Labrador Retrievers frequently top the most popular dog lists, and it’s no wonder: They’re sweet, outgoing, and lovable dogs! But like most large breeds, they are prone to joint conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. This makes joint supplements an essential part of your dog’s health routine, as they can help keep your Lab happy and healthy for their entire lives. But finding the right product can be time consuming.
So, we did the research and developed reviews of 10 of the best joint supplements for large dogs like Labradors. We hope that this will save you time and that you’ll find the right supplement for your best friend.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Nutramax Chewable Tablets
Made in the U.S.A.
Easy-to-eat tablet form with chicken flavor
Has proven effective for dogs with joint problems
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Best Value
Nutri-Vet Hip & Joint Extra Strength Wafers
Created by a vet
Made for large dogs
Crunchy peanut butter-flavored biscuits
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Premium Choice
Nutramax Dasuquin Soft Chews
Works for most dogs
For dogs over 60 pounds
Supports cartilage production
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Best for Puppies
Pet Parents Hip & Joint SoftSupps
For all ages, including puppies
Made with whole meats and veggies
Offers pain relief and supports joint tissue
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PetHonesty Hip + Joint Health Joint
Eases stiffness in the joints
Supports cartilage and tissue development
Contains anti-inflammatory
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The 10 Best Joint Supplements for Labradors
The best overall joint supplement for Labs is Nutramax’s Cosequin Maximum Strength Chewable Tablets. These are made in the U.S., and Nutramax has been in the joint health business for over 30 years.
Product form: Chewable tablet
Flavor: Chicken
Size: 60, 132, or 250 tablets
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These tablets contain naturally occurring sodium chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), all of which promote healthy cartilage in your dog’s joints. The tablets are easy to give to your dog, taste like chicken, and have been proven to be effective for dogs with joint issues.
But since these are tablets instead of soft chews, not every dog will want to eat them.
Pros
Made in the U.S.A.
Includes chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM for healthy joint cartilage
Easy-to-eat tablet form with chicken flavor
Has proven effective for dogs with joint problems
Cons
Not all dogs will want to eat the tablets
2. Nutri-Vet Hip & Joint Extra Strength Wafers for Large Dogs — Best Value
The best joint supplement for Labradors for the money is Nutri-Vet’s Hip & Joint Extra Strength Wafers for Large Dogs. These are crunchy peanut butter-flavored biscuits about 3.25 inches long and in the shape of bones.
Made in the U.S.A.
Includes chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM for healthy joint cartilage
Easy-to-eat tablet form with chicken flavor
Has proven effective for dogs with joint problems
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Includes chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM for healthy joint cartilage
- Easy-to-eat tablet form with chicken flavor
- Has proven effective for dogs with joint problems
Not all dogs will want to eat the tablets
- Not all dogs will want to eat the tablets
Product form: Crunchy biscuits
Flavor: Peanut butter
Size: 4- or 6-lb. bag
They are specifically designed for large dogs like Labs and were formulated by a veterinarian. The biscuits contain glucosamine meant for dogs 40 pounds and over, which will ease sore muscles and maintain healthy cartilage.
Unfortunately, the biscuits are hard, and some dogs, particularly seniors, might have a challenging time eating these.
Pros
Affordable
Crunchy peanut butter-flavored biscuits
Made for large dogs
Created by a vet
Enough glucosamine for dogs over 40 pounds
Cons
Hard, which might be challenging for senior dogs
Our premium pick is Nutramax’s Dasuquin Soft Chews for Large Dogs. These are expensive but contain glucosamine, chondroitin, avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), and MSM to help support your pet’s joints.
Affordable
Crunchy peanut butter-flavored biscuits
Made for large dogs
Created by a vet
Enough glucosamine for dogs over 40 pounds
- Affordable
- Crunchy peanut butter-flavored biscuits
- Made for large dogs
- Created by a vet
- Enough glucosamine for dogs over 40 pounds
Hard, which might be challenging for senior dogs
- Hard, which might be challenging for senior dogs
Product form: Soft chew
Flavor: Unflavored
Size: 84 or 150
These soft chews are meant for dogs over 60 pounds and are well-liked by many (but not all) dogs. They inhibit the enzymes that break down cartilage, and they support cartilage production.
But they are pricey, and not every dog seems to enjoy the taste.
Pros
Contains glucosamine, chondroitin, ASU, and MSM
For dogs over 60 pounds
Works for most dogs
Supports cartilage production
Cons
Expensive
Not all dogs enjoy the chews
Pet Parents Hip & Joint SoftSupps Dog Supplement is a great option for your Lab puppy, though it’s suitable for all ages. It provides pain relief and supports joint tissue with MSM, glucosamine chondroitin, and green-lipped mussels.
Contains glucosamine, chondroitin, ASU, and MSM
For dogs over 60 pounds
Works for most dogs
Supports cartilage production
- Contains glucosamine, chondroitin, ASU, and MSM
- For dogs over 60 pounds
- Works for most dogs
- Supports cartilage production
Expensive
Not all dogs enjoy the chews
- Expensive
- Not all dogs enjoy the chews
Product form: Soft chews
Flavor: Chicken
Size: 90 chews
It’s made with whole meats and veggies without any fillers, which is helpful for any puppies with food sensitivities. It’s also made in the U.S.
