Best Joint Supplements for Dogs UK

Joint supplements can be a smart part of a dog’s long-term mobility plan—especially for older dogs, large breeds, dogs with early stiffness, or those recovering from heavy activity. Canine osteoarthritis (OA) is common, but estimates vary depending on the population studied; clinical sources summarise ranges from primary-care data up to higher referral-based figures.

This guide focuses on the best joint supplements for dogs in the UK, using practical, “real-world” criteria (format compliance, ingredient transparency, and suitability for long-term use). All featured options are evaluated for the most evidence-backed joint-support ingredients—especially omega-3s, glucosamine/chondroitin blends, and multi-ingredient mobility formulas. For owners building a full routine, it’s also worth browsing broader formats within Dog Products & Care and general joint-support options in Pet Supplements.

 

What Are Joint Supplements for Dogs?

Dog joint supplements are nutrition-based products designed to support cartilage, connective tissue, and comfort around movement. They’re not painkillers, and they don’t replace veterinary diagnosis—but they can complement a joint plan that includes weight control, suitable exercise, and vet-led treatment where needed.

Most joint supplements fall into 3 buckets:

• Cartilage support (typically glucosamine + chondroitin)

• Inflammation and comfort support (often omega-3s and botanicals)

• All-in-one mobility blends (multi-ingredient chews/tablets that combine both approaches)

If you’re comparing formulas, it helps to understand the “core” ingredients and what they’re there to do.

What Are Dog Joint Supplements Used For?

Most owners use joint supplements to support:

• Stiffness after rest (e.g., slow to get up after sleeping)

• Reduced enthusiasm for walks or shorter stride

• Reluctance to jump (into cars/onto sofas)

• Age-related mobility decline

• Breed-related joint stress (larger breeds especially)

OA prevalence estimates vary, but veterinary literature consistently treats OA as one of the most common chronic pain/mobility conditions in dogs.

 

Ingredients That Matter Most

Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)

Omega-3s (especially EPA and DHA) are among the most consistently supported nutrients for joint comfort and mobility in dogs, and they’re frequently used alongside therapeutic diets and OA plans. A practical way to shop this category is via Pet Omegas & Fish Oils.

Glucosamine + Chondroitin

These are classic cartilage-support ingredients. Evidence is mixed overall, but many owners still find them helpful—particularly when paired with weight control and consistent daily use. If you’re looking specifically for these, browse Glucosamine and Chondroitin.

Green-Lipped Mussel and Marine Extracts

Green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) extract contains a unique combination of marine omega-3 fatty acids, glycosaminoglycans, and antioxidants. It is frequently included in canine joint supplements as an adjunct to fish oil.

Weight Management and Joint Load

Veterinary research consistently shows that excess body weight significantly increases mechanical stress on joints and accelerates degenerative joint changes. Supplements are most effective when paired with appropriate weight management.

Multi-ingredient blends (MSM, botanicals, etc.)

Blends often add MSM, antioxidants, and plant extracts to support comfort and recovery. The key is transparency: clear dosing beats “proprietary blend” marketing every time.

 

Our Top Picks: Best Joint Supplements for Dogs UK

Best Overall: SuperDog Joints & Bones Chewable Tablets
Best Value for Long-Term Use: Welzo Pet Joint Support for Dogs – 300 Tablets
Best for Smaller Dogs / Trial Use: Welzo Pet Joint Support – 120 Tablets
Best Chewable Alternative: NOW Pets Joint Support (Chewable / Smaller Format)
Best for Adding Omega-3 Into a Joint Plan:  NOW Foods Omega‑3 Support Softgels
Best Simple Cartilage Stack: Glucosamine + Chondroitin-only formula: Welzo Pet Joint Support for Dogs – 300 Tablets/ Welzo Pet Joint Support – 120 Tablets
Best “All-Rounder” Mobility Blend: Multi-ingredient joint complex (daily tablets/soft chews): ThorneVet Joint Support Formula 120 Soft Chews

If your dog’s plan is missing omega-3s, adding a dedicated fish oil from the Omega-3 category can be a high-impact upgrade.

Detailed Reviews: Best Joint Supplements for Dogs

SuperDog Joints & Bones Chewable Tablets (Best Overall)

Why it has been selected:
Best overall because chewables are typically easier to give every day, and consistency is the biggest factor in whether owners see results.

