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As much as we wish otherwise, time catches up with everyone, even our beloved canine companions. The subtle signs of aging can easily slip by unnoticed in our daily routines.
Fortunately, there's good news!
Thanks to advancements in veterinary science and a growing awareness of senior dog needs, our four-legged friends are living longer than ever before. In fact, the average lifespan of dogs has jumped from 10.5 years to 11.8 years between 2002 and 2016!
This increase is a testament to the deep connection we share with our dogs. Our improved care practices, driven by love and understanding, have led to better health and extended lifespans for our canine companions.
Many dogs experience joint pain and stiffness, often due to conditions like arthritis. This discomfort can worsen over time, whether triggered by a past injury or a gradual breakdown.
To help promote healthy joints and potentially prevent future problems, consider adding joint supplements to your dog's diet.
Did you know that a massive 71% of pet owners purchase joint supplements to help prevent joint problems.
A joint supplement can also be useful in the early stages of arthritis or in addition to vet prescribed NSAIDs (Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
We take a look at the best joint supplements on the UK market. We'll give you the lowdown on -
⭐️ How easy they are to administer
⭐️ Ingredients
⭐️ Brand background
⭐️ Value for money
Then you can decide which dog joint supplements suits you and your four-legged friend best.
SUMMER 2024 : UPDATE - We've recently updated our YuMOVE review to include their FREE 'Daily Double' pack. This offer allows you to double the supplement dosage for the first month to accelerate results. We've also added Joint Aid from GWF Nutrition which can be added directly to food and offers excellent value for large dogs |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Buying Advice for Dog Joint Supplements
FAQ's
Buying Advice for Dog Joint Supplements
A quick word about supplements for dogs. We've found that supplements can be a very confusing area to investigate. Many of the supplements and their ingredients have real theoretical benefits.
However, we've found that whilst independent research is still limited, there is an abundance of anecdotal evidence to help dog lovers select a product.
Here are our top tips to bear in mind when you are choosing a joint supplement for your dog :-
✅ Select an experienced brand
✅ Look for all or some of the three top active ingredients for joint health (glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM)
✅ Choose a delivery method that you think will be most palatable for your dog whether that’s tablets, liquid, powder or a joint care tailored food.
✅ We recommend that you should talk to your vet about what supplements your dog may need. It’s worth noting that ingredients in some herbal supplements can interact with any existing medication
Our review of dog joint supplements includes a range of tablets, powders, sprinkles, chews, liquids and foods as well as some 100% natural alternatives, so you can decide which is most palatable for your dog - because you know them best!
AT A GLANCE |
Best overall supplement : Pooch & Mutt Joint Care | View Pooch & Mutt |
Best Tablet : YuMOVE Joint Care + | View YuMOVE Best Food Topper : GWF Nutrition Joint Aid | View GWF Nutrition |
Our Picks of the Best Dog Joint Supplements
1. Best Overall
Pooch & Mutt
If you're looking for dog joint support from a UK company with experience then take a closer look at the new and improved Joint Care tablets from Pooch & Mutt.
Pooch & Mutt's credentials need no introduction – the brand behind the Meaty Dog Treats, and makers of the best-in-class Peanut Butter Dental Sticks, it's little wonder that their new and improved Joint Care Tablets also ranks as a best buy for us, here at Smart Bark.
Renowned for their range of natural dog foods, treats and supplements, these Joint Care tablets offer protection for joints as well as fighting inflammation and stiffness too. They contain several of the most renowned joint supporting ingredients at higher concentrations than many other brands
It's worth mentioning that these little tablets use 33% more glucosamine and have 6 times higher concentration of hyaluronic acid than some other market leading canine joint pills.
Plus they have MSM which is used for arthritis treatments in humans and can slow the gradual degeneration of your dog's joints and collagen which helps to reduce joint pain.
Pooch & Mutt offer two sizes of tablet so you can buy the size suited best to your dog's breed.
Let's talk palatability.
Got a picky pup ? Well so have we and these tablets were woofed down like treats !
That's always a concern with tablets that you'll end up desperately trying to hide them in cheese or wet dog food. We were totally amazed at how our usually super picky Cockapoo came back for more and had his nose in the tub! Game–changer !
Pooch & Mutt offer a totally stress-free solution.
Our Verdict: Overall our favourite dog joint supplement because each tablet is packed full of a combination of the best, higher concentration natural joint-care ingredients and they scored high on the palatability test.
Price: Pooch & Mutt offer a subscribe and save option with a 25% off, greatly reducing your monthly costs.
