It’s not fun to see your dog hurting and unable to do the things that they once loved, such as playing fetch for hours or going on a hike through the woods. We want our dogs to enjoy life and be pain free.
Did you know that the larger and heavier a dog is, the more likely they will have joint issues? If your dog is a large breed, as well as overweight, you are looking at a high probability of them suffering from joint and hip pain.
Our reviews list was put together to help you find the best hip and joint supplements that may help your dog feel better. The buyer’s guide at the end of the article offers advice to think about when purchasing supplements.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2022:
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall | Zesty Paws Hip & Joint Supplement |
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Best Value | The Missing Link Hip & Joint Dog Supplement |
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Premium Choice | FurroLandia Hip & Joint Supplement |
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NaturVet Senior Wellness Hip & Joint Supplement |
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TerraMax Best Hip and Joint Supplement |
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The 10 Best Dog Joint & Hip Supplements Reviewed:
1. Zesty Paws Hip & Joint Supplement – Best Overall
Zesty Paws takes the number-one spot for the best hip and joint supplement. It has glucosamine HCI, which cushions and lubricates joints. It also contains chondroitin sulfate, which helps support hip, joint, and cartilage structure. OptiMSM provides support for cushioning and range of motion, and yucca extract helps support hip and joint function. All together, they make an advanced hip and joint support supplement for your dog.
The chews are easy to eat and are duck-flavored, so most dogs will love the taste. Plus, there are no artificial flavors or preservatives, and it is grain-free. Zesty Paws is made in the U.S.A., and the company is committed to providing quality products for dogs.
On the downside, they are strong smelling, and not every dog will like the duck flavor. We appreciate that this product is manufactured in an FDA-registered facility that is NSF and GMP certified in the U.S.
- No artificial flavors
- Preservative free
- Advanced supplement
- Four ingredients for joints
- Grain-free
- Strong flavor for some dogs
2. The Missing Link Hip & Joint Dog Supplement – Best Value
The Missing Link is the best dog joint and hip supplement for the money because it provides a powerful supplement within its powder formula at an affordable price. It has glucosamine, fiber, omega 3, and six fatty acids, as well as phytonutrients.
It is formulated to help hips and joints, and it is easy to give to your dog. Apply the powder to their kibble as directed, and watch your dog gobble it up. Each bag contains 1 pound of powder supplement that will last about three months if using 1 tablespoon per day.
It is cold-processed, so the active ingredients stay intact for increased effectiveness and no preservatives are required. On the negative side, this formula doesn’t contain MSM or chondroitin, which assists with joint and hip preservation, and that’s why it doesn’t sit in the number-one place on our reviews list. But the formula does provide other nutritional benefits, since it contains high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Cold-processed
- Preservative free
- Other vitamins and minerals
- No MSM or chondroitin
3. FurroLandia Hip & Joint Supplement – Premium Choice
This supplement contains a variety of ingredients that are good for joints. It has hyaluronic acid, turmeric, glucosamine HCI, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, and yucca. There’s also hemp, which has been shown to have a natural calming effect on dogs so they can relax from chronic joint pain.
These chews are made in the U.S.A. and contain no wheat, corn, sugar, or preservatives, so you can rest easy knowing that you are providing the best for your family pet. This supplement is made in a registered FDA facility that is certified GMP. If you aren’t satisfied with the results, the company offers a 100% money-back guarantee.
The FurroLandia supplement is pricey, which is why it didn’t reach the first two spots on the list, but in one jar, you receive 170 chews. Also, dogs love the bacon flavor.
- High-quality ingredients
- Special formulation for joints
- Preservative-free
- Money-back guarantee
- Flavor dogs love
- Hemp added
- Pricey
4. NaturVet Senior Wellness Hip & Joint Supplement
These soft chews are an advanced hip and joint supplement containing glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and omegas that support joints and connective tissue and maintain healthy cartilage. These are made specifically for senior dogs but may be given to dogs older than one year.
Dogs love the taste of these affordable chews, and they are free of wheat and manufactured in the U.S.A. under the approval of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). The downside is that the product is stored in plastic bags, and some of the chews are destroyed during shipping, turning them into a crumbled mess.
These could become pricey if you have a dog who weighs over 75 pounds, because you have to give them seven to eight chews per day to see results.
- Affordable at small doses
- Formulated specifically for joints
- Dogs love the taste
- Wheat free
- Approved by NASC
- Shipping damage
- Pricey for large breeds
5. TerraMax Best Hip and Joint Supplement
The TerraMax is an extra-strength supplement with high amounts of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM to help improve mobility and flexibility. It will also improve your dog’s overall health with natural antioxidants. We like that it is 100% safe and all natural. It is sourced and made in the U.S.A., with a money-back guarantee.
