Take a Break has put together a no-nonsense (and detailed) guide to the best joint supplements for dogs in the UK. After all, although more common in older dogs, arthritis and other joint issues can hinder any pooch – at any size or age. It’s tough to see your furry friend in discomfort. With that, we've answered burning questions, such as: What is joint stiffness? And, how can I treat arthritis in dogs?
In between the joints of a mammal is cartilage – which is a tough, flexible tissue. In fact, it covers the surface of joints and acts as a shock absorber, allowing bones to glide over one another. However, for your pooch, this cartilage can sometimes get thinner. As a result, their bones will start to rub together – due to the lack of cushioning. This causes distress and discomfort for your pooch. Your poor pooch won't be keen to fetch their walking lead for trips out - and will likely need a new exercise regime.
Best joint supplements for dogs at a glance
• Best joint aid for dogs and cats: Pets Purest 100% Natural Joint + Hip Aid - 50ml - View Offer at Pets Purest
• Best joint supplements for young dogs: YuMOVE Daily Bites for Young Dogs - View Offer at YuMove
• Best salmon oil for joints: Pets Purest 100% Natural Pure Scottish Salmon Oil - View Offer at Pets Purest
• Best joint multivitamins for adult dogs: YuCARE MultiVits for Adult Dogs - View at Pet Drugs Online
Did you know that April marks Active Dog Month? Here, we're sure to see many dog owners across the UK increasing their dog's exercise by going on more walks. Bliss. With the spring sun emerging from the clouds, it couldn't come at a better time. However, whilst exercise can aid joint health, what goes into their dinner bowl counts, also. On the other hand, supply your pooch with some healthy probiotic supplements, which can help with growth and repair.
We love to see our furry friends happy – and healthy. You can find out whether your dog is prone to joint stiffness - or any other health problems with a premium doggie DNA kit, including allergies and sensitivities. If your pooch has issues with allergies, consider our guide to thebest dog supplements for itchy skin. With this information, there are plenty of steps you can take to ensure your pet gets back on its feet and joint problems will be a thing of the past. In our FAQS, we have put together some information on joint problems and dog arthritis – and how to figure out if your dog has them.
Best joint supplements for dogs 2024
Below, listed the best arthritis supplements for dogs and the best joint supplements for dogs.
Best joint aid for dogs and cats
www.petspurest.com
From Pets Purest, we recommend this powerful joint and hip support for all animals. Whether dog, cat or ferret, this natural Pets Purest 100% Natural Joint + Hip Aid formula effectively helps support and manage joint and hip mobility. Improve your friend's quality of life with this long-lasting supply. Plus, it's made in Britain with quality ingredients. You can't go wrong. Simply, add to your furry friend's food or water for a little extra support.
Customer Review: "Bought this for my daughter's frenchie and we have seen a remarkable improvement in her mobility since giving it to her; glad it is full of natural ingredients. Frenchies tend to have back hip bother but this has helped her for a sure great product."
Pros
- For all animals
- Easy supplementation
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- Not for pregnant animals
Ingredients | Turmeric, Scutellaria Biacalensis, Uncaria, Boswellia |
Preparation | Extract, 50ml |
Age | After 6-8 Weeks |
Size | Any Size |
Dosage | XS is 3-5, Small is 5-7, Medium is 7-10 and Large is 10-15 drops. |
Best joint supplements for young dogs
yumove.co.uk
Daily Bites Young Dogs is a premium joint supplement, specially designed for young dogs. It's made with Green Lipped Mussel and infused with important vitamins - and then, housed in a soft, easy-to-chew bite for your pooch.
Customer Review: "We used this because our Frenchie hurt his back a few months ago and saw it advertised on TV. Within days, we noticed he was much more energetic and seemed to move with ease. We just pop it in his food and he doesn’t seem to notice, despite the fact he is a very fussy dog."
