Raising four dogs isn’t cheap. Feeding homemade dog food and using natural, holistic remedies does save money, but not much if I’m wasting money on supplements that don’t work (or don’t work well).

I know when dogs get stiff, are slow to rise, or struggle jumping onto their favorite spot on the sofa, it’s usually a combo of:

So the best-value joint plan usually includes one strong anti-inflammatory + one cartilage/joint-support option + movement + strength work (even short walks count).

Below is a practical comparison of foods + supplements, including effectiveness, value, active ingredients (for the starred products), and best dosages.

Quick safety note: If your dog is on NSAIDs (Rimadyl/carprofen, meloxicam), has a bleeding disorder, is going in for surgery, has a history of pancreatitis, or is on multiple meds—run supplements by your vet first. This article is based on what I’ve learned while researching solutions for my dogs, but it may not work for all dogs.

If you buy only ONE thing, give fish oil (or algae oil) at a true therapeutic EPA+DHA dose, which has some of the best evidence for joint inflammation support.

If you buy TWO things, fish oil + Green-lipped mussel is a solid value combo (inflammation + joint support).

If your dog can’t do shellfish (or you want tiny dosing), UC-II (undenatured type II collagen) is a “small dose, potentially big payoff” option.

If your senior is losing muscle (hind-end weakness), add MYOS (Fortetropin®) because stronger muscle = less joint strain (this is more “mobility value” than “cartilage repair”).

The following are the most popular joint supplements, their effectiveness, and recommended dosages.

Best for: inflammation + arthritis comfort

Fish and salmon oil support joint health primarily by providing omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which help regulate inflammation in the body.

In dogs with joint stress or arthritis, chronic inflammation contributes to pain, stiffness, and cartilage breakdown. EPA and DHA help shift the body away from pro-inflammatory pathways, reducing the production of inflammatory compounds that worsen joint discomfort. As inflammation decreases, many dogs experience improved mobility, less stiffness, and greater comfort, especially during activity and when rising from rest.

Omega-3s also support the health of joint tissues and cartilage, improve blood flow to affected areas, and may enhance a dog’s response to other joint therapies. While fish oil doesn’t rebuild cartilage, it plays a foundational role by calming the inflammatory environment that drives joint degeneration.

In summary, fish and salmon oil don’t “fix” joints—but they help create the conditions that allow joints to move more comfortably and age more gracefully.

Dose (adult + senior): the standard osteoarthritis minimum is ~100 mg/kg/day of combined EPA+DHA (45 mg/lb/day EPA+DHA); some dosage levels may be higher with vet guidance.

Tip: Look for products with a label that list EPA+DHA mg, not just “fish oil 1000 mg.” Start at ¼ dose for 3–5 days, then increase (fish oil can cause loose stools).

Best for: joint comfort + mobility support (often used for OA)

Green-lipped mussels support joint health by providing a unique combination of omega-3 fatty acids, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and bioactive compounds that work together to support cartilage, lubrication, and inflammation control.

Unlike fish oil, which mainly targets inflammation, green-lipped mussels help protect and support joint structure. They contain naturally occurring GAGs—the same class of compounds found in healthy cartilage and joint fluid—which help maintain cushioning and shock absorption inside the joint. This can be especially helpful for dogs with arthritis or age-related joint wear.

Green-lipped mussels also supply specialized marine omega-3s that may further help reduce joint inflammation, while supporting joint comfort and mobility. Because they address both inflammation and joint tissue support, many dogs experience improved stiffness, better range of motion, and easier movement when green-lipped mussels are used consistently.

Bottom line, green-lipped mussels don’t just calm inflammation—they help support the integrity and function of the joint itself, making them a valuable addition to a comprehensive joint-support plan for adult and senior dogs.

Dose (adult + senior): 20–49 mg/kg/day (often used as a starting dose in studies). Many protocols reduce to half-dose after ~10 days for maintenance.

Notes: Quality varies a lot. Look for a product that states it uses Perna canaliculus and ideally provides standardization info.

Best for: immune-mediated joint inflammation support + mobility

UC-II® (undenatured type II collagen) supports joint health by helping regulate the immune response involved in cartilage breakdown, rather than by supplying raw building blocks to the joint.

In dogs with joint disease, the immune system can mistakenly target type II collagen in cartilage, contributing to inflammation and degeneration. UC-II works through a process called oral tolerance, which helps “teach” the immune system to stop overreacting to joint cartilage. As that immune-driven inflammation calms, dogs may experience less stiffness, improved mobility, and better joint comfort.

One of UC-II’s biggest advantages is that it’s effective at a very small daily dose, making it gentle on the digestive system and easy to use long term. While UC-II doesn’t provide omega-3s or rebuild cartilage directly, it plays a valuable role by protecting existing cartilage and reducing inflammatory signaling inside the joint.

In short, UC-II helps joints by turning down the immune response that accelerates joint damage, making it a smart, low-volume addition to a comprehensive joint-support plan—especially for adult and senior dogs.

