10 Best Dog Joint Supplements 2024 | UK Veterinary Surgeon Reviewed
If you’re looking to learn more about caring for your canine companion, we can help! Our buying guide covers the natural ingredients which are the most beneficial for your dog’s joints, such as green-lipped mussel and glucosamine, as well as the different types of supplements that are available. Plus, we’ve compiled a list of recommended products to buy at Amazon and eBay, from popular brands like Vitabiotics, YuMOVE, and Dr Dog.
Quick List - Top Dog Joint Supplements
Lintbells
Clinically Proven Veterinary Supplement to Support Your Dog’s Joints
The Dog Doctors
Effective Pain Relief Proven to Work Within 6 Weeks
Vitavet SuperDog
Affordable Max Strength Dog Joint Supplements
Charlie graduated from The Royal Veterinary College of London and is now working as a Veterinary Surgeon in a large chain of vets treating companion animals such as dogs, cats and small furries.
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With Specialist Consultation From Veterinary Surgeon Charlie Grainger
Charlie graduated from The Royal Veterinary College of London and is now working as a Veterinary Surgeon in a large chain of vets treating companion animals such as dogs, cats and small furries.
Recognising the Signs of Joint Pain in Your Dog
If your dog is reluctant to move around much, or can only “bunny-hop” (moving their back legs at the same time) when they do move, this can indicate issues with their joints. They may also lick the affected area and express their pain through whining or other vocal noises. In the worst-case scenario, your pooch may seem lethargic or depressed, due to their inability to run around.
Try to observe your pet regularly so that you can notice any changes in behaviour – even less obvious ones. The earlier you notice these signs, the more quickly you can start treatment and relieve any pain that they may be experiencing. In addition to supplements, you can minimise your dog’s joint pain by making sure they’re the correct weight for their breed and age.
Often getting slower or stiff are just put down to "old age" however all elderly dogs have osteoarthritis. Can your dog still jump onto the couch? Do they struggle to get up or are they stiff for the first two strides after resting?
These are just a few signs of joint pain. If your dog can still play and chase a ball this does not eliminate pain as with adrenaline on board many dogs can play they will just be feeling the effects afterwards.
How to Choose a Dog Joint Supplement - UK Guide
- Opt for Supplements With Beneficial Ingredients
- Choose Liquids or Tablets Depending on How Your Dog Prefers to Take Medicine
- Encourage Your Dog to Take Supplements With Treat-Like Flavours
Choose Glucosamine Supplements and Those With Beneficial Ingredients Like Green-Lipped Mussels and Devil’s Claw
- Green-lipped mussels: helps to form healthy cartilage and is a rich source of omega 3 fats, which reduces inflammation.
- Devil's Claw: is a herb that is also a key ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties, otherwise known as methylsulfonylmethane (usually abbreviated as MSM).
- Ascorbic acid: promotes the production of collagen, which then helps to reinforce cartilage. This type of acid also aids in the creation of hyaluronic acid, which keeps joints lubricated and protected.
Further ingredients for strengthening cartilage include curcumin (an extract of turmeric), which helps to absorb free radicals, and Boswellia extract, which helps to preserve the structural composition of connective tissue. Similarly, rosehips are high in vitamin C, which is essential for producing the collagen needed to maintain healthy cartilage.
Keep your puppy healthy with our Best Dog Foods for Puppies!
The most important ingredients in a joint supplement are green-lipped mussel, omega 3, glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid and Avocado-Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU). Glucosamine and chondroitin have anti-inflammatory properties calming the joints natural response to pain.
Through many different mechanisms, they also have some cartilage protecting properties which help to maintain the joint cushion in-between the bone.
Make Sure It’s Easy for Your Dog to Take: Liquids Can Be Mixed Into Food, Tablets Are Swallowed Quickly
In comparison, soft chews will take longer to reach your dog’s stomach, so they may have added sugars to make them taste better. Granules, which can either be added dry to your pet’s food or mixed with water to form a liquid, may also have added flavours to appeal to your pooch. Since you know your dog best, we’ll leave it up to you to decide which is likely to be the most effective!
