The 10 Best Hip & Joint Supplements for Dogs

news7g01/28/2023

3 10 minutes read

The 10 Best Hip & Joint Supplements for Dogs

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If your pup is slowing down and their joints are feeling their years, it’s time to research the best hip & joint supplements for dogs that reduce inflammation and treat arthritis or stiff joints. But hip and joint supplements aren’t just for senior dogs.

Younger canines can also benefit from joint supplements after injury or if you want to help keep up their mobility for healthy aging. Before you give your dog any new supplements, though, always discuss them with your veterinarian first.

Maintaining lean body weight and encouraging regular exercise is vital to keeping joints healthy. But nutritional supplements can also increase joint comfort and protect cartilage, the cushioning in the joints that prevents bone from rubbing against bone when your dog moves.

Protecting your dog’s joints with the right supplement is an ongoing, daily commitment that will help ensure a good quality of life. So which supplement will best fit your dog’s needs? We’ve got the information you need to make an informed decision, as well as our top picks for the best hip & joint supplement for dogs to help you find the perfect choice for your pup.

Buying Guides: Factors to Consider When Buying Hip & Joint Supplements for Dogs

If you’re giving a supplement to your dog for the first time, it’s essential to consider these factors. Each product has a formula that combines specific ingredients to support joint health. Below, we discuss what to look for before deciding on the best joint supplement for your dog.

Supplement Type

The main thing to consider before deciding on the right hip & joint supplement for your dog is the form of supplement you choose. Some supplements may come in capsules, others may be tablets, while other delivery methods are more treat-like to lure your dog into chomping them down. Some dogs are very picky and don’t want to take their supplements. If you have to be sneaky about it, choose a flavored option that mixes easily with your pup’s favorite foods.

Ingredients

Many products use glucosamine and chondroitin but look for those that contain scientifically proven levels of essential ingredients to have the best chance at relieving joint pain and maintaining healthy joints. Also, check active ingredient levels to be sure your dog is receiving enough to make a difference. As a general rule, dogs should receive 20 milligrams of glucosamine daily for each pound they weigh.

Dosage

Follow the dosage instructions provided on the supplemental package. Some supplements allow you to start your dog at a higher dose and reduce it. But if you’re unsure what dosage your dog needs, ask your veterinarian.

Taste and Smell

Most dogs will have no problem wolfing down supplements formed into a treat or chew. Other supplements may be in a pill form that you must administer. Pill-storage treats or soft foods your dog enjoys, such as cheese or peanut butter, can help mask the taste and smell of pill-form supplements.

best hip and joint supplements for dogs

FAQs Related to Hip & Joint Supplements for Dogs

Q1 – Do joint supplements for dogs work?

Yes, joint supplements help lubricate joints, rebuild cartilage, and support the structural integrity of joints. They also work as anti-inflammatories and deliver antioxidants to reduce pain and discomfort.

Q2 – When should you start joint supplements for dogs?

The sooner, the better. You can start joint supplements a year after your dog’s birth when they reach full skeletal growth. Large or extra-large breed dogs are prone to developing painful joint conditions. It’s always best to start joint supplements as a preventative measure rather than reacting to a condition your dog has already developed.

Q3 – How do I choose a joint supplement for my dog?

The best hip and joint supplements for dogs are ones you can easily give your best friend while delivering enough active ingredients to support their joints. Choose joint health supplements containing ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and Omega-3 fatty acids to give your dog the most benefits. Most often, a joint supplement will contain several of these ingredients simultaneously.

Q4 – Can glucosamine cause liver damage in dogs?

Be very careful when giving glucosamine to a dog with liver or kidney problems, as even low doses can cause kidney damage and liver failure in dogs with these problems. This is one reason why it’s always important to check with your veterinarian before giving your dog a new supplement.

Our Top Picks for the Best Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs

The 10 Best Hip & Joint Supplements for Dogs

iHeartDogs Advanced 8-in-1 Hip & Joint Chews offer a unique blend of eight natural and powerful active ingredients that work together to promote healthier joints, less pain, and more activity. It’s all the benefits of glucosamine, green-lipped mussel, turmeric, and chondroitin captured in one tasty chew your dog will love. The addition of power plants Boswellia Serrata and Yucca Schidigera also helps pups find their easy and fluid stride once again! These joint chews are formulated by vets and made in the USA.