Monthly Price for a 12kg Dog
Under £10.00
Supplement Form:
Small Tablets - 1 tablet a day per 5kg bodyweight ( young/adult dogs) or 2 tablets a day per 5kg bodyweight (senior/ injured dogs)
Large Tablets - 1 tablet a day per 10kg bodyweight ( young/adult dogs) or 2 tablets a day per 10kg bodyweight (senior/ injured dogs)
Ingredients:
Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, MSM, Vitamin C
Buying Options
Save 20% OFF
with Pooch & Mutt discount code SMARTBARK20
2. Best Joint Tablet
YuMOVE
Featuring in the second spot in our review is the leading UK brand of dog joint supplements, renowned for its clinical backing.
YuMOVE's formula is scientifically proven to deliver noticeable improvements in just 6 weeks, according to a study by the prestigious Royal Veterinary College in the UK.
YuMOVE also stand out from the competition for it's personalised approach. Through their online questionnaire, they create a tailor-made joint supplement plan specifically for your dog's needs.
They can offer your dog a bespoke plan because YuMOVE have the most extensive range of Joint products of any brands to feature in our review :-
⭐️ Joint Care Plus Max Strength tablets - 50% stronger
⭐️ Joint Care Plus - high strength supplement
⭐️ Joint Care Original - triple-action joint formula
⭐️ Joint Care Plus - One-a-Day Bites
⭐️ Joint Care for Younger Dogs
⭐️ Joint Care Daily Bites for Senior Dogs
⭐️ Joint Care Daily Bites for Adult Dogs
⭐️ Joint Care Daily Bites for Young Dogs
⭐️ Joint Care for Working Dogs
To ensure you get the perfect fit for your furry friend, take their quick and convenient online questionnaire. YuMOVE will analyse your answers and recommend the most suitable product – all with the added bonus of free delivery!
Plus if you are a first time subscriber YuMOVE offer a free Daily Double Starter Pack. Simply put, the Daily Double is a way of getting your dog's YuMOVE journey off to a running start.
This starter pack is a free extra box of supplements so that you can feed your dog double the usual daily amount for the first month as suggested at no extra cost. We love this approach and whilst you will need to subscribe, YuMOVE offer massive ongoing subscription discounts.
If you have a picky pup ( like us) they offer 'Bites' in addition to the more traditional tablet form. These tasty treats are extremely popular, although do your maths, because they can work out more expensive.
Lastly, we should mention that YuMOVE have been awarded B Corp status so are committed to making a positive pawprint on pets,people and the planet.
Our Verdict : We love that YuMOVE offer a wide range of joint supplements with different formulas aimed specifically at life stage to give your dog the perfect joint supplement. |
Price: Subscribe and save option can reduce your monthly costs and means it's one less thing to remember to buy!
Monthly Price for a 12kg Dog:
Under £5 with subscription
Supplement Form:
Tablets (30, 60, 120 or 300) and Bites ( 30, 150)
Be aware that larger dogs over 15kg will need more than 1 tablet/ Bite a day.
Ingredients:
Glucosamine, green lipped mussel (omega 3), vitamin C & E, hyaluronic acid
Other Joint Products An extensive range of tablets and chews
Buying Options
Subscribe to save 50% OFF your first 2 months
using discount code SAVENOW
3. Best Food Topper
GWF Nutrition
Calling all picky pups and exasperated dog lovers out there !
GWF Nutrition is a well-respected UK-based manufacturer of specialist animal feeds and supplements. With over 50 years of experience, they have built a reputation for producing high-quality products that support the health and well-being of dogs, cats and horses.
What we particularly like about their Joint Aid for Dogs is that it comes in the form of tiny pellets which are perfect for mixing with wet or raw food - ideal for the fussiest of dogs.
These highly digestible pellets are specifically designed to promote healthy joints and mobility.
GWF Nutrition's unique oil-based delivery system - Oatinol, is a game-changer! It's a natural and high-quality blend that helps your dog absorb essential nutrients while boosting their immune system.
It's also worth noting that Joint Aid focuses on supporting both joint health and muscle function. Limited mobility due to joint problems can lead to muscle wasting, a common concern which is often overlooked by other supplements.
Let's talk about price. Joint Aid offers exceptionally good value for money, particularly their 2kg pack which for extra-large breeds who require higher daily doses, offers excellent value for money.
You have the option to offer full support (higher doses) aimed at elderly and working dogs or maintenance (lower doses) suitable for any age of dog and maintains freedom of movement.
