The Dog Mobility Project

How to choose effective supplements, which ingredients matter most, NASC guidance, and veterinarian-recommended product picks.

Aging, injury, or congenital conditions can take a toll on a dog’s joints and nerves. While supplements aren’t a cure for osteoarthritis or nerve damage, they can be an important part of a multimodal plan — alongside weight management, targeted exercise or physical therapy, and veterinary care — to reduce inflammation, protect cartilage, and support comfort and mobility. Below, we’ll take a look at the ingredients to look for, why third-party quality (like the NASC seal) matters, and recommend trusted products that many vets and pet parents use.

How supplements help (and what they won’t do)

Supplements can help by supplying building blocks for cartilage (e.g., glucosamine), slowing cartilage breakdown (e.g., chondroitin, ASU), reducing inflammation (omega-3s, boswellia, green-lipped mussel), and supporting joint lubrication (hyaluronic acid). Clinical results vary by ingredient and product; many veterinarians recommend supplements as one piece of a broader treatment plan rather than a standalone fix.

Top ingredients to look for — what they do

Below are the most commonly used ingredients and the reason a pet parent should care.

Glucosamine

A building block used by the body to produce cartilage components, which cushions and lubricates a dog’s joints. Glucosamine is widely used for dogs with osteoarthritis, and many vets consider it helpful, especially combined with other ingredients to help promote healthy joints and reduce joint pain..

Chondroitin sulfate

Often paired with glucosamine. Chondroitin may inhibit enzymes that break down cartilage and help retain water in cartilage, improving resilience and cushioning. Chondroitin helps reduce inflammation and joint stiffness, allowing dogs to move with less pain.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

A sulfur-containing compound used to support connective tissue and (anecdotally and in some studies) reduce pain and stiffness. Frequently included as an adjunct to glucosamine/chondroitin.

Green-Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus / GLM)

A whole-food marine ingredient rich in omega-3 fatty acids, unique glycolipids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Several veterinary studies and clinical trials report reduced pain and improved mobility in dogs fed GLM or products containing GLM. It’s a good option for dogs with inflammatory joint disease.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA)

Long-chain omega-3s reduce inflammation systemically and are among the best-supported nutrients for easing arthritis-related inflammation. High-quality fish-oil supplements with known EPA/DHA amounts are recommended.

Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU)

A plant-derived extract (used in some veterinary products) that may help inhibit cartilage-degrading enzymes and work synergistically with glucosamine/chondroitin for improved outcomes.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

Supports joint lubrication and may help joint comfort; sometimes included in high-strength formulations or given by veterinarians via injections for targeted effect.

Boswellia Serrata, Antioxidants (vitamins C & E) and other botanicals

These ingredients can offer additional anti-inflammatory and joint-protective support, but concentrations and product quality matter.

NASC: what it is and why the NASC seal matters

NASC is a big name in dog joint supplements, but also one that most pet parents have never heard of. NASC stands for the National Animal Supplement Council, a nonprofit trade association that sets voluntary quality and labeling standards for animal supplements. NASC member companies follow manufacturing, storage, and labeling guidelines and are subject to independent audits; approved products may carry the NASC Quality Seal. For pet parents, NASC membership and the seal indicate that a company follows stronger quality controls than an unverified maker. If you value product consistency, purity, and transparent manufacturing practices, choosing NASC-approved supplements reduces some of the guesswork. Companies that are NASC-approved, have to go through a rigorous, on-going process to maintain their eligibility.

These joint supplement brands are often top-tier products, offering higher quality and better outcomes. Some NASC brands include YuMOVE by Vetnique (the top joint supplement in the UK), Honest Paws, Mars Petcare products, NaturVet, Nestle Purina Petcare Company, and Nutrivet, among others.

Evidence highlights — what the science says

• Green-lipped mussel: multiple trials show improvements in pain and mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. (See clinical studies and reviews.)
• Glucosamine + chondroitin: commonly used and safe, but study results are mixed — some trials show benefit, others find limited effect; many vets still recommend them as part of a multimodal approach.
• Omega-3s (EPA/DHA): well-supported for anti-inflammatory effects and frequently used to complement other joint therapies.

Product recommendations (vet-friendly picks and what they contain)

Below are products commonly recommended by veterinarians or sold through veterinary channels. Always check ingredient lists, dosing by weight, and whether the product carries the NASC seal if that’s important to you.

1. Nutramax Dasuquin (with MSM) — doctor/vet favorite for joint support

Contains brand-patented glucosamine hydrochloride, sodium chondroitin sulfate, avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), and often MSM and other supportive botanicals. Many veterinarians recommend Dasuquin for dogs that need ongoing joint support due to its multi-ingredient, research-backed formulation.

2. VetriScience GlycoFlex (stage formulas) — good GLM + glucosamine option

VetriScience offers staged formulas (1–3) that combine glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin and green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus, often branded GlycOmega™) to support joint strength and mobility. Stage selection depends on the dog’s current needs (maintenance vs. recovery).

3. Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet (fish oil) — pure, high-quality EPA/DHA source

A reliable, third-party–tested fish oil product for dogs and cats; good for pets that need concentrated omega-3 support for inflammation and joint health. Choose a product with stated EPA/DHA per dose.

4. Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil (or similar high-EPA/DHA oils) — tasty, easy to add to food

An accessible, palatable fish oil option many owners use. Look for guaranteed analysis (EPA/DHA amounts) and freshness dates.

How to pick among products

• Match the ingredient profile to your dog’s needs: early/mild stiffness → preventive formulas (glucosamine, lower GLM); moderate → multi-ingredient combos with GLM, MSM, chondroitin, ASU; inflammation-driven pain → add a high-EPA/DHA fish oil.
• Prefer NASC-approved brands or those with third-party testing to reduce risk of contamination or mislabeled potency.
• Ask your veterinarian before starting — they can recommend formulations/doses, check for drug–supplement interactions, and rule out other causes of pain.

Practical dosing & safety notes

• Start with the label’s recommended loading dose (if provided), then move to maintenance dosing. Some products (such as GlycoFlex stage 2/3 and Dasuquin) commonly recommend a loading period of 4–6 weeks. Follow the veterinarian’s direction for older or medically complex dogs.
• Supplements can cause mild GI upset in some dogs; stop use and check with your vet if you see vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in behavior.
• If your dog is on blood thinners or other medications, check with your vet: some botanicals and high-dose fish oils can affect clotting.
• Quality control matters — choose NASC-approved products or brands that publish certificates of analysis or third-party testing.

Putting supplements into a full plan

Supplements often work best as part of a multimodal strategy:

1. Weight management to reduce joint load.
2. Physical therapy, hydrotherapy, or controlled low-impact exercise.
3. Pain control and anti-inflammatories where appropriate (vet-prescribed).
4. Targeted supplements for structural support (glucosamine/chondroitin/HA/ASU) and inflammation control (omega-3s, GLM, boswellia).

Quick checklist for choosing a joint supplement

• Contains ingredients aligned with your dog’s needs (see “Top ingredients”).
• Product lists EPA/DHA amounts if it’s a fish oil.
• NASC Seal or third-party testing available.
• Clear dosing by weight and reputable manufacturer (veterinary brands or known supplement companies).
• Your vet signs off on the plan.

Final thoughts

Supplements can be a valuable, low-risk tool to support joint and nerve health in dogs — particularly when you choose evidence-backed ingredients (glucosamine, chondroitin, GLM, omega-3s) and prioritize quality (NASC approval / third-party testing). Pair supplements with vet guidance, weight management, and physical therapies for the best outcomes.