Joyful Joints: Does Your Dog Need Supplements?

Our Top 5 Best Joint Supplements For Dogs Choices

• Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Chewable Tablets for Dogs
• TerraMax Pro Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs
• Advanced Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs, 225 Soft Chews
• Liquid Health K-9 Glucosamine, Hip and Joint Formula
• Vetri-Science Laboratories Glyco-Flex III Bite-Sized Dog Chews

Arthritis is a painful condition that tends to affect its victims as they age. Just like us, our furry friends can also suffer from a variety of agonizing joint disorders. As pet parents, it is distressing to imagine our loyal, loving comrades in any sort of discomfort. The best way to treat arthritis in dogs is with prevention or early detection. The problem with this? Our dogs can’t speak! How are they to let us know that something is bothering them?

Best Joint Supplements For Dogs Comparsion

Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Luckily for us, like a dog can pick up on anxious energy or unusual mannerisms from their owners, we can also identify and recognize health problems by reading our dog’s body language. So, what does that mean exactly? Well, let’s take a look.

Symptoms of Arthritis in Your Pet

• Obvious lameness in a specific limb: If your older dog starts dragging one of his back legs, it will be fairly obvious to recognize that something is wrong. However, the pet parent should be wary of less apparent signs of lameness as well, such as sitting in unusual positions. If you’ve noticed your dog is slower to get up or it seems difficult for him to get up this is also a sign that something is wrong. One really common and a change that is easy to identify is if your dog has been jumping up and sleeping in your bed his entire life and suddenly stops joining you from slumber parties.

• Thickening of the joint: So you’ve identified that your dog is moving unusually or you’ve picked up on some obvious lameness in a limb. Arthritis is sore; if you touch his limb, he will likely pull it away from you to avoid the tenderness. However, you need to feel for swelling of thickening around the joints. This will be pretty easy to identify; keep in mind that when people get arthritis in their fingers, it is often possible to surgically remove the thickened structures to increase comfort and mobility, so the thickening around a dog’s knee or hip will be quite apparent and possible to identify with touch.

• Physical Changes: As previously mentioned, your dog will likely be obviously uncomfortable. However, there are also some physical symptoms associated with arthritis. Your dog may start walking differently to avoid putting pressure on the affected joint. You may also notice wasting in the muscles around the affected area because your dog is avoiding using these muscles.

Some breeds, notably heavy and muscular breeds such as boxers, mastiffs, and Great Danes, are prone to arthritis due to their heavy bodies. They can even develop arthritic symptoms way earlier than you expected. With these types of breeds especially—but really all dogs—it is important to take action early on in life to help your dog lead an active, healthy and happy life. Below, we will have a look at the best joint supplements for dogs.

Joint Care: A Lifelong Commitment

OK, so you might be wondering, as the owner of a younger pet, what steps can you take to prevent this painful problem altogether? There are many ongoing ways that you can care for your dog’s joint health before he reaches an age or a level of symptoms that actually causes him discomfort. Like many dog health problems, it starts with nutrition.

Most people suggest that a giant breed puppy should never be fed puppy food for this reason as it is too caloric and, in laymen’s terms, will cause them to put on weight too quickly for their skeleton to support. Aside from all the other problems this will cause your dog, it will be detrimental to the health of their joints.

For all dogs, it is important to check the ingredients in their food. In both humans and animals, essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 are thought to support longevity in joint health, among other amazing health benefits. Many foods are also enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin to help stop joint deterioration before it even starts.

A Guide to Glucosamine (and Chondroitin)

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are naturally found in cartilage. Cartilage basically acts as a barrier where the bones meet to stop them from grinding together. Joint problems are more often than not caused by a cartilage problem and not a bone problem.

Funnily enough, both glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally found in marine animals. Many people believe that substituting these compounds will help reduce and even reverse damage to cartilage. Although they can be taken separately, the positive effects of glucosamine and chondroitin seem most beneficial when the two are taken together.

Allergy Alert

As we know, dogs, like us are prone to food allergies. When you start a dog on any new food or supplement, it is important to watch for symptoms of allergic reaction. The trigger here would be shellfish, which is where glucosamine is derived from. If you notice any signs of allergic reactions such as diarrhea, hives or excessive hair loss, discontinue the use of these supplements immediately.

A Basic How-To… How Often, How Much and Just How?

Dogs are active creatures and are pretty hard on their joints. Between jumping and running around, their joints take a real beating, especially if they are energetic but also heavy set. Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplements appear to prevent the deterioration of their cartilage.

