Choosing the Right Joint Supplement for Pets: Vet-Approved Tips for 2025 🐕💊

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog
Published: July 7, 2025

Joint supplements are everywhere these days, promising relief for everything from mild stiffness to advanced arthritis in pets. But how do you know which products actually work—and which ones are just expensive powders? 🧐

Here’s how to confidently choose a high-quality joint supplement for your dog or cat in 2025, based on veterinary guidance and clinical research. 🐾

🏢 1. Choose a Reputable Manufacturer

Stick with companies that have a long-standing presence in veterinary medicine. Brands that have been trusted for years are far more likely to invest in:

• 🔬 Proper research and testing
• 📦 Quality control and ingredient sourcing
• 🩺 Veterinary consultation and support

💡 Avoid trendy or brand-new supplement lines that seem to pop up overnight.

📊 2. Demand Peer-Reviewed Research

Always ask this question: Has this product been studied in clinical trials? And even more importantly:

• 🧪 Was the trial published in a peer-reviewed veterinary journal?

Companies may claim “clinically tested” on their website, but if those trials aren’t accessible or peer-reviewed, they carry little scientific weight. Transparency matters!

🔍 3. Read the Label Carefully

Reputable supplements will clearly list:

• 📋 Active ingredients (e.g., glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, omega-3s)
• ⚗️ Inactive and filler ingredients
• 📏 Accurate dosage instructions
• 🧮 mg of active ingredient per scoop or chew

⚠️ If the label is vague or missing details, walk away—lack of clarity often signals a lack of quality.

📞 4. Check for Contact Info and Veterinary Support

A trustworthy company should make it easy to reach them. Look for:

• ☎️ Clear phone or email contact
• 🩺 Veterinarians or vet techs on staff to answer questions

This shows they’re committed to more than just sales—they’re invested in your pet’s health. 🐶💬

🚩 5. Watch Out for Red Flags

If a product claims to:

• 🎯 Cure arthritis overnight
• 🐕 Replace veterinary care
• 🌈 Work on “all breeds, all conditions, all ages” with zero side effects

…it’s probably too good to be true.

📝 Summary: Smart Supplement Checklist

• ✔️ Reputable company with years in animal health
• ✔️ Peer-reviewed clinical research
• ✔️ Transparent labeling (ingredients, dosage)
• ✔️ Clear contact info and vet support
• ✔️ Realistic claims and safety standards

📱 Ask A Vet Can Help

Confused by all the joint supplement options on the market? Not sure if your dog or cat needs one—or if it's working? Our veterinary team at Ask A Vet is here to help you navigate ingredients, brands, and dosage with confidence. 🐾💬

📲 Download the Ask A Vet app for personalized supplement recommendations and support for your pet’s joint health—anytime, anywhere!

Joint supplements can be a powerful tool—but only when chosen wisely. 💊🦴 Let’s keep your pet moving comfortably and living their best life. 🐶❤️

Visit AskAVet.com or download the app today to speak with a licensed vet about the best options for your pet’s mobility and comfort. 📱🐕‍🦺