Many dogs develop chronic joint issues like arthritis and hip dysplasia during their lifetime. That’s why joint supplements are the most popular dog supplements that owners give their pups. The market is chock full of options, but these products vary widely in their quality, ingredients, and effectiveness. I’m here to help you find the best dog joint supplement for your pup with our top picks of the best joint supplements for dogs. The best dog joint supplement is Dasuquin, but I also share the best for Seniors, Hip Dysplasia, and more.
| Overall | For Seniors | With Hemp | Powder | Liquid | For Hip Dysplasia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |
| Dasuquin | Cosequin | PetHonesty | The Missing Link | Liquid Health | Vets Best |
| View on Chewy | View on Chewy | Visit Website | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Chewy |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Best Joint Supplements For Dogs
You can give your four-legged friend these supplements to maintain joints in healthy dogs or to improve joint health and relieve inflammation, stiffness, and pain in pups with joint problems. Older dogs with osteoarthritis and mobility issues may see benefit from the right supplement to support healthy bones and joints.
I’ve chosen the best hip and joint supplements for dogs based on several factors, including the active ingredients, the supplement’s quality, pricing, customer feedback, and more. See our ingredient section below if you’re not familiar with the ingredients we list in our reviews.
Safety warning: Although you might be tempted to give your dog a human joint supplement that contains similar ingredients, the Pet Health Network warns that human supplements can be toxic for dogs and recommends consulting your veterinarian before giving your pup any dietary supplement (either human or formulated for pets).
Best Overall: Nutramax Dasuquin Review
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Dasuquin is Nutramax Laboratories’ premium supplement for dog joint health. It is my top pick for the best hip and joint supplements for dogs and is a top vet-recommended product. 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. Some dogs have negative side effects from NSAIDs, which are a common joint medicine for dogs, so Dasuquin could be a good alternative (as long as your vet agrees). Dasuquin gets overwhelmingly positive reviews from owners of arthritic dogs. But it’s also helpful in supporting joint health in healthy dogs.
Active ingredients: glucosamine HCI, sodium chondroitin sulfate, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), green tea extract, and boswellia serrata extract
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent blend of active ingredients | On the pricey side |
| Manufactured with strict quality standards | Some dogs have an intolerance to soy |
| Formulated by veterinary experts | A few complaints that they’re too hard |
| Gets a vast majority of positive customer reviews | |
| Comes in 2 formulas for small/medium, or large dogs | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
Starts at $49.99 ($0.60 / Count) (84 soft chewables)
Best Joint Supplement For Senior Dogs: Nutramax Cosequin Senior Review
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Another high-quality, vet-recommended joint supplement from Nutramax Laboratories, Cosequin Senior soft chews 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.
Nutramax also carries several other versions of their Cosequin formula, including their #1 vet-recommended maximum joint health supplement, mini-chews, and more.
Active ingredients: glucosamine HCI, sodium chondroitin sulfate, MSM, yeast extract (beta-glucans), EPA and DHA omega-3s
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Scientific studies have shown that vet-formulated Cosequin is safe and effective | Some customers say their dogs didn’t like the taste |
| Manufactured with strict quality standards | |
| Also supports immune, digestive, and skin/ coat health | |
| Formulated for dogs of all sizes | |
| Many positive customer reviews | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
$25.98 ($0.43 / Count) (60 soft chews)
Our Personal Experience With Cosequin Joint Supplements
We have used Cosequin for many years for our dogs as they age. It has allowed them to experience less pain and have a better quality of life despite their aging joints. Our 14-year-old has been on Cosequin for 6 years, and on days when we accidentally skip it, we notice the difference in her mobility and energy right away. Cosequin has worked great for us, and we recommend it to anyone with an aging dog.
– Michelle Schenker, Senior Dog Parent, Canine Journal Co-Founder & Licensend Insurance Professional
Best Hemp Joint Supplement For Dogs: PetHonesty Hemp Mobility Review
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PetHonesty’s Senior Hemp Mobility hip and joint supplement is one of the company’s many all-natural, high-quality pet supplements, treats, oils, etc. This product contains a wealth of ingredients to boost your dog’s joint health, including organic hemp oil and powder that are rich in anti-inflammatory omegas and have zero THC.
In addition to the chicken-flavored Senior Hemp Mobility supplement, PetHonesty also carries four other joint supplements, including their regular Hemp Mobility formula that has very similar ingredients. They also have a 100% 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
Active ingredients: glucosamine HCI, chondroitin sulfate, green-lipped mussel, hemp seed powder and oil, MSM, balanced Kollagen, vitamins C & E, yucca schidigera extract
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All-natural ingredients | A few customers said it made their dog vomit |
| Excellent blend of joint health ingredients | Some customers say their dogs didn’t like the taste |
| Made with a nutritious vegetable blend | |
| Made in an FDA-approved facility in the USA | |
| 30-day money-back guarantee | |
| Subscribe for auto-shipping and save 20% |
Price
You can save 20% by subscribing for auto-shipping with PetHonesty.
