Choosing the right joint support supplements for your dog relies on three key points: Ingredient safety, effectiveness, and value for money.
Most people are likely giving their dogs the cheapest supplements or the most expensive, which are equally popular choices because of the price or lack of knowledge. That is if they’re using a supplement at all, as many choose to skip this key step if their dog isn’t suffering.
Vets say that dogs can benefit from joint support at any age. In fact, your dog doesn’t have to be suffering to reap the benefits. They can be incredible strengthening tools for preventative care. Who knew?
Finally – you’ll want a joint support supplement for dogs that contains safe and effective ingredients. We've found that some companies throw in filler ingredients that either do absolutely nothing for your pet or cause more harm than good. It’s important to know what will help your dog and how to spot the bad ingredients.
It can be difficult to know which are the best joint supplements on the market. That's why Great Life Tips has compiled months of research about this emerging category. We’ll show you what to look for and what to avoid when picking your perfect supplement, and how it can help transform your pup.
Benefits of Joint Support Supplements:
Relieves Joint Discomfort and Stiffness
- Long-term joint support for aging dogs
- Reduces joint stiffness from daily
Supports Strength and Flexibility
- Helps maintain tissue pliability
- Ensures joints stay flexible and lubricated
Enhanced Joint & Bone Health
- Fatty Acids Provide Vital Nutrients for Everyday Health
Promotes A More Active Lifestyle
- Increased Energy and Mobility
- More Playtime
What You Need In The Perfect Joint Supplement
Taking all of the healthful attributes listed above into consideration, we've boiled down a list of four key characteristics you should always look for in a great joint supplement for dogs. Try to seek out all of these qualities:
Healthful Ingredients
Your dog deserves the best. When it comes to joint support, make sure you’re getting the best, cleanest ingredients possible. As you pursue the millions of options, there are three key ingredients that you should be looking for
First is Perna Canaliculus. Extracted from green-lipped sea mussels, this is the secret weapon when it comes to relieving joint and hip pain. Studies have shown this ingredient reduced swelling and pain after 6 weeks of use.
The next ingredient to note is glucosamine. This amazing substance is known to reduce inflammation and increase mobility and joint health.
Last but not least, Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM). MSM cleanses the bloodstream, flushing toxins from cells, and improving the cellular uptake of other nutrients.
Increases Strength
In addition to relieving pain, everything you provide your dog should be beneficial in one way or another. For instance, you give them food that will build their muscle and bone strength and provide much-needed nutrients. You wouldn’t buy a brand that doesn’t have this goal in mind. The same goes for supplements.
When it comes to joint support supplements, make sure it has ingredients that are actively working to build the strength in your dog’s muscles, joints, and bones.
Beneficial For Dogs Of All Ages
Although many items throughout your dog’s life are targeted for specific ages, joint supplements don’t have to operate this way. In fact, we highly recommend choosing a supplement that is good for all ages.
Starting these early can be a great form of preventative care for when your dog gets older.
Attractive To Your Dog
One of the biggest complaints we hear from dog owners is that their dog has no interest in the supplement. Dogs, like humans, can be picky eaters. Take into consideration what your dog likes and dislikes. This may be a trial and error process, but worth it in the end.
What To Avoid when buying Joint Support for Dogs
Artificial Colors & Dyes
Artificial colors make things look more visually appealing. However, artificial colors have been linked to hyperactivity as well as several biochemical processes within the body. The only reason artificial colors are used in any food is to make the food look better to you. Completely unnecessary for people and pets. And there's no reason to use artificial coloring in food.
There are many naturally-derived colors available to manufacturers.
Harmful Preservatives
Nitrites and nitrates, commonly found in prepared meats such as sausages, bacon, ham, hot dogs, and deli meats, are a preservative used to extend the shelf life of meat products. Prepared meats are high-fat, high-salt items that can be occasional treats for you (think: once a week or less), but are better to avoid feeding your pet.
Sodium nitrite is an approved preservative in pet foods and can be toxic in high doses by causing a blood disorder called methemoglobin. Its accumulation over time in the system has also been linked to cancer, especially when combined with added ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E), which are common natural vitamin sources.
Top 5 Joint Support Supplements for Dogs 2024
Based on our own extensive research, the metrics provided by our Great Life Tips Ranking System, and consideration of thousands of reviews by Shoppers just like you, we've compiled a list of what we've found to be the top five products in this category, on the market today.
