If you have a dog with joint issues, like hip dysplasia or arthritis, there are joint supplements for dogs available to help improve their quality of life. If your dog has no joint problems, a joint supplement can help keep the joints healthy. It’s important to talk to your dog’s vet before you begin any supplements, but these reviews will help you find some of the best products that may work to support your dog’s joint health.
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A Quick Look at Our 2024 Favorites
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | VetriScience GlycoFlex Stage III Soft Chews | CHECK PRICE | ||
Budget Buy  | VetIQ Maximum Strength Hip & Joint Soft Chews | CHECK PRICE | ||
Premium Choice  | Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Plus MSM Chewable Tablets | CHECK PRICE | ||
| Zesty Paws Core Elements Mobility Soft Chews | CHECK PRICE | |||
| Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews | CHECK PRICE |
The 10 Best Joint Supplements for Dogs
1. VetriScience GlycoFlex Stage III Soft Chews – Best Overall
| Glucosamine per chew: | 500 mg |
| Chondroitin per dose: | NA |
| MSM per chew: | 500 mg |
| Flavor: | Chicken |
The best overall joint supplement for dogs is the VetriScience GlycoFlex Stage III Soft Chews. These are the most potent of the GlycoFlex line and are ideal for dogs who have already developed hip dysplasia and other joint disorders. These chews contain 500 mg of glucosamine and MSM per chew, and although chondroitin is not an active ingredient in this product, it does contain green-lipped mussels, which are a good source of chondroitin. These soft chews are chicken-flavored and highly palatable. This formula was developed by veterinarians and is veterinarian-recommended. For large dogs, consuming more chews per day drives up the price, but they are quite affordable for small dogs.
- Most potent option in the GlycoFlex product line
- Ideal for dogs who have already developed joint problems
- 500 mg of MSM and glucosamine
- Contain green-lipped mussels
- Soft chews
- Highly palatable
- Developed and recommended by veterinarians
- Premium price for large dogs
2. VetIQ Maximum Strength Hip & Joint Soft Chews – Best Value
| Glucosamine per chew: | 300 mg |
| Chondroitin per dose: | NA |
| MSM per chew: | 105 mg |
| Flavor: | Chicken |
The VetIQ Maximum Strength Hip & Joint Soft Chews are the best joint supplements for dogs for the money. These soft chews contain 300 mg of glucosamine and 105 mg of MSM. They have a palatable chicken flavor and are a good source of hyaluronic acid and omega-3 fatty acids. These budget-friendly chews are available in two package sizes. They are made in the US with high-quality ingredients like krill and fish oil. They are harder than many other soft chews and dry out quickly once opened, so they may be difficult to manage for dogs with chewing difficulties.
- Best value
- 300 mg glucosamine and 105 mg MSM
- Highly palatable
- Good source of hyaluronic acid and omega-3 fatty acids
- Two package sizes available
- Made in the USA
- May be too hard for dogs with chewing difficulties
3. Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Plus MSM Chewable Tablets – Premium Choice
| Glucosamine per tablet: | 600 mg |
| Chondroitin per tablet: | 300 mg |
| MSM per tablet: | 250 mg |
| Flavor: | Unspecified |
The Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Plus MSM Chewable Tablets are the top premium pick for dog joint supplements. These chews are available in four sizes with up to 500 chews. Each serving contains 600 mg of glucosamine, 300 mg of chondroitin, and 250 mg of MSM. These chewable tablets can be offered straight, broken into pieces hidden in treats, or crumbled over your dog’s food. They are made in the USA.
- Four bottle sizes available
- 600 mg glucosamine, 300 mg chondroitin, and 250 mg MSM
- Highly palatable to most dogs
- Can be fed whole, hidden in treats, or crumbled over food
- Made in the USA
- Premium price
4. Zesty Paws Core Elements Mobility Soft Chews
| Glucosamine per chew: | 350 mg |
| Chondroitin per chew: | 135 mg |
| MSM per chew: | 250 mg |
| Flavor: | Duck |
The Zesty Paws Core Elements Mobility Soft Chews are duck-flavored soft chews that contain 350 mg of glucosamine, 135 mg of chondroitin, and 250 mg of MSM per dose. The MSM in these chews is OptiMSM, which is the purest form of MSM. These chews are available in three package sizes, and they are small and soft enough for small dogs. They contain palm oil, but the palm oil is sustainably sourced. Some people report their picky dogs not finding these treats as palatable as other options.
