By Janet L. Tomlinson - Senior Staff Writer on March 21, 2022

Has over 15 years combined experience within the pet grooming and nutrition industry. Her expertise is focused on the latest research in treatments & remedies in relationship to arthritic dogs.*

By Janet L. Tomlinson on January 7, 2022

By Janet L. Tomlinson on January 7, 2022

Has over 15 years combined experience within the pet grooming and nutrition industry. Her expertise is focused on the latest research in treatments & remedies in relationship to arthritic dogs.*

WHAT REALLY MAKES A DOG JOINT SUPPLEMENT EFFECTIVE?

What really makes a dog joint supplement effective? With a vast number of supplements on the market, there can be confusion over what makes a supplement the best in the first place. To make matters doubly unclear, research states that over 60% of Amazon reviews are likely falsified, written by paid promoters.1,2 So, how does one decide what to buy? Our advice is to just stick with the facts.

With a vast number of supplements on the market, there can be confusion over what makes a supplement the best in the first place. To make matters doubly unclear, research states that over 60% of Amazon reviews are likely falsified, written by paid promoters.1,2 So, how does one decide what to buy? Our advice is to just stick with the facts.

Prioritize safety of a product and examine the key ingredients before anything else. A good place to start is by conducting research on what key ingredients are actually effective. This allows you to compare products. Side-by-side analysis is the way to most objectively choose the right supplement. Also consider how digestible and easily fed the supplement is to your dog.

KEY INGREDIENTS ESSENTIAL TO RELIEVING DOG ARTHRITIS & HIP DYSPLASIA

KEY INGREDIENTS ESSENTIAL TO RELIEVING DOG ARTHRITIS
& HIP DYSPLASIA

KEY INGREDIENTS ESSENTIAL TO RELIEVING DOG ARTHRITIS
& HIP DYSPLASIA

Glucosamine and Chondroitin: are the building blocks of cartilage.3 They also stimulate the body to produce cartilage and protect chondrocyte cells, which help maintain cartilage structure. Chondrocytes potentially slow down cartilage deterioration as well.4 According to the College of Life Sciences, UCD Dublin, dogs who received a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin had statistically significant improvements showing reductions in pain and the severity of the condition.5

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are the building blocks of cartilage.3 They also stimulate the body to produce cartilage and protect chondrocyte cells, which help maintain cartilage structure. Chondrocytes potentially slow down cartilage deterioration as well.4

According to the College of Life Sciences, UCD Dublin, dogs who received a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin had statistically significant improvements showing reductions in pain and the severity of the condition.5

The best glucosamine for dogs is made from the shells of crustaceans such as shrimp, crab, and crayfish, while chondroitin is sourced from animal cartilage. When in supplement form, check if the manufacturer follows the precise ratio of these ingredients to each other. This will help avoid certain brands with imbalanced formulation that can cause adverse effects to your dog’s health.

Thus, we must keep an eye out for these ingredients when comparing different supplements. If a product lacks these essentials, it’s a deal breaker. As always, please consult with your veterinarian before feeding your dog any supplement to better understand his or her specific needs. Below are notable ingredients that have shown potential in easing joint pain for dogs.

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID IN DOG JOINT SUPPLEMENTS

KEY INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR IN DOG JOINT SUPPLEMENTS

KEY INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR IN DOG JOINT SUPPLEMENTS

Other Helpful Ingredients:

  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin C
  • Grape Seed
  • Selenium
  • Manganese

Other Helpful Ingredients:

  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin C
  • Grape Seed
  • Selenium
  • Manganese

OUR RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

We created this exhaustive list with extensive market research and analysis, measuring the overall value of the product - key ingredients, value, return policy, and overall customer satisfaction. We weighed all these factors to assign scores for the overall rating. This methodology is designed to present information in a boiled down fashion to save buyers’ time.

2022 BEST-RATED DOG JOINT SUPPLEMENTS

We compiled the list below of our most recommended dog joint supplements available today. Our internal research took into account over 70 joint supplement brands and their ingredients. The top 3 products were chosen based on the overall projected effectiveness and their comprised key ingredients.

1. G-MAX JOINT SUPPORT

by Pawlabs

OVERALL RATING

INGREDIENT LIST

KEY INGREDIENTS INCLUDED

PROJECTED EFFECTIVENESS

PRICE / VALUE

RETURN POLICY

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Strengthens joints in aging dogs
  • Relieves joint pain and symptoms of arthritis
  • Health cartilage and collagen regeneration
  • Improves overall mobility and flexibility
  • Contains essential vitamins for overall health
  • 60-day money back guarantee
  • Made in USA
  • 15% OFF PROMO CODE: MOBILITY15

Final Thoughts

G-Max Joint Support by Pawlabs is our #1 choice. This supplement scored highest in the number of overall key ingredients in the formula found to be good for joint health. The supplement also has overwhelming positive reviews.11 So far, there are no known or reported side effects of G-max Joint Support. The product is made in the USA and is backed by a 60-day money back guarantee.

Key Ingredients To Look For In
Dog Joint Supplements:
  • Glucosamine
  • Chondroitin
  • Vitamin C
  • Turmeric
  • Calcium Carbonate
  • Beef Liver
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • MSM

*Based on DogsDIY in-house aggregation of online reviews. Not a scientific study for defining scores and does not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit the product's website for complete information.

