The Best Joint Supplements for Dogs in 2025, With Vet-Recommended Ingredients
If your dog suffers from chronic pain caused by osteoarthritis, one of the best joint supplements for dogs may help ease their pain, says Dr. Erin Miscioscia, clinical assistant professor of integrative and mobility medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.
For this guide, we spoke with veterinarians about dog joint health and the ingredients that may offer support. While research is limited on which ingredients provide the greatest benefits, marine-based omega-3 fatty acids are one compound known for helping to relieve joint pain in dogs, says Dr. Duncan Lascelles, director of the Comparative Pain Research and Education Centre at NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Our top recommendation, Pet Honesty Wild Caught Omega-3 Fish Oil, contains four different marine-based fish oils and has been third-party tested for potency and safety. We also included several other dog joint supplements, including chews, treats, and powder, that include omega-3 fatty acids along with other potentially but less-studied supportive ingredients, such as collagen, Boswellia, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
If your dog is showing signs of joint pain from arthritis, an injury, or an unknown condition, your first step is to consult with your veterinarian. And before you start your dog on any of the best dog supplements, ask your vet if it’s the appropriate choice for your dog’s specific needs.
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Our top picks for the best joint supplements for dogs
Best overall: Pet Honesty Wild Caught Omega-3 Fish Oil – See at Chewy
Best chews: Vetoquinol Flexadin Advanced with UC-II Chews for Cats and Dogs – See at Chewy
Best tablets: NaturVet Glucosamine DS Plus Moderate Joint Care Chewable Tabs – See at Chewy
Best treats: NaturVet ArthriSoothe-Gold Advanced Joint Care Soft Chews – See at Chewy
Best powder: Wholistic Pet Organics Joint Mobility GLM + Enhanced Multivitamin – See at Chewy
Best overall
Pet Honesty Wild Caught Omega-3 Fish Oil
This third-party-tested pure fish oil contains four marine-based oils rich in omega fatty acids, which experts say provide anti-inflammatory benefits and are the best ingredients to ease joint pain in dogs.
“Looking at real dogs who are seeing a real benefit in joint pain relief, it’s coming from omega-3 fatty acids, namely in marine-based oils,” Lascelles says. Indeed, studies show that anti-inflammatory omega-3 supplements provide the most pain relief for osteoarthritic dogs compared to other active ingredients. Miscioscia says fish oil works best when mixed directly into a dog’s food or given as a meal topper.
Pet Honesty Wild Caught Omega-3 Fish Oil is our top recommendation for the best joint supplements for dogs. This clean formula made with omega-3 fish oil from four marine-based sources: sardine, anchovy, mackerel, and herring oil. It’s also the best fish oil for dogs because it meets or exceeds our standards for a high-quality supplement. The oil is naturally purified to eliminate the fishy smell and taste that some dogs — and people — find unappealing. It’s also certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) and independently tested by ConsumerLab to verify potency, purity, and that it’s free of mercury.
Fish oil is safe for all dogs, but Lascelles says too high a dose, too quickly, can cause diarrhea. It’s best to introduce it slowly. Because it’s also calorie-dense (41 kcal/teaspoon). Miscioscia says maintaining a healthy weight is the most critical factor in managing arthritis in dogs, so ask your vet what dose will ensure your dog gets the right balance of calories and nutrients.
Like all fish oils, the bottle should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 30 to 45 days of opening.
Best chews
Flexadin Advanced with UC-II Chews contain undenatured-type II collagen (UC-II), which Miscioscia says helps reduce joint inflammation and may even play a role in rebuilding part of joint cartilage. A 2007 study found that UC-II helps decrease osteoarthritis symptoms, reduce lameness associated with joint pain, and increase physical activity and mobility.
The chews also contain vitamin E, which may offer anti-inflammatory benefits, and omega-3 fatty acids. However, the omega-3 content is lower than what’s found in our best overall dog joint supplement. Additionally, the omega-3s come from a combination of fish oil and flaxseed oil, which research says isn’t as effective against inflammation for some dog breeds.