Product description:
A daily chewable joint formula designed to support mobility, comfort, and long-term joint function. Multi-ingredient blends are generally chosen to support both cartilage maintenance and day-to-day movement.

Product reviews:
Owners usually rate chewables highly for ease of use—especially when dogs refuse capsules or powders. Many reviews focus on improved “get up and go” over a few weeks of consistent use.

Product price:
Usually positioned as affordable to mid-range, depending on pack size and formula strength.

Where to buy:
Available as part of the SuperDog range (browse: SuperDog Joints & Bones via SuperDog)

Pros:

• Chewable = better compliance

• Broad, multi-ingredient approach

• Good daily maintenance option

Cons:

• Some dogs prefer tablets over chews

• Multi-ingredient blends vary by batch/label—always check dosing

How to use:
Give daily with food. For the best assessment, use consistently for 4–8 weeks before judging results.

Editor’s comments:
If you’re choosing just one product to start with, a chewable, broad-spectrum option is usually the most realistic “stick with it” pick.

 

Welzo Pet Joint Support for Dogs – 300 Tablets (Best Value for Long-Term Use)

 

Why it has been selected:
Best value because long-term joint support depends on daily use; larger pack sizes usually work out cheaper per day and reduce restocking gaps.

Product description:
A tablet-based joint support formula aimed at daily mobility maintenance. Tablet formats suit dogs that will take pills in food or owners who prefer dosing precision.

Product reviews:
Common feedback themes are “good value,” “easy to keep consistent,” and noticeable improvements in daily movement after sustained use.

Product price:
Strong long-term value due to the larger tablet count.

Where to buy:
Welzo Pet Joint Support for Dogs – 300 Tablets.

Pros:

• Best cost-per-day for ongoing support

• Simple daily routine

• Convenient for multi-dog households

Cons:

• Tablets may be harder for picky dogs than chews

• Bigger packs are less ideal if you’re only trialling

How to use:
Daily with food. Track change in walks/, jumping/stairs across 30–60 days.

Editor’s comments:
This is the “commitment” option—best when you already know your dog benefits from daily joint support.

Welzo Pet Joint Support – 120 Tablets (Best for Smaller Dogs or Trial Use)

 

Why it has been selected:
Best for trial use because it lets owners test the response without committing to a large supply.

Product description:
A smaller-format version designed for the same daily joint-support goal, but more practical for small breeds or first-time buyers.

Product reviews:
Reviews often highlight it as a sensible starter pack and easier to finish while still within a proper evaluation window.

Product price:
Typically higher per tablet than larger packs, but lower upfront cost.

Where to buy:
Welzo Pet Joint Support – 120 Tablets.

Pros:

• Lower upfront spend

• Ideal for smaller dogs

• Great for “does this help?” testing

Cons:

• Not the best long-term cost per day

• You may need to reorder quickly for continuous use

How to use:
Use daily for 4–8 weeks, then reassess.

Editor’s comments:
If you’re unsure your dog will tolerate a supplement, start here—then scale up.

NOW Pets Joint Support Soft Chews (Best Chewable Alternative)

 

Why it has been selected:
Chosen as a strong alternative when owners want a non-Welzo chewable format, or when dogs refuse tablets.

Product description:
A chewable joint formula is typically positioned as a multi-ingredient support blend, designed for ongoing mobility maintenance.

Product reviews:
Often praised for palatability and convenience.

Product price:
Mid-range.

Where to buy:
Available via Welzo, where stocked (search within Pet Supplements).

Pros:

• Chew format improves compliance

• Practical daily use

Cons:

• Chews may include flavourings some owners avoid

• Dosing can be less flexible than powders/liquids

How to use:
Daily, ideally with meals.

Editor’s comments:
A good “plan B” if tablets are causing daily battles.

 

NOW Pets Omega-3 Support Softgels (Best for Adding Omega-3 Into a Joint Plan)

Why it has been selected:
Chosen as the best omega-3 add-on because EPA and DHA are among the most evidence-supported nutrients for canine joint comfort and mobility. This product is well-suited to complement tablet or chew-based joint supplements where omega-3 intake may otherwise be low.

