The Best Joint Supplements for Dogs with Hip and Joint Problems
Dog owners should be concerned about their dog’s joint health. So here’s how to find the best joint supplement for dogs. Supplements for dogs’ joints are essential, especially for painful joints. We’ve reviewed the best for your ailing paw friend.
How to Determine Your Dog’s Joint Health
When you notice your dog is hesitant to get up and not about in the morning, it may result from joint problems. It may be as a result of wearing away of the protective joint cartilage. Some of the conditions are osteoarthritis and patella luxations between the bones of older dogs as they age. Or it could be as a result of other underlying issues such as hip dysplasia or arthritis. Your dog’s joint might become inflamed and get so painful as the bones rub against each other.
Moreover, the good thing is that there are a few naturally occurring chemicals that may be replaced in healthy dog joints.
However, a very good joint supplement can treat osteoarthritis. These supplements can also enhance any dog’s health and improve quality of life. Practice this by giving joint support and helping to alleviate pain.
The correct supplement can improve joint health. It can also repair a dog’s joints by rebuilding those natural chemicals.
Joint supplements can be a game-changer for your dog’s comfort and movement.
Most supplements have chemicals that have proven to be good for joints. And they include omega-3 fish oils, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate as examples. “These substances aid to reduce inflammation of the joint and swelling while also improving joint lubrication and health.”
Definitely, every dog’s needs vary. This depends on their health features or the dog breed. So ensure you seek veterinary advice before including any joint supplement in their diet.
How to Choose the Best Joint Supplement for Your Dog
It is advisable always to use any product approved by the National Animal Supplement Council. Those products recommended by a vet doctor while on the lookout for the ideal joint supplement for your dog. There is a high probability that there are sub-standard supplements products. That look excellent but don’t use high-quality ingredients or pass quality-control standards that have swamped the supplement industry.
Be cautious of claims that appear enticing and look too good to be true, like claiming to cure ailments like parvovirus, cancer, and hip dysplasia just with a supplement. Look for a company specializing in a specific industry or has conducted clinical trials on its products. Also, ensure you look for a third-party mark of certification from a group that has independently verified the components of the joint supplement.
Is it Safe for My Dog to Take Human Vitamins?
Human vitamins should not be given to dogs. Even if there are elements of the vitamins needed by your dog, such as omega-3 fish oil, ensure that your dog should not take the same supplement. Dogs can be harmed or allergic to a lot of chemicals that are beneficial to humans, for example, garlic and even grapes.
Additionally, the doses meant for human intake of vitamins can result in poor dog health if excess of the vitamin is taken by a dog. For puppies with a weak immune system, supplements are essential; since they require their particular makeup.
Best Type Of Joint Supplements For Dogs
Before starting any supplements, speak with your dog’s veterinarian, but the following review will help you locate some of the best options for supporting your dog’s health.
VetIQ Maximum Strength Hip & Joint Soft Chew
The most cost-effective joint supplements for dogs are these soft chewables. This product provides 600 mg glucosamine and 210 mg MSM. They have an abundance of hyaluronic acids and omega 3 fatty acids and have a great chicken flavor.
This budget-friendly product comes in two sizes of packages. They are manufactured using quality ingredients like krill and fish oil in the US.
However, they are tougher than many other joint supplements, and they dry up quickly once opened, making them difficult to manage for dogs with chewing problems.
However, it is the best joint supplement for dogs since it carries an abundance of essential nutrients.
Pros
- They have the best price.
- Glucosamine 600 mg and MSM 210 mg.
- Exceptionally tasty.
- Nutrients abundant in this product are omega 3 fatty acids and Hyaluronic acid.
- There are two different packaging sizes available.
- Made in the United States of America
Cons
- It’s possible that it’ll be too challenging for dogs who have trouble chewing.
Zesty Paws Core Elements Mobility Soft Chews
Every dose of this duck-flavored soft chewable contains 450 mg glucosamine, 125 mg chondroitin, and 400 mg MSM. These chews include OptiMSM, a premium and highly digestible kind of MSM.