One major advantage of Flexadin Advanced is convenience. Just one chew per day is recommended for dogs and cats of all sizes and ages, and they are easy to give, especially in a multi-species household.
Best tablets
If your dog is a picky eater, a chewable tablet that can be broken up into food or slipped inside a pill pocket may be the easiest solution.
NaturVet Moderate Care Glucosamine DS tablets are among the best joint supplements for dogs. They are formulated with several active ingredients, namely glucosamine and chondroitin. Although current research shows these two compounds don’t actually do much to help canine joint pain, it’s still one of the most recommended active ingredients for joint health supplements, and experts say it requires further study. Miscioscia says it might help. “Glucosamine and chondroitin are the building blocks for part of what makes up joint cartilage and thus may help build up part of joint cartilage that is destroyed due to arthritis,” she says.
NaturVet Moderate Care Glucosamine DS tablets earned our top spot for this category because they combine the potential benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin with the anti-inflammatory benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. The tablets also contain vitamin C, which supports collagen production; vitamin E, an antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation; and yucca, which one study says may help reduce intestinal gas and smelly feces.
Best treats
If you prefer to give your dog anti-inflammatory supplements as treats or in smaller doses throughout the day, NaturVet Advanced Care ArthriSoothe-Gold Level 3 Soft Chews are an excellent option.
These soft chews contain nearly every ingredient that research shows might help with joint pain, including omega-3-rich green-lipped mussels, glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, and Boswellia, a gum resin from the frankincense tree that some studies have shown has anti-inflammatory properties. NaturVet is also a highly trusted brand, and these chews carry the NASC seal and have been independently tested by ConsumerLab for quality, potency, and purity.
Although these chews have a strong rosemary scent out of the container, most dogs enjoy the taste. The biggest drawback is their cost — they can be expensive, especially for larger dogs that require higher daily doses.
Best powder
Some dogs do best with a small amount of powder mixed into their food. Wholistic Pet Organics Joint Mobility GLM + Enhanced Multivitamin is a powder that provides 749 mg of total omega-3 fatty acids from fish, green-lipped mussels, and flaxseed. It also includes glucosamine and MSM, which may offer additional joint-supporting benefits.
The formula is made with non-GMO ingredients and contains vitamin C to support collagen production. It also includes added prebiotics and probiotics to promote healthy digestion, which you can learn more about in our guide to the best probiotics for dogs.
Because this supplement comes in powder form, it is easy to measure and dose. The directions recommend dividing your dog’s daily dosage evenly across meals. The portions are small — ranging from 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons — so many dogs will not notice it.
What to look for in joint supplements for dogs
Just like human supplements, dog supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, which means there’s no guarantee that what you’re buying is indeed high quality or effective, our experts say. Because of this, it’s important to consider several key factors before purchasing a dog joint supplement.
Active ingredients: Research consistently shows that marine-sourced omega-3 fatty acids are effective at relieving joint pain in dogs. Lascelles says these fatty acids work by reducing inflammation and, in turn, easing pain. By contrast, plant-based fatty acids such as flaxseed are generally less effective. Miscioscia says some evidence supports undenatured-type II collagen (UC-II) and CBD. Other ingredients that show promise for arthritic dogs, but she adds that they need more research. These ingredients include avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASUs), curcumin (turmeric), Boswellia serrata, eggshell membrane, astaxanthin, and fortetropin (myostatin-inhibitors).
Third-party testing: Independent testing of the best joint supplements for dogs is essential since there’s no governmental oversight to confirm that a supplement’s label accurately reflects what’s in the formula. Miscioscia says the NASC seal is the most important third-party certification to look for. Issued by the National Animal Supplement Council — a coalition dedicated to promoting safer animal supplements — the seal indicates high standards of safety and quality. It’s also good to look for testing by ConsumerLab, an independent lab that evaluates supplements, health foods, and beverages for purity, strength, disintegration, and brand integrity.
