7 Hip and Joint Supplements for Dogs

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the GreatPetCare editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author or reviewer.

No matter how old dogs get, they’ll always be our puppies at heart! Their joints, however, are another story. It’s never easy to witness traditional signs of aging in your dog. And if your dog is limping, seems stiff, or has difficulty rising, you may want to consider hip and joint supplements for dogs.

Unfortunately, the likelihood that your dog may experience these signs of reduced mobility is relatively high. And it may come sooner than you think. Some research shows that 38 to 40 percent of dogs as young as 4 years old show evidence of arthritis in dogs on X-rays. [1]

Here’s the good news: Hip and joint supplements for dogs can help promote better mobility and comfort. If you’re concerned about signs of arthritis in dogs, or if you simply want to protect their joints as they age, keep reading.

In this guide, we’ll explain what dog joint supplements are, why vets recommend them, and the best options to consider. You’ll learn everything you need to know about canine hip and joint supplements and their role in keeping your dog active and happy.

What Are Hip and Joint Supplements for Dogs?

Dog joint supplements are products designed to improve dog joint health and function. They typically contain ingredients that may help:

• Rebuild cartilage (the smooth tissue that cushions joints)
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve joint mobility

Unlike prescription medications, dog supplements for joints are available over the counter. However, not all products are created equal. Some ingredients, like glucosamine for dogs, have stronger scientific support than others for reducing or managing arthritis symptoms.

Also unlike prescription drugs, supplements are not regulated by the FDA. So always choose a high-quality dog hip and joint supplement from a reputable manufacturer. Ask your vet for recommendations. In many cases, you can buy supplements directly from your vet or your vet’s online pharmacy.

Most dogs tolerate hip joint supplements well. However, if your dog has significant joint or mobility issues, consult your vet to determine the proper treatment. Joint supplements alone may not be enough to provide joint pain relief for dogs.

Types of Joint Supplements for Dogs

Canine joint supplements come in a variety of forms, including: chews, tablets, gel capsules, and powders or granules.

Some dogs with joint issues may take more than one supplement depending on their needs.

Here are common ingredients you might find in your dog’s joint supplements:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) – May act as a natural anti-inflammatory for dogs, helping decrease joint inflammation in dogs with canine osteoarthritis.
• Glucosamine hydrochloride – May help boost cartilage repair and reduce inflammation. Glucosamine for dogs is often used along with chondroitin.
• Chondroitin sulfate – May help slow cartilage destruction and support joint structure.
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) – May act as a natural anti-inflammatory for dogs with antioxidant properties.
• Boswellia serrata extract – May reduce joint inflammation.
• Green-lipped mussels (perca canaliculus) – May support cartilage health and provide natural Omega-3s.
• Undenatured type II collagen (UC II) – May help protect cartilage from further damage.
• Hyaluronic acid – Vital for maintaining healthy joint fluid.
• Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) – May help prevent cartilage damage.
• Green tea extract (EGCG) – May have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Alpha-lipoic acid – May have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Egg shell membrane – Contains high levels of glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid. 
• Manganese – May help with joint fluid synthesis.

Use of Cannabidiol (CBD) supplements to help provide dog joint pain relief is also on the rise. However, as with all supplements, pet parents should talk to a vet before giving CBD supplements to their dog.

Why Your Vet Might Recommend Dog Hip and Joint Supplements

Your veterinarian might recommend a dog hip supplement or joint supplement for several reasons. Here are a few scenarios:

Preventative care

Some large breed dogs face a higher risk of developing arthritis or orthopedic conditions that lead to arthritis. Vets may recommend starting hip supplements for such dogs early as a preventative measure. Examples of breeds this might apply to include German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Great Danes.

Managing active arthritis

Dog arthritis supplements along with prescription pain meds may help improve comfort in dogs with arthritis.

Support for orthopedic injuries 

Dogs recovering from injuries like torn cranial cruciate ligaments (CCL) or hip dysplasia tend to develop arthritis over time. Joint supplements may help slow the progress.

Aging dogs

Dogs of any age can have arthritis. However, it’s most common in middle-aged to senior dogs because of wear and tear on their joints. Joint supplements may help keep aging and senior dogs mobile and active longer.

Active lifestyles or weight challenges

Whether your dog’s active lifestyle or extra body weight is straining their joints, the result is the same. In both cases, joint supplements may help provide protection.

7 Best Hip and Joint Supplements for Dogs

Choosing a good joint supplement for dogs can be overwhelming. Here are seven vet-recommended joint supplements to consider.

Dasuquin Advanced with Egg Shell Membrane Soft Chews for Dogs

Dasuquin Advanced with Egg Shell Membrane is a common vet-recommended joint supplement for our canine companions. This product is available only through veterinarians. The supplement helps support the rebuilding of cartilage, slows cartilage breakdown, and includes antioxidants.

You can give the soft chews to your dog as a tasty treat. They come in two sizes: Chews for small/medium dogs (under 60 lbs) and large dogs (60 lbs and over).

Key ingredients in this product include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA, ETA)
• Glucosamine hydrochloride
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
• Chondroitin sulfate
• Boswellia serrata extract
• Curcuma longa extract (turmeric)
• Green tea extract

MOVOFLEX Advanced Soft Chews for Dogs

These chicken-flavored chews are palate-pleasing and suitable for dogs of all ages, sizes, and activity levels. They help promote mobility, flexibility, and joint function. And they come in three sizes: Chews for small dogs (up to 40 lbs), medium dogs (40–80 lbs), and large dogs (over 80 lbs).

