoarthritis.
  • Chondroitin sulfate– Glucosamine is often given together with another natural compound called chondroitin. Both substances are found naturally in cartilage—the tissue that cushions and connects joints. Chondroitin is essential in the growth of new cartilage, and acts as an absorbent that keeps cartilage hydrated and healthy.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids– These “good” fats are typically found in fish oil. Research suggests that supplementing a dog’s diet with these natural substances can help to ease arthritis in dogs.
  • Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)这有时是天然物质given for inflammation. An older study published in 2006 found potential benefits in relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis, but data is extremely limited and the mechanism is unknown.
  • Hyaluronic acid– This fluid is found in the body as natural cushioning for joints. Studies have found that supplementation with HA may help manage arthritis in dogs.

Reliable Sourcing

Look for a brand that has theNational Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal of approval. In order to be able to display the NASC seal, companies must meet several requirements including having strong quality control, having a system to monitor products, submitting to random testing, and meeting strict labeling guidelines. Brands have to pay a fee in order to be eligible to display the seal.

Supplementing the Supplements

In addition to considering supplements, there are several things you can do at home to support your dog’s joint health.

  • Diet– Keeping your dog at an ideal weight can help relieve the stress on their joints. Talk to your vet about how much you are feeding (remember, treats count too!).
  • Exercise– Make sure your dog is active every day. “Daily gentle exercise is very helpful for joints while keeping constant high-impact activities to a minimum,” says Chimes. “For example, don’t let your dog chase the ball repeatedly every day, as this can strain the joints and lead to an earlier onset of arthritis.” Instead, try a mix of walking, swimming, and occasional ball or Frisbee chasing.
  • Massage– Gently massage your dog’s sore spots, like knees and hips. Talk to your vet about whether heating pads or ice packs might also help.
  • Use beds and ramps– Considerorthopedic dog bedsfor nap-time comfort and trydog stairs–or better yet, ramps–so your pup won’t have to vault on and off the bed or in and out of the car.
FAQ
  • When should you start joint supplements for dogs?

    You don’t have to wait until your dog has achy joints to start joint supplements. “If supplements are going to help, it’s best to start them early in the course of the joint disease before irreparable joint damage has occurred,” veterinarian Lisa Chimes told The Spruce Pets. Talk to your veterinarian and follow the dosage directions on the package for your dog’s weight.

  • Are joint supplements safe? Do they have side effects?

    Supplements can have different effects depending on your dog’s reaction to the active and inactive ingredients. “Each supplement should be looked at individually, and you should discuss your dog’s joint disease and other health conditions with your vet,” says Chimes. “Some supplements can have side effects such as weight gain and gastrointestinal upset, especially at higher doses, which is another reason why your vet should be consulted.”

  • Can a dog overdose on joint supplements?

    As with medications, your dog can overdose on supplements too. “This can occur when animals are given a combination of supplements and prescription diets, as there is sometimes overlap with particular ingredients,” Chimes says. “Your vet will be able to calculate the doses of supplements required for your dog, taking into account their diet, medications, and health status.”

Why Trust The Spruce Pets

To find the best joint supplements for dogs, we researched brands based on active and inactive ingredients, flavors, dosage, and user reviews. We also consulted owners, veterinarians, and fosters about if they give their dog supplements and what they look for..

This article was researched and written byMary Jo DiLonardowho has covered animals and pets for several decades. Mary Jo has fostered more than 60 dogs and puppies and has a senior rescue dog of her own. She has just started to give supplements to her aging BFF and is very concerned about ingredients and side effects. Mary Jo is always searching for the healthiest and most effective products to use with them such asbest dog treatsandbest dog supplements.

The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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