10 Best Dog Joint Supplements in 2017

If you want a dog joint supplement chew, then Cosequin DS Plus MSM Chewable Tablets is just for your canine friend. It contains 600 milligrams of glucosamine and 300 milligrams of chondroitin sulfate both of which are highly regarded for their effects on joint health. Add to the mix about 200 milligrams of methylsulfonylmethane or MSM and you’ve got one of the best formulations for canine joint health. These three ingredients are synthesized from natural sources to give your pet only the safest product available to them. However, it should be noted that while Cosequin is filled with these three ingredients, it doesn’t contain other substances like vitamins and minerals which are often indicated in nutritional deficiencies. That said, Cosequin should not really be used as the sole supplement for our dogs. However, chondroitin and glucosamine are two very essential precursors of glycosaminoglycans which are structurally important molecules for optimum health of the joint capsule. Studies have shown that these substances can help in the management of arthritis as well as other joint issues. MSM, on the other hand, has been lauded for its anti-inflammatory properties which can help in managing the inflamed joints, giving excellent joint mobility for your pet friend.

What We Like about It – The natural ingredients of Cosequin make it ideal for helping prevent articular problems in dogs, particularly among senior pooches.

For more than 4 decades, the Joint Support Stages system of GlycoFlex has been used by many veterinarians all over the world in both the prevention and management of canine articular problems. It’s one of the most recommended and most trusted names when it comes to joint health for dogs. Clinical studies have shown that pooches that were given the GlycoFlex III Bite Sized Dog Chews for at least 4 weeks were able to increase the strength of their hind legs by as much as 41 percent. Part of the effectiveness of the GlycoFlex system is its substantial amounts of glucosamine which is rated at 1,000 milligrams plus an additional 1,000 milligrams of methylsulfonylmethane or MSM. These two substances work synergistically together to both improve articular growth and prevent unusual degradation of structural elements of the joint capsule. GlycoFlex also has PernaCanaliculus which is touted as an excellent substance for strengthening the cartilaginous layers of the articular capsule. GlycoFlex contains Vitamins C and E for improved cellular regeneration and healing as well as manganese and selenium which play a role in mitigating inflammatory processes. Additional ingredients include l-glutathione for cellular health and grape seed extract for its anti-inflammatory properties. As you can see, the GlycoFlex III is not just any dog joint supplement chew, it is one of the most recognized joint relief for dogs.

What We Like about It – The addition of vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients into the GlycoFlex’s glucosamine and MSM formulations make it one of the best dog supplements you’ll ever get for excellent articular health.

If you have a pet dog that’s known to be prone to the development of articular problems even though they are not yet very old, you can try Nootie’s Glucosamine Chondroitin Hip and Joint Supplements for Dogs. One of the major differences of the Nootie supplement over other products is its addition of Hyaluronic Acid which is primarily responsible for the production and secretion of optimum levels of synovial fluid on the joints. You can look at the synovial fluid as the motor oil that you place in your engine so that it runs a lot more smoothly by reducing friction. Improving the circulation of synovial fluid in the joints make for a more efficient movement or mobility. The combination of glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin also help strengthen the extracellular matrix of the articular capsule preventing excessive wear and tear. The Nootie has been proven to be excellent in the prevention of arthritis, articular damage, and even hip dysplasia in vulnerable breeds. At least, no matter how active your pooch is, you’ll feel a lot safer that its joints are well protected by the Nootie canine joint supplements.

What We Like about It – The addition of hyaluronic acid into the formulation of the Nootie enhances the protection afforded by glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin. It’s got other ingredients as well that are rich in protein for optimum growth and development of the musculoskeletal system.

If you need an excellent canine joint supplements that doesn’t only look after your pet’s joint health, may we recommend the Doggie Dailies Advanced Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs. Aside from the usual glucosamine, MSM for dogs, and chondroitin that similar products contain, the Doggie Dailies also contains hyaluronic acid which is essential for the optimum production of synovial fluid for articular lubrication. This allows your canine friend to move with absolute ease and free from pain. And if ever there is pain, the other ingredients of the Doggie Dailies should provide some form of relief for dog joint pain. These include co-enzyme Q10, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and cod liver and salmon oil. CoQ10 and the essential fatty acids are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce swelling and pain so that your pet will be able to move freely about. The oils are excellent for coat and skin health so not only are you taking good care of your pet’s bones and joints, you are also taking care of its integument.

