Best Joint Supplements for Dogs: A Vet's Advice on How to Choose

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By: Dr. Elizabeth DeLomba, DVM

If you've noticed that your dog has started to hesitate when jumping into the car, seems to tire quickly on walks, is lagging on the stairs, or is nervous to walk on slippery floors, you're not alone. All these signs point to joint discomfort and, sometimes, muscle weakness.  

Joint health challenges are more common than many people think—up to 80% of dogs over the age of 8 show persistent signs of joint discomfort. But with the right vet-approved, multi-modal care plan, you can help support your dog's joint health, comfort, and daily mobility.  

This guide will explain: 

• How to pick the best joint supplement for your dog 
• What ingredients to look for 
• How to use joint supplements for optimal effect  
• How to find vet-formulated, powerful formulas that work 

Joint supplement checklist: How to find the best option for your dog 

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of joint support products for dogs, ranging from powders to chews to liquids to collars.  

But when you're comparing joint supplements to find the best option for your dog (and maybe feeling a little overwhelmed), start with this helpful checklist:  

• Whole-food green-lipped mussel to support active movement 
• Chondroitin to help cushion cartilage 
• Hyaluronic Acid to help lubricate joints and support movement 
• Curcumin to soothe everyday aches 
• Glucosamine HCl to support essential joint functions 
• MSM to support soft-tissue health
  

✅ Clinical trials or scientific backing for the ingredients and formulas used 

✅ Clear directions for use, often with a loading dose for the first 4-6 to power up the body with helpful nutrients 

✅ Third-party testing and quality assurance, with guaranteed levels and transparent labeling 

✅ Delicious, flavored soft chews or chewable tablets that are easy to feed so you can stick to a routine and see the best possible results  

"Choosing from all the ingredients out there can be challenging. Start by choosing a company that you can rely on. Supplements are less regulated than pharmaceutical drugs, so it is important to have independent verification of quality, such as the NASC Quality Seal." 

-Dr. Elizabeth DeLomba, DVM

For pet owners who want the best for their dogs and are looking for a one-and-done place to compare proactive joint support, everyday care for senior-dog joint health, and advanced, multi-benefit joint & muscle support, the VetriScience® line of Healthy Hip & Joint supplements (formerly the GlycoFlex® line) delivers.  

Ingredient deep dive: What ingredients actually help joints?

VetriScience® was one of the first companies to offer a comprehensive blend of ingredients for joint support in dogs—the first GlycoFlex® formula launched in 1981!

Since then, we've been perfecting our green-lipped mussel joint blend and adding even more science-backed ingredients to the line. 

So, what are the best ingredients for joint support in dogs? 

Green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus)

Green-lipped mussel is the foundation for all of our Healthy Hip & Joint formulas and nature’s perfect blend for joint support. This New Zealand mussel is a whole-food organism, and a natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine as well as antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. It helps to soothe everyday inflammation and supports comfort, so normal movement feels better. It’s a great complement to glucosamine-based ingredients, and we’ve been trusting it for our pets for over 40 years. 

Chondroitin sulfate

Chondroitin sulfates are a natural component of your pet’s connective tissue. They help support the structure and integrity of cartilage by helping them retain water for better joint flexibility and overall mobility. If you’ve tried a basic joint support formula with glucosamine and want more joint function support, adding chondroitin can be a practical next step.  

Hyaluronic Acid  

Hyaluronic acid is a key part of joint fluid, which is necessary for lubrication as well as cushioning of the joint. It's an incredibly powerful ingredient for joint health and can be found naturally in whole-food shellfish like green-lipped mussels. 

Curcumin  

Curcumin is a major component in turmeric, and it's the most potent part of this orange-yellow spice. Curcumin may help to soothe inflammation due to everyday activity and promotes a healthier daily inflammatory response throughout the body, but especially in the joints.  

Glucosamine HCl (Hydrochloride)

Think of cartilage as a shock absorber in the joint. Glucosamine provides building blocks that help keep that cushion resilient over the years—useful for older dogs and active pups alike. 

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

MSM supports the soft tissues around the joint, like ligaments and muscles, which can improve overall comfort and stability during everyday motion. It also supports the creation of collagen for additional joint benefits. 

Antioxidants 

Vitamins C and E and other nutrients like manganese, selenium, and grape seed extract function as antioxidants in the body, to fight free radicals and help preserve connective tissue in joints. They also play a critical supporting role in helping glucosamine and chondroitin do their job effectively. 

Healthy Hip & Joint supplements: Which one is right for your dog?  

Experienced dog owners likely recognize GlycoFlex®—it's one of our oldest and most trusted formulas. After our major brand refresh in 2024, the GlycoFlex® line was renamed Healthy Hip & Joint to provide a clearer, easier shopping experience for customers.

There are five essential formulas in the Healthy Hip & Joint line, formulated to support dogs at every stage of life!

While many pet parents only think about joint support for senior dogs, younger dogs like athletes and working dogs can benefit. Since their joints are subjected to more stress, supporting tissue health and quick recovery by providing the building blocks is key.  

