| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | PetHonesty Advanced Hip + Joint Supplement for Dogs |
| Best Variety of Flavors | Zesty Paws Hip & Joint Mobility Bites Duck Flavored Soft Chews Supplement for Dogs |
| Best Maximum Strength | Nutramax Cosequin Max Strength Joint Health Supplement for Dogs |
| Best Budget-Friendly | PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs |
| Best Powder | Wholistic Pet Organics Joint Mobility All-In-One Supplement |
| Best Clinical Nutrition | Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food |
| Best Liquid | Liquid-Vet Hip & Joint Support Chicken Flavored Liquid Joint Supplement for Dogs |
Joint pain is not only common for humans, but also for our canine companions. It can affect your dog’s quality of life and lead to serious conditions and injuries if left unchecked. Considering all the regular activities that your dog does, such as running, playing, and jumping, their joints endure frequent use and wear.
As a result, your dog may begin to experience degenerative joint problems. Additionally, some dog breeds, including some large and giant breeds, are more prone to developing serious, even debilitating, joint problems as they grow and age. Regardless of which scenario applies to your dog, or even if they’ve yet to show signs of joint pain, joint supplements are a great investment to help your best friend live a long, healthy, and pain-free life.Â
We’ve compiled a list of the best joint supplements available for your dog. It’s important that before beginning any new supplement you consult your veterinarian to make sure that whichever option you choose will be a safe and effective choice for your pup. This is particularly important if your dog takes any medications or other supplements.
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Contains glucosamine, turmeric, and MSM
- Steroid-free
- Veterinarian recommended
- Made with natural ingredients
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Comes in flavors like duck, bacon, and chicken
- Easily chewable
- Added vitamin C and vitamin E
- No artificial flavoring or preservatives
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Veterinarian-recommended
- Scientifically researched
- Comes in a soft tasty chew
- Includes omega-3 and MSM
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Very affordable option
- Contains human-grade ingredients
- Included MSM, vitamins, and minerals
- Veterinarian formulated
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Support increased mobility
- Certified organic ingredients
- Added antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals
- Contains no artificial ingredients or fillers
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Clinically proven to increase mobility
- Help maintain a healthy weight
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids for joint health
- Healthy blend of fiber-rich food
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Contains glucosamine
- Very tasty and easy option
- Comes in delicious flavors
- Suitable for all breeds
A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for Joint Supplements for Dogs
#1 Best Overall: Pet Honesty Advanced Hip + Joint Supplement for Dogs
Pet Honesty Advanced Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs is the #1 best overall joint supplement for dogs. It contains glucosamine, turmeric, and MSM, all of which help ease joint stiffness. Likewise, these ingredients enhance joint and bone health and support the development of cartilage, tissue, and synovial fluid. In addition, this formula is steroid-free, veterinarian-recommended, and made with natural and premium ingredients in the U.S. Plus, it has a delicious taste that most dogs love. For the price and quantity, this is a great choice to help support your dog’s mobility and joint health.
A few reviewers said that the turmeric scent was overwhelming that that their dogs wouldn’t eat these supplements.
Pros and Cons of Pet Honesty Advanced Hip + Joint Supplement for Dogs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| These joint supplements for dogs contain glucosamine, turmeric, and MSM to help ease joint stiffness. | A few reviewers said that the turmeric scent was overwhelming that that their dogs wouldn’t eat these supplements. |
| The ingredients in this formula enhance joint and bone health and support the development of cartilage, tissue, and synovial fluid. | |
| The recipe is steroid-free, veterinarian-recommended, and made with natural, premium ingredients in the U.S.. | |
| These supplements have a great taste that most dogs love. |
- Contains glucosamine, turmeric, and MSM
- Steroid-free
- Veterinarian recommended
- Made with natural ingredients
2. Best Variety of Flavors: Zesty Paws Mobility Bites Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs
Zesty Paws Mobility Bites Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs have a variety of flavors including duck, bacon, and chicken, so you’re sure to find a choice your dog will love. It is an easily chewable supplement with high-quality ingredients such as OptiMSM, a premium form of MSN that has undergone a purifying distillation process. Additionally, vitamin C and vitamin E are included to support connective tissue formation and joint function. Finally, it is free from grain, corn, and soy as well as artificial flavoring or preservatives.