$42.99 ($0.48 / Count) (90 soft chews)
Get free shipping over $49 – no coupon code required. Use this link to take advantage of this offer.
Best Powder Joint Supplement For Dogs: The Missing Link Hip & Joint Review
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This NASC-certified, veterinarian-formulated supplement powder contains a blend of ingredients designed to promote cartilage development, joint mobility, and flexibility. The Missing Link supplements are made in the U.S. using a patented cold process manufacturing technology for maximum nutritional value. You can simple sprinkle it onto your pup’s food at mealtime. It does have a high fiber content so be sure to start out with small doses to make sure it doesn’t upset your pup’s stomach.
Active ingredients: omega-3, 6 & 9 fatty acids (flaxseed), glucosamine HCl, rice bran, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), nutritional yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), chondroitin sulfate, fructooligosaccharide (prebiotic), microcrystalline hydroxyapatite calcium (MCH-Cal™), taurine, yucca schidigera extract, kelp, hyaluronic acid, zinc methionine complex, selenium yeast, vitamin B6, total probiotic microorganisms (Bacillus coagulans) 288,000,000 CFU
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All-natural ingredients | Powder can get a bit messy to give to your pup |
| 3rd-party tested for quality of ingredients | |
| Made in the USA | |
| Fortified with prebiotics and probiotics | |
| Includes natural fiber from alfalfa, barley grass, and carrots |
Price
- Starts at $27.29 ($1.71 / Ounce) (1-lb bag)
Best Add On To Food Subscription: Ollie Zoomies
Ollie, the popular all-natural food subscription service, now offers supplements as an optional add-on to give your dog more nutrients. Their Zoomies are formulated with Glucosamine HCl (from shellfish), Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Vitamin C, Chondroitin Sulfate (porcine), Vitamin E, Kelp Powder, and Turmeric (Organic).
These all-natural ingredients help support the health of your dog’s hips and joints. Made in the U.S. in cGMP-certified facilities using a cold extrusion process to preserve the potency of every active ingredient.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All-natural | Must have a dog food subscription to get add on pills (also available on Amazon) |
| Promotes healthy bones and ligament health | |
| For dogs of all ages and sizes | |
| Vegetarian turkey flavor | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
- $22 for 60 chews (with food subscription plan)
Best Liquid Joint Supplement For Dogs: Liquid Health K9 Glucosamine Review
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If you’re looking for a liquid joint supplement, Liquid Health’s K9 Glucosamine is a great choice. In addition to key joint health ingredients, this supplement’s base is aloe vera juice, which has added benefits for your pup’s gut health. Liquid Health has been manufacturing affordable, high-quality pet and human supplements for decades.
Their pet products get the quality seal of approval from the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) for safe manufacturing practices. This supplement is ultra-purified and distilled to provide optimal, fast-acting relief for your pup.
Active ingredients: glucosamine HCI, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, hyaluronic acid, manganese chelate
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy-to-digest liquid formula | The bottle doesn’t come with a pump lid |
| Manufactured with strict quality standards (NASC seal of approval) | A few reports of it causing diarrhea |
| Cold-processed to preserve the purity of ingredients | |
| Aloe vera juice base is good for gut health | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
$29.95 ($0.94 / Fl Oz) (32 fluid ounces)
Best Joint Supplement For Dogs With Hip Dysplasia: Vet’s Best Aches+Pains Review
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Hip dysplasia and other joint problems can become quite painful for pups as the condition advances. Aspirin-free Vet’s Best Aches+Pains supplement could be a good pain-relief solution for your pup. These veterinarian-formulated chews contain glucosamine HCL and MSM for joint health and plant-based ingredients such as pineapple bromelain and white willow bark that help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with joint problems.
Active ingredients: glucosamine HCI, bromelain, MSM, white willow bark extract, yucca root
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent for pain relief | Doesn’t contain chondroitin |
| All-natural ingredients | Some customers say their dogs didn’t like the taste |
| Manufactured with strict quality standards (NASC seal of approval) | |
| Veterinarian-formulated | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
Starts at Check Amazon for availability (50 tablets)
Our Personal Experience With Joint Supplements
“We learned that our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s sibling had been diagnosed with early onset hip dysplasia at only age two. So we talked to our vet and started him on a daily joint supplement as a proactive measure. He gobbles it right up every morning with his breakfast and has been healthy and walking great since starting him on them a year ago.”
– Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Parent, Canine Journal Creative & Marketing
More Top-Rated Hip And Joint Supplements For Dogs
Although these products didn’t make our top picks, they’re excellent glucosamine supplements for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other joint problems.
Doggie Dailies Advanced Hip & Joint Review
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Doggie Dailies’ soft chews are one of the most affordable joint supplements you can find with such high-quality ingredients. They include key joint health ingredients and fish oil that also supports skin and coat health. They’re made in a GMP-compliant facility using cold-press extrusion, which helps preserve the potency of ingredients. Most of the customer reviews we saw said their dogs love the chicken and peanut butter flavors and that they saw improvements in their dog’s mobility.