Key ingredients include:

• BIOVAFLEX eggshell membrane (chicken)
• Krill oil
• ZANTHIN natural astaxanthin
• Hyaluronic acid
• Boswellia serrata extract

Duralactin Canine K9 Joint Plus Soft Chews

Duralactin Canine K9 Joint Plus Soft Chews are antioxidant-rich and feature a yummy chicken liver flavor. They help reduce inflammation, support joints and muscles, and maintain healthy joint fluid.

Unlike other chews, these come in one size only, so you have to adjust the number of chews based on your dog’s body weight. Dogs up to 60 pounds get one chew per day. Dogs between 61-120 pounds get two chew per day. And dogs over 121 pounds get three chews per day.

Key ingredients include:

• Omega 3-EPA
• Omega 3-DHA
• MicroLactin dried milk protein
• Glucosamine hydrochloride
• MSM

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Joint Care

These Purina Pro Plan Veterinary natural joint care supplements are formulated to help support mobility and normal daily activities.

The product comes in two sizes: chews for small/medium dogs and medium/large dogs. Read the packaging instructions closely. The recommended number of supplements for dogs between 40-90 pounds varies according to which product you buy.

Key ingredients include:

• Glucosamine hydrochloride
• Collagen
• Chondroitin sulfate
• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)
• Hyaluronic acid

YuMOVE Advance 360 MAX Strength Soft Chews for Dogs

YuMOVE Advance 360 MAX Strength is available only through veterinarians. They are widely recommended as one of the best hip and joint supplements for dogs. The formula helps ease stiff joints, support joint structure, and promote mobility. 

This product comes in three sizes: small dog (under 35 lbs), medium dogs (36–65 lbs), and large dogs (66–100 lbs). Dogs over 100 lbs should take one and a half of the large dog chews.

Key ingredients include:

• Green-lipped mussel powder, which contains chondroitin
• Glucosamine hydrochloride
• Omega-3 fatty acids 
• N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E

Nutramax Cosequin DS Joint Health Supplement for Dogs

Cosequin DS Joint Health Supplement comes as chewable tablets or capsules designed to promote joint health in dogs. You can give Cosequin for dogs chewable tablets to your pup as a treat. Or you can open the capsules and add to your dog’s food at mealtime.

The number of tablets or capsules given per day depends on the dog’s size. Dosage may also depend on whether they are just starting the supplement. After seeing an improvement in symptoms, you can switch to a lower maintenance dose.

Key ingredients include:

• Glucosamine hydrochloride
• Chondroitin sulfate
• Manganese

MYOS Muscle & Joint with Green Lipped Mussel Powder for Dogs

This supplement is intended to help build muscle and improve joint health and mobility. The product comes as a powder you can add to your dog’s food. The recommended number of scoops per day depends on your pet’s size.

Key ingredients include:

• Fortetropin, a proprietary product that allegedly builds muscle and reduces muscle loss
• Green-lipped mussel, a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids and chondroitin sulfate 

What to Consider When Choosing a Dog Joint Supplement

When picking a hip and joint supplement for dogs, keep these tips in mind:

1. Consult your veterinarian to ensure the joint supplement fits your pup’s specific health needs.
2. Look for the NASC Quality Seal. The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) exists to protect the integrity of the animal health product industry. Only supplements from companies that meet the council’s high standards can bear the NASC Quality Seal. To earn the seal, manufacturers must:

• Pass a third-party quality audit every 2 years
• Maintain compliance with NASC standards
• Participate in annual continuing education
• Pass random independent testing of products

Of the products we included, the ones coming from manufacturers listed as audited members of the NASC include:

• MOVOFLEX Advanced Soft Chews for Dogs
• Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Joint Care
• MYOS Muscle & Joint with Green Lipped Mussel Powder for Dogs
• YuMOVE Advance 360 MAX Strength Soft Chews for Dogs

1. Pick a product intended for dogs. Products intended for humans or other animals may be harmful for dogs.
2.  Check the dosing instructions carefully. Ensure the product is appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and health conditions. But also look for instructions about how to administer the supplement. Some may require a “loading dose” phase for a few weeks to help the product reach a steady level in your dog’s body.
3. Be on the lookout for allergens. If your dog has food allergies, make sure the supplement does not contain trigger ingredients, including flavorings. 

What Are the Risks of Dog Joint Supplements?

Most joint supplements are safe. However, if a dog decides they’re extra tasty and eats too many, they could experience adverse effects. These may vary depending on what ingredients are in the joint supplement. For example, high doses of omega-3 fatty acids can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. 

Remember: If your dog has joint pain, always work with your vet to choose the correct supplement and treatment plan. Joint supplements alone are not enough to ease your dog’s aching joints if they already have severe pain. They work best when coupled with other joint pain in dogs remedies, such as medication and weight management.

The Scoop on Dog Joint Supplements

Dog hip and joint supplements can help protect your dog’s mobility and comfort as they age. They’re an important tool for preventing arthritis and managing joint conditions like hip dysplasia.

The best choice depends on your dog’s size, health, and lifestyle. But always remember that working with your veterinarian is the best way to create a personalized joint care plan. For the highest quality products, consider buying directly from your vet’s office or their online pharmacy.

With the right care and supplements, you can help your dog enjoy a longer, happier, more active life.

REFERENCE

1. Enomoto, M., de Castro, N., Hash, J. et al. Prevalence of radiographic appendicular osteoarthritis and associated clinical signs in young dogs. Sci Rep 14, 2827 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-52324-9