Get a quick look at our Healthy Hip & Joint supplements to see which is the best fit for your dog:  

Healthy Hip & Joint 

• Our introductory formula for joint health 
  
• For proactive joint support 
  
• Ideal for growing and young adult dogs 

Extra Strength Healthy Hip & Joint 

• Our advanced formula for joint health 
  
• For powerful joint support & maintenance 
  
• Ideal for all adult dogs who show no signs of joint discomfort 

Senior Healthy Hip & Joint 

• Our joint formula specifically for senior dogs 
  
• With added l-carnitine to support muscle strength & recovery after exercise 
  
• Senior-friendly flavors, textures, and ingredients 

Ultimate Strength Healthy Hip & Joint 

• Our highest levels of active ingredients 
  
• For maximum daily joint support 
  
• Clinically proven to improve mobility in 4 weeks 

Veterinary Strength Healthy Hip & Joint 

• Our strongest formula for joint comfort 
  
• For comprehensive joint & inflammation support 
  
• With curcumin and hyaluronic acid 

READ MORE: Has GlycoFlex® Been Discontinued? 

Do joint supplements actually work?  

Unlike fast-acting supplements like those for calming or gut upset, joint supplements take time to work—you are unlikely to see overnight improvement!   

But, just because you may not see results overnight or even within the first week, that doesn't mean you can't track your progress! You may start to notice subtle signs within the first 2-4 weeks, and you're likely to see visible results after 6-8 weeks. 

"It can take 6-8 weeks for the beneficial ingredients in Healthy Hip & Joint to be incorporated into tissues, so be patient. It is not uncommon to have a gradual improvement and not realize the change until you discontinue the product because you feel like you are not seeing results and then your pet returns to its former level of discomfort or low activity." 

- Dr. Elizabeth DeLomba, DVM

What to look for & when 

Just because you may not see results overnight, or even within the first week, that doesn't mean you can't track your progress! You may start to notice subtle signs within the first 2-4 weeks, and you're likely to see visible results after 6-8 weeks. 

Do this to monitor your dog's comfort and mobility: 

• Keep a journal: Make notes of walk length, eagerness to move, and whether your dog hesitates on the stairs or jumping into the car. Flag any “off” days—weather, over-excited fetch, etc.  
  
  
• Track mobility "scores": During the "loading" phrase, assign a score for key activities once per week: getting up, jumping in the car, trotting or running. Even a rough 1–5 score can show trends. It’s motivating to see your numbers go up! After the loading period, you can swap to doing monthly scores, but senior dog owners may want to stick with weekly scores. 
  
  
• Take short videos to track progress: Record a short sit-to-stand or trot every two weeks, on the same surface, ideally around the same time of day. Side-by-side clips can make small gains obvious!

Share your notes and videos with your veterinary care team! If needed, your vet can tweak the plan or offer additional support, like a muscle formula or NSAIDs for additional comfort. 

5 ways to use joint supplements for best results 

1. Choose the formula that will best support your dog

Not sure which that is? For most adult dogs, we recommend you start with Extra Strength Healthy Hip & Joint for balanced daily support. See the comparison above for a quick comparison of our five formulas.

2. Choose the best format for your dog

Most dogs love the soft, chewy texture of our Healthy Hip & Joint chews! But, if your dog has a sensitive stomach or prefers crunchy treats, try the chewable tablets.

3. Follow the feeding directions carefully

Give the loading dose daily for 4–6 weeks. After that, switch to the maintenance amount. If your dog gets multiple chews, try to split them evenly between morning and evening meals—it's easier on their stomach.

4. Introduce gradually and monitor health

Introduce gradually, stick to labeled directions, and consult your veterinarian if your dog has allergies (e.g., shellfish) or is on other supplements or prescription medications.

5. Be consistent and stick to a routine

Be sure to give the joint supplement as directed, consistently. For most supplements, that's daily! Sticking to a routine will make sure your dog is getting optima benefits, and the beneficial ingredients are getting the best chance to work. 

FAQs 

• What makes the best joint supplements for dogs?
  • Look for ingredients that support joint health from multiple angles: green lipped mussel and omega-3 fatty acids to help support a healthy inflammatory response, glucosamine HCl and chondroitin for cartilage support, MSM for soft tissue comfort, etc. Choose a brand with clear dosing, a loading dose, and dog-friendly formats you can give every day. 
    
    
• How long until I notice a change?
  • Most dogs need 4–8 weeks of consistent use (the loading phase). You may see small improvements earlier but give it the full 6-8 weeks before you judge. Keep a daily log so you can spot subtle wins! 
    
    
• Extra Strength, Ultimate Strength, or Veterinary Strength—how do I choose?
  • Start with Extra Strength for comprehensive daily support. Step up to Ultimate Strength if you want the additional chondroitin sulfate for added cartilage support. Opt for Veterinary Strength if your dog is a super-senior or if your dog’s stiffness is more noticeable. 
    
    
• How can I support muscle strength? 
  • While joint supplements can help support muscle maintenance, our HMB Healthy Muscle & Strength is formulated specifically to help grow lean muscle mass and slow age-related muscle loss. It pairs well with any of our Healthy Hip & Joint supplements, and they can be given together for long-term use!
    
    
• Do I still need exercise or weight management alongside joint support?
  • Yes, healthy weight management and steady exercise are core to maintaining healthy joints! Supplements and lifestyle work best together to tame in dogs and encourage a healthy routine. 
    
    
• Can I use this with other supplements or discomfort management?
  • Talk to your vet for the best direction on joint care! Joint supplements can pair with physical therapy, controlled activity, and other vet-guided strategies as part of a multi-modal plan.