Some pet parents reported that their dogs didn’t like these supplements.
Pros and Cons of Zesty Paws Mobility Bites Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The manufacturer makes these supplements in a variety of flavors. | Some pet parents reported that their dogs didn’t like these supplements. |
| They’re easy to chew and include high-quality ingredients such as OptiMSM, a premium form of MSM. | |
| Vitamins C and E support connective tissue formation and joint function. | |
| They’re free from grain, corn, soy, artificial flavoring, and preservatives. |
- Comes in flavors like duck, bacon, and chicken
- Easily chewable
- Added vitamin C and vitamin E
- No artificial flavoring or preservatives
3. Best Maximum Strength: Nutramax Cosequin Max Strength with MSM Plus Omega 3’s
Nutramax Cosequin Max Strength with MSM Plus Omega 3’s are the number one veterinarian-recommended supplements for dogs making them an excellent choice for your furry friend. First, it is a scientifically researched nutritional supplement formulated to meet a variety of needs. Second, it’s a soft tasty chew that includes omega-3 and MSM, which helps your dog maintain healthy joints as well as healthy skin and coat. Third, it is manufactured in the U.S. with high-quality globally sourced ingredients. Fourth, it is quality tested and can be used for dogs of all sizes. As a result, it is an ideal choice for long-term use and maintenance.
Some reviewers reported that these supplements “smell horrible.” Some buyers said that their dogs won’t eat these supplements.
Pros and Cons of Nutramax Cosequin Max Strength with MSM Plus Omega 3’s
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| These are the #1 veterinarian-recommended supplements for dogs. | Some reviewers reported that these supplements “smell horrible.” |
| These soft, tasty chews include omega-3 and MSM to help your dog maintain joint, skin, and coat health. | Some buyers said that their dogs won’t eat these supplements. |
| They’re made in the U.S. with quality globally sourced ingredients. | |
| They’re appropriate for dogs of all sizes for long-term and maintenance use. |
- Veterinarian-recommended
- Scientifically researched
- Comes in a soft tasty chew
- Includes omega-3 and MSM
4. Best Budget-Friendly: PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews
The most affordable option iPetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews. This choice contains key, human-grade ingredients, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Also included are MSM, vitamins, and minerals, such as vitamin C and manganese to support bone health and hyaluronic acid for mobility health. Additionally, this has been laboratory tested and veterinarian formulated to provide great support for healthy joints and hips. Your furry best friend will beg for these liver-flavored soft chews that are as good tasting as they are good for them. They’re made in the U.S. from globally sourced ingredients.
Some reviewers reported that their dogs didn’t like these supplements.
Pros and Cons of PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This is the most affordable option in our review. | Some reviewers reported that their dogs didn’t like these supplements. |
| It features human-grade ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin. | |
| Other key ingredients include MSM, vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and manganese for bone health and hyaluronic acid for mobility health. | |
| This formula has been laboratory tested and veterinarian formulated to support joints and hips. | |
| These liver-flavored soft chews are made in the U.S. from globally sourced ingredients. |
- Very affordable option
- Contains human-grade ingredients
- Included MSM, vitamins, and minerals
- Veterinarian formulated
5. Best Powder: Wholistic Pet Organics Joint Supplement
Wholistic Pet Organics Joint Supplement is the perfect powdered supplement for your pup. This all-in-one supplement helps support increased mobility and provide joint and hip pain relief. The ingredients, which are certified organic, support a healthy immune system and gut biome and provide allergy relief. It also includes antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, this veterinarian-recommended formula contains no artificial ingredients or fillers, and consists of raw whole foods.