Dose (adult + senior): 10 mg/day of “active UC-II” used in arthritic dog studies

Important: “Collagen peptides” isn’t the same as UC-II. UC-II is a specific form with a specific mechanism (oral tolerance).

Best for: dogs who can’t tolerate fish or fish oil (due to allergies), may do well on this plant-based option

Algae oil supports joint health by providing omega-3 fatty acids—primarily DHA, with smaller amounts of EPA—that help regulate inflammation in the body.

Just like fish or salmon oil, the omega-3s in algae oil help reduce the production of inflammatory compounds that contribute to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. By calming chronic, low-grade inflammation, algae oil can help dogs move more comfortably, especially as they age or experience joint stress.

One of algae oil’s biggest advantages is that it’s a clean, plant-based source of omega-3s, making it a great option for dogs with fish sensitivities or for pet parents looking for a more sustainable alternative. DHA also plays a role in supporting cell membrane health, which benefits joint tissues and overall inflammatory balance.

Algae oil doesn’t rebuild cartilage, but it helps create a less inflammatory environment around the joints, allowing other joint-support strategies—like UC-II or green-lipped mussels—to work more effectively.

Dose (adult + senior): Use the same EPA+DHA target as fish oil: ~100 mg/kg/day combined EPA+DHA.

Reality check: many algae oils are mostly DHA, and may not reach that target without lots of capsules. (Still helpful—just label-dependent.) Speak with the brand about the dosage if you have concerns.

Best for: cartilage support in some dogs

Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health by helping maintain the structure, cushioning, and lubrication of joints, particularly the cartilage and joint fluid that allow smooth movement.

Glucosamine is a building block for glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are key components of cartilage. Chondroitin helps cartilage retain water and elasticity, allowing it to better absorb shock during movement. Together, they aim to support the integrity of joint cartilage and slow the breakdown that can occur with aging or arthritis.

That said, glucosamine and chondroitin do not directly reduce inflammation, and results can vary widely between dogs. Some dogs experience improved comfort and mobility, while others show little noticeable change. These supplements tend to work best early in joint degeneration or when used alongside anti-inflammatory support like omega-3s.

In a nutshell, glucosamine and chondroitin may help support joint structure, but they’re generally most effective as part of a broader joint-support plan rather than as stand-alone solutions.

Dose (adult + senior): Evidence reviews note no clearly confirmed glucosamine dose, and cite chondroitin often used ~15–30 mg/kg/day as an adjunct. In at least one dog OA study, dogs received 2,000 mg glucosamine + 1,600 mg chondroitin daily (study design details matter).

Value tip: If you’re choosing between glucosamine/chondroitin vs UC-II or omega-3s, many owners get more noticeable results from omega-3s and/or UC-II first.

Best for: mild inflammation support (some dogs do well; some get GI upset)

Golden paste supports joint health primarily through curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, which helps modulate inflammation in the body.

Curcumin works by influencing inflammatory pathways involved in joint pain and stiffness, making it helpful for dogs experiencing mild to moderate joint discomfort. By reducing inflammatory signaling, golden paste may improve mobility, flexibility, and comfort, especially in aging or active dogs.

Golden paste does not rebuild cartilage or lubricate joints, and its effectiveness depends heavily on proper preparation and dosing. Curcumin is poorly absorbed on its own, which is why golden paste typically includes fat (like coconut oil) and black pepper to improve bioavailability.

In essence, golden paste can be a useful anti-inflammatory support for joint health, but it works best when paired with foundational joint strategies like omega-3s, UC-II®, or green-lipped mussels rather than used as a stand-alone solution.

Dose (adult + senior): Common guidance: work up to 15–20 mg per lb/day (≈ 33–44 mg/kg/day). Introduce slowly.

Cautions: Turmeric/curcumin may not be a fit for dogs with bleeding concerns or certain meds—ask your vet.

Best for: hydration + appetite + “supportive” nutrition (not a strong joint treatment by itself)

Bone broth supports joint health in a supportive, indirect way rather than acting as a targeted joint supplement.

It provides naturally occurring collagen, gelatin, amino acids (like glycine and proline), and minerals, which help support connective tissues and overall joint structure. Bone broth also adds hydration and palatability to meals, which can encourage better food intake and movement—especially in senior dogs.

While bone broth contains joint-supportive nutrients, the amounts are not standardized or concentrated enough to significantly reduce inflammation or repair joint damage on their own. For this reason, bone broth is best viewed as a complementary food, not a primary joint therapy.

In short, bone broth helps nourish and support the tissues around the joints, but it works best alongside targeted joint supports like omega-3s, UC-II®, or green-lipped mussels.

Dose (adult + senior): A common guideline: 1 oz per 10 lb body weight/day

Value note: Great if it helps your dog eat, drink, and move more—but don’t expect it to replace targeted joint supplements.

Best for: chewy collagen treat + enrichment (some joint “support,” but dosing is imprecise)

Chicken and duck feet support joint health by providing natural collagen, gelatin, and connective tissue, along with small amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin that occur naturally in cartilage and tendons.