This supplement comes in a 32-ounce bottle and is in liquid form to increase the absorption of the nutrients. For dogs 50 to 100 pounds, you give them two teaspoons in the morning and two in the evening. As such, the bottle will last approximately 48 days, making it a little pricier than others. It would also be a nice option if the cap provided dosing to make it easier to use. Keep in mind that this supplement has to be kept refrigerated.
- Extra-strength
- Antioxidant benefits
- Safe and natural
- Money-back guarantee
- Pricey
- No dosing cap
6. Paws & Pals Glucosamine Hip & Joint Supplement
This is another extra-strength supplement for dogs, though it’s not as strong as the TerraMax Pro. It offers glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, and omega 3 and omega 6 to help maintain healthy joints and relieve occasional stiffness.
A dog weighing from 40 to 79 pounds will receive three chews per day, which makes this bottle last for approximately 80 days. As such, these chews are more affordable than others. The company donates a portion of each purchase to local pet shelters to fund pet adoptions.
The chews are wheat-free and made in the U.S. within an FDA-regulated facility. We found that these chews have a strong scent and that some dogs do not like the taste. These also contain brewers’ yeast, so make sure your dog is not allergic or immunocompromised.
- Extra-strength
- Affordable
- Wheat free
- FDA regulated
- Strong odor
7. VetIQ Hip and Joint Supplement
These supplements are recommended by veterinarians and provide total joint health, since they contain glucosamine, MSM, and krill. We like that these chews are not as dry as some of the others.
They are made in the U.S.A. and have the NASC seal of approval. A dog weighing from 61 to 100 pounds will need four tablets a day, making a package last for 45 days. We found that some people received packages with many of the supplements clumped together and difficult to separate. Otherwise, these chews are easy for dogs to eat and they enjoy the flavor.
- Recommended by vets
- NASC seal of approval
- Provide total joint health
- Affordable
- Chews clump together
8. Doggie Dailies Hip and Joint Supplement
The Doggie Dailies have six active ingredients in every chew that will help with hip and joint support. The supplements include glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, yucca, hyaluronic acid, and co-enzyme Q10. They are made in a certified Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) facility that is registered with the FDA. The company offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied with the product.
These chews also include salmon and cod liver oil that assist with maintaining a healthy skin and coat, vitamins C and E, and omegas 3 and 6. There is no heat cooking process, so the integrity of the ingredients is preserved from maximum potency. On the downside, these are slightly pricier than some of the others on our review list, and they don’t have as high amounts of the active ingredients either.
- Six active ingredients
- Registered with the FDA
- Money-back guarantee
- Includes other vitamins
- Not heat processed
- Pricier
- Lower amounts of joint supplements
9. Project Paws Hip & Joint Supplement
The Project Paws offers four active ingredients formulated for joint health: glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and yucca. All of these assist with reducing inflammation and increasing flexibility. The chews contain antioxidants and are manufactured using cold press extrusion, which keeps many of the nutrients intact.
They are bacon flavored, grain free, and manufactured in the U.S.A. The company gives back to shelter animals by providing meals when you purchase their product. Project Paws supplement can be pricey if using for larger breeds, since you have to give them four chews a day. We also found that many dogs do not like the taste of these chews and refuse to eat them.
- Four active ingredients for joint health
- Contains antioxidants
- Cold press extrusion
- Pricey for larger breeds
- Not as palatable
- Not made in FDA-approved facility
10. LEGITPET Hemp Hip & Joint Supplement
This supplement has glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, and yucca but in low amounts. So, there may not be enough to provide any benefit to your dog, especially if they suffer from severe pain and stiffness.
LEGITPET supplement is made in the U.S.A. with natural ingredients and contains a high amount of hemp, which may help with relaxation but may not do as good a job as glucosamine and chondroitin. The chews are duck flavored with a strong odor that may deter some dogs.
These supplements are not manufactured in a GMP facility nor are they registered with the FDA.
- Natural ingredients
- No wheat, corn, or sugar
- Low levels of glucosamine
- Low levels of chondroitin
- Strong flavor/odor
- Not registered with the FDA
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Joint and Hip Supplements
There are many supplements available to buy for your beloved pet, and you are probably aware that some are better than others. This buyer’s guide will go over what you should look for when you are shopping for the best dog joint and hip supplements.