Our taste tests showed that dogs didn't appear to notice the pellets added in raw food, making them a breeze to incorporate into your dog's daily routine!
Available in 3 sizes - 250g, 500g and 2kg
Monthly Price for a 12kg Dog:
Under £10
Supplement Form:
2mm pellets
Ingredients:
32 Active Nutraceuticals including - glucosamine, collagen matrix, curcumin, omega 3 fatty acids, hyaluronic acid (vegetable source), MSM & vitamins
Other Products: Raw Aid, Immune Aid, Digestive Aid and Omega 3 Aid
Buying Options
4. Best Value Tablet
JOINTSURE
For those of you seeking an alternative to YuMOVE tablets, Jointsure by Vetwell Scientific offers a strong contender. With over 30 years of experience crafting premium animal supplements, Vetwell has established Jointsure as their leading product for canine joint care.
Jointsure tackles dog joint stiffness head-on. Its formula, packed with seven high-potency ingredients at a competitive price, supports healthy joint structure and mobility.
Made in the UK with human-grade ingredients, Jointsure offers peace of mind and comes in various sizes, allowing you to try it before committing to a larger quantity.
Our Verdict - In testing we found that Jointsure offered a great value alternative to the pricier YuMOVE, but picky dogs may struggle with the tablets.
Monthly Price for a 12kg Dog:
Under £5.00
Supplement Form:
Tablets : 60, 120, 300 or 900 tablets (note that dogs over 15kg will need to take more than 1 a day).
Ingredients:
Green lipped mussel, glucosamine, natural chondroitin, vitamins C and E, manganese and hyaluronic acid.
Other Joint Products: Young & Active formula
Buying Options
5. Best Powder
Buddy & Lola
Popular brand Buddy & Lola offers a range of natural, high-quality supplements addressing various canine health concerns.
Understanding the struggle of getting picky pups to take supplements, Buddy & Lola offers a tempting selection of powders and chews that would satisfy even the most discerning doggy dieter (think Goldilocks-level picky).
The first thing to say about their advanced joint support supplement - Bouncy Bones (as well as the great name) is that it's incredibly easy to add to your daily routine. In testing, we found the powder simple to sprinkle over raw and wet dog food.
We'd recommend that if you feed your dog a dry diet, maybe add the powder to a little water first to help it stick to the kibble.
Bouncy Bones are available in a 120g pouch and according to their recommended feeding instructions, should last 1 month for a 10-25kg dog. The pouch includes a mini measuring spoon and it's worth mentioning that the powder doesn't smell too strong.
While Buddy & Lola's supplements may not be the most budget-friendly option, you're investing in premium quality.
They source ingredients from industry leaders, ensure complete ingredient traceability, and conduct rigorous third-party testing for peace of mind.
To help manage costs, consider their enticing 30% subscribe-and-save option. Alternatively, explore their money-saving Joint Bundle that includes their popular Jammin' Salmon product.
Our Verdict: Buddy & Lola expands their impressive supplement line with Bouncy Bones, a dog joint supplement that seamlessly integrates into your dog's diet. |
Monthly Price for a 12kg Dog:
Over £20. Admittedly this is higher than some of the other options featured, but you can reduce the cost by using their Subscribe & Save option.
Supplement Form:
Powder
Ingredients:
Flaxseed, Glucosamine, Green Lipped Mussel, Chondroitin, Yeast product, Hyaluronic acid, Starch
Other Products: Wide range of supplements - probiotics, scooting, dental
Buying Options
For 15% OFF the entire Buddy & Lola range (first time purchases only)
enter SMARTBARK15 at checkout
If you're interested in exploring more, why not take a look at our review - Buddy & Lola's Dog Supplements Review : Nourish Your Dog's Wellbeing
6. Best Mushroom Supplement
Buddy & Lola
If you’re new to functional mushrooms, Buddy & Lola's Super Shrooms is a great place to start.
The trend towards incorporating medicinal mushrooms for their health benefits has reached the world of canine wellness. Just like humans, dogs can potentially experience a boost from these nutrient-rich ingredients.
Super Shrooms prioritises quality by using only the most potent part of the mushroom - the fruiting body.
While it boasts anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit canine joints in the long run, it also offers a holistic approach to your dog's health. This includes potentially boosting their immunity, which can be ideal for allergy sufferers, and promoting overall well-being.
It's the potential of the beta-glucans in mushrooms to fight inflammation in dogs that can alleviate joint pain and discomfort letting your dog move more easily.