Pros
- Soothes stiff joints
- Young and Active formula
- Soft, tasty chew
Cons
- For young dogs only
Ingredients | Green Lipped Mussel, Vitamins C and E, Glucosamine, Manganese, Hyaluronic Acid |
Preparation | Soft Chew, 150 |
Age | Young Dogs |
Size | Any Size |
Dosage | Double dosage for the first 4-6 weeks. After, consult the following: Small Dogs - 1 Bite, Medium Dogs - 2 Bites, Large Dogs - 3 Bites and Very Large Dogs - 4 Bites |
Best joint multivitamins for young dogs
www.petdrugsonline.co.uk
YuCARE MultiVits for Young Dogs are 6-in-1 multivitamins, designed to promote everyday wellness in growing pups. Tailored to support the development of young dogs, these give you peace of mind that you’re giving your pup the best start in life. Dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds can take MultiVits – so long as they’ve started on solid food.
Pros
- 6-in-1 multivitamin
- Naturally sourced
- Tailored to support young dogs
Cons
- No customer reviews
Ingredients | Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamins C, E & B, Zinc, MOS and FOS prebiotics, DHA and Beta-glucans |
Preparation | Soft Chews, 30 or 120 |
Age | Young Dogs |
Size | Any Size |
Dosage | Small Dogs - 1, Medium Dogs - 2, Large Dogs - 3 and Very Large Dogs - 4 Tablets. |
Best salmon oil for joints
www.petspurest.com
Ethically sourced and with no natural additives, this sustainable Pets Purest 100% Natural Pure Scottish Salmon Oil comes with powerful antioxidant properties - along with a rich source of Omega-3 which is essential for a dog to maintain its lovely coat and keep its skin healthy. Plus, the Omega-3 fatty acids are proven to stop skin allergies in their tracks. Not only that, but your dog will start to feel like itself again which reduces inflammation in the hip and joints.
Customer Review: "My pup has this salmon oil in the morning with her breakfast and she must love the taste and smell because she never turns her nose up at it and eats her breakfast. Her fur feels amazing from this product as well as the skin and coat treats. Definitely have noticed a difference since using Pets Purest products. Would highly recommend this salmon oil and Pets Purest."
Pros
- Natural and pure
- Easy to use
- Healthy supplement
Cons
- Takes a while to see the benefits
Ingredients | Salmon Oil, Antioxidants |
Preparation | Oil |
Age | After 6-8 weeks |
Size | Any Size |
Dosage | XS is 0.5-1, Small is 1-2, Medium is 2-5, Large is 5-8 and XL is 8-10 pumps |
Best joint supplements for adult dogs
Perfect for your grown-up pup, these YuMOVE Daily Bites for Adult Dogs are soft, delicious and beloved. They're a natural joint supplement to help your dog feel young again, supporting their joints and mobility. They'll be scarpering around the garden in no time. It's packed with high-quality Omega-3 and other essential ingredients to support their joints.
Customer Review: "These have been great for our dog. She has them with her meals and they seem to have really helped her. Previously we were worried about our dog as she is old and has mobility issues. Although she does still have the issues they certainly aren't as bad."
Pros
- Delicious soft chews for your pooch
- Packed with joint-soothing Omega-3
- Natural supplement for mobility
Cons
- May not be for all dogs
Ingredients | Green Lipped Mussel, Vitamins C and E, Glucosamine, Manganese, Hyaluronic Acid |
Preparation | Soft Chew, 150 |
Age | Adult Dogs |
Size | Any Size |
Dosage | Double dosage for the first 4-6 weeks. After, consult the following: Small Dogs - 1 Bite, Medium Dogs - 2 Bites, Large Dogs - 3 Bites and Very Large Dogs - 4 Bites |
Best joint supplements chews for all sizes
yumove.co.uk
YuMOVE Joint Care One-a-day is packed with high-quality active ingredients, including the infamous Green Lipped Mussel, to support your dog's joint health. They are tasty, and chewable and only need to be given once a day. Plus, there are different pack sizes, depending on the size of your pooch. They'll soothe joints, aid motility and support the joint structure.
