Many dogs slow down as they get older: slower to get up after a nap, more careful on the stairs, less eager on the long walk. If that sounds like your dog, you have probably run into a lot of advice about joint supplements.
Here are 5 approaches that come up most often for supporting canine joint health — what each one is, what is known about it, and which ones are actually in our jar.
1. Glucosamine and Chondroitin
These are among the most studied natural compounds for joint health in both humans and dogs. Glucosamine supports cartilage maintenance. Chondroitin supports cartilage structure. Together they're often used in combination.
What the research says: Glucosamine and chondroitin have been studied in dogs for years, and the results are mixed — some studies report a benefit, others don't. We'd rather tell you that than overstate it. A common amount is 500 mg glucosamine + 400 mg chondroitin a day for a 25 kg (about 55 lb) dog.
2. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound that supports a healthy inflammatory response and connective tissue. It is often used alongside glucosamine and chondroitin — which is why many joint supplements combine all three.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric root contains curcuminoids, including curcumin, which are widely studied for supporting a healthy inflammatory response. Most of that research uses concentrated extracts, and curcuminoids are poorly absorbed on their own.
What that means for our jar: PawVolt Hip & Joint uses organic whole turmeric root — 200 mg per serving (2 soft chews). Whole root is not standardized, so that works out to roughly 6 mg of curcuminoids per serving. It is not a concentrated extract and it has no black pepper extract (piperine). That's a small amount of curcuminoids, and we say so.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA)
Omega-3s from fish oil support a healthy inflammatory response. A 2010 study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association reported improvement in weight-bearing and mobility in dogs supplemented with fish oil. Omega-3s are usually given as a separate product — ask your veterinarian what makes sense for your dog.
5. Weight Management and Low-Impact Exercise
This isn't a supplement, but it may be one of the most impactful things you can do. Extra body weight means extra load on every joint, with every step. Combined with daily gentle exercise (swimming is a great option — low impact, lots of movement), keeping your dog at a healthy weight is one of the simplest ways to support joint comfort.
When to See a Vet
If your dog is non-weight bearing, vocalizing in discomfort, or has visible joint swelling with warmth, see your veterinarian right away — these may indicate an injury or condition that needs medical attention. A supplement is not a substitute for that visit. It's also a good idea to check with your vet before starting any supplement, especially if your dog takes medication or has a health condition.
PawVolt Hip & Joint combines three of the approaches above — glucosamine HCl with chondroitin (#1), MSM (#2) and organic whole turmeric root (#3) — plus hyaluronic acid, with every milligram printed on the jar. It does not contain omega-3s or fish oil (#4), and no supplement replaces a healthy weight (#5).
Per serving (2 soft chews): 500 mg glucosamine HCl, 400 mg chondroitin sulfate, 400 mg MSM, 200 mg organic turmeric (whole root, about 6 mg curcuminoids) and 30 mg hyaluronic acid. Chews a day by weight: up to 30 lb, 1 · 31–60 lb, 2 · 61–90 lb, 3 · over 90 lb, 4. Contains shellfish (glucosamine) and pork (chondroitin).
Ready to support your dog’s joints?
→ Pre-order PawVolt Hip & Joint — $50 a jar, ships November 2026. Cancel anytime before it ships for a full refund, and it's backed by a 90-day money-back guarantee from delivery. Nothing has shipped yet, and we say so.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not veterinary advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your dog.