These chews are small and soft, making them ideal for small and senior dogs. They are available in three different box sizes produced in the US. The product was made to be specifically free from corn, gluten-free, and also soy-free
They do include palm oil, but it comes from a sustainable source. Some dog owners claim that these treats do not appeal to their picky dogs as much as other options.
Pros
- 450 mg glucosamine, 125 mg chondroitin, and 400 mg MSM are among the benefits.
- OptiMSM is a high-quality, bioavailable MSM supplement.
- There are three package sizes to choose from.
- Compact dogs will appreciate how soft and small this supplement is.
- Grain-free, corn-free, and soy-free, with sustainable palm oil.
- Suitable for most dogs.
- Made in the United States.
Cons
- Some dogs may find it unpalatable.
The Missing Link Ultimate Canine Hip & Joint Formula
The Missing Link Ultimate Canine Hip & Joint Formula is in powder form sprinkled over dog food. Each dose contains 400 mg of dog glucosamine, as well as additional ingredients such as ground flaxseed and freeze-dried beef liver. It is high in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids and has components that improve cardiac function. It’s available in two distinct sizes.
This product was developed by a veterinarian, and all of the ingredients are derived from the United States and Canada. Because some dogs don’t seem to enjoy this supplement, it’s not a good choice for dogs who refuse to eat anything sprinkled on their food. It does come with a hefty price tag.
Pros
- Dosing is simple.
- Glucosamine 400 mg
- Omega fatty acid is abundant in this dog food.
- There are two different packaging sizes available.
- The ingredients are obtained from the United States and Canada.
- Formulated by a veterinarian
Cons
- Some dogs may find it unpalatable.
- Some dogs can refuse to consume a supplement that has been sprinkled on their diet.
- Hefty price tag.
Joint MAX Triple Strength Hypo-Allergenic Granules
Hypo-Allergenic Granules are among the best dog joint supplements for dogs with dietary sensitivities because it contains no protein sources, soy, wheat, or corn. Each dose contains 1,000 milligrams of glucosamine, 100 milligrams of chondroitin, and 600 milligrams of MSM, as well as omega fatty acids and antioxidants.
It’s easy to use and can be sprinkled over your dog’s food. It’s a product that has been suggested by veterinarians and is made in the United States.
It is only available in one packaging size and is offered at a high cost. Despite the fact that this product has a strong stench that many people dislike, it appears that the majority of dogs appreciate it.
Pros
- This is the best alternative for dogs that have food sensitivities.
- Glucosamine 1,000 mg, chondroitin 100 mg, and MSM 600 mg
- Omega fatty acids and antioxidants are abundant in this food.
- Dosing is simple.
- Veterinarian-recommended product made in the United States
Cons
- Premium cost
- A strong, disagreeable odor
- Some dogs can refuse to consume a supplement that has been sprinkled on their diet.
Synovi G4 Soft Chews
Synovi G4 dog soft chewable include 450 mg of glucosamine, 400 mg of MSM, and natural chondroitin from green-lipped mussels in each dose. Turmeric is included to help with any dog’s inflammation relief. These chicken-flavored soft-chews come in three box sizes, but they cost a lot of money. Because they are more crumbly than most soft-chews, feeding them can be messy and challenging.
Picky dogs may not enjoy these; therefore, they are not a good alternative. Because of the limited concentration of active components, they are not recommended for any dog experiencing severe joint pain.
Pros
- 400 mg MSM and 450 mg glucosamine
- Green-lipped mussels are a good source of natural chondroitin.
- Presence of anti-inflammatory like organic Turmeric.
- These soft chewable tablets are simple to ingest for dogs who have difficulty chewing.
- There are three package sizes to choose from.
Cons
- Premium cost.
- Crumbly and dry.
- Some dogs may find it unpalatable.
