As our dogs get older, changes in their behaviors may present themselves. They may not move as quickly as they used to. Some may have difficulty getting up from bed or they may need help getting up onto the couch. Limping may start after a walk or a play date. Dog treats for joint health may help your dog regain that pep in their step.
What Are Dog Treats For Joint Health?
These are dog treats that contain ingredients that are beneficial for your dog’s hips and joints. These treats usually came in several different forms: soft chews, crunchy biscuits, and jerky treats and flavors like beef, chicken, lamb, or salmon.
If your dog has difficulty taking treats ( medical condition, dental issues, etc.) you may want to try a Liquid Joint Supplement.
What Conditions Can Dog Treats For Joint Health Help?
You may choose to give your dog treats for joint health for a variety of reasons. These may include:
- Medical Conditions. Hip dysplasia and spinal condition symptoms can be helped with these types of dog treats.
- Arthritis. With old age comes arthritis and joint health treats can help decrease the effects on your dog.
- Surgery. Joint health treats can help ease joint discomfort after knee surgery.
- Prevention. You may opt to start giving your dog joint health treats while they are still young or before any medical conditions may arise if they are a breed prone to joint dysfunction.
*****Talk to your veterinarian before starting your dog on any joint health supplement or treat. Discuss your dog’s condition and go over all of the ingredients to be sure it will be a good fit for your dog.****
What Are Common Ingredients In Dog Treats For Joint Health?
Each brand has their own blend of ingredients to improve your dog’s joint health. These are some common ingredients you will find in these types of dog treats.
- Glucosamine. Helps to build collagen, which helps build and repair cartilage between joints.
- Chondroitin. Slows down the destruction of cartilage.
- Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM. Anti-inflammatory.
Are There Any Side Effects To Dog Treats For Joint Health?
While most dogs don’t have any negative reactions to these types of dog treats, there are side effects to some ingredients that may be possible. Always monitor your dog for any signs of a reaction.
Stop taking any supplement or treat that causes any symptoms in your dog and get them to your veterinarian to be checked if necessary.
Side effects may include:
- Allergies. Your dog could be allergic to an active or inactive ingredient in the dog treats.
- If your dog experiences hives, has trouble breathing, or seems lethargic, bring them to your veterinarian.
- Glucosamine is commonly sourced from shellfish, so if you or your dog has a shellfish allergy, avoid products with this ingredient.
- Glucosamine side effects include gas and an upset stomach.
- Chondroitin side effects include diarrhea.
Do Dog Joint Chews Work?
There is no conclusive evidence that joint chews work. According to an article published in 2017 in the Open Veterinary Journal, there have been several studies done on the effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin on dogs with osteoarthritis, with mixed results.
Veterinarians still recommend giving them a try to help dogs with joint issues.
Many people have used dog treats for joint health for years with positive results. It is worth it to help give your dog a chance at having decreased pain and increased mobility.
How Long Does It Take To See Results?
This will vary according to your dog and their condition. It can take a few weeks or a few months. You may only see a small change or a big difference.
How Many Dog Treats Do I Give My Dog Per Day?
This will vary according to the type of dog treat you are giving your dog and what your dog weighs.
The recommended number of treats will be listed on the product packaging.
What Dog Treats Are Good For Joint Health?
The following are some of the top rated dog treats for joint health. All of the product information is according to the manufacturer. These are effective at helping to relieve joint symptoms and increasing mobility according to users.
We have broken these down into several categories: Soft Chews, Biscuits, Jerky Treats, Natural, and Grain Free and list the top two rated treats for each.
Best Soft Chew Dog Treats For Joint Health
Nutramax Dasuquin With MSM
- Available in two sizes: Small/Medium dogs under 60 lbs. and Large Dogs over 60 lbs.
- Each soft chew contains:
- Glucosamine HCL: S/M: 600 mg., Large: 900 mg.
- Chondroitin Sulfate: S/M: 250 mg., Large 350 mg.
- MSM: S/M: 400m mg., Large: 800 mg.
- Avocado/Soybean/Unsaponifiables Powder (adds to the effects of the Glucosamine and Chondroitin to support joint health): S/M: 45 mg., Large: 90 mg.
- Boswellia Serrata Extract (provides additional joint support): S/M: 20 mg., Large: 40 mg.
- Green Tea Extract (anti-oxidant): S/M: 16 mg., Large: 32mg.
- Made in the USA from globally sourced ingredients.
MovoFlex Dog Hip and Joint Supplement
This product uses an alternative to Glucosamine and Chondroitin in case your dog is not able to tolerate them or has a shellfish allergy.
- Available for Small up to 40 lbs., Medium 40-80 lbs., and Large over 80 lbs. dogs.
- Gluten free.
- Sugar free.
- Shellfish free.
- Salt free.
