There are so many hip and joint supplements for dogs that sifting through all the options is an overwhelming and frustrating experience – I know this firsthand! So I won’t beat around the bush here: the best joint supplement for dogs contains green-lipped mussel (GLM) as a main ingredient.
Green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) are a type of shellfish native to New Zealand and known for their high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and antioxidants. A fairly robust body of research demonstrates the effectiveness of green lipped mussels in reducing pain, cartilage damage, and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis by decreasing inflammatory pathways and the enzymes responsible for cartilage breakdown.
I poured over this research when trying to find the best joint supplement for my senior shepherd mix with more advanced signs of arthritis. I have personally tried every single one of the hip and joint supplements on this list for my dog, along with many others. These five made the cut on my list of the all-time best joint supplements for dogs because they actually worked for my dog.
Without further ado, here’s the list. You can’t go wrong with any of these options.
1. YuMove Daily Chews
With a whopping 450mg of green-lipped mussel, YuMove Daily Chews has the highest amount of this star ingredient by far that I’ve found in any joint supplement for dogs. For context, the next-best products have 100mg of GLM. When shopping, however, you need to read the ingredient list for each product to make sure you are getting the right one. YuMove has a few different formulations, including YuMove Plus, which contain lower amounts of GLM. But even at its lowest 150mg concentration, YuMove still contains more GLM than any other brand I’ve seen.
I am not exaggerating when I say that my 100-pound senior dog started hopping back up on the couch after being on YuMove for only a few weeks. This stuff really works! And it’s not just me saying that – the American Kennel Club (AKC) named YuMove its official joint supplement a couple years ago. Numerous vets have even recommended this product, which is unusual for a natural supplement to get so much attention.
Active ingredients (for YuMove Daily Chews, large dogs): Glucosamine HCI (from Corn Extract) 750mg, Green Lipped Mussel Powder (containing chondroitin) 450mg, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 37.5mg, Manganese Sulfate Monohydrate 9mg, Hyaluronic Acid 4.5mg, Vitamin E (D-Alpha Tocopheryl Succinate) 1.5mg
Pros:
- Highest amount of GLM available.
- Backed by vets and the AKC.
- Variety of formulas available.
- Affordable – YuMove gives new customers a free first bottle so you are able to give the proper loading dose and see results fast.
Cons:
- Several different product options can be complicated to sift through.
- If you have a large dog, you may have to give several tablets per day, depending on which product you choose.
Dog approved? Yes! My dog, Tank, gobbles up both the plain tablets and the chews like treats.
2. Hip and Joint Supplement by Natural Dog Company
I had a hard time choosing just one joint supplement from this company. I’ve tried several, including this Hip and Joint Supplement, as well as the Wild Alaskan Salmon and Ultra Omega Oils. Natural Dog Company has several more hip and joint products for dogs that I haven’t tried yet but am eyeing up for the future!
I ultimately chose this one as the best thanks to its inclusion of 100mg of green-lipped mussel. It also contains turmeric and a dash of salmon oil, along with a number of other joint-friendly ingredients, making it a well-rounded supplement.
Active ingredients: Glucosamine Hydrochloride (Shellfish) 300mg, MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) 150mg, Green Lipped Mussel Powder 100mg, Organic Turmeric 100mg, Chondroitin Sulfate (Bovine) 60mg, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 50mg, Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Salmon Oil) 36mg
Pros
- 100mg of GLM.
- Several other beneficial ingredients, including turmeric and salmon oils.
- Offers many other hip and joint products to pair this with.
Cons
- Dogs over 75 pounds require 3 chews per day.
- Lower amount of some active ingredients compared to other brands.
Dog approved? Yes! Tank loves these.
3. Wuffes
These are the go-to joint supplement for big dogs! Wuffes is the only dog supplement brand I have ever seen that offers customized dosage selections based on your dog’s weight. This way, you save money and don’t run out at lightning speed.
Now, onto what’s inside. With 100mg of GLM, Wuffes is another solid pick. I also like that this supplement contains 50mg of vitamin C and yucca, though a small amount. I will say, I didn’t see as quick of an improvement in my dog’s mobility with this supplement compared to YuMove, but the company claims that 99% of users see an improvement in mobility in 90 days, or your money back. That’s not a bad bargain – and even though I don’t think this one worked as quickly as others, I did notice a more gradual improvement.
Active ingredients: Glucosamine 1250mg, MSM 400mg, Green-Lipped Mussels 100mg, Chondroitin 150mg, Hyaluronic Acid 21mg, Vitamin C/Calcium Ascorbate 50mg, Omega-3s (from Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil) 16.5mg, Yucca Schidigera 10mg
Pros
- 100mg of GLM.
- Other beneficial ingredients like salmon oil and yucca.
- Only need to give 1 chew per 100 pounds.
Cons
- Expensive upfront, but will ultimately last longer.