The only issue is that while it is effective for most dogs, it won’t necessarily work for all dogs.
Pros
For all ages, including puppies
Offers pain relief and supports joint tissue
Contains MSM, glucosamine chondroitin, and green-lipped mussels
Made with whole meats and veggies
Made in the U.S.
Cons
Doesn’t work for all dogs
PetHonesty Hip + Joint Health Joint Supplement for Dogs has glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM for joint health and flexibility. There are also things like turmeric, eggshell meal, and yucca schidigera, which work together for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
For all ages, including puppies
Offers pain relief and supports joint tissue
Contains MSM, glucosamine chondroitin, and green-lipped mussels
Made with whole meats and veggies
Made in the U.S.
- For all ages, including puppies
- Offers pain relief and supports joint tissue
- Contains MSM, glucosamine chondroitin, and green-lipped mussels
- Made with whole meats and veggies
- Made in the U.S.
Doesn’t work for all dogs
- Doesn’t work for all dogs
Product form: Soft chew
Flavor: Chicken
Size: 90 or 180 chews
All of this helps ease stiffness in the joints, supports tissue and cartilage development, and works quite well for everyday activities. These chews are chicken flavored and can make tasty treats.
However, some dogs love eating these but others don’t. This might be due in part to the turmeric.
Pros
Includes chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM for joint health
Contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
Eases stiffness in the joints
Supports cartilage and tissue development
Cons
Some dogs are put off by the smell and taste
Zesty Paws Hip & Joint Mobility Bites Soft Chews Supplement for Dogs has glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and a special form of MSM that has been purified through distillation for muscle support.
Includes chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM for joint health
Contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
Eases stiffness in the joints
Supports cartilage and tissue development
- Includes chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM for joint health
- Contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- Eases stiffness in the joints
- Supports cartilage and tissue development
Some dogs are put off by the smell and taste
- Some dogs are put off by the smell and taste
Product form: Soft chews
Flavor: Bacon or duck
Size: 90, 180, or 250 chews
These chews will support joints, hips, cartilage, and connective tissue, and there are two flavors that you can choose from, bacon and duck.
But some dogs just don’t like the treats — even dogs that aren’t typically picky! Also, it doesn’t seem to work for every dog.
Pros
The MSM has been distilled for muscle support
Supports joints, cartilage, and connective tissues
Comes in two flavors, duck or bacon
Cons
Some dogs dislike it
Doesn’t work for every dog
Virbac MOVOFLEX Soft Chews Joint Supplement for Medium to Large Dogs uses hyaluronic acid and eggshell membrane instead of glucosamine and chondroitin, and these help improve mobility and support the joints.
The MSM has been distilled for muscle support
Supports joints, cartilage, and connective tissues
Comes in two flavors, duck or bacon
- The MSM has been distilled for muscle support
- Supports joints, cartilage, and connective tissues
- Comes in two flavors, duck or bacon
Some dogs dislike it
Doesn’t work for every dog
- Some dogs dislike it
- Doesn’t work for every dog
Product form: Soft chew
Flavor: Unflavored
Size: 60 chews
It’s formulated for active adult and senior dogs, and unlike most other supplements, you only need to give your dog one chew per day. But it is quite expensive and doesn’t seem to work for every dog.
Pros
Hyaluronic acid and eggshell membrane for joint support
Formulated for senior and adult dogs
Good for dogs with food sensitivities
Only need to give one chew each day
Cons
Expensive
Doesn’t work for every dog
Vetoquinol’s Flexadin Advanced With UCII Soft Chews help with flexibility and support healthy joints. They work for cats and dogs, so if you also own a cat, you can use the same product for both animals. These chews contain omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation, and vitamin E, which prevents the breakdown of cartilage.
Hyaluronic acid and eggshell membrane for joint support
Formulated for senior and adult dogs
Good for dogs with food sensitivities
Only need to give one chew each day
- Hyaluronic acid and eggshell membrane for joint support
- Formulated for senior and adult dogs
- Good for dogs with food sensitivities
- Only need to give one chew each day
Expensive
Doesn’t work for every dog
- Expensive
- Doesn’t work for every dog
Product form: Soft chews
Flavor: Seafood
Size: 30 or 60 chews
They also have UC-II, which is a type of collagen that provides optimum joint support. The issues with this product are that it’s relatively expensive and that the treats are quite large and can be dry and crumbly.
Pros
Supports healthy joints and flexibility
Works for cats and dogs
Omega-3 for reducing inflammation
UCII provides optimum joint support
Cons
Expensive
Can be dry and crumbly
Duralactin Canine Chewable Tablet Dog Supplement contains microlactin, a dried milk protein from hyperimmunized cows. It has a large number of antibodies, helps support the immune system, and reduces the signs of osteoarthritis. It also effectively manages long-term inflammatory conditions.
