Joint supplements for dogs, displayed against a background of a dog x-ray. The x-ray has the joints in the dog's back legs highlighted in red.

As pets get older—or even while they’re still in their prime—their joints can begin to feel the effects of everyday wear and tear. Whether it’s struggling to get up the stairs, slowing down on walks, or just seeming stiff after a nap, joint issues are incredibly common in dogs. With 1 in 5 dogs affected by arthritis, it's never too late to start thinking about preserving your pet's mobility.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

  • What causes joint problems in dogs

  • Signs your dog might need joint support

  • Key ingredients to look for in joint supplements

  • Our top product picks for natural joint care

Why Do Dogs Develop Joint Problems?

The musculoskeletal system (which includes bones, joints, cartilage, ligaments and muscles) enables dogs to move, run, play and explore. But over time, this system can be affected by:

  • Repetitive wear and tear

  • Poor nutrition

  • Injury or trauma

  • Obesity or excess weight

  • Genetic predisposition (common in large breeds)

The most common joint condition is osteoarthritis (OA), a progressive, degenerative disease in which the smooth cartilage that cushions the joints begins to wear away.

Is My Dog in Pain? Look Out for These Signs

Pets are excellent at hiding discomfort, so signs of joint issues can be subtle. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Slowing down on walks

  • Stiffness when getting up or lying down

  • Trouble jumping into the car or onto furniture

  • Hesitation using stairs

  • Changes in behaviour or mood

  • Lameness or limping

  • Muscle loss around the hips or shoulders

If you notice any of these signs, your dog may benefit from a joint supplement. We would always advise speaking to your vet if you are concerned, or if your dog's symptoms worsen.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Whilst all senior dogs are likely to slow down eventually, certain factors make some individuals more likely to develop joint problems. These include:

  • Large breeds (e.g. Labradors, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Great Danes)

  • Overweight pets, as excess fat puts mechanical and inflammatory stress on joints

  • Highly active or working dogs

A golden retriever dog practicing agility

Natural Joint Support for Dogs

Joint supplements can’t reverse damage, but they support cartilage health, reduce inflammation, and improve comfort and mobility. Look for these key ingredients:

Glucosamine and Chondroitin
These naturally occurring compounds are the building blocks of cartilage. Together, they:

  • Stimulate new cartilage growth

  • Improve lubrication in the joints

  • Reduce the breakdown of joint tissues

  • Decrease stiffness and discomfort

They can take several weeks to build up in the body, so consistency is key.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
A natural form of sulphur that helps reduce inflammation and supports collagen production in connective tissues.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA)
Found in fish oil and green-lipped mussel, these help reduce joint inflammation, making them ideal for pets with arthritis.

Green-Lipped Mussel
Alongside the Omega-3 content, this New Zealand shellfish is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, plus:

  • Zinc, copper and manganese

  • Antioxidant vitamins (E and C)

  • Glutamine for tissue repair

Curcumin (Turmeric)
A powerful antioxidant and natural anti-inflammatory that helps block the pathways involved in pain and swelling.

Boswellia Serrata
A resin extract of the Frankincense tree that helps to reduce inflammation and pain, without the harsh side effects that NSAIDs can have. A 2004 Swiss study by Reichling J et al showed Boswellia to significantly reduce clinical signs of arthritis in 71% of dogs in the study after 6 weeks of treatment.


Our Top Supplement Picks

Here’s how we recommend building a comprehensive joint support routine:

  1. Determine your dog's needs

    Ask yourself what level of support your dog needs at this moment. Are you looking for preventative care for a young dog, or supporting an already-arthritic senior?

    While it can be tempting to start off on the highest strength supplement you can find, you'll run out of options when you eventually need to up the ante. Some of our joint supplements offer varying levels of support, such as the Riaflex and Winston & Porter range, or you can check the ingredients tab on any product to compare the levels of active ingredients

  2. Start with a broad-spectrum joint supplement

Look for supplements that contain high levels of the active, building block ingredients for healthy joints mentioned above.

Some of our favourites include:

All three of these products are powders that mix easily with wet food and provide great value per serving.

What if my dog needs more support?

If you know your dog is slowing down, is suffering with arthritis, or is a sport dog working hard, you may want to consider choosing a stronger supplement.

  • Instead of Riaflex Joint Plus HA, try Riaflex Joint Plus Pro, £67
    This high-strength supplement provides all of the benefits of Joint Plus HA, alongside Green Lipped Mussel for added omega-3.
    Riaflex Joint Plus Pro
  • Instead of Winston & Porter Hip and Joint, try Winston & Porter Hip and Joint PLUS, from £38.99
    Winston & Porter Hip and Joint PLUS

2. Add collagen for structure and strength
Collagen supports cartilage integrity and joint lubrication, while also benefiting the gut and skin. Bone broth is a great natural source, with the added benefit of making their dinner even tastier! Our favourites include Karnlea and Boil & Broth.

Collagen Supplements at Healthful Pets

You can shop our full range of collagen supplements for pets here, including capsules, chews, broths and supplements.


3. Support with anti-inflammatory herbs
These supportive herbs are best used alongside a core glucosamine-based joint product, and can be added to your pet's routine when they need additional support. 

Boswellia is one of our favourites—not only for its anti-arthritic effects but for its potential benefits for gut health, too.

Consider Riaflex Boswellia Powder or Capsules, or Proflax Bone & Joint Superfood as an addition to your joint routine.

Alternatively, you could opt for a joint supplement that already contains boswellia, such as ProDog Flexx, Proflax Mega Mobility or Dorwest MoveWellia

You can browse our full range of boswellia supplements for pets here.


Devil’s Claw is another traditional herb that can helps to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Used for centuries in traditional African medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, the key component of Devil’s Claw is harpagoside, a compound that has been shown to support joint health and mobility.

You can add Devil's Claw to your dog's routine by choosing Riaflex Devil's Alternative, which contains the strongest Devil's Claw extract available (5% harpagosides) alongside carefully selected amino acids and antioxidants. Looking for an individual supplement? Try Diet'Dog Senior & Mobility, which combines a blend of herbs, including Devil's Claw, to promote the body's own anti-inflammatory process, soothe stiff joints and make movement easier.

Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Joint Health

Supplements are most effective when paired with supportive lifestyle changes.

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight
    Excess weight increases both mechanical stress and inflammatory damage. Helping your pet stay lean is one of the best things you can do for their joints.

  • Feed an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
    Choose grain-free, additive-free foods made from high-quality, human-grade ingredients. Avoid sugars, fillers and synthetic preservatives that can trigger inflammation.

Joint care is essential in keeping your pet active, happy and comfortable for as long as possible. Whether your pet is already showing signs of stiffness or you’re looking to support them as they age, starting a joint supplement routine today can make a world of difference. Shop our full range of joint supplements for dogs at Healthful Pets.