Aging is an inevitable phase of every living being’s lifecycle, and dogs are no exception. Joint supplements are the best bet to maintain your fur baby’s joint health and make it comfortable while in motion. This article helps you find the best joint supplements for your pet.
As your dog ages, joint pain and hesitation in mobility are common conditions. The cartilage between their bones and joints starts to deteriorate.
Osteoarthritis (OA), or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), is common in senior and large dog breeds.
Did you know?
Osteoarthritis affects 80% of dogs older than 8 and 35% of all ages.
The cartilage is a muscular connective tissue between bones and joints. It allows joints to move smoothly, helping four-legged furry pals walk in their full range of motion.
However, osteoarthritis starts breaking down these connective tissues due to age, injury, stress, or disease. This results in pain and inflammation, slowing down the range of motion in dogs.
You can alleviate joint pain and discomfort in your pet by incorporating joint supplements into the diet. These supplements help provide lubrication in joints. What is essential is to choose the right supplements with the right ingredients to experience a noticeable change and satisfying comfort in your pet.
This article lists some of the best joint supplements for dogs that improve their joint health and help them move smoothly and freely.
How to Choose the Right Dog Joint Supplements?
Here are the factors you must consider while choosing the right dog joint supplements:
1. Ingredients
These supplements combine ingredients to maintain joint health and reduce pain and discomfort. Hence, look for the following ingredients when buying supplements for your pet:
2. Glucosamine Hydrochloride
Glucosamine hydrochloride protects the cartilage, prevents it from breaking down further, and produces new ones, helping lubricate your pet’s joints.
In addition, it has proved to be safe for long-term use. There are no side effects. You can feed glucosamine to your pup at 8 weeks old or more. However, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian for feeding instructions.
3. Chondroitin Sulfate
This ingredient lubricates joints, absorbs shock, and maintains the tissues that line the joints. It promotes the production of cartilage components.
Glucosamine hydrochloride often accompanies chondroitin sulfate. Together they help prevent cartilage destruction in joints and alleviate pain and inflammation.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oils)
Besides joint health, Omega-3 fatty acids promote your pet’s heart, skin, and coat health. Fish oils are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Many food items contain fish oils, treats, diet foods, and supplements. These oils reduce inflammation and stop the production of enzymes causing the breakdown of cartilage.
5. Green-Lipped Mussels (GLM)
The extract of GML has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the inflammation of joints. It is also a rich source of vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, and minerals, promoting healthy skin, proper organ function, and disease prevention.
6. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
Packed with both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, methylsulfonylmethane is a naturally occurring element. It flushes out all waste from cells, allowing vitamins and minerals to get absorbed. This helps prevent diseases and strengthens joints. Additionally, MSM acts as a natural pain reliever.
Besides the above-listed ones, other ingredients that help promote joint health, relieve discomfort, and enhance mobility in your pet include hyaluronic acid, turmeric, CBD oil, Boswellia serrata, and hemp extract.
7. Type
Supplements are available in different forms. Many come from chewy bites like dog treats, tablets, and liquid or syrup. You can opt for tablets and syrup and incorporate them into your pet’s food, as many dogs do not enjoy supplements when fed directly.
8. Flavor
Flavors make joint supplements enticing to your pet. They make them less resemble medicines. As protein is the prominent flavor, choose the one your fur baby loves – duck, chicken, beef, salmon, etc.
Symptoms of Joint Pain in Dogs
Prevention is always better than cure. So, incorporate joint supplements into your pet’s diet to avoid the condition of osteoarthritis.
Here are some symptoms that indicate joint pain in dogs:
- Losing footing, slipping during walks, or stumbling.
- Limping or lameness.
- Stiffness and swelling in joints,
- Difficulty in getting up and lying down.
- Not able to jump.
- Trouble while climbing stairs.
Best Joint Supplements for Dogs
1. Zesty Paws Mobility Bites
- Product Ratings: 4.5/5
- Price: $28 (90 counts), $56 (180 counts)
- Key Ingredients: Glucosamine HCl (Shellfish Source) OptiMSM® (Methylsulfonylmethane) Flaxseed Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) Chondroitin Sulfate (Shellfish Source) Yucca Schidigera Extract D-Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Kelp
These are soft, chewy bites promoting joint and hip health in small, medium, and large dog breeds. It is packed with OptiMSM, a premium form of MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), that carries out the distillation process and flushes out toxins from your pet’s body.
Also, the presence of Glucosamine Hydrochloride and Chondroitin Sulfate protects the cartilage from breaking down, ensures new cartilage growth and the resilience of connective tissues, and provides lubrication.