Although you can start giving your dog these supplements as soon as they are adults, it is usually unnecessary. However, a responsible pet parent should start supplementing glucosamine and chondroitin when their dog turns 7. This is usually when a dog will start showing signs of slowing down in general and when the first signs of joint damage will become a parent.

Glucosamine and chondroitin can also be helpful in treating the pain associated with hip dysplasia. Therefore, if you have a breed with a sloped back, notably German shepherds, you may want to start supplementing him around 5 years old as well.

Dogs can stay on glucosamine and chondroitin long term. The recommended dose is 500 mg of glucosamine and 400 mg of chondroitin daily per 25 lb. Also, make sure to include any glucosamine and chondroitin in your dog’s food in this recommendation to avoid over-supplementation.

Many people opt for human-grade supplements for their dogs. This is fine, but it may be difficult to get your pooch to swallow a hard, tasteless pill. Dog supplements can come in treat form or in liquids that can be drizzled over their food.

Top 5 Best Glucosamine Supplements for Dogs

1. Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Chewable Tablets for Dogs

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Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Chewables, Large Dog, 150 Count

• Provides complete joint health brand for dogs
• With MSM, a naturally occuring, organic, sulfur-containing compound

Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This chewable supplement is formulated for larger dogs, ideally over 60 lb. It provides complete joint health support for your pet. Your dog will be happy to take his supplement with these palatable, soft chew tablets. This supplement is enriched with MSM or methylsulfonylmethane.

MSM is a source of sulfur, which is a compound used in cartilage. MSM helps prevent the breakdown of cartilage and has been shown to increase energy levels and flexibility. These tablets also contain glucosamine, which is an amino acid used to prevent and limit damage to the joints.

While we humans often use glucosamine in conjunction with chondroitin, it is also safe for you pup to do so! Chondroitin makes up part of the structure of your cartilage and its presence helps reduce breakdown from long-term compression and pressure on joints.

The final medical ingredient in this life-changing supplement is avocado soybean unsaponifiables. This natural vegetable extract apparently slows down development of osteoarthritis and can be helpful in the regeneration of connective tissues around the joints.

The makers of this product recommend that it be administered twice a day for the first 1-2 months. At this point, if you so choose, you can administer the supplement in “maintenance” mode, only giving one tablet a day.

The bottom line? These supplements are fairly expensive but worth the cost to keep the pain away and keep your active pooch’s joints healthy.

2. TerraMax Pro Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs – Liquid Glucosamine with Chondroitin MSM and Hyaluronic Acid

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TerraMax Pro Best Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs - Liquid Glucosamine w/Chondroitin MSM and Hyaluronic Acid - Extra Strength - Safe Natural Arthritis Pain Relief - Made in USA - 32oz

• VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED! Superior Absorption. Better results. Convenient & Tasty Formula Dogs Love!
• 100% PURE, SAFE AND ALL NATURAL! Made in USA using only the BEST HUMAN GRADE INGREDIENTS AVAILABLE!

Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This liquid supplement is made in the U.S.A. and contains human-grade supplements. This veterinarian-recommended supplement to joint health comes in liquid form, which is fantastic because supplements, in general, are best absorbed in their liquid form.

This supplement will not only maintain joints for a long healthy life but also serves to repair cartilage, reducing pain and keeping your dog mobile for years to come!

On top of this, this supplement can help improve other typical old-age problems in dogs, such as stomach issues, skin problems, excessive shedding, and incontinence. TerraMax also guarantees its product with a 100% refund if you or your dog doesn’t love it.

This formula also guarantees higher levels of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM than other comparable products. Best of all, you simply add the supplement to your dog’s food or water, eliminating the struggle of trying to feed your pup a pill.

The bottom line? This supplement is easy to administer and your dog won’t even notice its there. This high-quality product is cheap and liquids are the easiest for the body to absorb.

3. Advanced Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs, 225 Soft Chews, All Natural Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM & CoQ10 for Healthy Hips & Joints

Doggie Dailies Glucosamine for Dogs: 225 Soft Chews, Advanced Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Hyaluronic Acid & CoQ10, Premium Joint Relief for Dogs Made in the USA

• 225 SOFT CHEWS, INGREDIENTS YOU CAN TRUST, TASTE YOUR DOG WILL LOVE: We've crafted a natural and delicious joint supplement for dogs that provides vital...
• POWERFUL BLEND OF INGREDIENTS PROVEN TO SUPPORT DOG JOINT HEALTH, IMPROVE MOBILITY, AND EASE DISCOMFORT: Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Yucca Schidigera, CoQ10...

Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

These are daily supplements your dog will love to take; the soft chew formula is delicious! These supplements are made in the U.S.A. and not only contain the necessary ingredients to keep your dog’s joints healthy but also contain essential vitamins and minerals for overall health.