For older dogs, try our Best Senior Dog Foods!
Joint supplements come in many forms. Liquids, tablets and chews for example. If your dog is fussy maybe mixing a liquid into their food would be the easiest way to get it in. You know your dog best so have a think about which they would prefer.
Many are flavoured with meaty flavours and often they are fishy due to containing omegas sourced from fish so these supplements contain a natural favouring which many dogs will adore.
Look For Flavoured Supplements That Resemble Treats to Encourage Your Dog to Take Them
If you do go for something which is unflavoured though, we recommend mixing it with your pup’s favourite food so they’ll be sure to wolf it down and get the nutrients they need.
For an all-round healthy option, try our Best Healthy Dog Foods!
It may be trial and error of which your dog likes but you'll definitely be able to find one they love with all the options available on the market.
10 Best Dog Joint Supplements in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lintbells YuMOVE Dog Joint Supplement for Stiff Dogs｜120 Tablets | | Clinically Proven Veterinary Supplement to Support Your Dog’s Joints | |
2 | The Dog Doctors Mobility Plus Hip And Joint Aid Supplement｜120 Tablets | | Effective Pain Relief Proven to Work Within 6 Weeks | |
3 | The Healthy Dog Co All Natural Joint Genie | | Long-Lasting Liquid Supplement That’s Easy to Administer | |
4 | Vitavet SuperDog Vitabiotics Joints and Bones｜30 Tablets | | Affordable Max Strength Dog Joint Supplements | |
5 | Vetzyme High Strength Flexible Joint｜90 Tablets | | One a Day Tablets for Your Dog’s Joint and Heart Health | |
6 | Feed My Pooch Advanced Joint Supplement｜90 Tablets | | Fast-Acting, High Strength Tablets | |
7 | Dr Dog Hip, Joint, and Bones Complete Care ｜90 Soft Chews | | Custom-Blend Chews to Provide Hip and Joint Comfort | |
8 | Seraquin Nutritional Supplement for Dogs｜60 Tablets | | Tasty, Chewable Tablets for Dogs Over 10kg | |
9 | Transforme Joint Care Supplement for Dogs and Cats | | A Nutrient-Dense Formula That’s Quickly Absorbed | |
10 | iKARMEL Doggy Dailies Natural Joint Supplements｜180 Chews | | Glucosamine Daily Chews for Puppies to Seniors |
Lintbells YuMOVE Dog Joint Supplement for Stiff Dogs ｜ 120 Tablets
Clinically Proven Veterinary Supplement to Support Your Dog’s Joints
With high quality, soothing ingredients and a proven record of improving your dog’s joint health in a short period of time, it’s no surprise that this product is our top pick!
The Dog Doctors Mobility Plus Hip And Joint Aid Supplement ｜ 120 Tablets
Effective Pain Relief Proven to Work Within 6 Weeks
These ingredients also reduce inflammation, providing pain relief for older dogs or those with sore joints. At just under £20 for 120 tablets, you can’t go wrong with these supplements!
Long-Lasting Liquid Supplement That’s Easy to Administer
As it’s a liquid, you can either squirt it directly into your pet’s mouth or you can mix it into their food. Plus, each bottle contains 100 servings so it’ll last you quite a while. If you’re after an all-natural joint supplement that’s easy to administer, look no further!
Vitavet SuperDogVitabiotics Joints and Bones ｜ 30 Tablets
Affordable Max Strength Dog Joint Supplements
Although not suitable for puppies under 12 months, these supplements provide comprehensive support for adult dogs. At just over £10 for 30 tablets, we think they’re an incredibly affordable choice.
Vetzyme High Strength Flexible Joint ｜ 90 Tablets
One a Day Tablets for Your Dog’s Joint and Heart Health
As just one of these tablets a day will keep your pooch’s joints in tip-top condition, we think that they’re not only affordable but great value for money!
