Original Article: https://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/best-joint-supplements-for-dogs

If you have a dog with joint issues, like hip dysplasia or arthritis, then a joint supplement can help improve your dog’s quality of life by supporting the joints. If your dog has no joint problems, a joint supplement can help keep the joints healthy, although it’s not guaranteed. It’s important to talk to your dog’s vet before you begin any supplements, but these reviews will help you find some of the best products that may work to support your dog’s joint health.

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The 12 Best Joint Supplements for Dogs

1. VetriScience GlycoFlex Stage III Soft Chews – Best Overall

The best overall joint supplement for dogs is the VetriScience GlycoFlex Stage III Soft Chews. These are the most potent of the GlycoFlex line and are ideal for dogs who have already developed hip dysplasia and other joint disorders. These chews contain 1,000 mg of glucosamine and MSM per dose, and although chondroitin is not an active ingredient in this product, it does contain green-lipped mussels, which are a good source of chondroitin. These soft chews are chicken-flavored and highly palatable. This formula was developed by veterinarians and is veterinarian recommended. For large dogs, these chews sell for a premium price, but they are quite affordable for small dogs.

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2. VetIQ Maximum Strength Hip & Joint Soft Chews – Best Value

The VetIQ Maximum Strength Hip & Joint Soft Chews are the best joint supplements for dogs for the money. These soft chews contain 600 mg of glucosamine and 210 mg of MSM. They have a palatable chicken flavor and are a good source of hyaluronic acid and omega-3 fatty acids. These budget-friendly chews are available in two package sizes. They are made in the US with high-quality ingredients like krill and fish oil. They are harder than many other soft chews and dry out quickly once opened, so they may be difficult to manage for dogs with chewing difficulties.

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3. Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Plus MSM Chewable Tablets – Premium Choice

The Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Plus MSM Chewable Tablets are the top premium pick for dog joint supplements. These chews are available in five bottle sizes up to 750 chews. Each serving contains 600 mg of glucosamine, 300 mg of chondroitin, and 250 mg of MSM. They are flavored with brewers’ yeast, which is palatable to most dogs. The active ingredients in these chews are in a bioavailable form, ensuring your dog gets the maximum benefit from every dose. These chewable tablets can be offered straight, broken into pieces hidden in treats, or crumbled over your dog’s food. They are made in the USA.

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4. Zesty Paws Core Elements Mobility Soft Chews

The Zesty Paws Core Elements Mobility Soft Chews are duck-flavored soft chews that contain 450 mg of glucosamine, 125 mg of chondroitin, and 400 mg of MSM per dose. The MSM in these chews is OptiMSM, which is a premium and highly digestible form of MSM. These chews are available in three package sizes, and they are small and soft enough for small dogs. They are free of grains, corn, and soy and are made in the US. They contain palm oil, but the palm oil is sustainably sourced. Some people report their picky dogs not finding these treats as palatable as other options.

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5. Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews

The Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews is another veterinarian-formulated and recommended Nutramax product. They contain 900 mg of glucosamine, 350 mg of chondroitin, and 800 mg of MSM per dose. They contain palatable ingredients, like avocado fats and green tea extract. They’re available in four package sizes and are formulated with large dogs in mind. They’re made in the USA, and these joint chews are soft and easy to eat, although they come at a premium price. When giving two chews per day, the manufacturer recommends splitting the dose to chew twice daily instead of two chews once daily.

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6. PetHonesty Advanced Hip + Joint Soft Chews

The PetHonesty Advanced Hip + Joint Soft Chews are chicken-flavored chews available in two package sizes. Each dose contains 625 mg of glucosamine, 210 mg of chondroitin, and 325 mg of MSM in PurforMSM, which is high quality and bioavailable. They are also a good source of biotin and nutrient-dense ingredients, like carrots and sweet potatoes. They are soft enough for dogs with chewing difficulties, but some people feel that picky dogs don’t find these palatable. They are made in the US and are more budget-friendly than some of the other joint supplement options.

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7. The Missing Link Ultimate Canine Hip & Joint Formula

The Missing Link Ultimate Canine Hip & Joint Formula is a powder supplement that can be sprinkled over your dog’s food. Each dose contains 400 mg of glucosamine and ingredients like ground flaxseed and freeze-dried beef liver. It’s a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and contains ingredients that help support cardiac health. It is available in two package sizes. All ingredients are sourced in the US and Canada, and this product is veterinarian formulated. Some dogs don’t seem to find this supplement palatable, and it’s not a good option for those that won’t eat things sprinkled on their food. It does sell for a premium price.

