Best Joint Supplements for Puppies

By PetEssentialist Team · Updated July 2026 · How we review

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🏆 Quick answer

Our top pick is Nutramax Cosequin DS PLUS MSM Chewable Tablets — best for Large and giant breeds. Why it wins: Effective blend of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM.

Puppies grow at an incredible rate, with some large breeds increasing their birth weight by 50-60 times in the first year alone. This rapid growth puts immense pressure on their developing joints, making joint health a top priority from an early age. As puppies navigate the challenges of house- and crate-training, high energy levels, and developing teeth, their joints are constantly being tested. The right joint supplement can help support healthy joint development, reducing the risk of future problems such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and patellar luxation. Large and giant breeds, in particular, require careful consideration when it comes to joint supplements, as they are more prone to joint issues due to their size and rapid growth rates. By investing in a high-quality joint supplement, owners can help give their puppies the best possible start in life.

What to look for

Dosing by Body Weight

When selecting a joint supplement for puppies, it's essential to choose a product that can be dosed according to body weight. This ensures that the puppy receives the correct amount of active ingredients, supporting optimal joint health. Owners should look for products with clear dosing instructions and a range of sizes to accommodate different breeds and growth stages.

Key Ingredients

Puppies require a unique blend of ingredients to support joint health, including glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. Owners should prioritize products that contain these ingredients in effective concentrations, as well as additional nutrients such as hyaluronic acid and antioxidants.

Size and Format

Puppies have small mouths and sensitive stomachs, making it crucial to choose a joint supplement that is easy to administer and digest. Owners should opt for products that come in a soft chew or small tablet format, reducing the risk of choking hazards and making it simpler to give the supplement as part of a daily routine.

Brand Reputation and Quality

When selecting a joint supplement for puppies, owners should prioritize products from reputable brands that adhere to high-quality standards. Look for products that carry certifications such as NASC and have a proven track record of safety and efficacy.

Our top picks

SponsoredHow we choose →

#	Product	Best for
1	Nutramax Cosequin DS PLUS MSM Chewable Tablets	Large and giant breeds
2	Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews	Puppies with joint issues
3	VetriScience GlycoFlex 3 Hip & Joint Support	Puppies with high energy levels
4	Zesty Paws Mobility Bites Hip & Joint Supplement	Puppies with sensitive stomachs
5	Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Plus MSM & HA Soft Chews	Puppies with severe joint issues

Nutramax Cosequin DS PLUS MSM Chewable Tablets

Best for Large and giant breeds

The Nutramax Cosequin DS PLUS MSM Chewable Tablets are a top choice for puppies, particularly large and giant breeds. These tablets contain a potent blend of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, supporting optimal joint health and reducing the risk of future problems. The chewable format makes administration easy, and the product is NASC quality certified for added peace of mind.

✓ Effective blend of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM
✓ Easy to administer chewable format
✓ NASC quality certified

✕ May be too large for small breeds

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Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews

Best for Puppies with joint issues

The Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews are a highly effective joint supplement for puppies, containing a unique blend of ASU, glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. The soft chew format makes administration easy, and the product is particularly suited to puppies that are already showing signs of joint issues.

✓ Unique blend of ASU, glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM
✓ Soft chew format for easy administration
✓ Highly effective for puppies with joint issues

✕ More expensive than some other options

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VetriScience GlycoFlex 3 Hip & Joint Support

Best for Puppies with high energy levels

The VetriScience GlycoFlex 3 Hip & Joint Support is a high-potency joint supplement that is particularly suited to puppies with high energy levels. The product contains a unique blend of Perna canaliculus, glucosamine, MSM, and DMG, supporting optimal joint health and reducing the risk of future problems.

✓ High-potency formula for high-energy puppies
✓ Unique blend of ingredients
✓ Supports optimal joint health

✕ May be too potent for smaller breeds

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Zesty Paws Mobility Bites Hip & Joint Supplement

Best for Puppies with sensitive stomachs

The Zesty Paws Mobility Bites Hip & Joint Supplement is a highly palatable joint supplement that is particularly suited to puppies with sensitive stomachs. The product contains a blend of glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and CoQ10, supporting optimal joint health and reducing the risk of future problems.

✓ Highly palatable for puppies with sensitive stomachs
✓ Contains a blend of effective ingredients
✓ Easy to administer

✕ May not be as potent as some other options

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Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Plus MSM & HA Soft Chews

Best for Puppies with severe joint issues

The Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Plus MSM & HA Soft Chews are a highly potent joint supplement that is particularly suited to puppies with severe joint issues. The product contains a blend of glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and hyaluronic acid, supporting optimal joint health and reducing the risk of future problems.

✓ Highly potent formula for severe joint issues
✓ Contains a blend of effective ingredients
✓ Easy to administer

✕ May be too expensive for some owners

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best age to start giving joint supplements to puppies?

The best age to start giving joint supplements to puppies depends on the individual breed and size. Generally, it is recommended to start giving joint supplements to puppies from 8-12 weeks of age, as this is when they begin to develop their joints and require additional support.

Can I give my puppy human joint supplements?

No, it is not recommended to give human joint supplements to puppies. Human joint supplements are formulated for adult humans and may contain ingredients that are not safe for puppies. Additionally, the dosing instructions for human joint supplements are not suitable for puppies, and giving them to your puppy could cause adverse reactions.

How long does it take to see results from joint supplements in puppies?

The time it takes to see results from joint supplements in puppies can vary depending on the individual breed, size, and product. Generally, owners can expect to see improvements in joint health within 4-6 weeks of starting a joint supplement, but it may take longer to see significant results.

Can I give my puppy joint supplements with other medications?

It is always best to consult with a veterinarian before giving your puppy joint supplements with other medications. Some medications may interact with joint supplements, causing adverse reactions or reducing their effectiveness. Your veterinarian can help you determine the safest and most effective way to give your puppy joint supplements with other medications.

Are joint supplements safe for puppies to take long-term?

Yes, joint supplements are generally safe for puppies to take long-term, as long as they are given according to the recommended dosing instructions and under the guidance of a veterinarian. However, it is essential to monitor your puppy's health and adjust their joint supplement regimen as needed to ensure they receive the best possible support for their joint health.

When it comes to choosing the best joint supplement for puppies, owners should prioritize products that contain a blend of effective ingredients, are easy to administer, and are suitable for their puppy's individual needs. By investing in a high-quality joint supplement and following the recommended dosing instructions, owners can help give their puppies the best possible start in life and support their long-term joint health.

Best Joint Supplements for other breeds

The same category, matched to a different breed.