Not only does this supplement provide your dog with glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, but it also delivers essential fatty acids, hyaluronic acid to help you dogs produce joint fluid, Coenzyme 10, which is an antioxidant that dogs start producing less and less of with age, and Yucca Schidigera, a South American plant that has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic properties.

This supplement will lubricate your dog’s joints as well as supports cartilage maintenance and repair, increasing mobility and vastly decreasing pain for your pup. This product comes with a money-back guarantee and also with 2 books about dog nutrition and health.

The bottom line? This yummy supplement will turn giving medicine into the tome for a tasty treat! This supplement is cheap and provides not only vitamins and minerals that help support joint health but also a variety of healthful supplements for your aging pooch.

4. Liquid Health K-9 Glucosamine, Hip and Joint Formula

Liquid Health K-9 Glucosamine, Hip and Joint Formula, 32 Ounce (Packaging may vary)

• Liquid joint supplement for dogs
• For structural integrity of joint cartilage

Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This supplement comes in an easy-to-administer liquid formula, which is optimal for absorption of vitamins and minerals. This mineral blend is simply added to your dog’s food, which means no struggling to encourage your dog to accept the supplement. The packaging is a little difficult to manage as the bottle is large and the cap is not designed to slow the flow of the liquid.

This hip and joint formulation is helpful for both arthritis and hip dysplasia. It is formulated with glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSN. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps your dog produce and maintain appropriate levels of lubrication in his joints.

Users reported seeing a difference in their dog’s mobility, as well as energy levels within days.

The bottom line? This ultra-inexpensive product is easy to administer and liquids provide the best absorption rate for supplements. This formula supports joint health and maintenance, as well as providing ingredients to help your pup produce appropriate lubrication for his joints.

5. Vetri-Science Laboratories Glyco-Flex III Bite-Sized Dog Chews

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VetriScience Laboratories - GlycoFlex 3 Hip and Joint Support for Dogs, 120 Bite Sized Chews

• The GlycoFlex Joint Support Stages System has been trusted and recommended by veterinarians for over 40 years.
• GlycoFlex has been Clinically Proven to increase hind leg strength in dogs by up to 41% in 4 weeks.

Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

These bite-sized, soft chew supplements are designed for active or working dogs starting to show signs of joint degeneration. Appropriate for both arthritic dogs and dogs beginning to display symptoms of hip dysplasia, studies show that the Glyco Flex supplements can increase a dog’s hind leg strength by up to 41% within a month.

Naturally flavored with chicken, your dog will adore these tasty supplements. This supplement is the third of four in Gluco Flex’s joint health lineup. Inexpensive, this supplement is infused with glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. It also contains Perna, a type of mussel from New Zealand that provides the base for cartilage and joint fluids. Perna also provides essential fatty and amino acids.

These delicious tablets also provide vitamins and minerals to promote a healthy immune system.

The bottom line? These tasty treats are delicious and your dog will happily accept taking his supplement. Flavored with real chicken, these supplements provide joint support for animals showing symptoms of discomfort, as well as dogs that may be recovering from surgery.

At the end of the day, the person who is best qualified to choose a supplement for your pup is his parent… that’s you! If you have a very picky dog, you may want to go with a liquid supplement as they are harder to detect and simply added to your pup’s regular food.

We also like liquids for the facts that supplements are easiest to absorb in liquid form. If you are price sensitive, you may want to steer clear of the Nutramax product and if you know your dog is intolerant, you might want to pick a supplement besides the Glyco Flex.

All of these products are high-quality supplements, formulated to help your dog get older with grace and in comfort. These supplements will keep your active pup bouncing around and healthy for many years to come!

Mary Nielsen

I grew up in a household that was filled with animals. I believe that my fate as a dog-loving person was sealed in early childhood since my parents owned several dogs of varying sizes and breeds. There was no choice but to take care of and learn about dog habits and the best animal care practices — otherwise, I’d be clueless about how to go about the creatures I was surrounded by day and night.

As a life-long puppy lover, I know a thing or two about dogs and how to go about caring for them in the best way possible. Although I’m not a professionally trained dog behaviorist, trainer, or veterinarian, all of my knowledge and experience with canines comes from a place of love and a deep-rooted passion for dogs and animals in general.

Seeing as dogs kept me company throughout every stage of my life, I decided to follow a different path in my academic life and obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Marketing Management and Digital Advertising, which ultimately allowed me to combine my professional training and personal experience by creating the ultimate dog lover’s resource website! Along with my husband, Dave, I run MySweetPuppy for like-minded dog lovers who want to have a single, clear, and reliable information source about anything and everything related to dogs and their well-being.