Some pet parents said that their dogs experienced digestive issues, including gas, vomiting, and diarrhea after taking these supplements.
Pros and Cons of Wholistic Pet Organics Joint Supplement
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This all-in-one powdered supplement supports increased mobility while providing joint and hip pain relief. | Some reviewers said that their dogs experienced digestive issues, including gas, vomiting, and diarrhea after taking these supplements. |
| Its certified organic ingredients support your dog’s immune system health and gut biome while providing allergy relief. | |
| It also includes antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. | |
| This veterinarian-recommended formula consists of raw whole foods and is free from artificial ingredients or fillers. |
- Support increased mobility
- Certified organic ingredients
- Added antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals
- Contains no artificial ingredients or fillers
6. Best Clinical Nutrition: Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility Dry Dog Food
If your dog is overweight they’re likely suffering from joint issues, and Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice to help your dog maintain a healthy weight and support overall joint health. Their nutrition is clinically proven to increase mobility and reduce your dog’s weight in as little as three weeks. It has a synergistic blend of ingredients that will work naturally with your dog’s metabolism and contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids to support your dog’s ability to jump, run, and walk. Likewise, their unique fiber blend from vegetables and fruits helps your dog remain full between meals. This diet, which requires a vet’s prescription, is an excellent choice to get your dog back on track to a healthy weight and support their joint health and mobility.
A few reviewers said that this kibble was too large for small dogs such as Chihuahuas and Yorkies. Several others reported that their dogs had diarrhea or vomiting after eating this food.
Pros and Cons of Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility Dry Dog Food
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This prescription dog food helps dogs lose weight in as little as three weeks, which can improve joint health and overall mobility. | You must obtain a veterinarian’s prescription to purchase this food. |
| It features a synergistic bled of ingredients that work with your dog’s metabolism and contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids to support your dog’s activity levels. | The kibble may be too large for small dogs. |
| Some dogs experienced diarrhea or vomiting after eating this food. |
- Clinically proven to increase mobility
- Help maintain a healthy weight
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids for joint health
- Healthy blend of fiber-rich food
7. Best Liquid: Liquid-Vet Hip & Joint Support Liquid Joint Supplement
If you have a picky pup, then Liquid-Vet Hip & Joint Support Liquid Joint Supplement is an excellent choice. It contains the purest grade of glucosamine plus additional leading joint care ingredients all in one formula. This option provides a tastier, faster, and easier choice than pills powders, or chews; simply apply the proper dosage to your dog’s wet food at mealtime, no mixing required. Additionally, it comes in delicious flavors your dog will love such as chicken, bacon, and pot roast as well as an allergy-friendly unflavored option. It is an excellent choice to help relieve occasional stiffness and promote healthy joint mobility for your dog, regardless of its size.
Several reviewers indicated that they didn’t see any improvement in their dog’s mobility or joint pain levels after using this supplement.
Pros and Cons of Liquid-Vet Hip & Joint Support Liquid Joint Supplement
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This liquid joint supplement contains the purest grade of glucosamine plus other key joint care ingredients. | Several reviewers indicated that they didn’t see any improvement in their dog’s mobility or joint pain levels after using this supplement. |
| Simply shake the bottle well, measure out the proper dosage, and pour it on your dog’s food — no mixing required. | |
| It is available in several delicious flavors, including chicken, bacon, and pot roast, as well as an allergy-friendly unflavored option. |
- Contains glucosamine
- Very tasty and easy option
- Comes in delicious flavors
- Suitable for all breeds
Choosing the Best: What to Look For
When choosing the best joint supplement for your dog, there are three important things to consider: breed, ingredients, and type of supplement. We’ve helped better explain these considerations to help you choose the best supplement for your dog.