- 350 mg glucosamine, 135 mg chondroitin, and 250 mg MSM
- OptiMSM is a premium form of MSM
- Three package sizes available
- Soft and small enough for small dogs
- May not be palatable to some dogs
5. Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews
| Glucosamine per chew: | 900 mg |
| Chondroitin per chew: | 350 mg |
| MSM per chew: | 800 mg |
| Flavor: | Unspecified |
The Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews is another veterinarian-formulated and recommended Nutramax product. They contain 900 mg of glucosamine, 350 mg of chondroitin, and 800 mg of MSM per chew. They contain bonus ingredients, like avocado fats and green tea extract. They’re available in four package sizes and are formulated with large dogs in mind. They’re made in the USA, and these joint chews are soft and easy to eat, although they come at a premium price.
- Developed and recommended by veterinarians
- 900 mg glucosamine, 350 mg chondroitin, and 800 mg MSM
- Four package sizes available
- Formulated for large dogs
- Made in the USA
- Premium price
6. PetHonesty Advanced Hip + Joint Soft Chews
| Glucosamine per chew: | 313 mg |
| Chondroitin per chew: | 105 mg |
| MSM per chew: | 163 mg |
| Flavor: | Chicken |
The PetHonesty Advanced Hip + Joint Soft Chews are chicken-flavored chews available in two package sizes. Each chew contains 313 mg of glucosamine, 105 mg of chondroitin, and 163 mg of MSM in PurforMSM. They are also a good source of antioxidants and nutrient-dense ingredients, like carrots and sweet potatoes. They are soft enough for dogs with chewing difficulties, but some people feel that picky dogs don’t find these palatable. They are made in the US and are more budget-friendly than some of the other joint supplement options.
- Two package sizes available
- 313 mg glucosamine, 105 mg chondroitin, and 163 mg PurforMSM
- Made in the USA
- Budget-friendly
- May not be palatable to some dogs
7. The Missing Link Ultimate Canine Hip & Joint Formula
| Glucosamine per tablespoon: | 400 mg |
| Chondroitin per tablespoon: | 100 mg |
| MSM per tablespoon: | 250mg |
| Flavor: | Beef liver |
The Missing Link Ultimate Canine Hip & Joint Formula is a powder supplement that can be sprinkled over your dog’s food. Each tablespoon doses a 75-99 pound dog with 400 mg of glucosamine and ingredients like ground flaxseed and beef liver. It’s a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and contains probiotics for good gut health. It is available in two package sizes. Some dogs don’t seem to find this supplement palatable, and it’s not a good option for those who won’t eat things sprinkled on their food. It does sell for a premium price.
- Easy to dose
- 400 mg glucosamine
- Good source of omega fatty acids
- Two package sizes available
- May not be palatable to some dogs
- Some dogs may not eat a supplement sprinkled on their food
- Premium price
8. Joint MAX Triple Strength Hypo-Allergenic Granules
| Glucosamine per scoop: | 1,000 mg |
| Chondroitin per scoop: | 100 mg |
| MSM per scoop: | 600 mg |
| Flavor: | Unspecified |
The Joint MAX Triple Strength Hypo-Allergenic Granules is the best joint supplement for dogs with food sensitivities because it contains no beef, corn, soy, wheat, dairy, chicken, lamb, rabbit, and egg. Each dose contains 1,000 mg of glucosamine, 100 mg of chondroitin, and 600 mg of MSM, as well as omega fatty acids and antioxidants. It is easy to dose and can be sprinkled over your dog’s food. It’s a veterinarian-formulated product. It’s only available in one package size and does sell for a higher price. This product does have a strong smell that many people report finding unappealing, but most dogs seem to find it palatable.
- Best option for dogs with food sensitivities
- 1,000 mg glucosamine, 100 mg chondroitin, and 600 mg MSM
- Good source of omega fatty acids and antioxidants
- Easy to dose
- Higher price
- Strong, unpleasant smell
- Some dogs may not eat a supplement sprinkled on their food
9. Synovi G4 Soft Chews
| Glucosamine per dose: | 450 mg |
| Chondroitin per dose: | NA |
| MSM per dose: | 400 mg |
| Flavor: | Chicken |
The Synovi G4 Soft Chews contain 450 mg of glucosamine and 400 mg of MSM per dose, as well as containing natural chondroitin from green lipped mussels. It contains turmeric to help relieve inflammation. These chicken-flavored soft chews are available in three package sizes but sell for a premium price. They are more crumbly than most soft chews, making feeding them messy and difficult. This joint supplement may not be a good option for picky dogs as they may not be palatable to them. They are not ideal for severe joint issues due to their low concentration of active ingredients.