Packed with Vitamin C and E, these chewy bites are the best bet for connective tissue formation and the normal functioning of joints and hips.
Besides nutritional benefits, these bites are flavorful and tasty. They are available in four flavors – Bacon, Chicken, Duck, Beef & Bacon. Hence, pet parents can enjoy peace of mind while spoiling their pups with special treatment and the flavor it loves.
You can buy this product from Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart.
2. PetHonesty Hip & Joint Health
- Product Ratings: 4.4/5
- Price: $39.99 (90 counts)
- Key Ingredients: Turmeric, Glucosamine HCI, Performsm, Chondroitin Sulfate, Carrot, Sweet Potato, & Tomato.
This is one of the best hip and joint supplements for dogs. These soft chews from PetHonesty promote healthy joints, boost mobility, and support normal inflammatory response. The higher concentration of active ingredients makes these chews long-lasting, retaining their freshness.
Additionally, they are packed with premium-quality, gentle, and natural ingredients. There are no harsh components – preservatives, corn, soy, or other chemical ingredients. Hence, no side effects.
They contain all essential-essential ingredients required to maintain joint and hip health, including glucosamine HCL, MSM, turmeric, green-lipped mussel, and organic hemp oil. These ingredients reduce discomfort, pain, and inflammation and improve mobility. Also, they help develop connective tissues and support cartilage.
More interestingly, these chews blend vegetables – carrots, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes. They also contain antioxidants like an eggshell, organic turmeric, and Yucca Schidigera. Chicken, Duck, and Bacon are three available flavors.
Furthermore, you can sigh in relief while feeding your pet these chews. PetHonesty is a member of NASC. This means it provides products that are premium quality and meet compliance standards.
You can buy this product from Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart.
3. Vet’s Best Aspirin Free Aches + Pains Dog Supplement
- Product Ratings: 4.4/5
- Price: $10.99 (50 counts)
- Key Ingredients: Glucosamine HCL (Shellfish), Bromelain (600 GDU), Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), White Willow Bark Extract, and Yucca (Shidigera) Root.
These veterinarian-recommended Aches + Pains dog tablets suit all dog sizes and breeds. Plant-based and premium-quality ingredients make these tablets an all-natural solution. They are best to relieve joint, hip, and muscle aches and discomfort caused due to normal daily activities or regular exercise.
Glucosamine HCL and MSM ensure healthy joints, provide enough lubrication, no cartilage breakage, and foster connective tissue development. Pineapple bromelain and white willow bark have anti-inflammatory properties and provide comfort for sore and stiff joints and muscles.
There is no question about the quality of these tablets, as each bottle is National Animal Supplement Council (NASC)-quality sealed.
You can buy this product from Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart.
4. VETRISCIENCE Glycoflex 3 Maximum Strength Hip and Joint Supplement
- Product Ratings: 4.6/5
- Price: $43.50 (120 counts)
- Key Ingredients: Perna canaliculus, glucosamine, MSM, DMG, grape seed extract, and L-glutathione.
The product has been vet-recommended and highly trusted for over 40 years and comes in the form of soft chews and provides maximum strength to your pet’s joints and hips. It is clinically proven that Glycoflex 3 can improve the hind leg strength in dogs by up to 41% in just 3 to 4 weeks.
Surprisingly, the product blends 11 active ingredients, including Perna canaliculus, glucosamine, MSM, DMG, grape seed extract, and L-glutathione.
- Perna canaliculus is a rich source of fatty acids and amino acids that help maintain connective tissues healthy.
- Glucosamine boosts cartilage repair by producing glycosaminoglycans. Also, it supports bladder and UT health.
- MSM, a natural sulfur, ensures enhanced comfort, mobility, and collagen production.
- Finally, DMG acts as an antioxidant, which improves oxygen utilization and energy levels.
These bite-sized chews are available in four flavors – Chicken, Duck, Bacon, and Peanut Butter. At VetriScience Laboratories, veterinarians specially formulate these chews with great care.
You can buy this product from Amazon and Walmart.
5. The Missing Link Hip & Joint Powder Supplement
- Product Ratings: 4.7/5
- Price: $24.40 (1-lb bag)
- Key Ingredients: Alfalfa, Barley Grass, Beef Liver, Carrot, Lecithin, Molasses, Natural Flavoring, Oyster, Salmon, Soy Lecithin, Sunflower Seed.
A perfect nutritional boost for your fur baby, this powdered supplement is the most effective way to provide your pup with fresh ingredients. The patented cold manufacturing technology retains the nutritional value of ingredients.
This veterinarian-formulated powered solution is free from all artificial and GMO ingredients. It blends essential Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, dietary fiber, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM & Hyaluronic Acid.