Customer Review: "YuMove joint care plus one a day makes loads easier for me to get my dog to eat with it being soft and chewy like a treat. A clear winner when changing from regular YuMove joint care and great we could try a sample at a small cost before changing. I would recommend most definitely."
Pros
- Tasty one-a-day chew
- For all sizes
- Supports mobility
Cons
- Be sure to select the right product for the size of your dog
Ingredients | Green Lipped Mussel, Glucosamine, Manganese, Hyaluronic Acid |
Preparation | Tasty Chew, 30 |
Age | Adult Dogs |
Size | Small/Medium/Large Bags Available |
Dosage | Give your pooch 2 chews daily for the first 4-6 weeks. After, give your dog 1 chew daily. For Dogs over 45kg, give your dog 3 chews daily for the first 4-6 weeks, after this period, give your dog 1 ½ chews daily. |
Best joint multivitamins for adult dogs
www.petdrugsonline.co.uk
YuCARE MultiVits for Adult Dogs are 6-in-1 multivitamins designed to promote everyday wellness in adult dogs. Sounds perfect. This formula directly targets specific areas of the body with a powerful blend of natural ingredients. These include Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamins C and E, B Vitamins, Zinc and MOS and FOS prebiotics. Together, they work hard to promote a pup that’s happy and healthy! All this in a delicious chewy bite your dog will love.
Customer Review: "Great product and price. Best for my dog."
Pros
- Promotes general wellbeing
- 6-in-1 multivitamin
- Soft bite chew
Cons
- Not many product reviews
Ingredients | Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamins C, E & B, Zinc, MOS and FOS prebiotics, DHA and Beta-glucans |
Preparation | Soft Chews, 120 |
Age | Adult Dogs |
Size | Any Size |
Dosage | Small Dogs - 1, Medium Dogs - 2, Large Dogs - 3 and Very Large Dogs - 4 Bites. |
Best joint supplements tablets for adult dogs
Our pets deserve the best. So, why not treat them to YuMOVE Joint Support for Adult Dogs? This multi-action joint supplement will help your pooch feel a little more mobile again as it supports their joints. Containing Green Lipped Mussel - with that important Glucosamine, this support comes as 120 tablets that can be hidden in your pup's food.
Customer Review: "My vet recommended giving YuMOVE to my labrador when I asked about changing her food over to senior food. The vet advised me that it was worth giving YuMOVE to my dog as she gets older to help prevent further issues with her joints. The vet also informed me of a number of dog owners that hab reported to her the positive impact YuMOVE has had on their dog's movement and overall joint health. I have been giving the tablets to my dog for just over a week now and have had no problems so far. Plus she doesn't seem to mind taking them, she especially likes them with a little peanut butter."
Pros
- Multi-action joint supplement
- Aids stiff joints
- Packed with Omega-3
Cons
- Some customers didn't feel it made a difference to their dog
Ingredients | Green Lipped Mussel, Vitamins C and E, Glucosamine, Manganese, Hyaluronic Acid |
Preparation | Tablets, 120 |
Age | Adult Dogs |
Size | Any Size |
Dosage | Double dosage for the first 4-6 weeks. After, consult the following: Small Dogs - 1, Medium Dogs - 2, Large Dogs - 3 & Very Large Dogs - 4 Tablets. |
Best joint supplements for working dogs
YuMOVE Joint Care for Working Dogs is formulated with the demands of your working dog’s active lifestyle in mind, aiding mobility and supporting joint health as well as digestion. It’s a unique formula to help support your working fog joints. Soothe your pup's sore and stiff joints to help them get mobile. It's a multi-action supplement for working dogs.
Customer Review: "We’ve used this product for years, our little girl, who is no longer with us really struggled at times, within 2 days of taking YuMove she was bouncing around like a puppy. We use it now for our 8yr old springer, he was born with leg problems so as been using YuMove for years, and he runs around like there’s nothing wrong, would highly recommend this product."
