Love, nutrition, and physical activity remain the essentials in daily care for your little ones, but, as they grow old, dogs just as humans start having some special needs.
For instance, are you familiar with arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic, degenerative, inflammatory condition that affects joints, causing their degradation. Unfortunately, the appearance of osteoarthritis in dogs is highly frequent, and it can even lead to a complete loss of mobility.
As there is no cure to this condition, the prevalence is of crucial importance.
So what can you do?
Besides keeping your dog fit and active, you can also include joint supplements in their diet, as the studies have shown they have some beneficial effects. Aside from preventing the development of this condition, joint supplements have even, to some degree, proven efficient in decreasing the severeness of the symptoms.
In the following text, we have selected the six best joint supplements for dogs, based on scientific information available and actual experiences of dog owners.
So, wait no more, but learn how to bring the care for your best little friend to the very maximum!
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Top 3 Recommendations
Before we dive deep into the matter, here are the top 3 recommendations we found with the customer ratings and the price, so you can create a general picture on this subject, before scrutinizing our detailed reviews.
Reviews of the Best Hip and Joint Supplements for Dogs
The first product to review in this article will be the absolute hero of the joint supplements, our number one choice in the prevalence and treatment of joints malfunctions- Ruff Hero Glucosamine Chondroitin Joint Supplement.
What makes this product so great?
First of all, this natural mobility supplement has specially formulated ingredients that are recommended by veterinarians for the treatment and reinforcement of joint strength and the inherent mobility of your little friends.
The formula includes glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, the front line fighters against osteoarthritis and joint pain, plus organic turmeric, organic hemp seed meal, organic black pepper extract, calcium, and seventy-four more minerals.
Namely, this formula includes 400 mg of glucosamine, 200 mg of chondroitin, and 100 mg of MSM. If we compare this dosage to the other leading products on the market, the ratio is around 4:1 in favor of Ruff Hero Glucosamine Chondroitin Joint Supplement. So, our top pick has four times more concentrated formula than other leading products on the market.
On the other hand, don't be deceived by a higher percentage of glucosamine in other products, as if you check other ingredients, they are present in a deficient portion, making our top pick still more efficient than the competing supplements.
As you may read in our buyer's guide, glucosamine and chondroitin are the building elements of cartilage, and orally consumed can prevent the cartilage damage, improve the joint's strength, and relieve pain swelling and stiffness in the joints.
MSM (Methyl-sulfonyl-methane) is a natural sulfur source that has proven beneficial in decreasing the arthritic pain, mobility discomfort and reducing the inflammation.
Additionally, organic turmeric reduces pain, stiffness, and inflammation along with organic black pepper that also has analgesic properties, alleviating pain, and reducing the swelling. When you add organic hemp seed meal to this formula, your dog's diet becomes enriched with proteins, essential amino acids, and correctly balanced ratio of Omega 3 fatty acids and Omega 6 fatty acid, responsible for healthy skin, heart, and hair.
Now, for a long time, dogs have refused to take glucosamine and chondroitin orally because they have been produced in the form of tablets and capsules. Contrary to other products, Ruff Hero Glucosamine Chondroitin Joint Supplement comes in the form of soft chewable treats that customers claim dogs adore, and due to delicious chicken flavor, they won't say no to it.
Moreover, they are produced in the USA with the proprietary cold-extruded process that preserves freshness and all beneficial nutrients, enhancing the utilization in the organism.
This is not all! Our top pick has no fillers that may upset your dog's stomach, such as GMO additives, soy, palm, canola, corn, everything is organic and adjusted to the needs of your pet.
- 4x higher concentration of glucosamine and chondroitin
- Soft chewable treats
- Chicken flavor
- Cold-extruded process
- NO fillers
- Enriched with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Reduces joint pain and inflammation
- Not for dogs allergic to shellfish
- Sugar-based
Our second choice is another excellent product among the best dog supplements for joints, fulfilling three crucial requirements: veterinarian recommended, natural origin, safe and effective.
Again this supplement is formulated on the basis of glucosamine and chondroitin with the addition of the MSM, but this time in a different concentration than our top pick.
