Have you begun to notice that your once lively dog is now struggling to get up in the morning, now walks with a slight limp, takes the stairs one step at a time rather than leaping to the top, and may even become grumpy and irritable? If this is the case then you could be looking at joint issues in your fur baby.
Fortunately, there are hip and joint supplements for dogs available that can help with mobility issues and joint pain. Many of these supplements contain beneficial ingredients such as omega 3 fish oils and glucosamine that help lubricate and reduce inflammation of the joints thereby reducing the pain.
Of course, it’s always advisable to consult with your veterinarian on any health-related issue and the use of supplements. Every dog is different and not all supplements are suitable for every dog.
We have selected our top choices for hip and joint supplements for your dog. Joint and hip supplements come in various types from liquid, soft chews and tablet/capsule. We have chosen our top selections for each type.
Best Hip and Joint Supplements for Dogs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil |   | Our Rating 4.6 | |
| VETIQ Maximum Strength Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs | Our Rating 4.6 | ||
Yumove Joint Dog Supplement |   | Our Rating 4.4 |
Top Picks: Best Hip & Joint Supplements for Dogs |
No 1. Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil
Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil makes our top selection for hip and joint supplements. It is an American product that contains omega fatty acids, high levels of EPA, and DHA that all help promote a healthy heart, immune system, and hips and joints.
It comes in a 32 oz bottle and the oil is dispensed by a small pump at the top. Each pump works out as approx one teaspoon. This makes it really easy to mix the salmon oil into your dog’s meals. You have the choice of giving the oil in one serving or splitting it between morning and afternoon. Once the bottle is opened it is important to keep it refrigerated so as to maintain freshness.
The presence of natural omega acids in the wild Alaskan salmon promotes healthy hips and joints while also promoting a healthy heart and immune system. There is also the extra added benefit of promoting a good healthy shiny coat.
The salmon used is wild Alaskan salmon and this is the only active ingredient. The only inactive ingredient is mixed tocopherols that act as a natural preservative. As it contains fish oil and is a natural product there will be a fishy smell so depending on your smell sensitivity it is something to note.
Key Features
- Contains Omega Fatty Acids, high levels of EPA and DHA
- 32 Fl oz Bottle with a pump dispenser
- Active ingredient wild Alaskan salmon
- No Artificial Flavors or Preservatives
Serving Recommendation
Before you start giving your dog this supplement it is recommended to start with a half serving until your dog gets accustomed to the salmon oil. You can even split it between morning and afternoon meals.
One pump on the dispenser gives approx 1 teaspoon. This works out as 0.16 fl oz/ 4.92 milliliters.
| Your Dog’s Weight | Amount |
| Up to 12.5 lbs | 1/2 Pump |
| up to 25lbs | 1 Pump |
| up to 50 lbs | 2 Pumps |
| up to 75 lbs | 3 Pumps |
| up to 100 lbs |
4 Pumps |
| up to 100+ lb | 6 Pumps |
Ingredients
- Crude Fat Moisture (Max.)
- Linolenic Acid (Omega-3 Fatty Acids)
- EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
- DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
- Salmon Oil & Mixed Tocopherols (Natural).
The Pros
American made with one active ingredient – wild Alaskan salmon
Packed with omega 3 acids, DHA for healthy hip and joints
Easy to dispense & mix into your dog meals
No Artificial Flavors or Preservatives
Zesty Paws has a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
The Cons
As fish oil there will be a fish smell. Many users do not find it too strong but there are very sensitive noses out there who don’t like the smell. So if you cannot stand the smell of fish then perhaps this salmon oil is not for you.
Need to keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness
No 2. VETIQ Max Strength Hip & Joint Supplement
VETIQ Maximum Strength Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs makes our top selection for promoting healthy hips and joints. It is veterinarian recommended and American made. The supplement comes in convenient bite-size soft chews. They are naturally flavored with chicken so it should be a tasty treat as well as loaded with benefits.
The soft chews are formulated to promote healthy joints and hips and support cartilage and connective tissue. . It contains ingredients such as Glucosamine HCL and Methysonylmethane (MSM).