Pros
- Soothes stiff joints
- Has antioxidants
- Maintains mobility
Cons
- Pricey 480-pack
Ingredients | Green Lipped Mussel, Beta Glucans, Glucosamine, Manganese, Hyaluronic Acid |
Preparation | Tablets, 480 |
Age | Working Dog of Any Age |
Size | Working Dog of Any Age |
Dosage | Double dosage for the first 4 weeks. After, consult the following: Small Dogs - 1 Tablet, Medium Dogs - 2 Tablets, Large Dogs - 3 Tablets and Very Large Dogs - 4 Tablets. |
Best food topper joint support for dogs
www.poochandmutt.co.uk
We love the sensational Pooch & Mutt Mobile Bones for Dogs. Packed with 16 active ingredients, including Selenium for cartilage development, it promotes healthy joints, mobility, and bone strength. Ideal for dogs with joint issues or active lifestyles, it's a tasty, hypoallergenic food topper for a happy, pain-free life. It even contains ingredients that can help prevent arthritis - which is really good news.
Customer review: "My staffy is getting older now and noticed she looked a bit slower sometimes when she first got up in the morning but I see a difference with this. Also, she’s fussy with food or getting anything added to her food but she loves this, she’ll sit to watch and make sure it gets added to her food."
Pros
- Actively promotes mobility and joint health
- Great for working, active and elderly dogs
- With a hopping 16 active ingredients for support
Cons
- May take a little while to see difference
Ingredients | Ground micronized maize, maize gluten meal, ground alfalfa, oatfeed meal, yeast, calcium carbonate, monosodium phosphate, fish oil (omega-3 supplement; 1.5%), methylsulphonylmethane (MSM; 1.4%), glucosamine hydrochloride (1.4%), sodium chloride, yucca schidigera extract (0.8%), rapeseed oil, evening primrose oil (0.25%), dried peppermint (0.02%), grapeseed meal (0.005%). |
Preparation | Powder food topper, 200g |
Age | For any age - preferably for senior dogs |
Size | For any size of dog |
Dosage | Between 1 tsp and 4 tsp, depending on weight (kgs) |
Best joint supplements for senior dogs
yumove.co.uk
Featuring the original, clinically proven YuMOVE formula with added fish oil and in a brand-new treat-like format, YuMOVE Joint Care Daily Bites for Senior Dogs works to soothe stiffness, support joint health and help mobility in older dogs. Tasty and supportive, this YuMove formula is perfect for any old doggie who is feeling a little stiff.
Customer Review: "Got these for my 13-year-old Labrador who has arthritis. Within a few days, there was a huge improvement in his mobility and energy levels. Also, he loves the taste so no need to try to sneak them into his food. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who has an older dog."
Pros
- Helps senior mobility
- Added fish oil for treats
- Supports stiffness
Cons
- Lower than recommended glucosamine
Ingredients | Green Lipped Mussel, Vitamins C and E, Glucosamine, Manganese, Hyaluronic Acid |
Preparation | Soft Chew, 150 |
Age | Senior Dogs |
Size | Any Size |
Dosage | Double dosage for the first 4 weeks. After, consult the following: Small Dogs - 1 Bite, Medium Dogs - 2 Bites, Large Dogs - 3 Bites and Very Large Dogs - 4 Bites |
Best joint supplements for stiff dogs
yumove.co.uk
For stiff dogs of all ages, we recommend this YuMove Joint Care Plus. It's packed with even more Green Lipped Mussels than their regular formula, which is ideal for dogs that are really struggling with their mobility. A tasty tablet for daily feeding, you can give it at your convenience, proven to soothe stiff joints.