The principal ingredient of the Joint Care Soft Chew supplement is glucosamine, in the form of glucosamine hydrochloride with a concentration of 500 mg. Furthermore, the formula includes 400g of MSM and 75g of chondroitin sulfate.
These three are the most responsible for the anti-inflammatory and protective effect on the joints as the glucosamine repairs cartilage, decreases pain levels, and stiffness along with the chondroitin. MSM in this concentration works well as an antioxidant and cell rejuvenator while also helping with the joints pain.
As for the other ingredients, this supplement also has EPA, DHA, vitamin E, and macrogol. Now, EPA contributes to the healthy functioning of the heart, kidneys and prevents skin and joint inflammation; vitamin E is essential for muscles and circulation. It also helps in injury healing along with macrogol that primarily repairs the nerves and spinal injuries.
It is vital that this joint supplement is flavored in accordance with the proprietary Yumology Pet Flavoring System, guaranteeing your dog will love it! Plus, it also comes in the form of soft chews so that you can add it to your dog's diet as any other treats.
Finally, many customers claimed the 100% success in including this supplement into their dog's diet with visible beneficial effects.
- Best glucosamine for dogs concentration
- Soft chews
- Helps with joint inflammation
- Yumology Pet Flavoring guarantee
- High MSM concentration
- Veterinarian recommended
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Our next best dog joint supplements are the top seller supplements on Amazon with more than 9000 positive customer reviews; veterinarian recommended and suitable for dogs of all sizes.
Ever since 1992, Cosequin supplements have been used in animals to prevent joint malfunctions and support normal mobility. Peer-reviewed, controlled veterinary studies have proven Cosequin supplements to be safe, effective, and absorbable in animals, which is why this brand became one of the primary recommendations of veterinarians.
The formula includes 600mg of glucosamine hydrochloride, 300 mg of Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, and 250 mg of Methylsulfonylmethane. Furthermore, the supplements have 5mg of Manganese that has shown positive effects on osteoarthritic pain when combined with glucosamine and chondroitin.
As we have mentioned, omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy heart, skin, and hair, which is why this formula also has 40 mg of a proprietary blend of marine lipids as a source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Don't worry about the quality, as this product is manufactured in the USA with only the best, high-quality ingredients, globally sourced.
The one negative aspect of this supplement is the tablets form, as dogs seldom refuse to take any dietary supplement in this form.
- USA manufacturing
- Veterinarian recommended
- A high concentration of active ingredients
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Manganese
- Tablets
What we have next is a powerful blend of ingredients packed in 225 Soft Chews and chicken-favoured to provide the super delicious treat for your fluffy friend. Doggie Dailies is a renowned US-based manufacturer producing dog supplements since 1991. focused on improving and continuously perfecting the formula of their products.
Once again, the three main active ingredients of these joint supplements for dogs are glucosamine (100mg), chondroitin (50mg), and MSM (100mg). Additionally, what differentiates these supplements from the other products is the addition of Yucca Schidigera, hyaluronic acid, and coenzyme Q10.
Yucca Schidigera is a medicinal plant found in the South-Western United States, proven to have excellent anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it highly beneficial for relieving the hip and joint pain and helping with arthritis.
Next off, hyaluronic acid is another principal constituent of joint fluid, increasing the thickness of the cushion between bones and enabling normal mobility.
CoQ10, as one of the essential antioxidants for dogs, supports the healthy functioning of heart and kidneys while increasing the energy levels.
Every batch of these tasty treats is independently tested in an FDA-registered and GMP compliant facility, packed in MPA-free jars with only the highest-quality ingredients.
- Reinforced formula
- Includes CoQ10 and Hyaluronic acid
- Yucca Schidigera
- Soft chewing treats
- Chicken flavor
- Tested
- Low concentration of active ingredients
Here we have another veterinarian formulated, best supplement for dogs joints, made in the USA with human-grade ingredients and laboratory tested for safe usage.
These supplements also come in soft chew form, being thus easy to consume without applying force from the side of pet owners or tricking your dog into taking them.
