For us dog lovers, nothing is more painful to watch than our furry friends in pain due to poor joint health. This type of condition can even lead to a sharp pain even with the slightest movement, causing your dog to become agitated and sometimes aggressive.
Fortunately, such an issue can be remedied by using the best joint supplements for dogs. Although they can’t really cure such condition, they can provide great help in making sure your dog’s joint health is better than before. Pair them with the right dog food and dog vitamins, and you can certainly give your dog the nutrition and medicinal help he needs.
In this article, we’ve reviewed some of the well known joint supplements on the market so you can figure out which product is the right one for your pet. We’ve also included a quick buying guide to help you narrow down your search.
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Benefits of Joint Supplements
Older dogs are often victims of joint problems. Meanwhile, dogs who belong to large breeds are more prone to suffer from osteoarthritis and dysplasia. If left unattended, such problems can cause your dog to suffer in a lot of ways. Fortunately, these can be alleviated with the right joint supplements. But what exactly are their benefits?
They help to reduce pain
Joint problems can be quite painful, making it very hard for a suffering dog to move around. To remedy the issue, you can give your dog a joint supplement. The best thing about this is that compared to medications designed for pain relief, the use of joint supplements rarely leads to serious side effects.
They improve mobility
When your dog suffers from joint pain, he’ll have trouble with his mobility. In order to allow your dog to freely move around, giving him supplements that contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin helps, especially in the production of cartilage. As a result, he can get back to moving around without having to suffer from intense pain.
They can reduce inflammation
Apart from intense pain, joint problems can also cause inflammation. This causes your dog not just to suffer from pain but also be prone to further long-term damage. Fortunately, such can be avoided with a quality joint supplement.
Allow your dog to exercise
Due to reduced mobility, your dog won’t be able to get enough exercise, thereby leading only to even more problems, particularly excessive weight gain. By reducing the pain and discomfort he experiences, he can get back to exercising once again.
Improve his overall mood
Some dogs might experience depression due to the pain and limited movement brought about by joint problems. This can lead to behavioral problems which can only hamper with his recovery. By providing your dog with the right dog vitamins and supplementation, he can enjoy an improved mood and get back to enjoying life once more.
How to Choose the Best Joint Supplement for Dogs
It’s important to give your dog the right supplement to ensure faster and efficient recovery. That said, you need to know which factors to consider when looking for the right joint supplement. They are as follows:
Ingredients
Needless to say, the ingredients that make up a joint supplement is the most important factor you should take a look at. After all, they’ll be the one that will play a part in the recovery and improvement of your dog’s joint health.
For starters, you have to make sure that they are scientifically proven to be effective in dealing with your dog’s joint health. Also, they should be available in the right doses to be effective. There are actually a number of essential ingredients that a joint supplement should contain. These are the following:
Glucosamine
This is a chemical compound which aids in the production of ligaments, cartilages, and tendons. According to researchers, giving your dog supplements that contain glucosamine can help in the production of cartilages in his body, thereby aiding in his joint health.
Omega Fatty Acids
Another important ingredient comes in the form of omega fatty acids. These ingredients help in proper eye development, skin health, and brain function. However, omega fatty acids are mainly used for the reduction of joint inflammation which can help relieve pain due to dysplasia, osteoarthritis, or injuries.
Chondroitin Sulfate
This ingredient is one of the building blocks that make up some types of cartilages. By supplying your dog with additional chondroitin, he will be able to rebuild any damaged cartilages in his body more quickly and effectively.
That’s not all, as it can also serve to reduce any damage that might occur on your dog’s cartilages. Since its production will decline with age, it only makes sense to provide your older dog(s) with such supplementation.
Methylsulfonylmethane
Likewise known as MSM, this ingredient aims to relieve pain and prevent inflammation, making it useful in dealing with arthritis and other types of joint problems in both dogs and humans.
Ease of administration
Another thing to consider is how easy it would be to administer the supplement to your dog. After all, what’s the point of buying a supplement if your dog won’t even take it? Fortunately, a lot of supplements like fish oils for dogs readily come in chewable forms, making them easier to give to your dog. However, if he’s a picky eater, you have to make sure that the supplement comes in a flavor he will like.
Type of supplementation
Just like dog foods, joint supplements for dogs come in various types as well, each with its own pros and cons. They are as follows:
Tablets
The most common type, supplements in tablet form are ideal for finicky pets. You can just mix it along with his treat and expect him to swallow him up.