1. G-MAX JOINT SUPPORT

by Pawlabs

OVERALL RATING

INGREDIENT LIST

PROJECTED EFFECTIVENESS
KEY INGREDIENTS
RETURN POLICY
OVERALL VALUE

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Strengthens joints in aging dogs
  • Relieves joint pain and symptoms of arthritis
  • Health cartilage and collagen regeneration
  • Improves overall mobility and flexibility
  • Contains essential vitamins for overall health
  • 60-day money back guarantee
  • Made in USA
  • 15% OFF PROMO CODE: MOBILITY15

FINAL THOUGHTS

G-Max Joint Support by Pawlabs is our #1 choice. This supplement scored highest in the number of overall key ingredients in the formula found to be good for joint health. The supplement also has overwhelming positive reviews.11 So far, there are no known or reported side effects of G-max Joint Support. The product is made in the USA and is backed by a 60-day money back guarantee.

INGREDIENTS FOR JOINT SUPPORT:
Key Ingredients To Look For In Dog Joint Supplements
  • Glucosamine
  • Chondroitin
  • Vitamin C
  • Turmeric
  • Calcium Carbonate
  • Beef Liver
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • MSM

*Based on DogsDIY in-house aggregation of online reviews. Not a scientific study for defining scores and does not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit the product's website for complete information.

2. VETLABS JOINT CARE

by VETLABS DIRECT

OVERALL RATING

INGREDIENT LIST

KEY INGREDIENTS INCLUDED

PROJECTED EFFECTIVENESS

PRICE / VALUE

RETURN POLICY

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Strengthens joint in aging dogs
  • Relieves joint pain and symptoms of arthritis
  • Improves overall mobility and flexibility
  • Comes in beef-flavored, soft-chew form
  • 30-day money back guarantee
  • Factory-direct
  • Made in the USA

Final Thoughts

VetLabs Joint Care by VetLabs Direct is our #2 choice. This brand includes the essential key ingredients to promote dog joint health such as glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, and many others which are linked to dog joint health based on the latest research and clinical studies. However, it lacks calcium carbonate/eggshell membrane—though not a deal-breaker, our experts still consider it to be an important component to the effectiveness of a dog joint supplement. Moreover, given that it's factory-direct, it costs cheaper than brand #1 but can only be purchased in bulks of 3, 5, or more.

Key Ingredients To Look For In
Dog Joint Supplements:
  • Glucosamine
  • Chondroitin
  • Vitamin C
  • Turmeric
  • Beef Liver
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • MSM

*Based on DogsDIY in-house aggregation of online reviews. Not a scientific study for defining scores and does not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit the product's website for complete information.

2. VETLABS JOINT CARE

by VETLABS DIRECT

OVERALL RATING

INGREDIENT LIST

PROJECTED EFFECTIVENESS
KEY INGREDIENTS
RETURN POLICY
OVERALL VALUE

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Strengthens joint in aging dogs
  • Relieves joint pain and symptoms of arthritis
  • Improves overall mobility and flexibility
  • Comes in beef-flavored, soft-chew form
  • 30-day money back guarantee
  • Factory-direct
  • Made in the USA

FINAL THOUGHTS

VetLabs Joint Care by VetLabs Direct is our #2 choice. This brand includes the essential key ingredients to promote dog joint health such as glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, and many others which are linked to dog joint health based on the latest research and clinical studies. However, it lacks calcium carbonate/eggshell membrane—though not a deal-breaker, our experts still consider it to be an important component to the effectiveness of a dog joint supplement. Moreover, given that it's factory-direct, it costs cheaper than brand #1 but can only be purchased in bulks of 3, 5, or more.

INGREDIENTS FOR JOINT SUPPORT:
Key Ingredients To Look For In Dog Joint Supplements
  • Glucosamine
  • Chondroitin
  • Vitamin C
  • Turmeric
  • Beef Liver
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • MSM

*Based on DogsDIY in-house aggregation of online reviews. Not a scientific study for defining scores and does not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit the product's website for complete information.

3. MOBILITY BITES

by Zesty Paws

OVERALL RATING

INGREDIENT LIST

KEY INGREDIENTS INCLUDED

PROJECTED EFFECTIVENESS

PRICE / VALUE

RETURN POLICY

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Strengthens joints in aging dogs
  • Formulated specially for active dogs
  • Chicken or duck flavor comes in chew tablets
  • Improves overall mobility and flexibility
  • Relieves joint pain and symptoms of arthritis
  • 100% money back guarante
  • Made in the USA

Final Thoughts

Mobility Bites by Zesty Paws is our #3 choice. The supplement contains key ingredients shown to improve joint health, such as glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin. However, a common complaint is the taste and smell.13 We recommend crushing it up and adding it to your dog’s wet food.

Key Ingredients To Look For In
Dog Joint Supplements:
  • Glucosamine
  • MSM
  • Vitamin C
  • Chondroitin

*Based on DogsDIY in-house aggregation of online reviews. Not a scientific study for defining scores and does not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit the product's website for complete information.

3. MOBILITY BITES

by Zesty Paws

OVERALL RATING

INGREDIENT LIST

PROJECTED EFFECTIVENESS
KEY INGREDIENTS
RETURN POLICY
OVERALL VALUE

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Strengthens joints in aging dogs
  • Formulated specially for active dogs
  • Chicken or duck flavor comes in chew tablets
  • Improves overall mobility and flexibility
  • Relieves joint pain and symptoms of arthritis
  • 100% money back guarante
  • Made in the USA

FINAL THOUGHTS

Mobility Bites by Zesty Paws is our #3 choice. The supplement contains key ingredients shown to improve joint health, such as glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin. However, a common complaint is the taste and smell.13 We recommend crushing it up and adding it to your dog’s wet food.

INGREDIENTS FOR JOINT SUPPORT:
Key Ingredients To Look For In Dog Joint Supplements
  • Glucosamine
  • MSM
  • Vitamin C
  • Chondroitin

*Based on DogsDIY in-house aggregation of online reviews. Not a scientific study for defining scores and does not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit the product's website for complete information.

References:

References: