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Which brand is actually worth all the hype? Our experts assessed 72 different
dog joint supplements to find out.
Which brand is actually worth all the hype? Our experts assessed 72 different dog joint supplements to find out.
by Michael S. Brooks on May 16, 2024
Michael has been in the pet nutrition space for over 12 years and is also an avid outdoorsman. He frequently takes his 8-year-old Labrador/border collie mix with him on frequent camping trips. His passion for pet nutrition is focused on extending the life-long mobility and life expectancy of dogs.*
by Michael S. Brooks on May 16, 2024
Michael has been in the pet nutrition space for over 12 years and is also an avid outdoorsman. His passion for pet nutrition is focused on extending the life-long mobility and life expectancy of dogs.*
There are a ton of dog joint supplements out there claiming to be the best, which can be confusing to the average dog owner looking for the best option. So our team decided to do our own research reviewing more than 70 different joint supplements to learn which dog joint supplements are actually worth all the hype.
We narrowed it down to the top 3 dog joint supplements based on key ingredients, customer satisfaction, and overall value. However, let's cover the basics and better understand what ingredients can really address dog joint pain when comparing different dog joint supplement brands.
However, let's cover the basics and better understand what ingredients can really address dog joint pain when comparing different dog joint supplement brands.
This was the first and most important question our team wanted to address in our research. To answer that question, we had to know first which ingredients are effective in alleviating arthritis relief for dogs based on clinical studies and the latest research.
Dogs are not so much different from humans. As they age, the cartilage that facilitates movement becomes thinner, making the bones grind against each other that results in immense pain and severe inflammation. This condition is known as arthritis, which is very uncomfortable and painful for dogs. Its common symptoms include: loss of energy, difficulty with steps, limping and/or favoring one leg. Ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussel, and MSM are considered to be the best dog joint supplement components to improve dog arthritis symptoms.
As always, it's essential to consult with your vet to know how to best address your dog's condition.
Ideal dog joint supplements may not only help relieve joint pains, but also can improve the dog's overall physical health like enhanced mobility and increased flexibility.
With the right nutrients and ingredients, the supplement can promote healthy cartilage and boost collagen regeneration.
Ethoxyquin - Is a synthetic chemical preservative and can damage DNA and create liver complications. Its side effects may lead to mutations in animals or worse, cancer.
Propylene Glycol - Is a food additive substance commonly found in many cosmetic and hygiene products. Too much consumption may lead to acidosis and kidney failure.
Corn Syrup - Is cheaper and sweeter than sugar. Too much high fructose in body can lead to sugar resistance, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Soy - Is a good protein and energy source. However, low-quality soy products may contain trace amounts of pesticide. High intakes may cause negative effects in thyroid function resulting in hypothyroidism in dogs.
The go-to for millions of people looking to purchase products. However, most don’t realize that up to 60% of the positive reviews are written by paid promoters.6 Some of them are also promised free products in exchange for positive feedback.
Glucosamine: Is a naturally occurring compound, made up of Glutamine (an amino acid) and Glucose (a sugar). It helps create molecules that form cartilage within the joints to aid mobility and flexibility.
Chondroitin: Is the main sulfate found in cartilage. It promotes water retention and elasticity in the cartilage, helping to keep adequate shock-absorbing properties in the joint.
Green-Lipped Mussel: Is known to help reduce inflammation and joint pain in dogs. It also contains glycosaminoglycans, which are essential for joint health and help to rebuild cartilage for improved joint mobility.
MSM: (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a form of sulfur which can be extremely beneficial for canine arthritis, joint pain, and joint inflammation.
Calcium Sulfate: Can provide a natural source of dietary calcium and sulfur, which are important for joint health in dogs. Calcium is necessary for the proper formation of bones, and sulfur helps to form cartilage and connective tissues.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are common natural supplements that have proven to treat dog arthritis and relieve joint pain. By regulating the synthesis of collagen in cartilage and providing mild anti-inflammatory effects as well as obstructing destructive enzymes in joint fluid, both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate contribute to the formation of cartilage. The following studies published by the National Institute of Health (NIH) support our claim for glucosamine and chondroitin for treating dog arthritis.
Study 1: 35 dogs with arthritis were tested in a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial for 70 days using glucosamine and chondroitin to determine the efficacy in reducing stiffness and joint pain. The results indicated that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin showed statistically significant improvements with regards to joint pain.
Study 2: 31-37 dogs with moderate arthritis weighing over 40 lbs participated in a randomized, controlled clinical trial for 150 days to determine the therapeutic efficacy of collagen with glucosamine and chondroitin. The combination of glucosamine and chondroitin demonstrated a significant reduction in joint pain by day 90.
This comprehensive list was made after extensive research and analysis, measuring the full value of each product by considering the ingredients, safety, efficacy, refund and return policies, and overall customer satisfaction. We also collect research from the latest studies and clinical trials to ensure that our criteria take into account the most important details, presenting you with the results, and, in the process, saving you time and money.
After extensive data gathering, we proudly present to you our compiled list for the most effective dog joint supplements available on the market today. The research includes precise scoring for key ingredients, customer satisfaction, value, return policy, and history along with the average grades of the overall 72 dog supplement product sample. To paint the whole picture, we have also listed down the pros and cons, and identified the total ranking and overall grade.
by Pawlabs
Overall #1 pick goes to the G-Max Joint Support by PawLabs for providing across the board joint support supplements that checked the box on the most fundamental ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussel, and MSM, which are linked to optimal joint health and mobility.
There are no known or reported side effects so far, and some users of the product saw immediate positive changes in the condition of their dogs. It's easy to take these chews, and your precious pup will definitely love G-Max Joint Support for its delicious duck flavor. The product is made in the USA, and is backed by a 60-day money back guarantee.
by VetLabs Direct
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VetLabs Joint Care ranks #2 on our list. Also a vet-recommended dog joint supplement, it blends the key essential ingredients into a beef-flavored, soft-chew supplement. It has the main key ingredients for dog joint health such as glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin, but missed to include calcium carbonate/eggshell membrane, which our experts are highly keen on. While it's only an optional ingredient, we still find it important for dog joint health. Also, given that this is a factory-direct brand, it's only for sale in packs of 3, 5, or more. Despite these few downsides, it's sold factory-direct and manufactured within their FDA-approved facility.
Overall, VetLabs Joint Care is a high-quality dog joint supplement and is the best alternative brand for G-Max, but comes with fewer key ingredients and bulk-order constraints.
by Zesty Paws
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Mobility Bites by Zesty Paws ranks #3 on our top 3 list. The product is especially made for active dogs of any ages. Its ingredients are formulated to improve dog joint health as well as the essential vitamins that can improve your dog's overall health.
Despite its claim of being a soft chew, some dog owners reported on review sites that these bacon or duck-flavored tablets were difficult for their dogs to chew. Some dogs also refused to take them due to its odor. Some side effects also occurred in the few days that the dogs have taken them including vomiting among others.5 This is why, despite its considerable ingredient list, Mobility Bites only ranks #3.