Health products

Best dog joint supplement 2027: how to choose

Updated 6 sources 2 min read
Short answer

Dog joint supplements cost about $12.59 to $42.99 for 60 to 90 soft chews at Target. Most use glucosamine and chondroitin; some add green-lipped mussel, and Dasuquin adds avocado-soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), while Cosequin costs about 20% less, per PetMD. Look for the NASC Quality Seal. For diagnosed arthritis, ask your vet about Adequan Canine, an FDA-approved injectable drug ($87.49 a vial at PetSmart).

  • $12.59 to $31.16Hip and joint soft chews, 60 count
  • $32.99 to $42.99Hip and joint soft chews, 90 count
  • $24.99Green-lipped mussel powder, 6.3 oz

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Picks by need

We grouped products by main ingredient, using label ingredients and published prices from Target, PetSmart and PetMD on October 30, 2026. Supplement labels make no FDA-approved treatment claims; talk with your vet before starting one. We did not test any product. Each button opens an Amazon search.

  • Vet-familiar brand

    Cosequin or Dasuquin[3]

    • Both contain glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate [3]
    • Dasuquin adds ASU (avocado-soybean unsaponifiables); Cosequin costs about 20% less [3]
    • PetMD says to ask your vet which one fits your dog [3]
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  • Budget daily chew

    Glucosamine soft chews, 60 count[6][1]

    $12.59 to $19.99 at Target [6]

    • Examples: VetIQ Hip and Joint ($12.59), Zesty Paws Hip & Joint Mobility ($19.49), PetHonesty Hip & Joint ($19.99) [6]
    • AKC says glucosamine helps ease pain and stiffness and has proven safe for long-term use [1]
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  • Added green-lipped mussel

    Green-lipped mussel formula[6][1]

    Native Pet 6.3 oz: $24.99 at Target [6]

    • AKC cites studies that green-lipped mussel with glucosamine and chondroitin can help decrease pain [1]
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  • Senior dogs

    Senior hip and joint chews, 90 count[6][1]

    $42.99 at Target [6]

    • Example: Zesty Paws Senior Advanced Hip & Joint Mobility, 90 chews [6]
    • AKC says a dog showing arthritis signs should get a full vet checkup first [1]
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Prices at a glance

  • Hip and joint soft chews, 60 count$12.59 to $31.16
  • Hip and joint soft chews, 90 count$32.99 to $42.99
  • Green-lipped mussel powder, 6.3 oz$24.99
  • Adequan Canine injectable (prescription)$87.49

Price table

Dog joint supplement prices, October 30, 2026
ItemLowHighTypicalNotes
Hip and joint soft chews, 60 count[6] $12.59$31.16 VetIQ, Zesty Paws, PetHonesty, PupGrade at Target
Hip and joint soft chews, 90 count[6] $32.99$42.99 Zesty Paws, including Senior Advanced
Green-lipped mussel powder, 6.3 oz[6] $24.99 Native Pet Hip & Joint Advanced Care
Adequan Canine injectable (prescription)[4] $87.49 5 mL vial, PetSmart pharmacy

Prices are typical ranges from the maker and retailer pages listed below on the date shown. Prices change often; check the seller before you buy. How we get these prices

Common joint supplement ingredients

Ingredient What the source says Found in
Glucosamine Used to ease pain and stiffness; proven safe for long-term use, per AKC[1] Most hip and joint chews[6]
Chondroitin Often paired with glucosamine to reduce pain and improve mobility, per AKC[1] Cosequin, Dasuquin[3]
Green-lipped mussel Studies cited by AKC found it can help decrease pain with glucosamine and chondroitin[1] Native Pet Hip & Joint[6]
ASU (avocado-soybean unsaponifiables) PetMD says it helps protect cartilage by decreasing inflammation[3] Dasuquin[3]

Evidence for these ingredients in dogs varies, and none is an FDA-approved arthritis treatment. The one FDA-approved disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug for dogs named in our sources is Adequan Canine, an injection your vet prescribes.[2][4]

Cosequin vs Dasuquin

Both are Nutramax supplements with glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate. Dasuquin adds ASU; Cosequin costs about 20% less. PetMD says many vets recommend Dasuquin for dogs, and that you should ask your vet before choosing.[3]

What to look for

  • The NASC Quality Seal. It requires an independent quality audit, ongoing compliance and random lab testing that products meet their label claims.[5]
  • Dose by weight. Check the label’s chews per day for your dog’s weight, then work out the cost per month.
  • Count and price per chew. At Target, 60-chew bags run $12.59 to $31.16 and 90-chew bags $32.99 to $42.99.[6]
  • Your vet’s view, especially if your dog takes other medicines.[1]

When to see a vet

The AKC says a dog showing arthritis signs should have a full checkup, and the vet will recommend a plan to manage it and minimize pain.[1] If the vet finds a torn knee ligament instead, see dog ACL surgery cost. Adequan Canine should not be used in dogs that are hypersensitive to it or have a known or suspected bleeding disorder.[2] For a quick question first, see online vet options.

Frequently asked questions

Does my dog need a joint supplement?

Ask your vet first. The AKC says a dog showing signs of arthritis should get a full checkup, and the vet will recommend a plan to manage the arthritis and limit pain. A supplement may be part of that plan.

Is Cosequin or Dasuquin better?

Both contain glucosamine and chondroitin. Dasuquin adds ASU (avocado-soybean unsaponifiables), which PetMD says help protect cartilage, and PetMD says many vets lean toward Dasuquin for dogs. Cosequin costs about 20% less. Ask your vet which suits your dog.

Who makes the best joint supplement for dogs?

Compare the ingredients (glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussel, ASU), the dose for your dog's weight, and whether the brand carries the NASC Quality Seal, which requires an independent audit and random testing that products match their labels.

Is there an FDA-approved drug for dog arthritis?

Yes. Adequan Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is an FDA-approved disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug, given by injection into the muscle twice a week for up to four weeks. It needs a vet prescription; PetSmart lists a 5 mL vial at $87.49.

What does the NASC seal mean?

The National Animal Supplement Council's Quality Seal means the company passed an independent quality audit, keeps up ongoing compliance, and has products randomly tested by an independent lab to check they meet label claims. It is a quality mark, not proof the product works.

Sources

  1. 1 American Kennel Club. How Can Joint Supplements Help Dogs With Arthritis?. Accessed Oct 30, 2026.
  2. 2 PetMD. Adequan Canine for Dogs (Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan). Accessed Oct 30, 2026.
  3. 3 PetMD (April 4, 2023). Cosequin vs. Dasuquin: What's The Difference?. Accessed Oct 30, 2026.
  4. 4 PetSmart. Adequan Canine Injectable, 100 mg/mL, 5 mL Vial. Accessed Oct 30, 2026.
  5. 5 National Animal Supplement Council. NASC Quality Seal. Accessed Oct 30, 2026.
  6. 6 Target. Dog joint supplement: search results and prices. Accessed Oct 30, 2026.