Key Features

Eight powerful active ingredients
Reduces painful inflammation
Slows cartilage breakdown
Improves mobility and flexibility
Includes glucosamine and MSM
Veterinarian-formulated for effectiveness
Each bag purchased provides 14 healthy meals to shelter dogs

Pros

Appropriate for dogs of all sizes
Tasty soft chews from a trusted brand
Highly palatable; even picky eaters approve
Save 5% when you opt for auto-ship
Made in the USA

Cons

Reviewers mention the strong smell

VetIQ Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs makes our list not only for their efficacy but also for their affordability. This chewable dog joint supplement contains glucosamine and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) to support cartilage and healthy connective tissue. They’re also a good source of hyaluronic acid and omega-3 fatty acids with DHA and EPA. These budget-friendly joint chews are made in the USA with high-quality ingredients such as krill and fish oil. And the delicious chicken flavor is a win for dogs.

Key Features

Good source of hyaluronic acid and omega-3 fatty acids
Triple-action supplement formulated for healthy cartilage, joints, and muscle
Made with all-natural ingredients and real chicken flavor
Supports hip and joint mobility in a tasty treat form

Pros

Great value
Provides vital omega-3s DHA and EPA
Dogs love the flavor
Veterinarian recommended
Available in large 180-count pack
Made in the USA

Cons

Not for dogs with chewing difficulties

iHeartDogs Bone Broth For Dogs Immune Support Powder is a nutritious, flavorful broth that can be mixed with your pup’s dinner or consumed alone as a warm soupy treat. This easy-to-serve powder is made with organic chicken bone broth and nutrient-rich mushrooms to support immune health and strong joints. Included in the mushroom blend, you’ll find organic Chaga mushrooms, known to be a potent anti-inflammatory that can aid in relieving arthritis. It’s great for seniors and can encourage dogs with food boredom to relish dinnertime again.

Key Features

Nutritious support for the immune system and joints
Supports heart and gut health too
Loaded with healthy ingredients from trusted sources
Includes six different types of mushrooms
Great boost for senior dogs

Pros

Boosts the immune system and joint health
Promotes collagen growth
Easy to use; serve dry or wet
Highly affordable, only $0.33 per day
Veterinarian approved
Made in the USA

Cons

Picky eaters may take time to appreciate the mushroom flavor

Cannanine™ Bacon Flavor CBD Chews with whole hemp plant CBD oil for fogs offer unparalleled botanical support for the endocannabinoid system. These bacon-flavored CBD chews for dogs are made from hemp and contain zero THC. Give your dog one of these yummy chews to reduce inflammation and pain while increasing mobility. They’re a great way to help restore your furry friend’s hips to their youthful vigor or even help them maintain strong joints as they age.

Key Features

Third-party testing for purity
Helps skin, coat, and digestion, as well as joints
Easy dosing; just toss your pup a chew
Contains zero percent THC
Every jar purchased provides 7 meals for shelter pets

Pros

Organically grown hemp from Colorado family farms
Vet formulated
Delicious bacon flavor
Also helps with anxiety and allergies
Trusted by more than 100k dogs and their parents
Made in the USA

Cons

A bit expensive, but you’re paying for premium-quality CBD

Nutramax Dasuquin Soft Chews are formulated and recommended by veterinarians. They’re packed with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and delicious ingredients like avocado oils and green tea extract to promote cartilage growth and inhibit cartilage breakdown while providing a rich dose of antioxidants. They’re available in 84 or 150-count packages and are formulated with large dogs in mind.

Key Features

Developed and recommended by veterinarians
Supports cartilage structure and function
Premium ingredients for optimal dog joint health
Includes decaffeinated green tea for an antioxidant boost

Pros

Formulated for large dogs
Made in the USA
Tasty soft chew
High-quality ingredients

Cons

Premium price
Chews can dry out quickly without proper storage

Vetriscience GlycoFlex Everyday chews provide joint support while keeping within your budget. As one of the best hip and joint supplements for dogs, this economical choice is excellent for dogs of all ages who need additional nutrients to help strengthen and maintain hip, joint, and soft tissue health. In addition to glucosamine, these soft chews also include green-lipped mussels, which are packed with nutrients necessary to maintain healthy connective tissue, rebuild healthy cartilage, and support normal joint function. They can be given to dogs daily and are available in a 60-count pack.