- For serious joint issues, this is not a good alternative.
Liquid Health Pets Original K9 Glucosamine Hip & Joint Formula
Each dose of this liquid joint supplement contains 1,600 mg of glucosamine, 1,200 mg of chondroitin, and 1,000 mg of MSM. It is also the best liquid supplement. It’s flavorless and manufactured using OptiMSM MSM, which is bioavailable. It is available in three bottle sizes and contains a significant amount of hyaluronic acid.
Once opened, you should keep this refrigerated and shaken before each use. Despite the fact that it should be flavorless, this supplement for dogs has a high price tag and is not a realistic option for picky dogs due to its low palatability.
Pros
- Glucosamine 1,600 mg, chondroitin 1,200 mg, and MSM 1,000 mg
- Flavorless
- OptiMSM is a bioavailable MSM supplement.
- There are three bottle sizes to choose from.
Cons
- After opening, it must be inside the fridge and shake before each use.
- Premium cost
- Some dogs may find it unpalatable.
Super Snouts Joint Power Green Lipped Mussel for Dogs & Cats
Only stabilized, freeze-dried, ground green-lipped mussels are used in the Super Snouts Joint Power Green Lipped Mussel for Dogs & Cats powder supplement. Natural chondroitin, omega fatty acids, hyaluronic acids, and amino acids are all present in this supplement. It’s bioavailable, tasty, and simple to use.
The fragrance of this product is strong and fishy, which many people find unpleasant. Because it lacks glucosamine and MSM, this is not a viable choice for moderate to severe joint problems. This is a cost-effective supplement that is a suitable choice for dogs who have minimal or minor joint issues.
Pros
- It is a single component.
- Natural chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and other beneficial nutrients are present in this product.
- Bioavailable
- Exceptionally tasty
- Dosing is simple and inexpensive.
Cons
- A strong, disagreeable odor
- For moderate to severe joint difficulties, this is not a good solution.
- There is no glucosamine or MSM in this product.
Purchaser’s Guide
You must pay attention to the ingredients and the concentration of every element in supplements.
By supplying a form of the substance that is able to be absorbed and used by the body when taken, the active components ensure that your dog gets the most benefit from the product. Here are some of the most significant active chemicals in most joint supplements and why they’re so important.
Glucosamine Sulfate
Glucosamine sulfate functions as one of the musculoskeletal system’s building blocks. These type of supplements are essential and the body processed it easier .
Plus, glucosamine produces other chemicals necessary for the healing and growth of tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and synovial fluid, which cushions the joints.
Chondroitin Sulfate
Another beneficial vitamin is Chondroitin Sulfate. It helps the musculoskeletal system and helps support and lubricate the body’s cartilage. Moreover, the cartilage is very vital to the body as it helps to protect the soft tissues and the ends of the bones from injury caused by friction.
MSM
The full meaning of this acronym MSM is methylsulfonylmethane.
It can carry out various functions that benefit the musculoskeletal system’s overall dog health and well-being. The substance is primarily an anti-inflammatory, making it a wonderful choice for arthritis pain relief and post-surgery recovery.
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Hyaluronic Acid
It is one of the components of the synovial fluid. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and can help with cell formation and tissue growth, making it an excellent choice for post-surgery healing.
Omega Fatty Acids
Fish oil, Flaxseeds, and kelp have an abundance of Omega fatty acids.
They function by boosting blood flow and lowering inflammation and discomfort of the joint.
Conclusion
Don’t take these reviews at face value before beginning your dog on a joint supplement. While all new supplements should be open for discussion with your dog’s veterinarian, you should also ensure their safety and effectiveness.
In addition, many dog joint supplements on this list have veterinary doctors’ recommendations. They are excellent for aging dogs or dogs with all sorts of joint disorders, especially the VetIQ Maximum Strength Hip & Joint Soft-chews, which are affordable and have lots of vitamins beneficial to dogs. They are also affordable for those on a budget.
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