- 450 mg glucosamine and 400 mg MSM
- Good source of natural chondroitin from green-lipped mussels
- Turmeric helps relieve inflammation
- Three package sizes available
- Premium price
- Dry and crumbly
- May not be palatable to some dogs
10. Liquid Health Pets Original K9 Glucosamine Hip & Joint Formula
| Glucosamine per ounce: | 1,600 mg |
| Chondroitin per ounce: | 1,200 mg |
| MSM per ounce: | 1,000 mg |
| Flavor: | Aloe Vera |
The Liquid Health Pets Original K9 Glucosamine Hip & Joint Formula is a liquid joint supplement for dogs that contains 1,600 mg of glucosamine, 1,200 mg of chondroitin, and 1,000 mg of MSM per ounce. It’s flavored with Aloe Vera juice and uses MSM in OptiMSM form. It’s available in two bottle sizes and is a good source of hyaluronic acid. Once opened, this product should be kept refrigerated, and it needs to be shaken before each use. This product is not a good option for picky dogs due to low palatability.
- 1,600 mg glucosamine, 1,200 mg chondroitin, and 1,000 mg MSM
- MSM in the form of OptiMSM
- Two bottle sizes available
- Good source of hyaluronic acid
- Needs to be kept refrigerated after opening
- Needs to be shaken before each use
- May not be palatable to some dogs
Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Joint Supplements for Dogs
Why do the ingredients and concentrations of each active ingredient in joint supplements matter? The active ingredients ensure your dog is getting the maximum benefit from the product by providing a form of the ingredient that can be absorbed and used by the body when consumed. Here are some of the most important active ingredients in joint supplements and why they’re so important. All new supplements should be discussed with your dog’s vet to ensure they are safe and effective for your dog.
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Glucosamine
Glucosamine is one of the building blocks of the musculoskeletal system. Specifically, glucosamine can be metabolized to create other chemicals needed to heal and grow tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is also an ingredient the body can use to support the musculoskeletal system. However, it specifically works to support and lubricate the cartilage in the body. Cartilage is important because it cushions the ends of the bones, protecting them and the soft tissues from damage due to friction.
MSM
MSM is the acronym for methylsulfonylmethane, which can be used for various purposes to support the overall health and well-being of the musculoskeletal system. MSM primarily functions as an anti-inflammatory, making it a good option for arthritis support and healing post-surgery.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is one of the components present in synovial fluid. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can even support cell development and tissue growth, making it a good option for healing post-surgery.
Omega Fatty Acids
Omega fatty acids are rich compounds present in fish oil, flaxseeds, and kelp. They can support the joints by reducing inflammation.
Our Selection Process For Joint Supplements For Dogs
To create this buyer’s guide, our writing team and editorial staff checked customer reviews, brand reputation, and veterinary approval ratings to present the joint supplements we think should be highlighted for our readers. In some cases, we conducted hands-on testing along with seeing how much our dogs liked the joint supplements. All these factors were considered when selecting these listed joint supplements to help you make the best purchase for your furry friends.
Why Trust Dogster?
Since 2004, Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online, which means we have a lot of experience with joint supplements. We take pride in promoting the well-being of all dogs—from toy breeds to giant canines. Our in-house veterinarians, writers, and editors examine each product on our lists, ensuring its quality and reputation. As pet owners ourselves, we only want the best for our furry companions. At Dogster, we are transparent about the products we promote. The nutritional information, overall brand reputation, and customer reviews are all considered for these lists. We inform you how we want to be informed.
Conclusion
It is important not to just take the word of these reviews before starting your dog on a joint supplement. The best overall joint supplement for dogs is the VetriScience GlycoFlex Stage III Soft Chews, which are veterinarian-recommended and beneficial for dogs with moderate to severe joint diseases. For tight budgets, the VetIQ Maximum Strength Hip & Joint Soft Chews are a great alternative with effective ingredients.
Featured Image Credit: ALPA PROD, Shutterstock