Active ingredients: glucosamine HCI, MSM, chondroitin sulfate, yucca schidigera, salmon oil, cod liver oil, coenzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good value | Not good for dogs with chicken or wheat intolerances |
| Manufactured with strict quality standards in a GMP-compliant facility | A few reports that it caused diarrhea |
| Quality tested by a third-party lab | Daily dosages escalate a lot for dog size (up to 6 chews per day for 75+ pounds) |
| Many positive customer reviews | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
$36.99 ($0.16 / Count) (225 chews)
VetriScience GlycoFlex 3 Review
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VetriScience Laboratories’ GlycoFlex line of joint supplements is a popular choice for owners and veterinarians. GlycoFlex 3 is their maximum strength formula ideal for working or very active dogs and senior dogs exhibiting joint problems. In a clinical study, GlycoFlex 3 improved hind leg strength by 41% in just four weeks in arthritic dogs. GlycoFlex is also available in several other formulas and strengths for dogs and cats.
Active ingredients: glucosamine HCI, MSM, green-lipped mussel, DMG, vitamins E & C, manganese, grape seed extract, L-glutathione, selenium
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clinically proven to improve hind leg strength | Several customers say they smell bad, and their dogs don’t like them |
| Manufactured with strict quality standards (NASC seal of approval) | Some reports that chews came all broken up |
| Vet-formulated | |
| Comes in soft chews or tablets | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
$43.50 ($0.36 / Count) (120 chews)
Important Ingredients For Dog Joint Health
Here are the main ingredients to look for in a joint supplement for your dog.
- Glucosamine hydrochloride (HCI) is harvested from the shells of shrimp, lobster, and crabs. It is believed to increase the production of cartilage and fluid around the joints and help prevent their breakdown. It may also help reduce joint pain and boost mobility.
- Chondroitin Sulfate is a natural chemical found in people and animals that helps build cartilage. Chondroitin is most often used together with glucosamine.
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It supports the structure of joints and connective tissue.
- Green Lipped Mussels (GLM), found off the coast of New Zealand, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, chondroitin, and other compounds that can help reduce inflammation and pain and improve mobility.
- Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring chemical that helps lubricate joints and reduce inflammation.
Other beneficial ingredients found in joint health supplements for dogs include omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, Boswellia serrata, hemp extract, cannabidiol (CBD), and more. These ingredients contain anti-inflammatory properties, so they’re used to relieve stiffness and pain in joints.
Thoughts On Glucosamine (A Supplement Expert’s Opinion)
I’ve seen a lot of questions, specifically about glucosamine and joint health. These include “Does glucosamine really help dog’s joints?” Pet parents also wonder if it is possible to give your dog too much glucosmine. I spoke with our supplement expert to find out more about glucosamine and how it supports joint health in dogs.
Select a joint supplement at random, and you’ll likely see glucosamine listed as one of the first few active ingredients. Glucosamine—typically glucosamine sulfate or hydrochloride—is often recommended as a remedy for osteoarthritis. Many formulas combine glucosamine with chondroitin, a related compound that also helps to reduce joint pain and rebuild cartilage.
The effectiveness of glucosamine supplementation for dogs is a topic of debate. While some studies show positive results, others contradict its efficacy. Still, giving your dog this compound has minimal risk and no serious side effects.
Keep in mind that benefits from glucosamine may take eight or more weeks to notice, which is why I recommend choosing a formula that adds additional anti-inflammatory ingredients to provide relief in the meantime. Some of my top picks for inflammatory relief are Boswellia (frankincense), turmeric, MSM, and bromelain—though the last should be taken between meals to get the full effect.
– Tara Maurer, Canine Journal Writer & Supplement Expert
Consider Pet Insurance Before Joint Problems Arise
If you’re looking into joint health supplements for your pup to help with possible future conditions like arthritis, you may want to consider pet insurance. Many dogs are prone to developing arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other serious joint problems as they age — and these conditions can get extremely expensive to treat. But if you invest in pet insurance before problems arise, many policies cover a portion of these costly vet bills (as long as it’s not a pre-existing condition). Learn more about pet insurance and whether it’s worth it for you and your pup.
A Healthy Diet Can Make A Big Difference
If your dog is suffering from arthritis or other joint issues, or you just want to make sure your pup is eating the healthiest diet, you may want to consider switching her food. A diet rich in natural nutrients and immune-boosting ingredients can help your dog’s body fight the negative effects of joint diseases.
Several companies that offer fresh dog food delivery can even personalize your pup’s food for joint and other health issues. You may also want to consider additional supplements for your furry friend, like multivitamins or fish oil. Just be sure to consult your vet before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet. Ollie offers an optional add-on to their food subscription.
Have you tried a joint supplement with your pup? I’d love to hear your experience and questions in the comments.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Sally has over 20 years of experience in human health sciences communications, including ten years as an expert on pet health conditions and treatment. Sally also has over 10 years of experience researching hundreds of pet products — everything from collars and accessories to food and supplements — to determine their safety, efficacy, and nutritional value for our four-legged friends. She’s part of a team of dedicated canine professionals and long-time dog owners at Canine Journal. We test and research the best pet products, not only for our own pups but for all of our readers.