Key Features
- Formulated to promote joint health and contains Glucosamine & MSM
- Soft bite-sized chews with natural chicken flavor
- 180 Soft chews per bag
- 2 Soft chews contain 600 mg Glucosamine, 210 mg MSM & 210 mg Krill.
2 Soft chews are considered one serving. - Veterinarian recommended
Active Ingredients
Glucosamine HCL (Originating from Shellfish) 600 mg, Fish Oil 280 mg, Krill 210 mg (EPA) 52 mg, Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) 34 mg), Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) 210 mg, Vitamin E 22 IU/kg, Manganese 600 mg/kg, Grape Seed Extract 2.5 mg and Hyaluronic Acid 0.5 mg.
Inactive Ingredients include:
Acetic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Beet Molasses, Brewers Dried Yeast, Caramel Color, Dried Whey, Gelatin, Glycerin, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Natural Flavors, Selenium, Soy Lecithin, Spray Dried Chicken Liver and Tapioca.
The Pros
American made product
Easy and convenient to use
A natural chicken flavor tasty treat for your fur baby
Contains Glucosamine & MSM
The Cons
Some users found the chews are not as soft as expected.
Some users had dogs with sensitive stomachs & found the chews not suitable. Sometimes a slow introduction into a supplement can help
No 3. YuMove Joint Dog Supplement
Yumove Joint Dog Supplement is a natural supplement that has been specially formulated to offer joint support in adult dogs especially stiff and senior dogs. The source of its omega 3 comes from green-lipped mussels and these come from the coasts of New Zealand. The high-strength glucosamine provides the major building blocks of cartilage and the natural chondroitin helps maintain the cartilage for longer.
Key Features
- Unique source of omega 3 from green-lipped mussels (ActveEase TM) originating from the coasts of New Zealand.
- Each tablet contains 150 mg green-lipped mussel that is triple strength, 250 mg of pure glucosamine, 750mcg Hyaluronic acid, and the Vitamins C & E.
- Formulated to help with joint pain and suitable for older stiff dogs.
- Choice of 60 / 120 or 300 tablets per pack.
Ingredients
250mg Glucosamine HCl (Corn Extract), 150mg Green Lipped Mussel (containing natural Chondroitin),
12.5mg Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), 3mg Manganese Sulfate, 1.5mg Hyaluronic Acid & 0.5mg D-Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
| Your Dog’s Weight | Amount |
| Up to 35lbs | 1 Per Day |
| 36 lbs – 65 lbs | 2 Per Day |
| 66 lbs – 100 lbs | 3 Per Day |
| Over 100 lbs |
4 Per Day |
The Pros
Unique ingredients with a 6-week claim to work
The formula contains Glucosamine HCl & natural Chondroitin with Vitamins C & E
The Cons
As it is tablet format not all dogs take capsules so it this is the case you can always crush and sprinkle over meals.
Joint Pain in Dogs – The Warning Signs
Unfortunately, dogs haven’t quite mastered the ability to speak as otherwise, a dog with joint pain would tell you exactly how they feel. Consequently, we have to observe our fur babies and take note of any unusual patterns emerging that would show your dog is suffering from joint pain.
Some of the most common signs for dog joint pain to watch for include:
- Slow to get up in the morning and unusually grumpy when it’s time to move
- Reluctant to climb the stairs or steps.
- Difficulty in standing up after lying down.
- Changes in your dog’s mood. This is only natural as imagine if you’re not feeling well and somebody comes over to you while you are in pain.
- Unusual movement when walking – stiff gait or limping, etc
- Sometimes you can actually see the swelling around the joints
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Benefits of Joint Supplements For Dogs
Improved Mobility
Joint and hip supplements are specifically geared to help reduce inflammation and help with joint pain. This naturally will lead to improved mobility for your fur baby.
Improved Mood
If you ever had joint pain you would know exactly how your dog feels. It can lower your mood. Your dog may not even want to be petted or stroked. When joint pain is eased your dog may be back to his old playful self.
More Energy
Relieving joint pain can sometimes rejuvenate senior dogs and give them a new spring in their step
Although they may no longer be able to jump and leap about as they once did you may see an improved and increased energy and vitality.