Buddy & Lola's all-in-one blend contains 5 of the most prevalent mushrooms available - Reishi, Chaga, Shiitake, Turkey Tail and Maitake. This vegan friendly mushroom complex is also free from artificial fillers or bulking agents.
Perfect for fussy dogs who refuse tablets, simply spoon a little Super Shroom over your dog's food. Suitable for all dogs over 12 weeks, dogs up to 10kg need just 1 scoop added to their food a day.
It's worth pointing out that a pouch will last for 60 days for dogs up to 10kg and 30 days for dogs between 10–25kg.
Buddy & Lola say that you should begin so see some mobility and flexibility results in under 2 weeks. In fact, Buddy & Lola are so confident in their products that they offer a 30 day money back guarantee if you aren't happy.
Our Verdict - For a holistic approach to canine wellness, Super Shrooms is a compelling choice. Its range of potential benefits, including joint support, immune system reinforcement, and overall health promotion, can help keep your dog mobile, flexible, and thriving. |
Monthly Price for a 12kg Dog:
Over £37.99
Buy 3 to reduce the price per pack or Subscribe and Save for 20% off
Supplement Form:
Powder
Ingredients:
Maitake, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Shiitake and Chaga mushroom
Buying Options
For 15% OFF the entire Buddy & Lola range (first time purchases only)
enter SMARTBARK15 at checkout
For senior dog owners seeking additional guidance, Dr. Lauren Davis, a licensed veterinarian, offers a helpful article outlining strategies to support your aging canine companion. Be sure to check it out! - Cherishing Your Golden Years : Essential Tips for Senior Dog Care |
7. Best Salmon Oil
Pets Purest
Salmon oil is renowned for helping to keep your dog's joints limber and lubricated so they can move around easily which is a key aspect to a dogs' continued mobility as they grow and age.
A totally natural way to augment your dog's diet, salmon oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
They support a healthy immune system, heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties to aid joint health and arthritis symptoms.
Pets Purest offer three sizes of bottle - 500ml, 1000ml & 2500ml.
Clearly the 2500ml offers the best value for money, but you could dip your toe in the water with the 500ml bottle first to make sure your dog likes the taste.
It's worth noting that a smaller 300ml bottle is available on Amazon. Pets Purest have recently updated their packaging but the product is the same.
Price: Pets Purest offer a subscribe and save plan to reduce your monthly costs.
Monthly Price for a 12kg Dog
Under £5.00 - Great value option.
Supplement Form:
Simply pump the appropriate amount on your dog's meal, and the hard work is done. In testing, we found that the salmon oil had a natural taste and our super fussy cockapoo ate his food as normal.
Ingredients:
99.5% salmon oil + antioxidants (natural tocopherols) 0.5%
Buying Options
Pets Purest are offering 10% OFF their entire range.
Enter discount code WELCOME10 at checkout
8. Best Dog Joint Bundle
Pets Purest
Pets Purest also offer a wide selection of 100% natural pet healthcare products all made right here in the UK.
With such an extensive range of products including sprays, liquids, powders and treats we love that Pets Purest put together some great money-saving bundles for dog lovers.
These bundles often target the immediate issue whilst also helping improve the problem in the long term.
Their natural Joint Support formula is a joint and hip liquid created by trained herbalists, ideal if you have a fussy dog as there's no tablets to worry about.
The Turmeric curcumin comes in the form of 60 capsules. Simply pop the capsule open and sprinkle on your dog's food. We love just how easy it is to add to your dog's diet, no trying to disguise tablets in pieces of meat or cheese!
Price: Pets Purest offer a subscribe and save plan to reduce your monthly costs.
Monthly Price for a 12kg Dog:
The Bundle and Save option offers significant savings over buying the products separately.
Supplement Form:
Liquid & Capsule
Ingredients:
Turmeric curcumin, scutellaria, biacalensis, uncaria, boswellia, salmon oil
Buying Options
Pets Purest are offering 10% OFF their entire range.
Enter discount code WELCOME10 at checkout
9. Best Dog Food
Pooch & Mutt
Another product from the Pooch & Mutt stable. This time we feature their Joint Care complete dry dog food.
Feeding Pooch & Mutt's Joint Care dry food is a hassle-free way of ensuring your dog gets the additional nutrients it needs without having to remember to offer supplements. A complete diet and perfectly tailored for dogs with mobility issues or those that are highly active, it's a great option for busy households.
So how is this dog food different from standard dry food ?
Well firstly it's blended with 45% salmon which is a natural source of omega 3 which is essential for joint well-being.
To increase local blood supply and reduce inflammation and stiffness it also includes green lipped mussel and linseed ( also a source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin to help prevent cartilage breakdown)
On top of this, alfalfa, yucca and rose hip are all added to support joint health and mobility.
Finally, Pooch & Mutt ‘Joint Care’ complete dry food also contains NUTRA-BIONIC, a unique supplement that includes ingredients which provide a healthy skin and coat, aid digestion, reduce stool odour and support urinal tract health.
This grain free, hypoallergenic food is available in 2kg & 10kg bags.
Crucially, you can combine Pooch & Mutt's Joint Care dry food with other products from their range such as Joints tablets ( which can be crumbled over food) or Mobile Bones powder.
Monthly Price for a 12kg Dog:
Approx £1.20 a day for a 11- 30kg dog
Supplement Form:
Complete Dry Dog Food
Ingredients:
Salmon, sweet potato, potato, peas, linseed, alfalfa, brewers yeast, cranberries, rosehip ( full nutritional ingredients list available here)
Other Joint Products : Joint Care Tablets and Mobile Bones
Buying Options
Save 20% OFF
with Pooch & Mutt discount code SMARTBARK20
10. Best Once-a-Day Tablets
Vetzyme
These popular tablets from Vetzyme are specifically formulated to help maintain joint mobility and suppleness in dogs.
Vetzyme High Strength Flexible Joint tablets should be taken once a day regardless of your dog's breed or size. This means that they are incredibly easy to administer and a really great value joint care option.
They can be used as a treatment or for preventative reasons, particularly, dogs prone to bad joint problems.
Tablets are available in 30's and 90's so you could try for one month before investing in a money-saving larger amount of tablets.
Monthly Price for a 12kg Dog
Under £5.00
Supplement Form:
Once-a-day chicken flavoured bites. So easy to add to a busy schedule.
Ingredients:
Glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamin E, MSM, omega 3
Other Joint Products:
It's worth noting that Vetzyme offer a normal strength product alongside the high strength version.
Buying Options
Our Verdict
We recommend a good starting point if you are new to supplements is Pooch & Mutt's Joint care tablets as they definitely ticks all the boxes in terms of ingredients, quality, price and palatability from a very experienced brand.
PetLab Co.'s Joint Care soft chews are a delicious and convenient alternative to tablets. We love that they are easy to add to your dog's daily routine
On the other hand, if you're looking for a multi-functional supplement which can benefit your dog in a variety of ways including reducing inflammation and boosting immunity ,we'd suggest exploring the health benefits of Buddy & Lola's Super Shrooms.
There appears to be an enormous range of supplements prices from less than £5.00 to over £10.00 a month for a 12kg dog. When considering pricing, bear in mind the quantity of product purchased (obviously the larger amounts work out cheaper per dose) and the size of your dog (larger dogs will need higher daily doses).
It's definitely worth doing the maths specifically for your dog, before making a decision.
A whole selection of supplements types are available including liquids, chews, tablets and powders. You know your dog best, if they aren't fussy then you can probably take advantage of some of the cheaper, tablet solutions. If they can sniff out a supplement hiding at a 1000 yards, then we'd suggest a chew or a liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Dog Joint Supplements ?
Dog joint supplements can help stave off any joint problems for as long as possible and alleviate the pain once they’ve started.
The truth is that there will be times in your dog's life when additional vitamins and minerals are needed. In these cases, the sooner you start supporting you dog’s joint health, the better the long term results will be.
Joint supplements are often prescribed for older dogs and dogs with arthritis, or for those with a risk of developing it. Though arthritis is degenerative, it can be managed, depending on the cause and other health factors.
How do supplements work ?
Ultimately joint supplements can be extremely effective at managing joint issues. They generally work in three ways –
✅ They have an anti-inflammatory action which can help to soothe stiff joints.
✅ They ease limb movement by keeping joint fluid strong
✅ They nourish cartilage helping to keep it healthy
What ingredients should they contain ?
There are some common ingredients which you'll find in most supplements including - omega 3 (such as fish oil) and green-lipped mussels (GLMs) which are a super rich source of glucosamine and chondroitin.
We take a closer look at some innovative UK companies offering a wide range of natural health supplements for your dog including Buddy & Lola, Pets Purest and Dog's Lounge in Best Dog Supplements : Health & Wellbeing |
Thank you for stopping by and reading our review of the Best Dog Joint Supplements for 2024.