When fed raw or gently dehydrated, the skin, tendons, and cartilage in poultry feet help supply the body with the amino acids needed to support connective tissue maintenance. Chewing also provides mental enrichment and supports jaw and dental health, which is an added bonus.

That said, the joint-support nutrients in chicken and duck feet are not concentrated or standardized, making dosing imprecise. They don’t significantly reduce inflammation or repair damaged cartilage and shouldn’t be relied on as a primary joint supplement—especially for dogs with arthritis or mobility issues.

Bottom line, chicken and duck feet are best viewed as a nutrient-dense, whole-food add-on that supports joint health over time, but they work best when paired with targeted joint supplements like omega-3s, UC-II®, or green-lipped mussels.

Dose (adult + senior): Practical feeding guidance often lands around 1–5 feet per week depending on size.

Cautions: Calories add up, and some dogs get GI upset if you go from 0 to “foot buffet.” Also supervise chewers.

Best for: (honestly) not your best value for joint issues

Homeopathic treatments are sometimes used to support joint health by aiming to stimulate the body’s self-regulatory and healing responses rather than supplying nutrients or directly reducing inflammation.

Homeopathic remedies are made through extreme dilution and are selected based on a dog’s individual symptoms (such as stiffness, soreness, or reluctance to move), not on joint structure or nutrient needs. Some pet parents report improvements in comfort or mobility, particularly in mild cases, but scientific evidence supporting homeopathy for joint disease in dogs is limited and inconsistent.

Because homeopathic remedies do not provide omega-3s, cartilage support, or anti-inflammatory compounds, they should not be relied on as a primary joint strategy—especially for dogs with arthritis or age-related joint degeneration.

In essence, homeopathic treatments may offer supportive or complementary comfort for some dogs, but they are best used alongside evidence-based joint supports like omega-3s, UC-II®, or green-lipped mussels rather than as stand-alone solutions.

Why: Systematic reviews of veterinary homeopathy describe the evidence as indecisive and often very low quality, making it hard to justify as a primary joint strategy.

My research identified which supplements were beneficial (fish oil, GLM, collagen UC-II) and which were supportive (bone broth, chicken feet, golden paste).

As I dove into each option, I developed a joint support regimen for my dogs, which is shared below to give you an idea of what you can do for your dogs. Use the following as a starting guide and adjust as necessary.

I stack supplements to support my dogs’ joint health: Omega-3 oils, GLM powder, and MYOS Canine Muscle Formula, and UC-II collagen. As a treat, my dogs get WINPRO Hip & Joint (Buffy gets the Allergy chew) each evening.

Bella and Buffy don’t require as much joint support as my senior and adult dogs. I added dosage amounts for each of my dogs in case you have a dog that weighs between 40 and 50 lbs. I don’t give them the UC-II or MYOS Canine Muscle Formula at this time.

I began using WINPRO Pet supplements years ago and was blown away by how effective (and quickly) they work for my dogs. Today, I use the Hip & Joint and Allergy chews regularly. The active ingredient, K-Thrive Formula D, is the secret sauce to this supplement.

K-Thrive Formula D is a proprietary blend of porcine plasma–derived proteins (including plasma, serum, albumin, and immunoglobulins) designed to support the body’s immune and inflammatory response.

Rather than acting directly on cartilage or joints, K-Thrive works indirectly by helping regulate chronic, low-grade inflammation—one of the key drivers of joint discomfort and stiffness in dogs. Because much of the immune system resides in the gut, these plasma proteins may also support gut-immune communication, which can influence systemic inflammation and overall comfort.

K-Thrive does not provide omega-3 fatty acids, rebuild cartilage, or build muscle. For this reason, it’s best viewed as a supportive ingredient, not a stand-alone joint solution.

In WINPRO Hip & Joint chews, K-Thrive Formula D is paired with collagen to support mobility and comfort, especially in dogs that don’t tolerate traditional joint supplements well or are already receiving omega-3s elsewhere.

Best used alongside:
Omega-3s (fish or algae oil) and a targeted joint supplement like UC-II® or green-lipped mussels for a more complete joint support plan. It sounds like a lot (in fact, it is a lot), but I’ve found that combining the three items has made a significant difference in my senior dog's mobility.

I started down this rabbit hole because I wondered if golden paste was helping my dog (or just giving her diarrhea). Turns out, it was just giving her diarrhea. I’m not suggesting that golden paste doesn’t have benefits; it’s just not something I’ll use for joint support.

I can now stop wasting money on supplements that don’t work (or work well enough).

MYOS Canine Muscle Formula has an option that includes GLM. I have an affordable option of GLM that I source through my local raw food co-op. It’s a high-quality, effective product that I mix into the original MYOS product.

Next week, I’m going to explore the difference between salmon/fish oil and whole salmon and sardines to determine which is more effective. I have an excellent source of wild-caught salmon, and I’m curious if it’s an appropriate alternative to Omega-3 supplements.