Product description:
NOW Pets Omega-3 Support provides marine-sourced omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, in a softgel format designed for dogs and cats. Omega-3s are widely used in long-term joint management plans to support inflammatory balance, joint comfort, and overall mobility, particularly in dogs with age-related stiffness or osteoarthritis risk.

Product reviews:
Reviews commonly highlight improved coat condition, ease of use, and good tolerance. Many owners use this product alongside a separate joint supplement rather than as a standalone mobility solution.

Product price:
Mid-range, depending on pack size and retailer.

Where to buy:
Available via Welzo, where stocked, within the Pet Supplements category.

Pros:
Provides EPA and DHA with strong joint-health evidence
Easy to combine with existing joint supplements
Softgel format suits dogs that refuse tablets or chews

Cons:
Not a complete joint formula on its own
Fish oil may cause loose stools if overdosed

How to use:
Give daily with food, following weight-based dosing on the label. Start at the lower end of the range and adjust gradually if needed.

Editor’s comments:
One of the most effective upgrades you can add to an existing joint routine. Best used alongside a cartilage or multi-ingredient joint supplement rather than alone.

ThorneVet Joint Support Formula – 120 Soft Chews (Best “All-Rounder” Mobility Blend)

 

 

Why it has been selected:
Chosen as the best all-rounder because it combines multiple evidence-supported joint ingredients into a single daily chew, making it suitable for dogs that benefit from a broader mobility approach rather than a single-ingredient focus.

Product description:
ThorneVet Joint Support Formula is a chewable, multi-ingredient joint supplement designed to support cartilage health, connective tissue integrity, and overall joint comfort. The formula typically includes a combination of structural joint nutrients and supportive compounds intended for long-term mobility maintenance rather than short-term relief.

Product reviews:
Reviews commonly highlight good palatability and ease of daily use, particularly for dogs that resist tablets. Owners often describe it as a “complete” joint chew suitable for consistent, everyday supplementation.

Product price:
Mid-to-premium range, reflecting practitioner-led formulation and ingredient quality.

Where to buy:
Available via Welzo, where stocked, within Pet Supplements.

Pros:
Multi-ingredient blend covers several joint-support pathways
Chewable format improves long-term compliance
Suitable for daily, ongoing mobility support

Cons:
Higher price point than single-ingredient options
Not ideal if targeting one specific nutrient only

How to use:
Give daily with food according to weight-based guidance. For best results, use consistently for at least 4–8 weeks before assessing changes in mobility.

Editor’s comments:
A strong choice if you want a single, comprehensive joint chew rather than stacking multiple products. Works well as a core joint supplement, with omega-3s added separately if needed.

Features and Benefits of Dog Joint Supplements

Key features of high-quality joint supplements:

• Clear per-serving dosing (not just “proprietary blend”)

• Suitable format for your dog (chew vs tablet vs oil)

• Ingredients aligned to your goal (cartilage support vs comfort support vs both)

Benefits owners typically seek:

• Easier rising after rest

• More willingness to walk

• Better comfort on stairs/jumps

• More consistent day-to-day movement

How We Ranked These Dog Joint Supplements (Evaluation Criteria)

We ranked products using criteria that matter for canine joints:

1. Compliance (will your dog actually take it daily?)

2. Ingredient relevance (omega-3s, glucosamine/chondroitin, and well-structured blends)

3. Label clarity (dosages disclosed, not hidden behind blends)

4. Long-term value (cost-per-day and pack practicality)

5. Realistic use (fits into a routine without hassle)

We also considered that prevalence estimates in dogs vary widely depending on study population (primary care vs referral data), but OA remains a major quality-of-life issue in practice.

How to Use Joint Supplements for Dogs (Best Practices)

• Give daily (inconsistent dosing is the #1 reason people think “it didn’t work”).

• Allow 4–8 weeks before judging results.

• Use measurable “mobility markers”: time to stand, eagerness on walks, stair comfort, jumping confidence.

• Pair with weight management where relevant—extra bodyweight increases joint load and can worsen mobility over time.

• If your dog is on medication or has a diagnosed joint disease, coordinate supplements with your vet.

Side Effects & Interactions

Most dogs tolerate joint supplements well, but watch for:

• Mild digestive upset (especially when starting)

• Sensitivity to certain flavourings in chews

• Fish oil side effects (looser stools) if dosing is too high

If your dog is on NSAIDs or other long-term meds, discuss combinations with your vet—particularly if adding multiple anti-inflammatory botanicals.