- Misleading information on its website states that this chew contains 200mg of GLM, but in fine print, it says that is the amount for a 120+ pound dog.
Dog approved? Yes! This is one of Tank’s favorites. It is a very large chew designed for big dogs, however.
4. Canannine CBD Soft Chews for Dogs
Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown promising evidence to manage a number of health concerns, ranging from stress and anxiety to pain and inflammation to even potentially anti-cancer effects. Furthermore, emerging research shows a positive long-term safety profile for CBD in dogs.
I started using CBD for my dog for occasional anxiety during storms and fireworks but I soon noticed that it also seemed to have a pain-relieving effect at night when he would sometimes pace uncomfortably due to arthritis. Now that I’m managing a senior dog with more advanced arthritis, I combine CBD with a green-lipped mussel supplement listed above for maximum benefits.
I’ve tried a few different brands of CBD for dogs and found that Canannine tops the charts. It is sourced from 100% organic, Colorado-grown hemp, is completely THC-free, and is made in the USA. This brand also uses a patented nano-sized microemulsion process to ensure the bioavailability of their products. Canannine also makes its third-party ingredient testing available publicly on its website.
Active ingredients (per 1 chew): Hemp Plant Oil 5mg
Pros
- Addresses a wide range of issues, including stress, anxiety, inflammation, and joint pain.
- Available in chews and oils.
- Backed by third-party testing and certification.
Cons
- Can be expensive, especially for larger dogs.
- Runs out quickly – I have to give my 100-pound dog 3 chews for 1 full dose.
Dog approved? Yes!
5. Icelandic Kelp for Dogs by The Holistic Horse
Kelp is another ingredient known for its wide range of beneficial properties, including its ability to reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and combat allergies, and its rich concentration of important nutrients like vitamins A, D, and B12, folic acid, calcium, iron, iodine, potassium, sulfur, and magnesium. In human studies of osteoarthritis patients, seaweeds like kelp were shown to significantly improve pain, stiffness, and overall mobility when taken orally for 12 weeks. Study participants tolerated the supplement well and reported no adverse effects.
Like with the CBD, I started giving my dog Icelandic kelp for dry skin and seasonal environmental allergies, but upon doing more research, I also discovered its anti-inflammatory benefits for joint pain. The biggest downside to this supplement, however, is that it comes in a powder form, which can be less convenient than a pill or chew.
Active ingredients: Organic Icelandic Kelp
Pros
- No added fillers, flavors, or other unnatural ingredients.
- May also be helpful for other conditions such as allergies, dry skin, and certain autoimmune conditions.
- Small dose required, even for big dogs.
Cons
- The powder is less convenient than a chew or pill, and some picky dogs might not eat it.
Dog approved? Yes, if combined with something tasty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What about Cosequin?
Cosequin is one of the most well-known joint supplements for dogs, so why isn’t it on this list? I personally didn’t notice as much of a difference in my dog’s mobility when I tried this supplement compared to the results I saw from those that contain GLM. While Cosequin contains patented versions of glucosamine and chondroitin (two main components found in GLM), the brand does not disclose the source of those ingredients. It’s possible that the GLM supplement contains a more naturally-occurring and potentially more effective combination of these ingredients. Research is still mixed on most nutraceuticals for pets, so this is speculation on my part. While I’m not saying Cosequin or other brands like it aren’t effective, I personally found them to be less effective than the products in this list.
Should I give my dog joint supplements every day?
Yes. Whether you are working to prevent bigger joint issues in the future or trying to treat or alleviate existing arthritis or other joint problems, daily supplements are going to be the most effective way to manage symptoms. Unfortunately, once you stop giving your dog joint supplements, symptoms will gradually worsen again.
How long does it take hip and joint supplements to work for dogs?
It can take several weeks to start seeing initial improvements and a few months for optimal results, so stick with whichever joint supplement you choose. Some brands like YuMove recommend giving a loading dose (a bigger dose) for the first few weeks before tapering off to the regular recommended dose after that. I’ve found that this helps to kickstart results.
Is collagen or bone broth good for my dog’s joints?
The problem with collagen taken orally in the form of powders or even in bone broth is that many scientists believe it gets broken down in the stomach before it effectively reaches other areas like the joints or skin. The research is currently mixed on whether or not oral collagen is actually helpful. A better idea is to give your dog some extra vitamin C, which their bodies need to synthesize collagen on their own (human bodies work the same way!)
Bottom Line: Which Dog Joint Supplement Is Best?
I personally think YuMove is one of the best hip and joint supplements for dogs currently available, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the supplements on this list. When choosing the best one for your dog, consider things like the dosage necessary for your dog’s size and the delivery system (pill, oil, powder, etc.). Then look for must-haves like research-backed ingredients like green-lipped mussel and nice-to-haves like vitamin C, turmeric, and others.
