The best joint supplements for dogs

If your dog has arthritis, they may benefit from taking one of the best joint supplements for dogs. A joint supplement can help give them some relief from the pain, says Dr. Erin Miscioscia, clinical assistant professor of integrative and mobility medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

However, not all joint supplements are equal, and research on which ingredients provide the biggest benefits is quite limited. One compound we know can help relieve joint pain in dogs is marine-based omega-3 fatty acids, says Dr. Duncan Lascelles, director of the Comparative Pain Research and Education Center at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. After speaking with Miscioscia and Lascelles about dog joint pain and potentially supportive ingredients, I researched dozens of supplements to make my selections for this guide.

If your dog shows signs of joint pain from arthritis, an injury, or an unknown condition, the first step is to speak with your veterinarian. Before you purchase any of thebest dog supplements, ask your vet whether it's the right choice for your dog's unique needs.

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Our top picks for the best joint supplements for dogs

Best overall: Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet - $22 at Chewy

Best chews: Vetoquinol Flexadin Advanced with UC-II Chews for Cats and Dogs - $33 at Chewy

Best tablets: NaturVet Glucosamine DS Plus Moderate Joint Care Chewable Tabs - $26 at Chewy

Best treats: NaturVet Hip and Joint Advanced Joint Care Soft Chews - $18 at Chewy

Best powder: Wholistic Pet Organics Joint Mobility GLM + Enhanced Multivitamin - $50 at Chewy

Best overall

"Looking at real dogs who are seeing a real benefit in joint pain relief, it's coming from omega-3 fatty acids, namely in marine-based oils," Lascelles says. Indeed, studies show anti-inflammatory omega-3 supplements deliver the most pain relief to osteoarthritic dogs compared to other active ingredients. Miscioscia says fish oil is most effective when incorporated into dog food or as a meal topper.

Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet is my top recommendation for the best joint supplements for dogs. This clean formula is made with omega-3 fish oil from four marine-based sources, including anchovy, sardine, mackerel, and herring oil. It's also the best fish oil for dogs because it meets or exceeds our standards for a high-quality supplement: It's certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) and third-party lab tested to verify purity. The oil also lacks the fishy smell and taste that some dogs — and people — find unappealing.

Fish oil is safe for all dogs, but Lascelles says too high a dose, too quickly, can give your pup diarrhea, so introduce it to their diet slowly. It also comes with significant calories (39 kcal/teaspoon). Miscioscia says maintaining a healthy weight is the most critical factor in managing arthritis in dogs, so check with your vet what dose will ensure your dog gets the right balance of calories and nutrients.

As with all fish oils, this bottle needs to be stored in the refrigerator and used within 30 to 45 days of opening.

Best chews

Flexadin Advanced with UC-II Chews contain undenatured-type II collagen (UC-II), which Miscioscia says helps reduce joint inflammation and may even play a role in rebuilding part of joint cartilage. In fact, a 2007 study found that UC-II helps decrease osteoarthritis symptoms, reduce lameness associated with joint pain, and increase physical activity and mobility.

The chews also contain vitamin E, which may provide anti-inflammatory benefits, and omega-3 fatty acids, though at lower doses than you'll find in our best overall supplement. The omega-3s are derived from a combination of fish oil and flaxseed oil, which research says isn't as beneficial against inflammation for some dog breeds.

One major advantage of Flexadin Advanced is convenience. At one chew a day for dogs and cats of all sizes and ages, they are easy to give, especially in a multi-species household.

Best tablets

If your dog is a picky eater, a chewable tablet broken up into food or slipped inside a pill pocket may be your best bet to get them joint relief.

NaturVet Moderate Care Glucosamine DS Plus Moderate Joint Care tablets are made with various active ingredients, namely glucosamine and chondroitin. While current research says these two compounds don't actually do much to help canine joint pain, it's still one of the most recommended active ingredients for joint health supplements, and experts say it requires further study. Miscioscia says it might help: "Glucosamine and chondroitin are the building blocks for part of what makes up joint cartilage and thus may help build up part of joint cartilage that is destroyed due to arthritis."

I like that NaturVet Moderate Care Glucosamine DS tablets offer the potential benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin, alongside the anti-inflammatory benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. These tablets also contain vitamin C, well-known to help with collagen production; vitamin E, an antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation; and yucca, which one study says may help reduce intestinal gas and smelly feces.

Best treats

If you prefer to give your dog anti-inflammatory supplements as treats or in small amounts throughout the day, NaturVet Hip and Joint Advanced Joint Care is one of the best choices.

These soft chews offer pretty much every ingredient that science says does or might help with joint pain, including omega-3-rich green-lipped mussels, glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, and Boswellia, which is the gum resin of the frankincense tree that some studies have shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. NaturVet is a highly trusted brand, and the chews have the NASC seal and have been independently tested by ConsumerLab for quality, potency, and purity.

Most dogs like the flavor, though they have a strong rosemary smell out of the container. Their main downside: They're pricey, especially if you're giving them to larger dogs.

Best powder

Some dogs do best with a small amount of powder that you can mix into their food. Wholistic Pet Organics Joint Mobility GLM + Enhanced Multivitamin is a powder with 749 mg of total omega-3 fatty acids from fish, green lipped mussel, and flaxseed. Glucosamine and MSM may add joint-supporting benefits as well.