Quality seal: The NASC seal is especially valuable because it indicates that a manufacturer has passed an independent third-party audit, adheres to strict quality control standards in manufacturing, and passed random product testing to verify that the ingredients match the label claims.
Your veterinarian’s seal of approval: Our experts stress the importance of consulting your veterinarian before starting your dog on any joint supplement. Since your vet knows your dog’s full health history, they’re best equipped to help determine whether a specific supplement is safe and appropriate.
Dosage level: The appropriate dosage for any supplement depends on the specific ingredients in the formula and, typically, your dog’s size. While the recommended dosage is provided on the supplement’s packaging, you should always ask your veterinarian what dosage is appropriate for your pet.
Price: A higher price doesn’t necessarily mean better quality. You can find high-quality, effective dog joint supplements for as little as $0.50 per serving.
Calories: Maintaining a healthy weight is the single most important factor in managing arthritis, Miscioscia says. However, many chews, treats, and omega-3 supplements are high in calories. If your dog is overweight, that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t give them a supplement, but you should talk with your vet about adjusting your dog’s overall calorie intake.
Health restrictions: Miscioscia says dogs with food allergies may need extra caution, so check the flavoring ingredients in any joint chews, treats, and powders. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and too much fish oil at once can upset a dog’s stomach or cause diarrhea. Also, if your dog is on blood thinners, you should avoid anything with MSM or large amounts of vitamin E.
How we selected the best joint supplements for dogs
We began by consulting experts who specialize in pain and mobility in dogs to determine which active ingredients may help with different kinds of joint pain. Dr. Erin Miscioscia is a clinical assistant professor of integrative and mobility medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine who studies canine sports medicine and rehabilitation, integrative medicine, and small animal clinical nutrition. She is also a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Duncan Lascelles studies pain in small animals as director of the Comparative Pain Research and Education Centre at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Drawing on their insights, we evaluated popular joint supplements according to their ingredients, quality seals, and third-party testing. We also compared prices to assess their overall value.
Dog joint supplements FAQs
Do dog joint supplements actually work?
Yes, Miscioscia says the right joint supplement can be highly effective in relieving pain for dogs with arthritis and joint pain. Research shows the best joint supplements for dogs contain marine-based omega-3 fatty acids. Our top pick is Pet Honesty Wild Caught Omega-3 Fish Oil, which is made with four types of marine-based fish oils, has been third-party tested for potency and safety, and is also affordable.
Will a joint supplement help with injury recovery?
In theory, yes, but most supplements take two to three months to start being effective, Miscioscia says. For example, if your dog strains a muscle and you start them on a marine-based omega-3 fatty acid supplement, it likely won’t ease their immediate inflammation or pain. However, if your dog is already taking this type of supplement, Miscioscia says it may help reduce the acute inflammation. She adds that in some cases, a strain or sprain injury to muscle, tendon, or ligament can contribute to future joint instability or arthritis, making it worthwhile to start a supplement as a preventive measure.
Is Dasuquin better than Cosequin?
Cosequin and Dasuquin are two popular dog joint supplements made by Nutramax Laboratories. Each line comes in a few different formats, from chews to chewable tablets, each with slightly different formulas. Most of these supplements rely on glucosamine and sodium chondroitin sulfate, which research shows may have little impact on joint health. But Cosequin for Dogs with MSM Plus Omega-3 Fatty Acid Soft Chews also contains omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources, the compound most strongly supported by research for relieving pain in arthritic dogs.
Is glucosamine or chondroitin better for dogs?
Glucosamine and chondroitin are almost always combined in formulas, and neither is more effective than the other. In fact, research shows glucosamine and chondroitin likely don’t help much with dog joint pain. However, omega-3 fatty acids do, and these may be included in some joint supplements that also contain contain glucosamine and chondroitin.