Breed: Increased weight and size is a contributing factors of joint problems. In general, the larger the breed the greater the chances for joint issues. Furthermore, some breeds have very specific problems. It’s best to do your research to find out how to best take care of your dog’s specific needs. In contrast, some mixed breed dogs who have genetic diversity tend to experience limited orthopedic problems.
Ingredients: Healthy ingredients can help your dog achieve an ideal weight and effectively decrease the stress on their joints. Additives like fish oil‘s and hyaluronic acid, help decrease inflammation. Additionally, glucosamine helps in the process of growing ligaments, tendons, and fluid that cushions the joints, while chondroitin helps support and lubricate the cartilage in the body. Choosing the right ingredients can ensure your dog is receiving all the nutrition they need for healthy bones and joints.Â
Type of Supplements: Some dogs may be picky about consuming supplements. Finding out if they prefer a soft chew, a powder that can be mixed into their food, or a liquid that can be easily digested, will go a long way to ensuring that your dog absorbs the supplement and receives all of its benefits.
The Different Types of Joint Supplements for Dogs: Pros and Cons Compared
When considering which joint supplement may be a good choice for your dog, it’s important to understand the different types. From chewables, powders, liquid options, and clinical nutrition, there are plenty of choices, one of which will be the right fit for your dog. Below, let’s consider the different choices and their benefits.
- Chewable: A great option that is easy for your dog to consume and digest, and will usually come in an enjoyable flavor.Â
- Powder: An economical choice that can be easily mixed into your dog’s food
- Liquid: An option that can be incorporated into your dog’s wet food to provide easy absorption.
- Clinical nutrition: This usually requires vet approval and entails a specific food that helps your dog maintain a healthy body weight while supplementing their joint health needs.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of each type:
Chewable
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Soft and easy to chew | May not be many flavor choices |
| Easily digested | May taste unappealing |
| Conveniently packaged |
Powder
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to dose | Can be more expensive |
| Usually contains maximum levels of supplement ingredients | May have a stronger, undesirable smell |
| Often includes fatty acids and antioxidants | Some dogs may be deterred from consuming when sprinkled on their food |
Liquid
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High absorption rate that shows improvement quickly | May not contain as many beneficial ingredients as other options |
| Various bottle sizes are available | Can be more expensive |
| Can be odorless and flavorless | May have limited flavors or no flavor at all |
Clinical Nutrition
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Helps your dog lose weight and maintain their ideal weight | Requires vet approval |
| Contains supplements for joint health and mobility | Is a more expensive choice |
| Clinically proven and scientifically formulated | Not suitable or medically necessary for all dogs |
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | PetHonesty Advanced Hip + Joint Supplement for Dogs |
| Best Variety of Flavors | Zesty Paws Hip & Joint Mobility Bites Duck Flavored Soft Chews Supplement for Dogs |
| Best Maximum Strength | Nutramax Cosequin Max Strength Joint Health Supplement for Dogs |
| Best Budget-Friendly | PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs |
| Best Powder | Wholistic Pet Organics Joint Mobility All-In-One Supplement |
| Best Clinical Nutrition | Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food |
| Best Liquid | Liquid-Vet Hip & Joint Support Chicken Flavored Liquid Joint Supplement for Dogs |
The Best Joint Supplements for Dogs That Actually Work FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the best joint supplement for dogs?
There is no single best joint supplement for dogs because dogs’ needs and preferences vary. But the best-in-class, if you will, have two things in common.
- They are easy to administer. This can vary from dog to dog based on which form of supplement is most acceptable to them.
- They should contain compounds that support joint health such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM.
At what age should I start giving my dog joint supplements?
If your dog’s breed is prone to hip and/or joint conditions, you should start giving them joint supplements as preventative measure as soon as they stop growing. Most dog breeds stop growing when they are a year old, but some large and giant breeds don’t stop growing until they are 18 to 24 months old.
Check with your veterinarian whether they believe that preventative joint supplementation is right for your dog and at which age you should start administering them.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.