Safety and Regulatory Considerations in the UK

In the UK, joint supplements for dogs are regulated as complementary feeds rather than medicines. This means they must be safe and accurately labelled but cannot claim to treat or cure disease.

The UK Food Standards Agency outlines the regulatory framework governing animal feed and complementary pet products.
Source:
https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/animal-feed-legislation

Reputable manufacturers focus on supportive claims such as mobility, comfort, and maintenance rather than therapeutic outcomes.

When Veterinary Advice Is Recommended

Joint supplements should not replace veterinary assessment. Professional advice is recommended if a dog shows sudden lameness, persistent pain, or reduced mobility that worsens despite supplementation.

The British Veterinary Association emphasises the importance of early diagnosis and tailored management for musculoskeletal conditions in animals.
Source:
https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/our-policies/osteoarthritis-in-animals/

This reinforces the role of supplements as supportive tools within a broader veterinary-led care plan.

External References 

For Omega 3:

The Riney Canine Health Center at Cornell University explains that joint supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation and improve joint function in dogs with orthopedic conditions.
Source:
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/how-joint-supplements-can-help-orthopedic-conditions

UK veterinary guidance similarly notes that omega-3 fatty acids have the strongest evidence base among nutraceuticals used for canine osteoarthritis management.
Source:
https://www.vetspecialists.co.uk/fact-sheets-post/neutraceuticals-dietary-supplements/

This is why omega-3 supplementation is commonly recommended as a foundational component of long-term joint management, rather than a short-term fix.

For glucosamine and chondroitin:

Veterinary reviews indicate that evidence for glucosamine and chondroitin in dogs is mixed. A large systematic review published in an open-access veterinary journal concluded that clinical efficacy is variable and not consistently demonstrated across studies.
Source:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9499673/

Despite this, many veterinarians and pet owners continue to use these compounds due to their favourable safety profile and potential benefit when combined with other supportive ingredients, particularly omega-3 fatty acids.
Source:
https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/glucosamine-for-dogs

 

For Green-Lipped Mussel and Marine Extracts:

A peer-reviewed article available via PubMed Central reports that marine lipid extracts, including green-lipped mussel, may improve clinical signs of joint disease in dogs by supporting inflammatory balance.
Source:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9929184/

While not considered a standalone solution, green-lipped mussel is commonly used as part of a broader joint support strategy.

For Joint Support:

The Royal Veterinary College’s VetCompass programme highlights overweight status as a significant risk factor for osteoarthritis in dogs.
Source:
https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/news/osteoarthritis-in-dogs

This reinforces the importance of viewing joint supplements as part of a wider mobility and lifestyle approach rather than a single solution.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the best joint supplement for dogs in the UK?

For most owners, the “best” is the one your dog will take every day. A chewable multi-ingredient option like SuperDog is usually the most practical starting point.

Do dog joint supplements really work?

They can help support comfort and mobility, but results vary. Daily consistency and choosing the right ingredients matter more than chasing the “strongest” label.

How long do joint supplements take to work in dogs?

Most owners assess changes over 4–8 weeks of consistent daily use.

Should I choose chews, tablets, or oil?

Chews are best for compliance, tablets for dosing simplicity, and oils (omega-3s) are great when you want targeted comfort support.

Is glucosamine and chondroitin enough on its own?

Some dogs respond, but many do better with a broader plan that also includes omega-3s and lifestyle support.

Are omega-3 oils good for dog joints?

Yes—omega-3s are widely used in canine joint plans and are one of the most common “foundational” add-ons for comfort support.

Can I give joint supplements to a young dog?

If your dog has early stiffness, is a large/fast-growing breed, or has a known joint condition, ask your vet. Joint support is not only for seniors.

What signs suggest my dog may need joint support?

Stiffness after rest, slower walking pace, reluctance to jump, and reduced play/zoomies are common early signs.

Are there side effects from joint supplements?

Usually mild (digestive upset) and often avoided by starting with food and building up gradually.

Do joint supplements replace pain medication?

No. Supplements can complement a plan, but diagnosed OA often needs a vet-led treatment strategy.