This guide is for general information and is not veterinary advice. Always talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s health.
If your dog has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis (see our guide to dog arthritis), supplements can be a useful part of the plan, but they are not all equal. This guide ranks the common options by how strong the research is, so you can spend your money where it is most likely to help. Always ask your veterinarian before starting a supplement, especially if your dog takes medication or has a health condition.
Supplements are one part of an arthritis plan
Veterinary guidelines put the biggest wins elsewhere: keeping your dog lean, regular gentle exercise, pain medication prescribed by your vet when needed, and a home setup that limits slips and jumps. Supplements work best alongside these, not instead of them.
Ranked by strength of evidence
| Supplement | Evidence in dogs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 (EPA + DHA, fish oil) | Strongest | Several controlled trials show improved mobility and, in some, lower pain-medication needs. Dose by EPA + DHA with your vet. |
| Green-lipped mussel | Moderate | Some trials show improvements in pain and mobility scores. Contains its own omega-3s. |
| Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) | Limited but promising | A few small studies with positive results; more research needed. |
| Glucosamine and chondroitin | Weak and mixed | Very safe and widely used, but reviews find inconsistent benefits. |
| ASU (avocado/soybean unsaponifiables) | Limited | Found in Dasuquin; mostly lab and small clinical data. |
| MSM, turmeric/curcumin, CBD | Limited or unclear | Small or low-quality studies; talk to your vet, especially about CBD and drug interactions. |
Summary based on veterinary reviews of nutraceuticals for canine osteoarthritis. Research changes over time.
1. Omega-3 fatty acids
Fish oil rich in EPA and DHA has the best support of any arthritis supplement for dogs. The key is dose: many joint chews contain only a few milligrams of omega-3, far below what studies used. A separate fish oil, dosed by your vet according to your dog’s weight, is usually needed. Introduce it gradually to avoid soft stools, and tell your vet if your dog has a bleeding disorder or pancreatitis history.
2. Green-lipped mussel
Made from a New Zealand shellfish, green-lipped mussel contains omega-3s and other compounds that may reduce joint inflammation. It is a reasonable second step, either as a standalone product or within a combination chew. Avoid it for dogs with shellfish allergies.
3. Glucosamine and chondroitin
The classic joint duo. Results are mixed, but they are safe and some dogs seem to benefit. Read our glucosamine for dogs guide for dosage and side effects.
How to try a supplement the smart way
- Change one thing at a time so you can tell what helps.
- Give it 6 to 8 weeks at the label dose.
- Track simple signs: how easily your dog stands up, walk length, stairs, stiffness after rest.
- Stop if you see no change, and check with your vet before combining several products.
- Never give human products without vet approval: some contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Home changes that help arthritic dogs
- A dog ramp for the bed, couch or car instead of jumping
- Rugs or runners on slippery floors
- A thick, supportive orthopedic bed
- Short, frequent walks instead of one long one
FAQ
What is the best supplement for a dog with arthritis?
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil have the strongest evidence. Green-lipped mussel is a reasonable addition. Ask your vet for a dose.
Can supplements replace arthritis medication?
No. They may reduce the need for medication in some dogs, but dogs in pain need a vet assessment and proper pain control.
Are joint chews enough on their own?
Usually not, because most contain little omega-3. See our best dog joint supplements guide for how to combine products.
Keep reading
- Hip Dysplasia Treatment Without Surgery: What Actually Helps
- First Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: What to Watch For
- Cosequin vs Dasuquin: Differences, Ingredients and Which to Choose
- Wuffes Joint Supplement Review: Ingredients, Dosage and Who It Suits
Sources
- Vandeweerd JM, et al. Systematic review of efficacy of nutraceuticals to alleviate clinical signs of osteoarthritis. J Vet Intern Med. 2012;26(3):448–456. View source
- Barbeau-Grégoire M, et al. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of enriched therapeutic diets and nutraceuticals in canine and feline osteoarthritis. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(18):10384. View source
- Roush JK, et al. Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2010;236(1):59–66. View source
- Bierer TL, Bui LM. Improvement of arthritic signs in dogs fed green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus). J Nutr. 2002;132(6 Suppl 2):1634S–1636S. View source
- Bhathal A, et al. Glucosamine and chondroitin use in canines for osteoarthritis: a review. Open Vet J. 2017;7(1):36–49. View source
- Kealy RD, et al. Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002;220(9):1315–1320. View source
- Mlacnik E, et al. Effects of caloric restriction and a moderate or intense physiotherapy program for treatment of lameness in overweight dogs with osteoarthritis. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2006;229(11):1756–1760. View source
Last reviewed: November 2026. Prices and specifications change; check the retailer before you buy.