 

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8. Joint MAX Triple Strength Hypo-Allergenic Granules

The Joint MAX Triple Strength Hypo-Allergenic Granules is the best joint supplement for dogs with food sensitivities because it contains no protein sources, soy, wheat, or corn. Each dose contains 1,000 mg of glucosamine, 100 mg of chondroitin, and 600 mg of MSM, as well as omega fatty acids and antioxidants. It is easy to dose and can be sprinkled over your dog’s food. It’s manufactured in the US and is a veterinarian-recommended product. It’s only available in one package size and does sell for a premium price. This product does have a strong smell that many people report finding unappealing, but most dogs seem to find it palatable.

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9. LubriSyn HA Hyaluronic Acid Horse & Pet Joint Supplement

The LubriSyn HA Hyaluronic Acid Horse & Pet Joint Supplement is a good option for preventing joint problems or early joint issues. It contains no glucosamine, chondroitin, or MSM but is a great source of hyaluronic acid, which works to cushion the joints. It’s easy to digest and is bioavailable. It’s formulated and recommended by veterinarians and can show improvements in as little as 7–14 days. It’s available in five bottle sizes and is an easy-to-dose liquid that is colorless, flavorless, and odorless, making it a good option for picky pets.

This is a premium-priced product, although a single purchase should last long for a dog since it is formulated with horses in mind. This product will likely show little improvement for dogs with moderate to severe joint problems.

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10. Super Snouts Joint Power Green-Lipped Mussel for Dogs & Cats

The Super Snouts Joint Power Green-Lipped Mussel for Dogs & Cats is a powder supplement containing only stabilized, freeze-dried, ground green-lipped mussels. This supplement is a good source of natural chondroitin, omega fatty acids, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids. It’s bioavailable, palatable, and easy to dose. This product has a strong, fishy smell, which many people find unpleasant. This is not a good option for moderate to severe joint conditions since it lacks glucosamine and MSM. This budget-friendly supplement is a good option for dogs with no joint or mild joint conditions.

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11. Synovi G4 Soft Chews

The Synovi G4 Soft Chews contain 450 mg of glucosamine and 400 mg of MSM per dose, as well as containing natural chondroitin from green lipped mussels. It contains turmeric to help relieve inflammation. These chicken-flavored soft chews are available in three package sizes but sell for a premium price. They are more crumbly than most soft chews, making feeding them messy and difficult. These may not be a good option for picky dogs as they may not be palatable to them. They are not ideal for severe joint issues due to their low concentration of active ingredients.

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12. Liquid Health Pets Original K9 Glucosamine Hip & Joint Formula

The Liquid Health Pets Original K9 Glucosamine Hip & Joint Formula is a liquid supplement that contains 1,600 mg of glucosamine, 1,200 mg of chondroitin, and 1,000 mg of MSM per dose. It’s flavorless and uses bioavailable MSM in OptiMSM form. It’s available in three bottle sizes and is a good source of hyaluronic acid. Once opened, this product should be kept refrigerated, and it needs to be shaken before each use. This product sells at a premium price and is not a good option for picky dogs due to low palatability, although it is made to be flavorless.

Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Joint Supplements for Dogs

Why do the ingredients and concentrations of each active ingredient in joint supplements matter? The active ingredients ensure your dog is getting the maximum benefit from the product by providing a form of the ingredient that can be absorbed and used by the body when consumed. Here are some of the most important active ingredients in joint supplements and why they’re so important.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is an ingredient used within the body as one of the building blocks of the musculoskeletal system. Specifically, glucosamine can be metabolized within the body to create other chemicals needed to heal and grow tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and synovial fluid, which is the fluid that cushions the joints.

Chondroitin

Chondroitin is also an ingredient the body can use to support the musculoskeletal system. However, it specifically works to support and lubricate the cartilage in the body. Cartilage is important because it cushions the ends of the bones, protecting them and the soft tissues from damage due to friction.

MSM

MSM is the acronym for methylsulfonylmethane, which can be used for various purposes to support the overall health and well-being of the musculoskeletal system. MSM primarily functions as an anti-inflammatory, making it a good option for arthritis support and healing post-surgery.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is one of the components present in synovial fluid. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can even support cell development and tissue growth, making it a good option for healing post-surgery.

Omega Fatty Acids

Omega fatty acids are rich compounds present in things like fish oil, flaxseeds, and kelp. They can support the joints by reducing inflammation and irritation through improving blood flow.

Conclusion

It is important not to just take the word of these reviews before starting your dog on a joint supplement. All new supplements should be discussed with your dog’s vet to ensure they are safe and effective for your dog. The best overall joint supplement for dogs is the VetriScience GlycoFlex Stage III Soft Chews, which are veterinarian-recommended and beneficial for dogs with moderate to severe joint diseases. For tight budgets, the VetIQ Maximum Strength Hip & Joint Soft Chews are a great alternative with effective ingredients.

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Featured Image Credit: ALPA PROD, Shutterstock

Source: Dogster