Liquids
If you’re having trouble getting your dog to take his supplementation, then a liquid supplement would offer a better choice. It’s designed to be poured over his food, and it even comes in a number of flavors so you can pick the one which suits your dog’s preferences. However, you have to make sure to provide your dog with the right dosage.
Chewables
This type of supplement is basically treats that contain the ingredients of a joint supplement. It’s normally available in a variety of natural flavors that will appeal to dogs.
Powders
Lastly, powder supplements work just like liquids in a way that they have to be mixed in with your dog’s food. However, they can be sort of a hit-or-miss, considering that there are some dogs who don’t like their taste or texture.
10 Best Joint Supplements for Dogs
Nutramax Cosequin DS Plus Chewable Tablets
One of the Best Glucosamines for Dogs
Nutramax Cosequin comes in chewable tablets that are capable of offering quick and amazing results. In fact, those who have tried administering it to their dogs were able to see some noticeable changes in their furry friends.
According to the manufacturer, you have to administer it to your dog for around 4-6 weeks and expect results in as early as a month and a half. However, there were some reports that it actually took only a week for the changes to appear.
That aside, it contains magnesium, glucosamine hydrochloride, and sodium chondroitin sulfate as its ingredients. These ingredients are designed to maintain optimal joint health and improve your dogs overall joint function.
Why We Like It:
- Comes in easy-to-administer chewables
- Can effectively reduce stiffness and inflammation on suffering dogs
- Can deliver results in just a month (weeks in other cases)
What We Don’t Like:
- Might be a bit too expensive compared to other products
Paws & Pals Glucosamine for Dogs
Effective Pain Reliever for Senior Dogs and Cats
Courtesy of Paws & Pals, this joint supplement is designed for senior dogs who suffer from hip and joint problems. Its formulation consists of a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are ideal for supporting your dog’s joints and tissues.
Aside from that, it also contains MSM and glucosamine which help reduce and prevent inflammation and maintain optimal joint health and functioning.
Why We Like It:
- Designed to prevent and reduce joint inflammation
- Consists of all-natural ingredients with no side effects
- Comes in chewable treats which your dog will love
What We Don’t Like:
- The smell might be a bit unpleasant for some dogs
Doggie Dailies Glucosamine for Dogs
Nutrient-Packed Supplement for Optimal Joint Health
This joint from Doggie Dailies features 6 active ingredients including chondroitin, glucosamine, MSM, hyaluronic acid, yucca schidigera, and co-enzyme q10. Aside from that, it also contains vitamins C and E, salmon oil, and omegas 3 and 6 for healthier coat and skin.
Although it’s marketed as a joint supplement, it actually works for dogs of all ages. It’s even produced with the help of cold-press extrusion which is designed to preserve the potency of the ingredients.
Why We Like It:
- Comes with 6 active ingredients for optimum effectiveness
- Can relieve your dog of joint pain brought on by aging, dysplasia, or arthritis
- Comes in 225 chicken-flavored treats
What We Don’t Like:
- It might take a while for you to see some noticeable results
Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Chewables
Made for Large Dogs Suffering from Arthritis
Another quality product from Nutramax, the Dasuquin works pretty much like Cosequin except that it features exceptional anti-osteoarthritis properties, making it the perfect choice for large dogs who are suffering from arthritis.
It’s formulated for dogs who weigh more than 60 pounds. Since the supplement comes in chewable form, administering it to your dog shouldn’t be that hard. That aside, it contains glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin as its active ingredients apart from avocado/soybean unsaponifiables to provide your dog with complete joint support.
Why We Like It:
- Ideal for use on dogs suffering from osteoarthritis
- Formulated for large dogs over 60 pounds
- Backed by 10 years of clinical research
What We Don’t Like:
- Quite expensive than the other brands
PetNC Natural Care Hip and Joint Soft Chews for Dogs
A Highly Affordable Solution to Your Dog’s Joint Problems
If you want to deal with your dog’s joint problems on a budget, then this product from PetNC has got you covered. It contains chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM as its active ingredients, thereby ensuring excellent joint support and mobility for your furry friend.
Due to its very affordable price, it certainly is the best choice for dog owners who can’t afford more expensive options. Albeit the very low price, you can surely rely on its reliability when it comes to dealing with your dog’s issues.
