Pets are living longer than ever, and mobility is the key to a happy life at all ages. Since osteoarthritis is the most commonly diagnosed joint disease in veterinary medicine, we decided to look for the best joint supplements for dogs. After all, as osteoarthritis progresses, it leads to impaired mechanical function of the joints, and in turn, pain. So, many veterinarians recommend joint supplements for prevention of joint decline as well as symptom relief.
According to a study, if your dog is overweight, it increases the likelihood of your pup having health problems, including joint disease, breathing difficulties and specific cancers. Ultimately, this can create a lower quality of life and have a significant impact on lifespan. While also helping your dog maintain a healthy weight, a supplement for joints is an additional way to take care of their well-being.
Glucosamine, a natural amino sugar found in cartilage, is a common ingredient in joint supplements. It was previously thought that the main benefit of glucosamine was alleviating joint pain. However, a recent study from West Virginia University has linked taking glucosamine supplements to decreasing the risk of cardiovascular-related death and overall mortality! So much so, it’s shown to be just as effective as engaging in regular exercise. This study was human based, but since dogs also take glucosamine, it’s some food for thought.
With these products becoming increasingly popular, it can be hard to pick which are the best joint supplements for dogs. Of course, you’ll want to prevent your dog from experiencing pain, discomfort and decline. So, that’s where joint supplements come in to give your dog support, and either work to prevent or alleviate symptoms. Thankfully, makers of the supplements also thought about taste. Your pup might just think it’s a delicious daily treat! If your pooch takes a joint supplement, let us know in the comments!
The List: Best Joint Supplements For Dogs, According To Experts
1. Pupper Nucleus
According to Discover Magazine, your dog will love taking this: “For a joint supplement that is formulated to help your dog live his best life, choose Pupper Nucleus. This joint supplement contains eight active ingredients that work synergistically to target joint and hip problems. Your dog is sure to go crazy over these healthy yet tasty treats!”
“[Pupper] products are backed by clinical research and carefully tested for quality and purity by independent laboratories. Pupper manufactures a joint health supplement for dogs called Nucleus. This supplement contains glucosamine, MSM, and sodium hyaluronate to help build healthy connective tissue and cartilage,” Orlando Magazine writes.
And The Salt Lake Tribune couldn’t agree more with naming this the top joint supplement for dogs: “At the top of our list is Pupper Nucleus. This supplement is made with glucosamine, sodium hyaluronate, and MSM, three active ingredients that are scientifically proven to maintain cartilage and connective tissue. [It] also contains green lipped mussel, boswellia, turmeric, and chondroitin. Together these ingredients reduce aches and pain and inflammation while also protecting your dog’s joints.”
2. Nutramax’s Dasuquin MSM Soft Chews
Petco says Dasuquin is vet-recommended and a customer favorite: “This powerful soft chew is our #1 best-seller and is the #1 recommended brand by vets. It’s packed with nutrients like glucosamine, low-molecular weight chondroitin and MSM to help promote joint fluidity and reduce inflammation. Joint health for dogs is important, and Dasuquin MSM soft chews contain essential nutrients, along with ingredients sourced from soybeans, avocado and green tea.”
“Made in the USA with all-natural ingredients, Dasuquin is a proprietary blend of ingredients that helps improve cartilage production, inhibit cartilage breakdown, and reduce inflammation and pain. In fact, a small study found that Dasuquin may be as beneficial as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in treating arthritis symptoms,” Canine Journal raves.
FursnPaws recommends it, too, for your four-legged friends: “The Nutramax Dasuquin is formulated with avocado/soybean unsaponifiables and decaffeinated tea with glucosamine hydrochloride and low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate to provide maximum strength. This combination of ingredients is essential in ensuring your dog’s cartilage is slowed from degrading rapidly, hence giving his joints good health.”
3. Nutramax’s Cosequin Maximum Strength
Daily Paws recommends Cosequin because it’s vet-endorsed and clinically studied: “Nutramax’s Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement is packed full of veterinarian-endorsed ingredients for dogs experiencing joint pain. The glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate promote cartilage production while other key ingredients (MSM) work to reduce your dog’s inflammation and pain. Veterinarians in clinical studies have also vouched for Cosequin’s ability to reduce pain and improve mobility in animals who are undergoing treatment for problem joints.”
“With over 42,000 verified Amazon ratings, and a brand that’s been nationally recognized for many years, it’s safe to say the Cosequin is the most trusted glucosamine supplement for pain relief and joint health amongst dog owners. Your veterinarian may suggest Cosequin supplements if your dog is having difficulties climbing stairs, jumping into the car, or going for walks,” Healthy Solutions writes.
Canine Journal loves their Cosequin Senior soft chews specifically because the product “contains three key joint health ingredients to maintain your dog’s cartilage and connective tissue. It also includes a holistic blend of other ingredients that aging dogs need — beta glutens for immune and digestive support as well as omega-3s for skin and coat health.”
4. Glyde Mobility Chews
Parnell Living Science thinks this is a great choice, even as a preventative measure: “Glyde Mobility Chews has a unique formula with key anti-inflammatory ingredients to combat aging joints. Glyde uses natural, gluten-free ingredients to promote healthy joints to let your dog do everything he or she loves to do! Protecting a dog’s ability to run and play is key to preserving its quality of life.”
“This gel product contains a patented active ingredient EPIITALIS, which is exclusive plant seed oil patented for its cartilage repair and pain relief properties. It also contains NZ Green Lipped Mussel, Abalone and Marine cartilage for joint health maintenance. 4cyte studies have shown that lameness scores improved after taking,” Vet Online Consult claims.
5. Zesty Paws Mobility Bites
This is a popular supplement and has more than 15,000 reviews on Amazon. A-Z-Animals.com describes: “This is a hip and joint dog supplement that contains chondroitin, curcumin, organic turmeric, MSM, and omega-3 to support mobility and offer arthritis relief. They’re formulated to improve cartilage function for dogs and also contain hemp seed, which provides your pup with a source of stearidonic acid (SDA) … to support immune function.”
“If you’re looking for a reliable supplement for your dogs that can keep them healthier and more carefree, then the Zesty Paws Dog Joint Supplement is for you. A single chew of this supplement provides a massive range of benefits, including strengthening your pooch’s joints, improving heart health, and boosting immunity — all in all, this chewable joint supplement for dogs is an all-in-one solution. It also features OptiMSM, which is a refined and better-quality form of MSM and is made after the distillation process, to aid in the development of connective tissues and help in soothing stiff muscles,” The Kansas City Star reports.
According to Orlando Magazine, out of all the flavors (chicken, salmon, pumpkin…etc.), the “Zesty Paws Duck Flavored Soft Chews Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs is excellent for dogs that live an active lifestyle. They are ideal for adult and senior dogs of all breeds and sizes.”
Now that we’ve covered the best joint supplements for dogs, tell us what we’ve been dying to know about the whole time … your pup! Leave us a comment below.
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Sources
- Discover Magazine
- Orlando Magazine
- The Salt Lake Tribune
- Petco
- Canine Journal
- FursnPaws
- Daily Paws
- Healthy Solutions
- Parnell Living Science
- Vet Online Consult
- A-Z-Animals.com
- The Kansas City Star
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
