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10 Best Arthritis Supplements for Dogs

By: Justin Palmer
Justin Palmer is a Certified Pet Food Nutrition Specialist and co-founder of iHeartDogs.com. Inspired by his rescued husky, Splash, he dedicated himself to learning about extending both the length and quality of her life. Splash lived and thrived until 18 years old, and now Justin is on a mission to share what he learned with other dog owners.Read more
| April 3, 2023
iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

As pet owners, we always strive to provide the best care possible for our beloved furry friends, especially when they face health challenges like arthritis. Joint pain and stiffness can significantly impact a dog’s quality of life, making it essential to find the right solution to alleviate their discomfort.

best hip and joint supplements for dogs

In this article, we will explore the best arthritis supplements for dogs that can help manage and prevent joint issues. We will dive into the various types of supplements available, discuss key ingredients to look for, and provide tips on how to select the most effective and suitable option for your canine companion.

By understanding the benefits of these supplements and how they can improve your dog’s overall joint health, you can make an informed decision that will positively impact your pet’s well-being. Join us as we navigate the world of arthritis supplements, ensuring your furry friend enjoys a more comfortable and active life.

best hip and joint supplements for dogs

Our Top Picks for the Best Arthritis Chew Supplements for Dogs

  1. iHeartDogs Advanced 8-in-1 Hip & Joint Chews for Mobility
  2. VetIQ Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs
  3. iHeartDogs Bone Broth For Dogs Immune Support Powder
  4. Cannanine™ Bacon Flavored Broad Spectrum Hemp Soft Chews
  5. Nutramax Dasuquin Soft Chews
  6. GlycoFlex Everyday, Daily Hip, and Joint Supplement
  7. Pet Honesty Senior Hemp Mobility
  8. Cannanine™Advanced 9-in-1 Hip & Joint Chews
  9. Vet’s Best Aches + Pains Dog Supplement
  10. The Missing Link Hip & Joint Probiotics


The 10 Best Arthritis Chews for Dogs

#1 – iHeartDogs Advanced 8-in-1 Arthritis Chews for Mobility

best hip and joint supplements for dogs

iHeartDogs Advanced 8-in-1 Hip & Joint Chews offer a unique blend of eight natural and powerful active ingredients that work together to promote healthier joints, less pain, and more activity. It’s all the benefits of glucosamine, green-lipped mussel, turmeric, and chondroitin captured in one tasty chew your dog will love. The addition of power plants Boswellia Serrata and Yucca Schidigera also helps pups find their easy and fluid stride once again! These joint chews are formulated by vets and made in the USA.

Key Features

  • Eight powerful active ingredients
  • Reduces painful inflammation
  • Slows cartilage breakdown
  • Improves mobility and flexibility
  • Includes glucosamine and MSM
  • Veterinarian-formulated for effectiveness
  • Each bag purchased provides 14 healthy meals to shelter dogs

Pros

  • Appropriate for dogs of all sizes
  • Tasty soft chews from a trusted brand
  • Highly palatable; even picky eaters approve
  • Save 5% when you opt for auto-ship
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • Reviewers mention the strong smell

#2 – VetIQ Arthritis Supplement for Dogs

best hip and joint supplements for dogs

VetIQ Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs makes our list not only for their efficacy but also for their affordability. This chewable dog joint supplement contains glucosamine and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) to support cartilage and healthy connective tissue. They’re also a good source of hyaluronic acid and omega-3 fatty acids with DHA and EPA. These budget-friendly joint chews are made in the USA with high-quality ingredients such as krill and fish oil. And the delicious chicken flavor is a win for dogs.

Key Features

  • Good source of hyaluronic acid and omega-3 fatty acids
  • Triple-action supplement formulated for healthy cartilage, joints, and muscle
  • Made with all-natural ingredients and real chicken flavor
  • Supports hip and joint mobility in a tasty treat form

Pros

  • Great value
  • Provides vital omega-3s DHA and EPA
  • Dogs love the flavor
  • Veterinarian recommended
  • Available in large 180-count pack
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • Not for dogs with chewing difficulties

#3 – iHeartDogs Bone Broth For Dogs Arthritis Support Powder

best hip and joint supplements for dogs

iHeartDogs Bone Broth For Dogs Immune Support Powder is a nutritious, flavorful broth that can be mixed with your pup’s dinner or consumed alone as a warm soupy treat. This easy-to-serve powder is made with organic chicken bone broth and nutrient-rich mushrooms to support immune health and strong joints. Included in the mushroom blend, you’ll find organic Chaga mushrooms, known to be a potent anti-inflammatory that can aid in relieving arthritis. It’s great for seniors and can encourage dogs with food boredom to relish dinnertime again.