Pros
- The price depends on the dog's size
- High strength formula
- Tasty tablet for daily feeding
Cons
- No customer reviews
Ingredients | Green Lipped Mussel, Vitamins C and E, N-Acetyl-D Glucosamine, Manganese, Hyaluronic Acid |
Preparation | Tablets, 60 |
Age | Older Dogs |
Size | Any Size of Older and/or Stiff Dogs |
Dosage | Double dosage for the first 4 weeks. After, consult the following: Small Dogs - 1 Tablet, Medium Dogs - 2 Tablets, Large Dogs - 3 Tablets and Very Large Dogs - 4 Tablets |
Best joint multivitamins for senior dogs
www.petdrugsonline.co.uk
YuCARE MutliVits for Senior Dogs is delicious, soft bites developed with your dog's well-being in mind. Provides nutritional support for everyday wellness, supporting digestion, skin and coat, joints, the heart, the immune system, the liver, the brain and vision. Sounds perfect for your grumpy pooch. All this in a delicious chewy bite your dog will love.
Customer Review: "Made a difference to my 12-year-old dog, who's now running around like a puppy again! Although can't get her to swallow them, they're huge! I have to mix it with boiled water and once cold use an oral syringe. Would be good if it was in liquid form instead of a tablet. But great product all the same!"
Pros
- 8-in-1 multivitamin
- Promotes general wellbeing
- Naturally-sourced ingredients
Cons
- May fare better in a liquid form
Ingredients | Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamins C and E, B Vitamins, Zinc, MOS and FOS prebiotics, MSM, Turmeric, Olive Leaf Extract, Milk Thistle and Lutein |
Preparation | Soft Chews, 120 |
Age | Senior Dogs |
Size | Any Size Senior Dog |
Dosage | Small Dogs - 1 Bite, Medium Dogs - 2 Bites, Large Dogs - 3 Bites and Very Large Dogs - 4 Bites. |
Best joint supplements chews for all senior dogs
yumove.co.uk
YuMOVE Joint Care One-a-day PLUS is our higher-strength tasty one-a-day chew and is designed for stiffer or older dogs. Plus, it’s packed with 20% more ActivEase GLM than our regular formula for an extra boost. A tasty one-a-day chew for daily feeding you can give at your convenience and is clinically proven to make a difference in just 6 weeks.
Pros
- Tasty one-a-day chew
- Extra GLM for joints
- Pots for different size breeds
Cons
- No customer review
Ingredients | Green Lipped Mussel, N-Acetyl-D Glucosamine, Manganese, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins C & E |
Preparation | Tasty Chew, 30 |
Age | Senior Dogs |
Size | Small/Medium/Large Pots Available |
Dosage | Give your pooch 2 chews daily for the first 4-6 weeks. After, give your dog 1 chew daily. For Dogs over 45kg, give your dog 3 chews daily for the first 4-6 weeks, after this period, give your dog 1 ½ chews daily. |
Best arthritis supplement for dogs
www.petspurest.com
Simply mix the Pets Purest Daily Joint Supplement into your pet’s food, gradually - for an easy and effective joint care solution. A unique blend of botanical herbs and natural ingredients has been formulated to support healthy joint movement, reduce the risk of injury and help increase mobility and flexibility. Plus, this supplement is fortified with Omega 3, 6 & 9 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Customer review: "I am so pleased with the daily joint supplement. It has made such a difference to my wee staffy. Being 13 he has joint problems and is quite slow when walking. Since he has been on this supplement for over 6 weeks now he has got a new lease of life. Definitely worth trying."
Pros
- Formulated to support healthy joint movement
- Supports muscle development and promotes vitality
- Helps improve the condition of your pet’s skin and coat
Cons
- The flavour may be a little strong for some
Ingredients | Salmon Oil, turmeric, boswellia, Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa), antioxidants |
Preparation | Oil, Food Topper |
Age | Suitable for any breed of dog, cat, horse or ferret over 8 weeks old |
Size | Any size |
Dosage | 1 pump per 5kg of body weight |
FAQs
What are the signs of stiffness and arthritis in dogs?
Often, the signs of stiffness in dogs can be difficult to see. We’ve got some signs to look out for:
Behavioural changes – like irritability
Difficulty jumping up or climbing the stairs
Whimpering or cowering away after being touched
Stiff movement or reluctance to move as much
Sudden weight gain
If your pooch starts to show any of these signs, you should consult your vet. This is so you can rule out any other issues.