What We Like about It – With an excellent array of bone and joint health ingredients plus vitamins and minerals and other substances for optimum health, this is one product that’s great for any type of mutt.

If pain is a major concern of your pet, severely hampering its mobility, then perhaps you’d find some joint relief for dogs in the All-Natural Hip & Joint Supplement. This product from Infinite Pet Supplements contains the natural anti-inflammatory ingredient turmeric. We know you might laugh that this is more of a culinary ingredient. But actually, clinical studies have shown that the active ingredients of turmeric, curcumin, is one of the most effective natural anti-inflammatories that has been in use in many Ayurvedic medicine. If you don’t trust oriental medical practices, you’ll still feel confident in the fact that the Infinite Pet also contains methylsulfonylmethane or MSM for dogs which also has an excellent anti-inflammatory effects. Add to this the articular capsule-protecting properties of glucosamine and chondroitin and you’ve got a really delicious and very bone and joint-friendly dog joint supplement chew. The Infinite comes in beef liver flavor that your mutt will surely love.

What We Like about It – It’s a great way to help revitalize the cartilage of your pet’s joints as well as help improve overall mobility enabling your mutt to play all it wants.

One major gripe of pet owners in giving supplements to their pets is the otherwise unpalatability of the canine chews. The PetNC Hip & Joint Soft Chews is especially formulated for finicky eaters so you’ll rest fully assured that your pet’s cartilages are well-developed and revitalized. Containing MSM, chondroitin, and glucosamine as well as hyaluronic acid all for optimum health of the articular apparatus, the PetNC is one superb canine joint supplements made of human-grade ingredients. The glucosamine and chondroitin components help revitalize the glycosaminoglycan structure of the cartilaginous tissue that makes up the articular surfaces. This helps prevent uneven wear and tear and help in cellular regeneration. Keeping the surfaces well lubricated, helping reduce friction, is hyaluronic acid. Together, these substances help keep the articulations of your pet fully mobile and duly optimized.

What We Like about It – The soft chew formulation of the PetNC is excellent for picky eaters. At least, you can guarantee optimum bone health while its Vitamin C can also aid with optimal cellular healing.

We are all familiar with the many benefits of salmon oil especially in individuals who are at high risk for the development of cardiac events. But perhaps not everyone know that it is also a very excellent source of anti-inflammatory substances particularly eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA and docosahexaenoic acid or DHA. In fact, several studies have shown the both EPA and DHA can produce modest improvements in the symptoms of arthritis. While these are for humans, the clinical implications for dogs are profound. One of the best sources of EPA and DHA are cold water fishes like salmon. As such, you can give your pet the Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil made of only the purest oils from the world’s foremost frontiers in salmon. The good news is that not only will you be able to check inflammatory processes from occurring, you’ll be ensuring a healthier coat and immune system for your pet. Additionally, it’s also good for your furry friend’s heart so it will grow old healthier.

What We Like about It – The Zesty Paws provides excellent anti-inflammatory benefits to provide joint relief for dogs. It’s great for heart health and immunity as well.

The best dog supplements contain all the right nutrients in the correct amounts. For your pooch, the Missing Link Ultimate Hip, Joint, and Coat Dog Supplement contains B-vitamins for energy and cellular metabolism as well as other vitamins and minerals. These should help provide your pet with a boost in its energy levels so it will be able to perform well. Because The Missing Link also provides glucosamine, it should help protect the cartilages of the articular apparatus of the bones of your pet. The linolenic acid that it contains can also help in the reduction of inflammatory processes so your pooch will not be in pain should it really decide to go about its business playing or moving about. The Missing Link is designed especially for ensuring optimum health for the musculoskeletal system, the integument, and the digestive system of pets.

What We Like about It – The combination of crude protein and fat together with ample moisture helps provide the nutrient requirements of dogs. The glucosamine and anti-inflammatory ingredients help provide for a pain-free mobility for canines.

If you’re looking for the best dog supplements, one of the most sought after is the NuproNutriPet Joint and Immunity Support. It contains glucosamine for revitalizing the articular surfaces of bones as well as methylsulfonylmethane which is excellent for reducing inflammation especially in the joints. Also included in the formulation is flaxseed which is excellent for its omega-3 and -6 essential fatty acids. These can also aid in the reduction of inflammatory processes in the joints so your pet mutt will be able to move as freely as it possibly can. But there’s an additional benefit to these omega fatty acids. They can also help enhance the immune system so your pet will be much farther away from diseases and infections. The Nutri-Pet also contains Vitamin C which is vital for tissue repair and cellular regeneration. This works well with glucosamine in strengthening articular surfaces.