Key Features

  • Nutritious support for the immune system and joints
  • Supports heart and gut health too
  • Loaded with healthy ingredients from trusted sources
  • Includes six different types of mushrooms
  • Great boost for senior dogs

Pros

  • Boosts the immune system and joint health
  • Promotes collagen growth
  • Easy to use; serve dry or wet
  • Highly affordable, only $0.33 per day
  • Veterinarian approved
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • Picky eaters may take time to appreciate the mushroom flavor

#4 – Cannanine™ Bacon Flavored Broad Spectrum Hemp Arthritis Soft Chews

best hip and joint supplements for dogsCannanine™ Bacon Flavor Hemp Chews with whole hemp plant Hemp oil for fogs offer unparalleled botanical support for the endocannabinoid system. These bacon-flavored Hemp chews for dogs are made from hemp and contain zero THC. Give your dog one of these yummy chews to reduce inflammation and pain while increasing mobility. They’re a great way to help restore your furry friend’s hips to their youthful vigor or even help them maintain strong joints as they age.

Key Features

  • Third-party testing for purity
  • Helps skin, coat, and digestion, as well as joints
  • Easy dosing; just toss your pup a chew
  • Contains zero percent THC
  • Every jar purchased provides 7 meals for shelter pets

Pros

  • Organically grown hemp from Colorado family farms
  • Vet formulated
  • Delicious bacon flavor
  • Also helps with anxiety and allergies
  • Trusted by more than 100k dogs and their parents
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • A bit expensive, but you’re paying for premium-quality Hemp

#5 – Nutramax Dasuquin Soft Chews 

best hip and joint supplements for dogs

Nutramax Dasuquin Soft Chews are formulated and recommended by veterinarians. They’re packed with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and delicious ingredients like avocado oils and green tea extract to promote cartilage growth and inhibit cartilage breakdown while providing a rich dose of antioxidants. They’re available in 84 or 150-count packages and are formulated with large dogs in mind.

Key Features

  • Developed and recommended by veterinarians
  • Supports cartilage structure and function
  • Premium ingredients for optimal dog joint health
  • Includes decaffeinated green tea for an antioxidant boost

Pros

  • Formulated for large dogs
  • Made in the USA
  • Tasty soft chew
  • High-quality ingredients

Cons

  • Premium price
  • Chews can dry out quickly without proper storage

#6 – GlycoFlex Everyday, Daily Arthritis Supplement

Vetriscience GlycoFlex Everyday chews provide joint support while keeping within your budget. As one of the best hip and joint supplements for dogs, this economical choice is excellent for dogs of all ages who need additional nutrients to help strengthen and maintain hip, joint, and soft tissue health. In addition to glucosamine, these soft chews also include green-lipped mussels, which are packed with nutrients necessary to maintain healthy connective tissue, rebuild healthy cartilage, and support normal joint function. They can be given to dogs daily and are available in a 60-count pack. 

Key Features

  • Contains glucosamine and green-lipped mussel
  • Developed and recommended by veterinarians
  • Nutrient-rich to support joint health

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Made for dogs of all ages
  • Delicious chicken liver-flavored chew
  • Trusted and recommended by vets
  • Manufactured in the USA

Cons

  • Hard to chew
  • Can dry out easily

#7 – Pet Honesty Senior Arthritis Hemp Mobility

best hip and joint supplements for dogs

 PetHonesty Senior Hemp Mobility chews contain natural ingredients like glucosamine HCL, turmeric, green-lipped mussel, organic hemp oil, and a premium collagen form that work together to target inflammation and help improve your senior dog’s mobility. Choose from one of three tasty flavors and know your pup will also receive a healthy dose of veggies that includes carrots, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes when they gobble down one of these soft chews. You can also trust PetHonesty’s Hemp oil and powder contains zero THC but packs a load of Omegas 3, 6, and 9 to help improve joint function.

