We all want our furry friends to lead active, pain-free lives in good health, and joint health is critical for maintaining mobility and enjoyment of life - especially as dogs age. But, did you know that up to half of dogs experience joint inflammation? It’s not only an “old dog” thing. While there are many supplements on the market, not all are created equal. Below, we highlight six safe and effective food-based ingredients that are known for their beneficial effects on canine joint health and mobility.

1. Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring 'amino saccharide' that helps to maintain cartilage structure and reduce joint inflammation.

Benefits

Glucosamine is a commonly used joint health ingredient found in human and canine supplements to provide support for inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis. It’s considered a chondroprotective agent, meaning it assists in the treatment and prevention of cartilage breakdown in the joints.

Results from using glucosamine, alone, may vary between dogs, which is why it is best used in combination with other joint-supportive and anti-inflammatory ingredients to achieve better, more reliable outcomes.

Sources: Glucosamine is naturally sourced from shellfish shells, however many supplements use a cheaper, synthetic version.

2. Chondroitin

Chondroitin is a naturally-occurring compound found in cartilage around joints in the body.

Benefits

Chondroitin sulfate supports joint health by helping to maintain the structural integrity of cartilage and prevent its breakdown. It works by absorbing fluid into the connective tissue and providing essential nutrients to assist cartilage repair and regeneration.

Chondroitin also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce joint pain and help improve mobility in dogs with joint disorders. It is often used in combination with glucosamine for synergistic effects..

Sources: Chondroitin is commonly derived from bovine cartilage.

3. Green-Lipped Mussel

Green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) is a shellfish native to New Zealand, known for its anti-inflammatory properties and abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.

Benefits

Mostly known for its proven joint health benefits in canines, the general anti-inflammatory properties of green-lipped mussel powder can also be beneficial for inflammatory conditions of the skin. These anti-inflammatory effects are mainly driven by the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA.

Green-lipped mussel is complementary to chondroitin, glucosamine and turmeric, offering additional benefits that promote movement and mobility outcomes.

Sources: Available in whole mussel, powder or capsule form, green-lipped mussel can be added to your dog’s diet as a treat or supplement.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant and has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, mainly for its anti-inflammatory activity.

Benefits

Turmeric, and its primary active component, curcumin, has received increasing attention in the field of veterinary science for its associations with the reduction in inflammation throughout the body, especially relating to joints.

Turmeric may offer broader health and wellness benefits due to its antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antioxidant properties. Some practitioners and pet parents have noted that while taking turmeric-containing supplements for joint care, dogs have also shown improvements in other chronic inflammatory conditions of the gut and skin.

Sources: Turmeric can be purchased whole, as a powder, or as an ingredient in a supplemental blend.

5. Bone Broth

Bone broth is a nutrient-rich liquid made by simmering bones and connective tissues from animals such as cows (beef bone broth) or chickens.

Benefits

Bone broth powder is rich in easily digestible and absorbable nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and collagen peptides, all of which support joint health. Although it does contain glucosamine and chondroitin, these compounds make up only about 4-5% of the total weight, making bone broth powder a beneficial complement to, rather than a replacement for, other joint-promoting ingredients.

Sources: Bone broth liquid can be easily made at home, however powdered form is much easier to purchase from a reputable store.

6. Collagen

Collagen is a type of protein derived from the skin, bones, and muscles of animals that provides structure to bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.

Benefits

Collagen is helpful in strengthening joints and connective tissue while providing structure and integrity for skin, coat and nails.

The supply of protein, peptides and amino acids are important over the lifespan of dogs, especially as they age, where joints experience some degradation and loss of mobility.

Sources: Collagen is available in powder form and comes in various types that have different properties.

What a coincidence!

The VITAL DOG Multi-Benefit Wellness Blend is our dog multivitamin supplement containing all 6 ingredients that we have highlighted, above, plus many more. When it comes to joint health and mobility, it can be beneficial to supplement proactively, to help reduce the likelihood and speed that joint issues begin to present, rather than waiting to address issues that do arise. Whether you choose our products, or any others, opt for real functional food ingredients while doing your best to avoid synthetic additives and any ingredients that are pro-inflammatory which may exacerbate joint pain. In addition to supplements, we advocate soft, chewable and meaty bones that aren'y just great for dental hygiene, but offer an array of nutritional building blocks for healthy joint maintenance as well.

For more information on VITAL DOG Multi-Benefit Wellness Blend, the ingredients we use, or the other seven areas of their health that we support, click here.