PupGrade Joint Support
Total Ranking
417 votes
9.7/10
A+
Overall GradePROS
- Contains Perna Canaliculus
- Natural Ingredients
- Great For All Ages
- Appealing Flavor and Scent
- Made in USA
- Excellent US-based customer service
- 30-day, risk-free, money-back, product guarantee
CONS
- Only available online
The Bottom Line
PupGrade’s Joint Support offers an incredible value featuring compact packaging, an enticing, dog-friendly flavor, and a long list of natural ingredients packed with many healthful benefits. These US-made, easy-to-consume chew allows for use regardless of your pup’s age. Watch your dog jump and bound like a puppy again, while acting as prevention for younger dogs.
Feed your dog with peace of mind knowing this supplement has been tested rigorously to ensure there are no harmful ingredients.
Their return policy includes a 30-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee, proving the company stands behind its products.
*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn About Our Top Pick2. YuMOVE Joint Supplement
Total Ranking
227 votes
9.1/10
A-
Overall GradePROS
- Effective Ingredients
- Manufactured in the US
- 60-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Doesn't Contain Perna Canaliculus
- Expensive
- Different orders for different sized dogs
- Only Available Online
The Bottom Line
The YuMove Natural Joint Health Supplement is one of the higher recommended options on Amazon. Boasting high amounts of glucosamine, green-lipped mussel, and omega-3, this daily chew is designed to provide support and lubrication to aching, stiff joints.
Though this chew has rave reviews, there are a few cons we want to point out. First, this supplement is $15 more expensive than the PupGrade chews, yet they have the same amount of chews in the container. YuMove also sells different jars depending on your dog’s size, so be wary if you own different sized dogs.
*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More3. Mobility Bites
Total Ranking
263 votes
8.7/10
B+
Overall GradePROS
- Multiple Flavors
- 100% Lifetime Satisfaction Guarantee
- Made in the US
CONS
- Doesn't Contain Perna Canaliculus
- Potential Illness
- No live customer service
The Bottom Line
Zesty Paws was started in 2014, promising “premium products and supplements designed to help [pets] feel their best,” according to their About page. This combined with the stunning reviews meant it was a heavy hitter that we needed to check out.
Packed full of healthful ingredients, this supplement chew is a favorite of many pups and owners alike. With multiple flavor options and a reasonable price, this US-made product is a great solution to your pet’s joint pain. Just like PupGrade, Zesty Paws offers an auto-ship option, so your dog will never be without their favorite treat!
As wonderful as this product is, we do want to note that this product may not be for everyone. There have been several customers who noted that their pet became sick after using the Mobility Bites. Monitor your dog and consult your veterinarian before administering.
*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More4. Virbac
Total Ranking
494 votes
8.3/10
B-
Overall GradePROS
- Unique Ingredients
CONS
- Doesn't Contain Perna Canaliculus
- Expensive
The Bottom Line
When it comes to joint support chews, they all tend to have similar ingredients in different amounts. Movoflex Joint Support is by far the most unique product we’ve reviewed thus far
The main ingredient of this product is eggshell membrane, which contains elastin and collagen. This is used to promote flexibility in your dog’s joints, making them less prone to aches and pains. Combining this with Zanthin, an antioxidant, Boswellia Serrata, a plant that supports the structural integrity of the joints, hyaluronic acid to improve the viscosity of the synovial fluid, and vitamin D, gives your pup the well-rounded support they require.
That being said, this product is not cheap. We’ve reviewed many dog support chews and they all tend to stick around the same price point for 60 chews. However, Movoflex is over $30 more than PupGrade, which boasts many of the same benefits.
*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More5. Hip & Joint Supplement
Total Ranking
571 votes
7.9/10
C+
Overall GradePROS
- No Fillers
- Great for Picky Dogs
CONS
- Doesn't Contain Perna Canaliculus
- Expensive
- Lower active ingredient amounts
The Bottom Line
From the cute packaging to the adorable name, Rocco & Roxie Hip & Joint Supplement is a favorite consumer product. Boasting high-quality chews that act fast to relieve joint stiffness and pain, Rocco & Roxie’s joint product is full of natural ingredients and free of artificial fillers.
Many users have noted that their liver flavor has enticed even the pickiest of dogs. If your pup will turn their nose up at most treats, this may be a good choice for you. No matter the breed or size of dog, this chew is perfect.
Now, as we’ve stated with some of our other picks, this jar is a little more expensive; almost $15 more than PupGrade to be exact. However, you do get 120 chews versus the normal 60 count. We also wanted to note that the ingredients, which are similar to PupGrade, are in lower quantities. For instance, the glucosamine in one Rocco & Roxie chew is 450 mg versus one PupGrade chew being 500 mg. This may not be a deal-breaker, but is noteworthy.
*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
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