These non-GMO ingredients nourish your pet’s joints, provide lubrication, and promote skin, heart, and coat health. They improve mobility and flexibility by fostering the development of healthy cartilage.
More interestingly, this solution contains probiotics that facilitate absorbing the vitamins and minerals these ingredients provide. Overall, it’s an excellent option for joint pain supplements.
You can buy this product from Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart.
6. VetIQ Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs
- Product Ratings: 4.6/5
- Price: $13.98 (90 counts)
- Key Ingredients: Glucosamine HCL, Fish Oil, Krill, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Vitamin E, Manganese, Grape Seed Extract, and Hyaluronic Acid.
These vet-recommended chews are ideal for adult and senior dogs. They ease joint stiffness and soreness caused by regular exercise and daily activities.
The presence of glucosamine lubricates joints, making it easy for your pooch to move swiftly. Other ingredients, such as MSM, antioxidants, fish oils, and omega-3 fatty acids, support cartilage growth and connective tissues.
Bite-sized, chicken-flavored chews (pellets) ensure your pet loves them and is willing to consume supplements without coaxing.
You can buy this product from Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart.
7. Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Joint Health Supplement
- Product Ratings: 4.7/5
- Price: $83.99 (150 counts)
- Key Ingredients: Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables, MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), Boswellia Serrate Extract, and Green Tea Extract.
Dasuquin tops the list of the best joint health supplement brands. It is the #1 veterinarian-recommended brand. Supplements from this brand are formulated at Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences. They use premium-quality ingredients to ensure your pet’s safety.
The combination of glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin sulfate, and avocado/soybean unsaponifiable (ASU) support and promote your pet’s joint health.
This supplement comes in soft chews and tablets for small and large dog breeds. It inhibits enzymes that break down cartilage and support cartilage matrix production.
You can buy this product from Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart.
8. Nutramax Cosequin Joint Health Supplement for Dogs
- Product Ratings: 4.7/5
- Price: $39.99 (120 counts)
- Key Ingredients: Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Glucosamine, and Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate.
These soft chews are yet another supplement from Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences. Cosequin is also among the vet-recommended retail supplement brands. Hence, the product is top-notch, ensuring your pet consumes premium-quality supplements.
The product is a perfect blend of all-essential ingredients for healthy joints and cartilage – glucosamine hydrochloride, sodium chondroitin sulfate, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Besides, the goodness of omega-3 fatty acids promotes heart, skin, and coat health.
You can opt for this product for dogs of all life stages and breeds.
You can buy this product from Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart.
9. PetNC Natural Care Hip and Joint Soft Chews for Dogs
- Product Ratings: 4.5/5
- Price: $9.99 (90 counts)
- Key Ingredients: Glucosamine HCl (Shellfish), Chondroitin Sulfate (Porcine), Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Manganese (Gluconate), and Hyaluronic Acid.
These hip and joint soft chews, ideal for pups and adults, are packed with human-grade, wholesome ingredients. They follow NASC’s (National Animal Supplement Council) highest safety standards.
If your pet has conditions like arthritis or dysplasia, these chews are extremely helpful as they provide joint protection. Your fur baby will undoubtedly adore the liver-flavored taste.
Other joint and cartilage health-promoting ingredients include hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. Besides, the goodness of Vitamin C provides the essence of antioxidants and manganese for bone health.
You can buy this product from Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart.
10. Liquid-Vet K9 Hip & Joint Advanced Formula
- Product Ratings: 4.5/5
- Price: $13.99 (8-oz)
- Key Ingredients: Glucosamine Sulfate (shellfish), Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Hyaluronic Acid Sodium, and Chondroitin Sulfate.
This liquid supplement is formulated with US-sourced, premium-quality wholesome ingredients, ensuring maximum safety. It is suitable for dogs of all life stages to relieve occasional stiffness and joint pain.
You get this product in three flavors – Bacon, Chicken, and Pot Roast. Additionally, an unflavored product is available. Glucosamine, MSM, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin ensure joint and cartilage health and lubrication.
You can buy this product from Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart.
Maintain Your Pooch’s Joint Health with These Supplements!
These were our pawsome picks for dog joint supplements. To avoid the condition of osteoarthritis, it is better to incorporate these supplements into your pet’s diet.
They contain glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM ingredients that promote joint and cartilage health and alleviate pain and discomfort. While many of the above products are soft chews, some are available as tablets, pellets, and even liquids.
If your pet is allergic to specific ingredients, check the product label for ingredients or consult your veterinarian. What matters the most is your fur baby’s health.
Happy Paw-renting!
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