- Alternative to Glucosamine and Chondroitin and contains in each treat (the amount of each varies with the size you get).
- Biovaflex: eggshell membrane (strengthens joints and improves mobility): Sm: 66mg, Medium: 132 mg, Large: 198 mg.
- Zanthin: natural astaxanthin (an antioxidant): Small: 13 mg, Medium: 26 mg, Large: 39 mg.
- Proprietary Hyaluronic Acid (supports synovial fluid): Small: 8 mg, Medium: 16 mg, Large: 24 mg.
- Akba Boswellia Serrata (a plant shown to support structural integrity of joints and connective tissue): Small: 5 mg, Medium: 10 mg, Large: 15 mg.
- Vitamin B3 (to promote healthy bones): Small: 50 IU, Medium: 100 IU, Large: 150 IU.
- Liver flavor.
- Made in the USA.
Best Biscuit Dog Treats For Joint Health
NutriVet Hip & Joint Biscuits For Dogs
- Small size available for small and medium breed dogs under 45 lbs.
- Large size available for large breed dogs over 40 lbs.
- Peanut Butter flavor.
- Each treat contains:
- Glucosamine (from shellfish): Large: 500 mg.
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Pure Vita Hip & Joint Dog Treats
- Chicken flavor.
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin are from a natural source of chicken and chicken cartilage.
- Treats contain:
- Glucosamine 90 mg/kg.
- Chondroitin 1000 mg/kg.
- Blueberries.
- Pomegranate.
- Made in the USA.
Best Jerky Dog Treats For Joint Health
Full Moon Hip & Joint Health Chicken Jerky
- Chicken flavor.
- Each jerky contains:
- Glucosamine 500 mg/kg.
- Chondroitin Sulfate 300 mg/kg.
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- Grain Free.
- No wheat, corn, or soy.
- Made in the USA.
BIXBI Hip & Joint Dog Jerky Treats
- Available in Chicken, Beef Liver, and Salmon flavor.
- Vegetarian source of Glucosamine 2400 mg/kg.
- Bovine Chondroitin 1200 mg/kg.
- Grain free.
- No wheat, corn, soy, or sugar.
- Gluten free.
- No artificial ingredients, no artificial preservatives, no artificial colors, and no rendered by- products.
- Made and sourced in the USA.
Best Natural Dog Treats For Joint Health
ARK Naturals Sea Mobility Joint Rescue Dog Treats
- Soft chew treat.
- Available in Beef, Chicken, Venison, and Lamb.
- For dogs 12 weeks and older.
- Treats contain (per 4 square chews):
- Glucosamine HCL (shellfish sourced) 500 mg.
- Chondroitin Sulfate (chicken sourced) 250 mg.
- Sea Cucumber 250 mg. (helps to absorb active ingredients).
- MSM 200 mg.
- Corn free.
- Soy free.
- Wheat free.
- Gluten free.
- No artificial colors or preservatives.
- Made in the USA from globally sourced ingredients.
NaturVet Hemp Advanced Joint Health Dog Supplement
- Soft chew.
- For dogs 12 weeks and older.
- Treats contain (per 2 soft chews):
- Glucosamine HCL (shellfish sourced) 700 mg.
- Collagen Peptides 500 mg.
- MSM 500 mg.
- Hemp Seed Oil 200 mg.
- Hemp Seed Powder 200 mg.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids 120 mg.
- Omega-6 Fatty Acids 120 mg.
- Green Lipped Mussel 100 mg.
- Yucca schidigera 90 mg.
- Omega-9 Fatty Acids 67 mg.
- Chondroitin Sulfate (porcine source) 60mg.
- Vitamin C 58 mg.
- Vitamin E 60 IU.
- Made in the USA.
Best Grain Free Dog Treats For Joint Health
Dogswell Hip And Joint Soft Strips
- Chicken flavor.
- Each treat contains:
- Glucosamine (shellfish sourced)1200-2000 mg/kg.
- Chondroitin Sulfate 700-1000 mg/kg.
- New Zealand Green Mussel (contain omega-3 and source of B12 and minerals).
- Vitamin E 100 IU.
- No artificial colors or flavors.
- No molasses or cane syrup.
- No corn, wheat, or soy.
- No grains or added gluten.
- No animal by-products.
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Fruitables Bioactive Complete Joint Care
- Chicken flavor.
- Treats contain:
- Glucosamine 300 mg. minimum.
- Chondroitin Sulfate 50 mg. minimum.
- Turmeric 125 mg.
- Grain free.
- Gluten free.
- No corn or soy.
- Made in the USA from globally sourced ingredients.
It is tough to see our beloved dogs have trouble getting up, walking, getting on the couch or limping after a game of fetch. Dog treats for joint health can help decrease joint pain and stiffness and may help increase mobility.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.