Feed My Pooch Advanced Joint Supplement ｜ 90 Tablets
Fast-Acting, High Strength Tablets
Although these tablets aren’t too expensive, it’s important to note that you’ll need to double the dose for the first 3 weeks – so they won’t last you as long as some of our other picks.
Dr Dog Hip, Joint, and Bones Complete Care ｜ 90 Soft Chews
Custom-Blend Chews to Provide Hip and Joint Comfort
Containing a custom blend of ingredients such as green-lipped mussel, curcumin, and Boswellia extract, daily use of this supplement will provide moderate joint support and ongoing comfort for dogs with active lifestyles. Moist, soft, and flavourful, your pooch will see these chews as a treat and you’ll soon notice their health benefits!
Seraquin Nutritional Supplement for Dogs ｜ 60 Tablets
Tasty, Chewable Tablets for Dogs Over 10kg
The ingredients of this product, including glucosamine, chondroitin, and curcumin, are essential for supporting the natural functioning of your dog’s joints. However, we think the price is a little high for only two months’ worth of tablets. Also, this supplement is only suitable if your dog weighs over 10kg.
Transforme Joint Care Supplement for Dogs and Cats
A Nutrient-Dense Formula That’s Quickly Absorbed
If you’re looking for a totally natural product though, you may want to avoid this one – it has added sugars such as fructose and additives like xantham gum.
iKARMELDoggy Dailies Natural Joint Supplements ｜ 180 Chews
Glucosamine Daily Chews for Puppies to Seniors
These daily chews by iKARMEL boast an impressive list of active ingredients, and with 180 per tub, they're sure to go a long way! They are said to bring a new lease of life to your worn out pup, and are suitable for all ages, from puppies to seniors alike.
They go down a treat, too, and even the fussiest dogs won't turn up their noses! So whether you want to offer some well needed relief to an aged companion, or take gentle care of a bouncy young pup, these chews are a perfect solution to a range of joint complaints!
Charlie's Advice on Starting Your Dog on Joint Supplements
"When choosing a joint supplement look into the clinical trials surrounding the product to ensure they contain enough of the vital ingredients. I also always recommend that my patients are started on joint supplements as soon as possible. Ideally, before the clinical signs are seen however they can still work wonders for the "already stiff" dog."
"Sometimes dogs require prescription medication alongside joint supplements so if your dog is still stiff please contact your vet who will be happy to discuss the topic with you. To prevent worsening of stiffness avoid repetitive actions on the joints and sudden turns like running back and forth to catch a ball."
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Dog Joint Supplements Work?
Studies have shown that dog joint supplements have helped in slowing down the progression of arthritis in dogs. While they cannot fully prevent arthritis, they can relieve and repair symptoms of joint stress and cartilage damage. This is generally more of an issue in older dogs and large breeds, so consider discussing options with your vet.
When Should You Start Giving Your Dog Joint Supplements?
This is something that you should discuss with your vet for the best course of action. You could start when they start to show signs of arthritis like moving around slower and licking their joints. The other option is after they turn 1 when they're fully grown, as a preventative measure.
Can You Give Your Dog Human Joint Supplements?
While one of the key ingredients in joint supplements, glucosamine, is present in both human and dog joint supplements, you should not give your dog human joint supplements because of the other added ingredients that they use such as xylitol which can be fatal to your dog.
Top 5 Dog Joint Supplements
No. 1: Lintbells ｜YuMOVE Dog Joint Supplement for Stiff Dogs｜120 Tablets
No. 2: The Dog Doctors ｜Mobility Plus Hip And Joint Aid Supplement｜120 Tablets
No. 3: The Healthy Dog Co ｜All Natural Joint Genie
No. 4: Vitavet SuperDog｜Vitabiotics Joints and Bones｜30 Tablets
No. 5: Vetzyme ｜High Strength Flexible Joint｜90 Tablets
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