German Shepherds are highly energetic dogs, but in their golden years, they are prone to hip and joint problems. This condition interferes with your dog’s mobility, making walking and playing difficult.
To ensure your dog stays in good health, you must be mindful of his joint health. You can achieve this by giving your pooch hip and joint supplements to help reduce pain, boost joint repair, and strengthen joints.
With dozens of supplements in the market, it can be challenging to decide the best hip and joint supplement for your GSD. In this review, we evaluate the best hip and joint supplement for German Shepherd that vets recommend.
Contents
4 Best Hip And Joint Supplement For German Shepherd
Multifunctional Supplements for Dogs
Zesty Paws multifunctional bites are German shepherd supplements with more health benefits. These supplements help in hip and joint care, heart, skin, liver, gut, improved immunity, and are rich in antioxidants.
It contains Cod Liver Fish Oil and Vitamin E which nourish the coat and skin of your dog, it also moisturizes the skin and is best for sensitive skin.
The Glucosamine and chondroitin ingredients help in strengthening the joints, stopping wear and tear of joints, and ensuring that the cartilages are in good condition.
It has a five-strain Probiotic Blend (500 million CFU per chew) to help in digestion and gut health.
These supplements restore your dog’s failing joints and get him active again.
Pros
- It is an 8 in 1 supplement.
- Minimize oxidative stress.
- Nourishes and moisturizes the skin.
- Good for all ages.
Cons
- Not good for fussy eaters.
Solid Gold Glucosamine & Joint Health Chews for Dogs
This is a natural, holistic grain-free supplement with glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin. It supplements dogs of all ages.
It ensures that joints are healthy and stimulates joint fluid viscosity.
The Green Lipped Mussel helps in reducing inflammation for older dogs. Yucca Schidigera present in the supplement is a good anti-oxidant. Boswellia Serrata helps the joints to be flexible.
This supplement is rich in vitamin C and E, which minimizes cell damage in the tissues. It also contains omega 3 and 6.
This supplement helps dogs with stiff joints and overall joint health.
Pros
- Stops joint inflammation.
- Helps in overall joint health.
- Rich vitamin C and E.
Cons
- It has a sour smell.
Healthy Breeds Z-Flex Max
This supplement contains glucosamine, chondroitin, Perna canaliculus, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Glucosamine helps repair worn-out joint tissues while chondroitin ensures there are synovial fluids in your dog.
It makes the bone flexible, strong and reduces inflammation pain. It can be used as a healthy treat when grooming a dog.
Pros
- It is good tasting.
- Relieves joint pain.
- Helps repair worn-out joint tissues.
- Used as a treat.
Cons
- Does not work for all dogs.
Advanced Glucosamine Powder for Dogs
This supplement contains glucosamine, chondroitin, 6oz powder, MSM, and coral calcium. It comes in powder form that is odorless, tasteless, and easy to serve your German shepherd.
It has glucosamine which helps to repair worn-out joint tissues. It also reduces joint stiffness and inflammation.
Vets recommend this supplement for diseases like hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other degenerative diseases.
Chondroitin in the supplement helps to replenish the synovial fluid in the joints for flexibility.
This supplement has more than 74 naturally occurring trace minerals which will help in boosting the overall immunity.
Pros
- Reduces inflammation.
- Nourishes the coat.
- Strengthens the bones and boosts immunity.
- Odorless, tasteless.
- Best for picky eaters.
- Has natural and safe ingredients.
Cons
- Customers complain of packaging defects
How Do You Know If Your German Shepherd Has A Joint Problem
- Hesitating to wake up.
- Loss of appetite.
- Unable to climb places he used to.
- Stiffness of joints.
- Hostile when touched on the affected joint.
The Main Ingredients to Look For When Buying a Hip and Joint Supplement
- Glucosamine.Chondroitin.
- Omega fatty acids.
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).
- Green lipped mussel.
FAQs about Hip And Joint Supplement For German -Shepherd
Should German Shepherds take joint supplements?
As German shepherds age, their bodies become weak and their joints wear down. Vets recommend adding joint supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin to their diet to strengthen their bodies.
When Should German Shepherds take glucosamine?
You should give joint supplements to your German shepherd when he is at least one year old. At this time, they will be more beneficial to their bodies than when the dog is under one year.
Can you give a dog human glucosamine?
It is not healthy to give your dog human glucosamine as it contains toxic ingredients like xylitol which is an artificial sweetener. Xylitol is safe for human consumption but is toxic to dogs.
Can you overdose a dog on glucosamine and chondroitin?
Glucosamine mostly acts as a food supplement than medicine. It is unusual for dogs to have a toxic side effect from overdosing on glucosamine. A dog will puke or have a loose stool but will not have serious side effects. If your dog responds negatively to the supplement, you should seek veterinarian intervention.
Conclusion
Before buying your German shepherd hip and joint supplements, consult your vet first.
Buy the supplements that have a chicken or flavor to lure your dog into eating them.
Remember the read the ingredients carefully before buying any supplements and give the recommended amount per your dog’s size. Do not give your dog any human supplements.