A well-balanced diet specifically formulated for your dog’s age, breed, and needs should always be the core for ensuring that your pup’s nutritional and health needs are met. But even the best dog food may not provide everything that your dog needs, especially when it comes to joint health, aging, and preventative care. Dog supplements can help fill in nutritional gaps, reduce the risk of chronic conditions, and support mobility, heart health, immune function, and more.
Nutritional dog supplements for joints can play a valuable role in managing and even delaying conditions like arthritis, especially in older or at-risk dogs. Many dogs may not show observable signs of pain from arthritis until they’re older, and so dog joint supplements can be an important part of preventative care for at-risk breeds.
The right supplements can also offer anti-inflammatory benefits, promote cartilage repair, and maintain healthy organ function as your dog ages.
Dog Supplements for Joints: Ingredients to Look For
When you’re looking for the best dog joint supplements, keep an eye out for ingredients known to support dog joint health.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is one of the most popular and researched ingredients found in dog supplements for joints. For dogs, glucosamine is often used to alleviate pain and other symptoms of joint damage. It may reduce joint inflammation and support cartilage repair and health, too.
Glucosamine comes in different forms, so look for glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine HCl in products. Vital Planet Hip & Joint for Dogs Chewable Tablets contain both forms of glucosamine, along with calcium, MSM, chondroitin, manganese, and a joint herbal blend to support your dog’s joints and connective tissue.
Chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are often used together in joint health supplements for dogs. Chondroitin may help prevent the breakdown of cartilage and promote the production of certain cartilage components. Together, glucosamine and chondroitin may help support joint mobility and pain reduction.
Another great dog joint supplement that uses glucosamine and chondroitin together is Codeage DNA PET Happy Healthy Joints Soft Treats. DNA PET Happy Healthy Joints Soft Treats from Codeage are meticulously crafted from 100% fresh chicken and enhanced with joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin. These delicious treats are also enriched with beef collagen, which may promote skin health and joint health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is one of the most effective ways to help modify chronic joint inflammation in dogs. In particular, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are two of the omega-3 fatty acids to look for in supplements for your dog.
Boswellia
Boswellia is a natural ingredient found in some joint supplements for dogs. It contains boswellic acids, compounds that may have anti-inflammatory properties, which may support joint comfort and pain relief.
One supplement with boswellia to consider is Terry Naturally Active Mobility for Dogs. These chewable tablets are designed to support canine joint health and mobility, using ingredients like boswellia, glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and type II collagen.
Another option from Terry Naturally is Terry Naturally Joint & Hip Formula for Dogs. These chewable wafers combine boswellia with curcumin and turmeric essential oil to help relieve occasional joint stiffness and support the maintenance of healthy cartilage and joint function.
When to Start Dog Supplements
Always consult with your veterinarian before starting a supplement regimen for your dog: they can help you make sure you’re giving your dog the right types of treats and supplements dosed for their size and needs.
For dog breeds that are particularly prone to early-onset arthritis, it’s sometimes recommended to start dog joint supplements as early as eight weeks. Dog breeds with a high risk of arthritis include:
- Miniature poodles
- Chihuahuas
- Pugs
- Boston Terriers
- Yorkshire Terriers
- American Staffordshire Terriers
- Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers
- American Bulldogs and English Bulldogs
- Boxers
- German Shepherds
- Great Danes
- Mastiffs
- St. Bernards
- Welsh Corgis
- Dachshunds
For most dogs, as a rule of thumb, you can and should start providing supplements by about a year of age. If you start noticing new or worsening symptoms of joint pain, like stiffness, difficulty rising, limping, or a change in behavior, talk with your veterinarian about adding, increasing, or changing supplements that may help. They can also recommend ways to modify your pet’s diet or supplements to support heart health and overall well-being. You may even be able to pair joint supplements with supplements or treats to support a calm mood,
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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