What We Like about It – Countless pet owners give Nutri-Pet to their beloved furry pals. We believe you should, too.

Does your pet need joint relief for dogs? If you have a pet that’s already showing signs of aging or is hampered in its mobility, maybe you need to give it the LillyPawz Hip and Joint Supplement. The maintenance formulation of LillyPawz is perfect for ensuring optimum health of the articular surfaces. Its chondroitin and glucosamine content help provide the necessary glycosaminoglycan structure necessary for rebuilding and revitalizing lost cartilage. The omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, aside from their anti-inflammatory effects can also help in the enhanced production of collagen to further strengthen or reinforce the articular apparatus. LillyPawz also contain the natural ingredient yucca schidigera which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties making the product truly wonderful for senior dogs as well as puppies that may have skeletal problems because of their rather very playful and active nature. Adding to the effectiveness of LillyPawz are vitamins C and E, both of which are essential in tissue healing and regeneration while also improving overall immune functioning.

What We Like about It – LillyPawz has an excellent combination of joint health-promoting substances and anti-inflammatory ingredients to give your furry pal the best articular and skeletal health it could ever receive.

How We Chose the Bone and Joint Supplements in Our List

Picking the best dog supplements to include in this list was quite a challenge as many products offer almost the same formulation. While some health and nutritional supplements are designed to contain certain substances that provide a desired effect, it would be foolhardy to focus only on these substances as doing so can also lead to chemical imbalances in our pet’s system. That is why choosing the correct amounts of a particular substance is tantamount to choosing the correct type of nutrient to give. As such, we had to carefully examine the contents of our shortlisted products and compare these to the recommended allowances of recognized agencies. We don’t want to give our canine friends more than what they really need especially if they are also receiving adequate correct nutrition from us.

The feedback of pet owners also proved to be very invaluable. It gave us an idea of just how well the supplement is received by the general public. This also helps address the issue of trustworthiness on the part of the vitamin and mineral manufacturer. At any rate, the positive reviews given to a particular product is a reflection of the company’s efforts to provide the canine population with only the best for their needs.

Consequently, we also had to look at the safety of these supplements as there are certain instances when vitamins and minerals have been known to be substituted for banned substances. While these substances may be effective up to a certain degree, the lack of or insufficient clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness and safety profile will want us to better err on the side of safety rather than risk the health, limb, and life of our beloved pooches. That’s why the company’s reputation plays a very important role in ensuring product safety. At least, a reputable company will do everything it can to protect its image by not producing a product that could potentially harm the very costumer it is supposed to protect.

Caring for Our Dogs’ Joints and Bones

There are some canine breeds that are just vulnerable to problems in both their bones and joints. Even dogs that are not supposed to be susceptible often fall prey to such conditions because of obesity. The weight of the body can put a strain on the joints which can lead to significant damage to the articular apparatus. Here are some ways we can care for our dogs’ joints and bones.

• Learn the symptoms of canine joint problems– One of the very first things we need to do is to equip ourselves with the knowledge of the signs and symptoms of potential canine articular problems. In most cases, the first obvious sign will be a change in the way our pets move. If they are struggling to get up from a lying position, it almost always signals a possible problem. Of course pain and other discomforts will often be very evident.
• Don’t skip vet check-ups – Most of us only seek professional help when it is needed. Unfortunately, by then the problem would have reached a point where the vet can only do so much. And even if the condition can be treated, the cost of care will often be a major consideration. A better approach is prevention. By dutifully bringing our pets to its vet on a regular basis, health problems can be easily identified at its onset. These can then be managed more judiciously and more effectively.
• Provide healthy nutrition and prevent obesity – One concern of most vets related to canine joint problems is obesity. Even breeds that are not supposed to get hip dysplasia often suffer from it because of obesity. It is thus, crucial that we give our pets only the correct nutrition so that they will achieve and maintain their ideal body weight.
• Check with your vet before starting on a supplement – It is always advisable and is actually recommended to seek the opinion of your vet if you intend on giving your pet a bone and joint health supplement. This is to help make sure your dog will get the correct supplement for its condition.

The Bottom Line

Caring for our dogs requires understanding of their needs. And while they cannot really go see the vet on their own, it’s up to us to make sure they are healthy and mobile. With the 10 best dog joint supplements, you’re now more empowered to care for your dog and help them grow optimally to their ripe golden age.

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