Furthermore, again the main active constituent of these supplements is glucosamine for dogs, 250 mg of it with the addition of 100 mg of chondroitin sulfate, and 25 mg of MSM.
Also, this supplement for dogs also includes 2.5 mg of Manganese, 25mg of vitamin C, and 500mcg of hyaluronic acid. Vitamin C is the only ingredient we haven't talked about yet. And it serves as a potent antioxidant taking part in the formation of the cartilage.
When you combine the beneficial effects of all these ingredients, you get a highly efficient hip and joint supplement, providing support in maintaining the overall wellbeing of your pet.
PetNC Natural Care brand is a member of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), which means its products have the highest quality, safe for animal use, and built to promote their overall wellbeing and health.
- Soft chews
- Safe for use
- Excellent active ingredients
- Human-grade ingredients
- Vitamin C addition
- Low concentration of active ingredients
Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM is a multi-synergetic formula based on the combination of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables and best glucosamine and chondroitin compounds.
Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables are organic vegetable extracts, made from avocado and soybean oils. Recent studies have shed light on these components in terms of osteoarthritis treatments, as it has been noted that ASU inhibits cartilage degradation and improves its repair.
Now, Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM is an extremely potent formula consisting of 900 mg of glucosamine hydrochloride, 350 mg of sodium chondroitin sulfate, 90 mg of ASU powder, and 800 mg of MSM. As you can see, this is the most concentrated formula on the market; therefore, it is recommended to only larger dogs, while for small to medium dogs, Dasuqin formulated separate products with lower doses.
These supplements are made in soft chew form with a natural flavor that pet owners claim their dogs just love. Plus, they are available in two counts: 84 counts and 150 counts. Plus, you can find them in two different concentrations, specially formulated for small-to-medium dogs and large dogs.
What makes this supplement great is the upgraded formula that, contrary to other popular products, has the addition of Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables that, in combination with other ingredients, show better efficiency in the cartilage support and joint treatment.
- Veterinarian formula
- Extra concentrated
- ASU addition
- Tasty
- Easy chewable
- Safe
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Buyer's Guide: What You Need to Look for When Choosing the Best Joint Supplements for Dogs
As an engaged pet owner, you should always check what the supplements you are giving to your dog actually consist of. Sure, we all know vitamins and minerals are beneficial for health. Still, when you are trying to prevent some condition specifically, or improve the functioning of a particular organ, you should look for the substances that target the area accurately and efficiently.
So, let's learn a bit about the joint malfunctions first.
We mentioned that the most prominent disease affecting the joints in dogs is osteoarthritis.
So, osteoarthritis manifests through the loss of cartilage that serves as a protective cushion between the bones. Consequently, inflammation occurs, the porosity of the bones increases, and the mobility decreases, which leads to a significant downfall in your dog's lifestyle.
The cartilage in joints that we mentioned consists mainly of collagen fibers and proteoglycans. Furthermore, the primary component in proteoglycans is glucosamine compounds.
The study published in Cartilage, June 2011, and conducted on the University of Pennsylvania has proven that orally given glucosamine, in fact, may survive the digestive tract of a dog and be consumed by chondrocytes in joint cartilage having a potentially positive effect on proteoglycan biosynthesis.
Therefore, as the glucosamine potentially stimulates the synthesis of synovial fluid and slows the degradation of the cartilage down while improving its healing, it became a number one joints supplement for dogs.
Furthermore, glucosamine hydrochloride has proven to decrease the pain scores in treated dogs, which is essential for the dogs already diagnosed with osteoarthritis.
Additionally, another principal constituent of the cartilage is chondroitin sulfate. On that basis, this substance was tested in the treatment of osteoarthritis, both in humans and dogs. And it showed beneficial effects on patients' health, reducing the joints pain, and showing a significant synergistic effect with glucosamine sulfate.
Hence, this is another ingredient you should look for in the joint supplements for your dog.
Finally, studies have suggested that these substances solely may not be palatable for many dogs, probably due to their sweet taste, which is why you might want to look for customized supplements having added meat flavors.