What are the best tips for healthy joints?
Exercise is the most important thing to keep your dog’s joints healthy. However, to ensure this, walks need to be catered for your dog's specific needs. Plus walks need to be regular and short – rather than unstructured and long.
House-proofing is essentially adapting your home to ensure your dog stays healthy. For instance, putting stairgates in your home will prevent any stair-related injuries. Other suggestions include: doggie ramps in the place of big steps, raised food bowls – no more bending down to eat – and investing in some non-slip rugs for slippery flooring and surfaces. Don't forget hay fever tablets for the pollen-high season.
Supplements are perfect for helping maintain the joints of a dog as it grows older, as well as ensuring the healthy development of a pup. "Adding supplements to their diet provides endless benefits including reducing inflammation, boosting energy levels and easing joint and hip pain," says pet health brand, Pets Purest.
What causes the deterioration of cartilage?
We’ve looked at some research and put together the possible cause as to why your dog may have cartilage deterioration – which leads to joint stiffness.
Obesity - is one of the key causes of joint stiffness in dogs. This extra weight intensifies the stress that’s put on your dog’s joints and causes inflammation. Consider an anxiety dog supplement to help.
Jumping down onto a different surface - Jumping from hard to soft, or soft to slippery, can cause injury – what’s called ‘eccentric contractions’, leading to twists, strains and sprains. It’s best to train your pup to “wait” for you and lift them onto your furniture yourself.
Depends on the breed - If your dog is a little one, they may have to jump twice or three times their height to join you for some head pats. Plus, some breeds and mixes are more prone to accidents and incidents…
Muscle atrophy could also be the cause of your dog’s joint stiffness. This is when muscles weaken or waste away. Though it usually affects a dog’s back legs, it can appear in the head or the belly.
What causes arthritis in dogs?
Arthritis affects senior dogs and is caused by wear and tear on the joints, says Blue Cross. But, it can also be a result of:
An injury such as ligament damage or broken bones.
Hip or elbow dysplasia which is common in labradors and German shepherds.
Abnormalities of joints that can be caused by too much exercise.
What age is best for supplements?
Well, you may believe that arthritis and joint supplements are reserved for adult dogs, as well as pooches that are entering old age. However, this is a misconception. Different dogs have different health needs.
If anything, giving your dog joint supplements is good practice from puppyhood. These extra steps will make problems down the line less likely – the fewer trips to the vet, the better. We’ve made sure to include a product designed for growing bones.
In adolescence, your puppy is going to be super energetic, mischievous, and disobedient. Chances are, they’re going to be bumping into everything and wreaking havoc. But, when they give you their “puppy eyes”, all is forgiven! It’s important to supplement young dogs with the right medication.
As an adult, naturally, your pooch is going to slow down and start to experience some health problems – just like us – which include tricky joint pain and stiffness. Get a head start with some supplements specially designed for mature dogs. Senior dogs, also, need some help in their old age.
What are things you should not try to help with joint problems?
It's time to de-mystify myths surrounding pet problems and regarding the joint health of pooches:
Turmeric – is thought to help inflammation, but there is no scientific backing.
CBD – has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with pain. However, CBD only helps with the symptoms of joint stiffness, not the stiffness itself. It is not a long-term solution to joint problems. Considering CBD? Make sure to discuss this with your vet.
Avoiding exercise – is a bad idea. Staying active is vital to your dog’s health and may, in fact, ease your dog’s stiffness. Plus, it helps with weight maintenance – which will prevent more inflammation. Remember, your little pooch loves walkies, just don’t overdo it.
Any alternative or natural remedies?
If you want to help prevent any arthritis or joint problems in your pups’ future, we’ve got some extra tips:
Hydrotherapy – is a popular option.
Physiotherapy – may help improve mobility.
Home Exercises – stretching your dog could potentially help with stiffness, for tips watch the video above.
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Take a Break, specialising in pet health. When she’s not barking about dog supplements, she’s online devouring cat content.