Key Features

Contains glucosamine and green-lipped mussel
Developed and recommended by veterinarians
Nutrient-rich to support joint health

Pros

Budget-friendly
Made for dogs of all ages
Delicious chicken liver-flavored chew
Trusted and recommended by vets
Manufactured in the USA

Cons

Hard to chew
Can dry out easily

PetHonesty Senior Hemp Mobility chews contain natural ingredients like glucosamine HCL, turmeric, green-lipped mussel, organic hemp oil, and a premium collagen form that work together to target inflammation and help improve your senior dog’s mobility. Choose from one of three tasty flavors and know your pup will also receive a healthy dose of veggies that includes carrots, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes when they gobble down one of these soft chews. You can also trust PetHonesty’s Hemp oil and powder contains zero THC but packs a load of Omegas 3, 6, and 9 to help improve joint function.

Key Features

NO harsh preservatives, harmful steroids, or GMOs
Formulated without corn, wheat, or soy
Designed to relieve joint discomfort and stiffness, support cartilage growth, and more
Supports healthy inflammatory response
Delicious chicken, bacon, or duck flavor options
Also contains a mix of nutritious vegetables

Pros

Helps reduce joint pain
Includes powerful natural ingredients
Nothing fake, and no corn, wheat, or soy
Three delicious flavors
Available in two sizes – 90 or 180-count
Made in the USA

Cons

Packaging may lead to product drying out

Cannanine™Advanced 9-in-1 Hip & Joint Chews contains chondroitin, curcumin, organic turmeric, MSM, and omega-3 to support mobility and provide arthritis relief. All natural anti-inflammatory properties target joint pain in dogs suffering from hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other painful joint issues. These tasty chews are formulated to improve cartilage function for dogs, contain CBD, and provide your pup with a source of stearidonic acid (SDA), a precursor to the long-chain fatty acids that deliver healthy benefits to the body. These are included in the formula to support your dog’s immune function. If you’re familiar with iHeartDogs 8-in-1 Mobility Chews, you notice these have the same ingredients as iHD 8-in-1 Mobility chews but with a boost of broad-spectrum CBD.

Key Features:

Tasty soft chew your dog will eat like a treat
Includes powerful broad-spectrum hemp extract
Rebuild cartilage and help restore your dog’s joint function.
Supports immune health
Formulated specifically for senior dogs
Each bag purchased provides 14 healthy meals to shelter dogs

Pros

Contains glucosamine and green-lipped mussels
Helps skin, coat, and digestion
Vet formulated
Hemp extract is 3rd party tested up to 4 times
Made in the USA

Cons

On the higher end of the price scale due to the inclusion of premium CBD

Vet’s Best Aches + Pains Supplement provides your pup with relief from occasional discomfort caused by regular exercise and normal daily activity. Made with plant-based ingredients such as glucosamine HCL, pineapple bromelain, MSM, and white willow bark, this joint supplement was formulated by veterinarians to help with your dog’s sore and stiff joints and muscles. And because they’re chewable and tasty, your dog will chomp them right down.

Key Features

Veterinarian-formulated
Provides plant-based ingredients that ease soreness and stiffness
Packed with glucosamine and MSM
Tasty and chewable, your pup will think they’re treats

Pros

Highly-rated on Amazon
Yummy taste
Ideal for senior dogs
Great for pain relief
Quality, natural anti-inflammatory

Cons

Causes gas in some dogs, according to reviewers

Missing Link Ultimate Canine Hip & Joint Formula is a powder supplement that can be sprinkled onto your dog’s food. Each dose contains 400 mg of glucosamine and ingredients such as 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 heart health. Available in two-pack sizes. All ingredients are sourced in the USA and Canada. This product is veterinarian formulated to support a healthy inflammatory response in your dog’s joints, relieve uncomfortable stiffness after daily exercise, and increase joint fluid viscosity.

Key Features:

Produced using cold-process technology for maximum nutritional value
Contains a special blend of probiotics to help boost absorption
Veterinarian-formulated powder designed especially for your canine comrade

Pros

Easy to dose
Good source of omega fatty acids
Two package sizes available
Ingredients are sourced in the US and Canada
Veterinarian formulated

Cons

Picky eaters may turn up their nose
on the expensive side

Be proactive and give your dog a joint supplement that helps to lubricate and reduce inflammation so your furry bestie can enjoy greater mobility and resiliency. And if your pup is already getting on in years and their joints are creaking, get them on a joint supplement for dogs right away! Study our list and choose the perfect option for your dog. But don’t forget to ask the vet for recommendations and dosage instructions.