Supports healthy joints and flexibility
Works for cats and dogs
Omega-3 for reducing inflammation
UCII provides optimum joint support
- Supports healthy joints and flexibility
- Works for cats and dogs
- Omega-3 for reducing inflammation
- UCII provides optimum joint support
Expensive
Can be dry and crumbly
- Expensive
- Can be dry and crumbly
Product form: Chewable tablet
Flavor: Vanilla
Size: 60 or 180 tablets
Results are typically seen in 4 to 7 days, but the peak results will be observed in 10 to 14 days. However, this product is more expensive for large dog owners, as their dogs will need two tablets every day. It also doesn’t seem to work for every dog, and not all dogs appreciate the vanilla flavor.
Pros
Contains microlactin to reduce inflammation
Supports the immune system
Peak results are seen within 2 weeks
Contains a large number of antibodies
Cons
Expensive
Not all dogs like the vanilla flavor
Doesn’t work for all dogs
Vetoquinol’s Triglyceride OMEGA Supplement is designed to help your dog’s skin and joints. It has omega-3 fatty acids, which can help dogs with skin conditions and give them healthier coats. It is good for improved mobility and can ease joint pain. It’s also great for your Lab’s heart.
Contains microlactin to reduce inflammation
Supports the immune system
Peak results are seen within 2 weeks
Contains a large number of antibodies
- Contains microlactin to reduce inflammation
- Supports the immune system
- Peak results are seen within 2 weeks
- Contains a large number of antibodies
Expensive
Not all dogs like the vanilla flavor
Doesn’t work for all dogs
- Expensive
- Not all dogs like the vanilla flavor
- Doesn’t work for all dogs
Product form: Gel capsule
Flavor: N/A
Size: 60 or 250 capsules
This might be an ideal option if your Lab has skin issues in addition to mobility issues. It’s the only gel capsule on this list, so you can give it to your dog orally or puncture it and squeeze it into their food.
However, the capsule is more like a hard shell, so it can be difficult to open or puncture, but it might be too large to give to your dog orally. Also, these pills are more geared toward skin conditions and less toward joint issues.
Pros
Omega-3 for healthy heart and joints
Eases joint pain
Gives your dog a healthier coat and skin
Capsules are given orally or squeezed onto the food
Cons
Capsule is difficult to open or puncture
Capsules are large
Focused on skin conditions
Omega-3 for healthy heart and joints
Eases joint pain
Gives your dog a healthier coat and skin
Capsules are given orally or squeezed onto the food
- Omega-3 for healthy heart and joints
- Eases joint pain
- Gives your dog a healthier coat and skin
- Capsules are given orally or squeezed onto the food
Capsule is difficult to open or puncture
Capsules are large
Focused on skin conditions
- Capsule is difficult to open or puncture
- Capsules are large
- Focused on skin conditions
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Joint Supplements for Labradors
Now that you’re familiar with the best options out there, let’s go over the importance of a few of these ingredients and what you should look for when shopping for a joint supplement for your Labrador.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin helps support the musculoskeletal system, but it quite specifically aids in lubricating and supporting cartilage. Cartilage helps cushion the bones and joints and acts as a shock absorber — it effectively prevents the ends of bones from rubbing together. Chondroitin also blocks the enzymes that break down cartilage and helps the body produce new cartilage.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is used to aid in building tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and the fluid found around the joints. It can help increase the fluid and cartilage around the joints and prevent them from breaking down. Both the fluid and cartilage help protect the soft tissues and ends of bones in the joints.
MSM
MSM stands for methylsulfonylmethane. It can aid in reducing inflammation and decreasing joint pain and in faster recovery after a significant amount of exercise. It can also help with reducing allergy symptoms and improving skin health.
Omega Fatty Acids
You can find omega fatty acids in things like fish oil and flaxseeds, and they’re effective at keeping the skin and coat in good health. They can also help control arthritis by reducing the pain and swelling of the joints, in addition to benefiting everything from the heart to the brain.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a substance found in the fluids in the joints, which acts like a cushion and a lubricant. It can help decrease swelling because it has anti-inflammatory properties and aids tissue growth.
Size of Dog
Always double-check what age and size of dog that a product is formulated for. Many supplements are suitable for dogs of any size, but if your Lab is on the large side, you might need to give them two or more doses a day. This can add up financially.
A few of the products on this list are specifically made for large dogs, which means the dose will be more in line with your Lab’s size, though you should always double-check with your vet before giving any supplements to your dog.
Conclusion
Nutramax’s Cosequin Maximum Strength Chewable Tablets are among the most effective supplements for helping a dog’s joints. Nutri-Vet’s Hip & Joint Extra Strength Wafers are tasty peanut butter biscuits formulated for dogs that are the size of your Lab, and these are also affordable. Our premium choice goes to Nutramax’s Dasuquin Soft Chews for Large Dogs for the added ingredients that support cartilage production and prevent enzymes from breaking it down.
We hope that these reviews have helped your journey to making your Lab’s life a little easier. Speak to your vet before you purchase anything, though, as they can help you with this crucial decision.
Featured Image Credit: AlkeMade, Pixabay