This powder supplement is made with non-GMO ingredients and contains vitamin C to aid collagen production. Added prebiotics and probiotics support healthy digestion, which you can learn more about in our guide to the best probiotics for dogs.

Because this comes in powder form, it's very easy to measure the recommended amount for your dog's daily dose. The directions recommend evenly dividing the daily dosage among meals. The portions are so small — from 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons — many dogs will not notice it.

The best joint supplements for dogs compared

What to look for in joint supplements for dogs

Just like human supplements, dog supplements aren't regulated by the FDA, so there's no inherent assurance that what you're buying is indeed high quality or effective, our experts say. Because of this, there are a few important factors to consider when purchasing a dog joint supplement.

Active ingredients: The one ingredient most research shows definitely helps relieve joint pain in dogs is marine-sourced omega-3 fatty acids, which Lascelles says help reduce inflammation and, therefore, pain. Plant-based fatty acids like flaxseed aren't going to be as effective. Miscioscia says there's some evidence to support undenatured-type II collagen (UC-II) and CBD. Other ingredients that Miscioscia says show promise for arthritic dogs but need more research include avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASUs), curcumin (turmeric), Boswellia serrata, eggshell membrane, astaxanthin, and fortetropin (myostatin-inhibitors).

Third-party testing: Independent testing of supplements is crucial since there is no governmental oversight to verify that what the label says matches what's in the formula. The NASC seal is the most important third-party testing to look out for, says Miscioscia. It comes from the National Animal Supplement Council, a coalition focused on promoting safer animal supplements. It's also good to look for independent testing by ConsumerLab, an independent lab that tests supplements and health foods and beverages for purity, strength, disintegration, and brand integrity.

Quality seal: The NASC seal is especially valuable because it indicates that a manufacturer has passed an independent third-party audit, adheres to strict quality control standards in manufacturing, and has passed random product testing to verify that the ingredients match the label claims.

Your veterinarian's seal of approval: Our experts say you should run any dog joint supplement you're considering by your veterinarian first, since they know your dog's full health history best. They can help you determine whether a specific supplement is safe and appropriate for your dog.

Dosage level: The appropriate dosage for any supplement depends on the specific ingredients in the formula and, usually, your dog's size. While the recommended dosage is provided on the supplement's packaging, you should always ask your veterinarian to advise on the right dosage for your pet.

Price: A higher price doesn't necessarily mean better quality. You can find high-quality, effective dog joint supplements for as little as $0.25 per serving.

Calories: Miscioscia says a healthy weight is the most important factor in managing arthritis. However, many chews, treats, and omega-3 supplements are high in calories. If your dog is overweight, that doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't give them a supplement, but you should talk with your vet about adjusting your dog's overall calorie intake.

Health restrictions: If your dog has food allergies, check the flavoring ingredients in joint chews, treats, and powders, says Miscioscia. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), as well as too much fish oil at once, can upset a dog's stomach or give them diarrhea. Also, if your dog is on blood thinners, you should avoid anything with MSM or large amounts of vitamin E.

How we selected the best joint supplements for dogs

First, I spoke with experts who specialize in pain and mobility to determine what active ingredients may help with different kinds of joint pain. Dr. Erin Miscioscia is a clinical assistant professor of integrative and mobility medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine who studies canine sports medicine and rehabilitation, integrative medicine, and small animal clinical nutrition. She is also a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Duncan Lascelles studies pain in small animals as director of the Comparative Pain Research and Education Centre at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Based on their insights, I evaluated popular joint supplements according to their ingredients, quality seals, and third-party testing. I then compared prices to determine their overall value.

Dog joint supplement FAQs

Do dog joint supplements actually work?

Yes, joint supplements can help. Miscioscia says the right supplement can be a very effective part of pain relief for dogs with arthritis and joint pain. Research shows the best joint supplements for dogs contain marine-based omega-3 fatty acids. Our top pick is Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet, which is made with four types of marine-based fish oils, has been third-party tested for purity, and is affordably priced.

Will a joint supplement help with injury recovery?

In theory, yes, but most supplements take two to three months to start being effective, Miscioscia says. For example, if your dog strains a muscle and you start them on a marine-based omega-3 fatty acid supplement, it likely won't ease their immediate inflammation or pain. But if your dog is already taking that type of supplement, Miscioscia says it may help lower the acute inflammation. In some cases, she says a strain or sprain injury to muscle, tendon, or ligament can contribute to future joint instability or arthritis, in which case starting the supplement can be helpful for prevention.

Is Dasuquin better than Cosequin?

Cosequin and Dasuquin are two popular dog joint supplements made by Nutramax Laboratories. Both lines have a few different formulations, from chews to chewable tablets, each with slightly different formulas. The majority of joint supplements from both brands rely on glucosamine and sodium chondroitin sulfate, which science shows likely doesn't do much for joint health. But Cosequin Joint Health Supplements, specifically, also contain omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources, which research shows is the best compound to alleviate pain in arthritic dogs.

Is glucosamine or chondroitin better for dogs?

Glucosamine and chondroitin are nearly always combined in formulas, and neither is better than the other. In fact, research shows glucosamine and chondroitin likely don't help much with dog joint pain. However, omega-3 fatty acids do, and these may be included in some joint supplements that also contain glucosamine and chondroitin.

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