Joint and hip supplements are ideal for senior dogs or dogs predisposed to developing joint problems, in order to prevent issues from occurring as they get older. A few signs that your dog has joint and/or hip pain are:
- Difficulty getting up or laying down
- Limping
- Licking legs or feet repeatedly
- Whining or acting in pain
- Decreased interest in activities
- Stiffness
- Difficulty going up or down the stairs
- Swelling
Your dog may show only a few of these symptoms or others that aren’t listed. It’s important to notice when your dog is not acting normal. It’s not recommended to give your dog supplements without speaking to your veterinarian first, just in case the symptoms your dog is exhibiting are not related to joint pain, but rather something else. Let’s discuss features to consider when selecting a joint supplement.
Ingredients
This is the most important factor because the ingredients have the potential to help your dog. There are studies that prove glucosamine and chondroitin are beneficial, but they do need to be in fairly high amounts.
Usually, a loading dose is required and then a maintenance dose, which is typically about 15mg/kg daily. Omega-3 fatty acids are also known to support joint health. Know what ingredients are in the supplement and what they are for. You don’t want fillers if you are trying to treat joint issues. Speak with your veterinarian for advice on dosages.
Safety
It is important to find a product that follows safety standards so you know that you are giving your dog what it says on the package. An advantage of having the supplement approved by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) is that they have regulations that must be met before the product can be sold to the public. An FDA-approved facility will also be under more scrutiny to make sure the company remains ethical in their practices.
Ease of Use
If your dog won’t eat the supplement, then you will have unfortunately wasted a fair amount of money. Some dogs are fine with a chewable, while others may do well if you hide the supplement in their favorite food, such as peanut butter. If you know you have a picky eater, then you may want to get a supplement that has a lower flavor profile so your dog isn’t overwhelmed.
Certain supplements can come in powder or liquid form, which can be added to your dog’s food or water. This is a good choice if you have a dog who doesn’t like the texture of a chewable or won’t swallow a tablet.
Cost
There is no doubt that supplements are not cheap and are potentially something you will be giving to your dog for the rest of their life. Everyone has a budget, but remember that supplements aren’t created equal, so if you choose a cheap supplement, you may not get the results you are looking for. Certain supplements that are lower in cost will have lower amounts of glucosamine, which may be fine if you are using it for prevention or if your dog doesn’t have many joint concerns at present.
Tips when using a joint supplement:
- Most joint and hip supplements will take at least four weeks to begin working, though in some cases, it may take longer. Some dogs respond faster than others, but don’t fret if your dog doesn’t get better within two weeks. Speak with your vet and make sure you are giving the correct dose.
- A joint supplement will work best if your dog is active and healthy. Overweight dogs have extra pressure on their joints already, so providing a well-balanced diet with plenty of exercise will help your dog stay healthy and allow the supplement to be more effective.
- Follow label instructions, and do not give more than the recommended dose. Supplements can have side effects, so if you notice anything unusual, such as vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, etc., consult your veterinarian.
- Avoid activities that can cause joint injuries or overexertion of the joints.
Conclusion
It can be frustrating to find a supplement when there are so many on the market to choose from. Our top 10 reviews list showcases hip and joint supplements that have the potential to help your canine companion.
The best overall supplement for dog joint and hip is the Zesty Paws, since it contains four different supplements that help with joint health. For the best value, look no further than the Missing Link supplement powder, which also provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For those who don’t mind spending a little more, the FurroLandia Hemp supplement provides all-natural pain relief and mobility support.
Hopefully, our reviews list and buyer’s guide has helped you narrow down what supplement will best suit your dog and help them feel healthier and live a happy life.
Featured Image Credit By: The Missing Link Ultimate Hip, Joint & Coat Dog Supplement, amazon
Contents
- A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2022:
- The 10 Best Dog Joint & Hip Supplements Reviewed:
- 1. Zesty Paws Hip & Joint Supplement – Best Overall
- 2. The Missing Link Hip & Joint Dog Supplement – Best Value
- 3. FurroLandia Hip & Joint Supplement – Premium Choice
- 4. NaturVet Senior Wellness Hip & Joint Supplement
- 5. TerraMax Best Hip and Joint Supplement
- 6. Paws & Pals Glucosamine Hip & Joint Supplement
- 7. VetIQ Hip and Joint Supplement
- 8. Doggie Dailies Hip and Joint Supplement
- 9. Project Paws Hip & Joint Supplement
- 10. LEGITPET Hemp Hip & Joint Supplement
- Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Joint and Hip Supplements
- Tips when using a joint supplement:
- Conclusion