Key Features

  • NO harsh preservatives, harmful steroids, or GMOs
  • Formulated without corn, wheat, or soy
  • Designed to relieve joint discomfort and stiffness, support cartilage growth, and more
  • Supports healthy inflammatory response
  • Delicious chicken, bacon, or duck flavor options
  • Also contains a mix of nutritious vegetables

Pros

  • Helps reduce joint pain
  • Includes powerful natural ingredients
  • Nothing fake, and no corn, wheat, or soy
  • Three delicious flavors
  • Available in two sizes – 90 or 180-count
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • Packaging may lead to product drying out

 

#8 – Cannanine™Advanced 9-in-1 Arthritis Chews

best hip and joint supplements for dogs

Cannanine™Advanced 9-in-1 Hip & Joint Chews contains chondroitin, curcumin, organic turmeric, MSM, and omega-3 to support mobility and provide arthritis relief. All natural anti-inflammatory properties target joint pain in dogs suffering from hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other painful joint issues. These tasty chews are formulated to improve cartilage function for dogs, contain Hemp, and provide your pup with a source of stearidonic acid (SDA), a precursor to the long-chain fatty acids that deliver healthy benefits to the body. These are included in the formula to support your dog’s immune function. If you’re familiar with iHeartDogs 8-in-1 Mobility Chews, you notice these have the same ingredients as iHD 8-in-1 Mobility chews but with a boost of broad-spectrum Hemp.

Key Features:

  • Tasty soft chew your dog will eat like a treat
  • Includes powerful broad-spectrum hemp extract
  • Rebuild cartilage and help restore your dog’s joint function.
  • Supports immune health
  • Formulated specifically for senior dogs
  • Each bag purchased provides 14 healthy meals to shelter dogs

Pros

  • Contains glucosamine and green-lipped mussels
  • Helps skin, coat, and digestion
  • Vet formulated
  • Hemp extract is 3rd party tested up to 4 times
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • On the higher end of the price scale due to the inclusion of premium Hemp

#9 – Vet’s Best Aches + Pains Dog Arthritis Supplement

Vet’s Best Aches + Pains Supplement provides your pup with relief from occasional discomfort caused by regular exercise and normal daily activity. Made with plant-based ingredients such as glucosamine HCL, pineapple bromelain, MSM, and white willow bark, this joint supplement was formulated by veterinarians to help with your dog’s sore and stiff joints and muscles. And because they’re chewable and tasty, your dog will chomp them right down.

Key Features

  • Veterinarian-formulated
  • Provides plant-based ingredients that ease soreness and stiffness
  • Packed with glucosamine and MSM
  • Tasty and chewable, your pup will think they’re treats

Pros

  • Highly-rated on Amazon
  • Yummy taste
  • Ideal for senior dogs
  • Great for pain relief
  • Quality, natural anti-inflammatory 

Cons

  • Causes gas in some dogs, according to reviewers

best hip and joint supplements for dogs

Missing Link Ultimate Canine Hip & Joint Formula is a powder supplement that can be sprinkled onto your dog’s food. Each dose contains 400 mg of glucosamine and ingredients such as ground flaxseed and freeze-dried beef liver. It’s a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and contains ingredients that help support heart health. Available in two-pack sizes. All ingredients are sourced in the USA and Canada. This product is veterinarian formulated to support a healthy inflammatory response in your dog’s joints, relieve uncomfortable stiffness after daily exercise, and increase joint fluid viscosity.

Key Features:

  • Produced using cold-process technology for maximum nutritional value
  • Contains a special blend of probiotics to help boost absorption
  • Veterinarian-formulated powder designed especially for your canine comrade

Pros

  • Easy to dose
  • Good source of omega fatty acids
  • Two package sizes available
  • Ingredients are sourced in the US and Canada
  • Veterinarian formulated

Cons

  • Picky eaters may turn up their nose
  • on the expensive side

best hip and joint supplements for dogs

Be proactive and give your dog a joint supplement that helps to lubricate and reduce inflammation so your furry bestie can enjoy greater mobility and resiliency. And if your pup is already getting on in years and their joints are creaking, get them on a joint supplement for dogs right away! Study our list and choose the perfect option for your dog. But don’t forget to ask the vet for recommendations and dosage instructions.

Related: Best Hip & Joint Supplements for Dogs

best hip and joint supplements for dogs

The Best Arthritis Supplements for Dogs: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

When introducing arthritis supplements for dogs to your furry friend for the first time, it’s crucial to consider specific factors. Each product features a unique formula, combining various ingredients to support joint health. In this guide, we’ll discuss what to look for when selecting the best arthritis supplements for dogs.

Type of Arthritis Supplement

The first thing to consider when choosing the right arthritis supplement for your dog is the supplement form. Some options come in capsules, others in tablets, and some are designed as treat-like chews for easy consumption. For picky dogs, consider a flavored option that blends seamlessly with their favorite food.

Key Ingredients for Arthritis Supplements

While many products contain glucosamine and chondroitin, opt for those with scientifically proven levels of essential ingredients for the best chance at relieving joint pain and maintaining healthy joints. Check the levels of active ingredients to ensure your dog receives enough for optimal results. Typically, dogs should receive 20 milligrams of glucosamine daily per pound of body weight.

Dosage Instructions

Adhere to the dosage guidelines on the supplement package. Some supplements permit starting at a higher dose and reducing it later. If you’re unsure about the appropriate dosage, consult your veterinarian.

Taste and Aroma

Dogs usually have no issue consuming supplements shaped as treats or chews. For pill-form supplements, use pill-storage treats or soft foods your dog enjoys, like cheese or peanut butter, to mask the taste and smell.

 

FAQs Related to Arthritis Supplements for Dogs

Q1 – Are arthritis supplements for dogs effective?

Yes, arthritis supplements help lubricate joints, rebuild cartilage, and support joint structure. They also function as anti-inflammatories and provide antioxidants to alleviate pain and discomfort.

Q2 – When should I start giving my dog arthritis supplements?

The earlier, the better. Begin administering arthritis supplements a year after your dog’s birth, when they achieve full skeletal growth. Large or extra-large breed dogs are more susceptible to developing painful joint conditions. It’s best to use arthritis supplements as a preventative measure instead of a reactionary treatment.

Q3 – How do I select the best arthritis supplement for my dog?

The best arthritis supplements for dogs are easy to administer and contain sufficient active ingredients to support their joints. Opt for supplements with ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and Omega-3 fatty acids for maximum benefits. Typically, a joint supplement will feature several of these ingredients simultaneously.

Q4 – Can glucosamine cause liver damage in dogs?

Exercise caution when giving glucosamine to dogs with liver or kidney issues, as even low doses can lead to kidney damage or liver failure. This is why it’s vital to consult your veterinarian before introducing a new supplement to your dog’s regimen.

 

What Ingredients Are Most Important for an Arthritis Supplement for Dogs?

When searching for the most effective arthritis supplement for your canine companion, it’s crucial to pay close attention to the ingredients list. High-quality arthritis supplements will contain a blend of key components that work together to promote joint health, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. Here, we outline the essential ingredients to look for in a dog arthritis supplement.

  1. Glucosamine: A naturally occurring compound found in the body, glucosamine is a vital ingredient for maintaining cartilage health. In supplements, it aids in the production of glycosaminoglycans, which help preserve joint cartilage, reducing wear and tear. Glucosamine can be sourced from shellfish or derived synthetically.
  2. Chondroitin: Often used in conjunction with glucosamine, chondroitin is another essential component for joint health. It plays a critical role in maintaining cartilage elasticity and inhibiting the enzymes that break down cartilage. Chondroitin can be derived from animal sources such as shark or bovine cartilage or produced synthetically.
  3. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): MSM is a sulfur-containing compound with anti-inflammatory properties. It helps alleviate joint pain and inflammation by reducing oxidative stress and preserving cartilage integrity. MSM is typically sourced from plant-based materials or produced synthetically.
  4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. These fatty acids can reduce inflammation in joints, alleviate pain, and improve overall joint function. Fish oil and algae are common sources of omega-3 fatty acids in supplements.
  5. Hyaluronic Acid: An essential component of synovial fluid, hyaluronic acid helps lubricate joints, allowing for smoother movement and reduced friction. In arthritis supplements, it can provide relief from joint stiffness and pain.
  6. Green-lipped Mussel: A unique source of glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids, green-lipped mussel extract is a potent ingredient for joint health. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve joint function in dogs with arthritis.
  7. Turmeric (Curcumin): Turmeric contains the active compound curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin helps alleviate joint pain and inflammation by blocking the enzymes responsible for inflammation.
  8. Boswellia Serrata: An extract derived from the Boswellia serrata tree, this ingredient has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes.
  9. Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E helps protect joint tissues from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.
  10. Vitamin C: Another antioxidant, vitamin C aids in collagen synthesis, which is vital for maintaining healthy connective tissue in joints.
  11. Full Spectrum Hemp Oil: Hemp oil that contains a full range of cannabinoids has been proven through several recent canine studies to reduce pain and improve mobility in arthritic dogs.

By selecting a dog arthritis supplement that contains these essential ingredients, you can be confident that you’re providing your furry friend with the necessary support to maintain healthy joints, reduce inflammation, and alleviate discomfort.

 

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