Why We Like It:
- Liver-flavored chewables which your dog may like
- Designed for excellent hip and joint support
- Very affordable price
What We Don’t Like:
- Some dogs might not like the chewables’ liver flavor
TerraMax Pro Best Hip and Joint Supplement
Effective and All-Natural Liquid Supplementation
If you’re having problems giving your dog supplements, then you might want to consider this supplementation from Terramax Pro which comes in liquid form. Consisting of glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin, this supplement works to provide maximum hip and joint support for your dog.
It also includes hyaluronic acid in its formulation to provide improved articular cushioning. Aside from joint and hip support, it can also help with skin problems, inflammation, and more.
Why We Like It:
- Contains hyaluronic acid which can maximize the effects of other ingredients
- Comes in liquid form for easy administering
- Can also deal with skin problems, stomach ailments, and incontinence
What We Don’t Like:
- Doesn’t come with a measuring cup which could lead to inconsistent dosages
VetriScience Laboratories – GlycoFlex
Perfect Supplementation for Smaller Dogs
If you need a supplement for your small dogs, then the GlycoFlex is no doubt the best choice. Since glucosamine supplements aren’t really one size fits all, looking for products that are intended for petite canines might come as a bit of a difficulty. Moreover, small dogs have different caloric needs, so their supplementation should also be designed to meet that aspect.
With its formulation, it can provide your dog with the right amount of MSM, chondroitin, and glucosamine which are all essential for optimal hip and joint support.
Why We Like It:
- Capable of increasing your dog’s hind leg strength by up to 41%
- Can deliver results in just as early as 4 weeks
- Designed for dogs of small breeds
What We Don’t Like:
- The treats might be too big for other smaller dogs
Extend – Joint Care for Dogs
100% Organic and Natural Supplementation
Made of 100% pure-grade ingredients, this glucosamine supplementation from Extend Pets is formulated to reverse the effects brought about by joint damage. Aside from that, it’s also capable of repairing your dog’s joints and cartilage, improving overall mobility, and offering joint support.
Lastly, it comes in a delicious beef flavor, making it ideal for dogs who are picky eaters.
Why We Like It:
- Contains MSM, glucosamine, type II chicken collagen, and ascorbic acid for optimal joint health
- Comes in tasty beef flavor which your dog may like
- Can be administered easily, either dry or mixed with water
What We Don’t Like:
- Some dogs might not like its beef flavor
Genuine Naturals Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs
Aside from MSM, chondroitin, and glucosamine, this supplement from Genuine Naturals comes with organic turmeric to provide your dog with superior joint support and function. Since it comes in chewables, it will be a lot easier to administer to your dog, especially if he dislikes taking tablets.
Why We Like It:
- Contains plenty of MSM and glucosamine
- Doesn’t come with any artificial ingredient
- Includes organic turmeric and other vitamins for effective pain relief
What We Don’t Like:
- Contains small amounts of chondroitin compared to the other brands
The Missing Link – Original Superfood Supplement
All Natural Omega-Rich Supplementation
Compared to the other brands on this list, the Missing Link supplement contains glucosamine and omega fatty acids as its main ingredients. Omega fatty acids serve as excellent antioxidants which can effectively reduce inflammation on your dog’s joints. That aside, this supplement contains more fat, protein, fiber, and moisture than its active ingredients.
Why We Like It:
- Specially formulated to serve as a complete-meal food
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals
- Includes natural ingredients essential for your dog’s health
What We Don’t Like:
- Only contains omega fatty acids and glucosamine as its active ingredients; no MSM or chondroitin present
FAQs
Q: What are the signs that your dog is suffering from joint problems?
A: Various joint problems can lead to different symptoms. However, most of the common symptoms you can notice are as follows:
- Limping
- Swelling
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Difficulty when climbing the stairs
- Bunny hopping
- Difficulty in getting up
You have to keep in mind that not all dogs will exhibit such symptoms when they’re suffering from joint problems. As such, it’s best to consult your vet if you find any irregularities in your dog’s movement.
Q: When should you start giving your dog glucosamine?
A: There’s no problem administering glucosamine to your dog at any age. However, just make sure to consult your vet first so he can advise you on the right dosage for your pet. Since glucosamine is a diet supplement, it doesn’t lead to any serious side effects and can even act as preventative for joint problems and arthritis.
Final Thoughts
Joint problems are normal among senior dogs. Fortunately, you can prevent your dog from suffering by administering him supplementations on a regular basis. Also, it’s possible to prevent the early symptoms of joint problems by referring to a detailed report and analysis brought on by a dog DNA test kit and following the advice with regards to your dog’s breed, diet, and other factors.