Helps Immune System
Many of the hip and joint supplements contain vitamins and minerals that your dog needs for a healthy immune system. This can help keep your dog healthy as they fight against diseases and illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Give Human Joint & Hip Supplements to Dogs?
In short, the answer is a definite no. Human supplements can contain ingredients that are dangerous to dogs. Some human supplements contain xylitol. Xylitol and dogs do not mix. Giving your dog even a small amount of xylitol can cause serious health issues such as low blood sugar, liver failure, seizures, and even death.
Can You Prevent Arthritis in Dogs?
There is no guaranteed solution to prevent arthritis from developing, however, you can certainly minimize the risks of inflammation and arthritis. A keen eye and observation of your dog when showing any signs of mobility issues or pain. You should consult with your veterinarian about the best course of action with regard to supplements and diet that would be suitable for your dog.
It’s always advisable to make sure your dog’s weight and diet are carefully managed. Ensure that the food is balanced and nutritious and has all the right ingredients for a healthy lifestyle. It works the same for humans. A good diet and weight management can help improve your quality of life.
Buyers Guide For Hip & Joint Supplements
What To Consider
Type of Supplement
Hip and joint supplements for dogs come in 3 main formats
1. Liquid
When the supplement comes in liquid format it can be easily mixed in with your dog’s food and so will be quickly and easily absorbed. However, the downside to liquid is that your dog may not like the taste and thereby refuse to eat his dinner once it has been mixed with the liquid.
2 . Soft Chews
They are a convenient and easy way for your dog to consume the supplement. However, the main downside is that sometimes the content of these soft chews may not contain a high concentration of active ingredients.
3. Tablets/Capsules
When the supplement comes in tablet or capsule format they should contain adequate high concentrations of the active ingredients to benefit the joints. The downside of tablets is getting your dog to take one. There are several different techniques dog owners use to administer tablets. We have an article on this topic – Tips How To Give Your Dog A Pill.
Ingredients in the Supplement
There are many different types of supplements available and consequently, they don’t all contain the same active ingredients. However, you should look for the following active ingredients
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a natural amino sugar found in the fluid around the joints. It plays a crucial role to help build and maintain cartilage. Cartilage is composed of 65-80% water and a gel-like substance called matrix. It is a tough yet flexible connective tissue and as well as being found in the joints it is also found in the disc of the spine, nose, and ears.
As glucosamine is produced naturally by your dog’s body over time as your dog ages the natural production of this important amino sugar can decline. This decline can lead to inadequate levels of glucosamine and consequently lead to joint pain and damage. Supplements can help replenish the reserves of this important amino sugar.
Some supplements combine this natural sugar with other ingredients such as chondroitin sulfate or MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) to help with joint pain. There are also different types of glucosamine such as glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride and N-acetyl glucosamine
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is a vital part of cartilage. It helps give cartilage its flexibility. It achieves this by helping cartilage retain water. Chondroitin also prevents enzymes from damaging and breaking down the cartilage
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
This is a supplement that occurs naturally in your dog’s body and it’s an essential building block for your dog’s cell membranes. In simple terms, it is a cell rejuvenator and joint healer. It helps with anti-inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
omega 3 fatty acids play a crucial role in ensuring that your dog remains healthy. The omega 3 found in fish oil can also help improve your heart and decrease the risk of stroke. The fish oil also helps with the stiffness of the joints and the pain associated with it.
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Conclusion
Our overall top pick for the best hip and joint supplement for dogs is Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil. This American product contains high levels of EPA and DHA and it’s a natural fish oil that can be conveniently dispensed from a small pump at the top. When taking any type of supplement it is always advisable to have a consultation with your veterinarian.
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Sources
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_multi_arthritis_osteoarthritis
- https://www.dvm360.com/view/joint-supplements-dogs-helpful-vs-hype
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265748#what-is-glucosamine
- https://topdoghealth.com/key-dog-hip-and-joint-supplement-ingredients/
- https://cartilage.org/patient/about-cartilage/what-is-cartilage/
- https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/msm
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega-3_fatty_acid
