If your dog has started hesitating before jumping onto the couch, walking stiffly after naps, or lagging behind on walks that used to be easy, you are probably watching the early signs of joint deterioration. It is extremely common in older dogs. A 2018 VetCompass study found that over 50% of dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis were aged 8 to 13 years, and a 2024 radiographic study found osteoarthritis in over a third of hips and shoulders, and over half of elbows, in dogs older than 8.
There’s no cure for arthritis. Cornell University’s Canine Health Center notes that joint supplements may help by supporting cartilage rebuilding, increasing flexibility, and reducing inflammation, but they will not reverse the condition. For most owners, a daily joint chew is the simplest way to make sure their dog gets those ingredients regularly. That preference is reflected in the broader market: Fortune Business Insights found that chewables lead the pet supplement market by form and hip and joint supplements hold the largest share by function.
This article compares five of the most widely available options.
What to Look for in a Joint Chew
Before comparing products, you need to know which ingredients have evidence to back them up.
Glucosamine hydrochloride is the most common active ingredient in canine joint supplements, and it has some clinical support. A 2007 randomized, double-blind trial found that a glucosamine and chondroitin combination improved pain and mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis by day 70. A 2023 study produced less conclusive results for the specific combination it tested, though differences in formulation and dosing make direct comparisons between studies difficult.
Most joint chews also include anti-inflammatory ingredients like MSM and turmeric alongside vitamin C for collagen synthesis, so the one you choose should ideally combine several of these rather than relying on glucosamine alone.
Also check if the product adjusts serving sizes by weight. A 12-pound dog and an 80-pound dog should not be taking the same dose.
Five Joint Chews Compared
1. Pup Labs Freedom Joint Chews
Pup Labs Freedom Joint Chews pack five active joint-support ingredients into a single duck-flavored soft chew, with weight-adjusted dosing across four size categories, a structure that most competitors in this price range do not offer. Full product details and ingredient information are available at puplabs.com. The formula includes turmeric, glucosamine HCl, rose hip, MSM, and vitamin C. Serving sizes range from one chew daily for dogs up to 15 pounds to four chews for dogs over 75 pounds, and Pup Labs recommends splitting the serving between morning and evening for dogs taking multiple chews.
The chews are made in the United States in an NASC-approved facility based in Vermont. Pup Labs also offers a 180-day money-back guarantee, which gives owners a significantly longer evaluation window than the 30- to 90-day policies most competitors provide.
Key Features:
- Five active joint-support ingredients in one chew
- Weight-based dosing across four size categories
- Duck-flavored soft chew format
- 180-day money-back guarantee
Best For:
Owners of aging dogs who want a multi-ingredient joint formula with weight-adjusted dosing and enough time to evaluate results before committing.
Standout Quality:
The 180-day guarantee is unusually long for this category. Most competitors offer 30 to 90 days, which may not be enough time to observe meaningful changes in mobility or stiffness. Six months gives you a realistic window to assess if the supplement is making a difference for your dog.
2. Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Plus MSM
Nutramax Cosequin is a long-running joint supplement brand available in pet stores and veterinary clinics. The Maximum Strength Plus MSM formula contains glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM in a chewable tablet format.
Key Features:
- Glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM combination
- Chewable tablet format
- Available in retail chains and vet offices
- Comes in regular and large dog sizes
Best For:
Owners who want to buy a joint supplement in person rather than ordering online.
3. Zesty Paws Mobility Bites
Zesty Paws Mobility Bites are a soft chew containing glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and OptiMSM alongside vitamin C and vitamin E. The brand sells primarily through Amazon and Chewy.
Key Features:
- Soft chew format with multiple joint-support ingredients
- Available on Amazon and Chewy
- Offered for all life stages (puppy through senior)
- Includes added vitamins C and E
Best For:
Owners who do most of their pet shopping through Amazon or Chewy and want to compare customer feedback before buying.
4. VetriScience GlycoFlex 3
VetriScience GlycoFlex 3 contains Perna canaliculus (green-lipped mussel), glucosamine, MSM, and DMG. The GlycoFlex line comes in three tiers based on the level of joint support needed.
Key Features:
- Includes green-lipped mussel as a key ingredient
- Three product tiers for different support levels
- Bite-sized chew format
- Veterinarian-formulated
Best For:
Owners whose dog has progressed past early-stage stiffness and who want a product labeled for a more advanced level of support.
5. PetHonesty Hemp Hip + Joint
PetHonesty Hemp Hip + Joint chews contain glucosamine, turmeric, hemp seed oil, and green-lipped mussel. The hemp seed oil is included for its fatty acid profile rather than CBD content.
Key Features:
- Includes hemp seed oil for fatty acid support
- Glucosamine, turmeric, and green-lipped mussel combination
- Soft chew format
- Available on Amazon
Best For:
Owners interested in adding hemp-derived fatty acids alongside standard joint-support ingredients.
Choosing the Right Joint Chew for Your Dog
No joint chew will reverse arthritis or restore a senior dog to puppy-level mobility. What a good supplement can do is reduce daily stiffness, support cartilage maintenance, and help your dog stay comfortable and active for longer. If your dog’s mobility continues to decline despite supplementation, talk to your vet about additional interventions, including physical therapy, weight management, or prescription anti-inflammatory medication.
References
- Anderson, K. L., O’Neill, D. G., Brodbelt, D. C., Church, D. B., Meeson, R. L., Sargan, D., Summers, J. F., Zulch, H., & Collins, L. M. (2018). Prevalence, duration and risk factors for appendicular osteoarthritis in a UK dog population under primary veterinary care. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 5641.
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). How joint supplements can help with orthopedic conditions. Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center.
- Fortune Business Insights. (2026). Pet supplements market size, share & industry analysis, 2026–2034.
- Kampa, N., Kaenkangploo, D., Jitpean, S., Srithunyarat, T., Seesupa, S., Hoisang, S., Yongvanit, K., Kamlangchai, P., Tuchpramuk, P., & Lascelles, B. D. X. (2023). Study of the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, marine based fatty acid compounds (PCSO-524 and EAB-277), and carprofen for the treatment of dogs with hip osteoarthritis. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, 1033188.
- McCarthy, G., O’Donovan, J., Jones, B., McAllister, H., Seed, M., & Mooney, C. (2007). Randomised double-blind, positive-controlled trial to assess the efficacy of glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate for the treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis. The Veterinary Journal, 174(1), 54–61.
- Roitner, M., Klever, J., Reese, S., & Meyer-Lindenberg, A. (2024). Prevalence of osteoarthritis in the shoulder, elbow, hip and stifle joints of dogs older than 8 years. The Veterinary Journal, 305, 106132.
About the Author
