What Joint Supplement Should I Choose for my Dog?

Joint supplements can make a great addition to a multimodal approach to managing arthritis, or as a pre-emptive health care for your dog, and there’s plenty of options!

We try to bring some clarity to the wide world that is Joint Nutraceuticals. We’ve broken down some key information regarding best-selling joint supplements, including cost per day (based on a 20kg pooch, correct as of April 2024).

Please note active ingredients may be per chew/tablet, however the dose per day for your pet may not be this, meaning your pet may not receive the stated active ingredients per day.

4CYTE Epiitalis Gel
Available in 50ml, 100ml or 200mls (Granule version also available, see below). Cat version also available.
Cost: 50ml – $43. 100ml – $56.70. 200ml – $103.95
Cost per day for a 20kg dog: $0.78 (based on maintenance dose of 1.5ml and 200ml bottle – 133 day supply for a 20kg dog)
Active Ingredients: Epiitalis Forte – A patented herbal seed oil from Biota orientalis
Point of difference: 4CYTE Gel is a unique and single active ingredient product, which means your not doubling up with other joint products active ingredients. The 4CYTE Gel does not require a loading dose. The unique cream flavored gel has been palatability tested by Melbourne University in clinical trials with great results. 

4CYTE Granules
Available in 50g and 100g packets. 50g packet contains 125 scoops, and the 100g contains 250 scoops. Can also be used for cats. 
Cost:  50g – $49.68. 100g – $83.70
Cost per day for a 20kg dog: $0.67 (based on the maintenance dose of 2 scoops a day and 100g size)
Active Ingredients: Epiitalis (plant extract), Green Lipped Mussel (perna canaliculus), Abalone (Laiotis iris), Marine Cartilage and Rosemary Extract.
Point of difference: 4CYTE’s Unique Epiitalis ingredient combined with the notorious Green Lipped Mussel. This product has a loading dose. 

Synoquin EFA
30 pack of either tablets or capsules in 3 different sizes (Small, Medium and Large Breed). Cat version also available! 
Cost: $40.17 for 30 Medium Breed tablets  (multi-buy discount available)
Cost per day for a 20kg dog: $1.34 (based on maintenance dose of 1 tablet per day Medium Breed tablets)
Active Ingredients per tablet: Glucosamine Hcl 360mg, Chondrotin Sulphate 135mg, Dexahan, 135mg, Absorbic Acid 35mg , Zinc Sulphate 20mg
Point of difference: Dexahan is Synoquin’s specific purified Krill Oil which provides Omega 3 fatty acids. Available as either a chewable tablet or capsule to break open and sprinkle on food. Requires a 6 week loading dose of 3 tablets per day.

Glyde
Available in 60 pack and 120 pack of chews
Cost: 60 pack – $58,  120 pack – $98
Cost per day for a 20kg dog: $0.82 (based on maintenance dose of 1 chew daily and 120 pack size)
Active Ingredients per chew: Glucosamine Hcl 570mg, Chondroitin Sulfate Sodium (Bovine Origin) 285mg, Green Lipped Mussel Powder 760mg.
Point of difference: Bovine origin chondroitin does not come from shark cartilage. Requires a loading dose of 1 chew per 10kg body weight for 4-6 weeks. Fun and tasty heart shaped chews.

Paw OsteoCare

500g pack (approx 100 chews)
Cost: $55
Cost per day for a 20kg dog: $0.55 (based on maintenance dose of one chew once daily for 20kg dog)
Active Ingredients per chew: Glucosamine Sulphate 500mg, Chondroitin Sulphate (250mg), MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), Manganese Gluconate, Vitamin C
Point of difference: Tasty fish and chickpea based chews. Recommended loading dose of 2 chews daily for 4 weeks for a 20kg dog. 

Grand Mobility
60 Beef flavoured wafers
Cost: $48.95
Cost per day for a 20kg dog: $0.82 (based on maintenance dose of one wafer daily for a 20kg dog)
Active Ingredients per wafer: Glucosamine 300mg (shellfish source) , Chondroitin Sulfate 10mg (poultry source), MSM 125mg, Type II Collagen  50mg, Omega 3 Fatty Acids 47mg, Omega 6 Fatty Acids 19.5mg, Vitamin C 25mg, Zinc 5mg, Manganese 6.25mg, Hyaluronic Acid 5mg, Copper  (Cu)(min) 1.25mg
Point of difference: Loading dose required for 3-4 weeks

Bomazeal Mobilize 
100 tablets, or 300 tablets
Cost: 100 tablets – $51.94, 300 tablets – $131.44
Cost per day for a 20kg dog: $0.88 (based on suggested daily intake of 2 tablets for 20 kg dog and a 300 tablet pack)
Active Ingredients per tablet (please note dose for 20kg dog is 2 tablets): NZ Green Lipped Mussel Extract 175mg, Shark Cartilage 100mg, Deer Velvet 25mg, Enzogenol 5mg
Point of difference: It is the only nutraceutical with an ACVM approved label claim to aid in the treatment of non-infectious inflammatory joint disease, arthritis, and osteoarthritis in dogs.

Sashas Blend
250g Powder
Cost: $92.00
Cost per day for a 20kg dog: $0.57 (based on maintenance dose of 3/4 scoop once daily)
Key Ingredients (amounts not stated) : Stabilised green-lipped mussel, Abalone, Marine cartilage.
Point of difference: 250g will last a 20kg dog 145 days. 

MyBeau Bone & Joint
Food Enhancer available in 150ml, 300ml or 1.5L
Cost: 150ml – $18, 300ml – $29, 1.5L – $129
Cost per day for a 20kg dog: $1.032 (based on maintenance dose of 12ml daily for a 20kg dog and a 1.5L size)
Guaranteed Analysis per 30mls (please note the daily dose for a 20kg dog is only 12ml): Green Lipped Mussel 260mg, Chondroitin Sulphate 250mg, Glucosamine Sulphate 1005mg, Omega 3 1.54g, Omega 6 3.3g, Biotin 27.5ug, Vitamin A 4050iu, Vitamin D 255iu, Vitamin E 45mg, Vitamin B1 1.05mg, Vitamin B2 1.3mg, Vitamin B6 0.55mg, Vitamin B12 12ug, Niacin 5.6mg, Calcium Pantothenate 6.2mg, Folic Acid 0.12mg, Selenium 0.1mg*
Point of difference: Formulated by Massey University Food Technology Department in Palmerston North. Do not use at the same time as any other selenised product without consulting a veterinarian or nutritionist.