Next off, MSM (Methyl-sulfonyl-methane) is another widely used component in the treatment of joint issues in dogs. It is an organic source of sulfur that has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which is why it helps with arthritic pain or joint inflammation that may appear.
Also, among the best joint supplements, you can find hyaluronic acid. Due to its water-retaining properties, this substance lubricates and strengthens the cushions between bones, preventing the porosity of the bones and decreasing the inflammation of the joints.
The last thing I would like to mention when it comes to joint supplements is that however beneficial and healthy they are, they do have some side effects as well. Therefore, apply them carefully and check your dog's breed and specific needs beforehand.
Namely, as glucosamine is a sugar-based substance, it can cause some complications in dogs with diabetes, so consult your veterinarian before you decide for these. Also, these substances are extracted from seashells; therefore, they may cause allergies. Furthermore, dogs with blood clotting problems or on blood thinners should not take chondroitin-based formulas.
Finally, some dogs may get diarrhea or stomach issues when consuming these supplements, but If you give them supplements with meals, these problems most probably won't happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Joint Supplements for Dogs Really Work?
The efficiency of joints supplements in the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs remains the everlasting dilemma in the circles of veterinary medicine.
However, beneficial effects of the best joint supplement for dogs are indisputable as dog owners themselves have claimed positive changes in their dogs' behavior, and studies backed up the positive results these substances have on joints.
When Should You Start Giving Your Dog Joint Supplements?
The age when you should begin to supplement your dog with joint nutrients depends a lot on the breed. It has been proven that some kinds of dogs have a higher tendency towards developing joint issues and arthritis.
We will provide a list of breeds in the risk of the early development of joint issues, and If your dog is on it, start as soon as your dog turns one year. If it is not, begin before the senior years, as prevention is of crucial importance here.
The list of breeds in the risk of developing early joint issues:
Conclusion
As we reflect on everything said by now, we realize there is nothing we could add to our informative story about joint supplements dogs need. Therefore, we can only take one final glance back on our best dog joint supplement review and once again remind you why to buy exactly this product. Ruff Hero Glucosamine and Chondroitin Joint Supplement are based on the combination of three essential active components that have proven remarkably efficient for joint issues in dogs: glucosamine then chondroitin, and MSM.
In fact, this is the best glucosamine chondroitin for dogs, as it contains four times more concentrated formula than competing products. It comes like the soft chewable treats with chicken flavor, so your dog won't resist them. They are veterinarians recommended for relieving arthritic pain and reducing inflammation, plus with omega fatty acids, they take good care of your dog's overall health.
- 4X MORE POWER: Upto 400% more Glucosamine and Chondroitin than some of the popular dog supplements. That means with those brands you would be paying four times more money to get the same amount of active ingredients than our chews.
- ADVANCED PAIN RELIEF: As a dog lover, you can't stand to see your pooch in pain. These dog glucosamine chews not only offer the most complete & powerful pain-relief formula we've found but also support your dog heart and digestive system because they're loaded with Omega 6, Coral Calcium, Black Pepper and 74+ Minerals, did we mention they're Yummy too?
- NO GMO & NO FILLERS that might cause allergies or upset your dog's digestive system like Cellulose, Soy, Corn, Palm or Canola. Instead, we added Organic Hemp Seed Meal that contains proteins, vitamins E, B & D3 and Iron to support your dog's cardiovascular system and to help maintain healthy skin and coat.
- MADE IN USA, this dog glucosamine supplement contains only the finest ingredients – including natural organics – manufactured with our proprietary cold-extruded process that preserves nutrients, vitamins and to boost effectiveness.
- PERFECT FOR MATURE & SENIOR DOGS: joint pain or mobility problems? our dog joint supplement was formulated by dog-health experts expressly to address these issues. Also recommended for healthy dogs as preventative to keep joints strong and remain active
Hey there, I’m Ruby Smith, founder of Pet So Fun, and I’m here to provide you with useful information about your precious pet. All pets deserve the best care, don’t they? But not all pet owners have access to the right products and tips for their pets. And the central core of my work here is to change that.