Luxating Patella is a common condition in dogs, particularly in smaller breeds. In most cases, conservative treatment involving dog joint supplements is needed to manage the problem.
As mentioned, small to medium-breed dogs are more likely to inherit Luxating Patellas. However, certain breeds have an even higher chance of experiencing trick knees.
In particular, Pomeranians have a 37.2% chance of having a trick knee and Yorkshire Terriers have a 24.4% chance. Other small breed canines like Shiba Inu, Cocker Spaniels, and Toy Fox Terriers can also be affected.
So, let’s look at the best dog supplements for luxating patellas on the market and everything you need to know.
10 Best Dog Supplements For Luxating Patella
These are our ten favorite joint supplements for dogs with luxating patellas.
1. YuMOVE Dog Joint Supplement
This daily joint supplement by YuMove is extremely popular among dog owners. It’s the UK’s number one product of its kind. It comes in young & active, adult, and senior options, and you can buy them in tubs of 60, 120, or 300 tablets. Simply offer the tablets to your dog as a treat or mix them with your dog’s kibble at mealtimes.
They use ultra-high quality Omega-3s from unique ActivEase green-lipped mussel, plus a blend of glucosamine, manganese, and hyaluronic acid. The product is clinically proven to work in up to six weeks and is also recommended by vets worldwide. These supplements are suitable for all sizes and breeds.
It’s an Amazon best-seller and buyers cannot praise it highly enough, with many reviews mentioning the significant difference they have noticed in their dog’s mobility and mood since using the supplement, including owners of dogs with luxating patellas. However, they may not work with picky eaters.
Pros
- Helps prevent joint stiffness, hence enhancing the dog’s activity
- Has 15-year research-intensive support from veterinarians worldwide
- Contains Hyaluronic Acid which helps lubricate and cushion the joints
Cons
- Has lower milligrams compared to other brands
- If too much, glucosamine can cause liver damage
2. PetHonesty Senior Hemp Mobility Joint Supplement
PetHonesty‘s joint supplement is for older dogs with a regular activity level and comes in tubs of 90 chews. They contain a powerful combination of natural ingredients, including glucosamine, turmeric, organic hemp, and green-lipped mussels to ease inflammation and stiffness and lubricate the joints. Hemp is also great for calming anxious pets.
They are free from fillers, preservatives, harmful steroids, and GMOs. It has a tasty, nutritious Veggie blend base, including carrots and sweet potatoes. Some vets and scientific research prove the effectiveness of the product. Reviews highly recommend the product.
Pros
- Softer to chew for dogs
- Has no fillers that can harm your dog even more
- There is a variety of tastes that your dog will enjoy
Cons
- Some dogs may experience diarrhea
- It has a strong odor
3. Cosequin Maximum Strength Hip & Joint Supplement
Cosequin’s maximum strength joint supplement is one of the leading supplements on the market. It contains active ingredients that deliver results incredibly quickly, including magnesium, sodium chondroitin sulfate, hydrochloride, and glucosamine. The supplement is also infused with MSM which is known to contribute to connective tissue and joint repair.
They come in the form of tasty chicken-flavored chews suitable for dogs of all sizes. Owners will have to adjust their dog’s dosage according to their size (instructions come with the product). The chews come in tubs of 60, 132, and 250.
Buyers love it, and it has almost no negative reviews. Some also say they noticed a difference in their dogs within 2 weeks of using the product.
Pros
- Contains soft chews, which are great for all dog breeds
- Has the right milligram of ingredients making it highly effective
- Excellent for maintenance and long-term use
Cons
- Some dogs may be allergic to it
- It can cause bad breath in some dogs
4. Petnc Natural Care Hip and Joint Soft Chews
These super affordable joint supplements by Petnc come in the form of soft chews that are available to buy in tubs of 90. They’re suitable for all life stages and breeds and taste like liver. The supplements contain several essential ingredients for joint support, including chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and MSM. They also contain vitamins and minerals for good overall health.
Your dog’s dosage is according to their size, and reviews are very complimentary, calling the product great value for money. Several also remark that their dogs love the taste, making this product a good choice for fussy eaters.
Pros
- Best for hips and joint support
- It contains human-grade ingredients
- Safe to use for pregnant or breeding dogs
Cons
- It is smelly
- A hard chew which some dogs may not like
5. Glucosamine for Dog’s Soft Chews
These supplements by Active Chews reduce pain and inflammation and improve strength and mobility by lubricating the joints. They contain 100% natural active ingredients like MSM and glucosamine and are free from fillers. MSM is a dog essential. It helps reduce inflammation and maintain joint health. It also helps strengthen your dog’s immune system.
They’re also easy to digest and contain vitamins and superfoods to improve overall health and increase energy levels. It also has turmeric that naturally promotes healthy inflammation response and joint mobility to provide dog pain relief. They come in tubs of 120 chews, and reviews cannot rate the product highly enough.
Pros
- Has a good taste which may entice your dog to get it
- Promotes mobility and greater flexibility
- Helps improve the cartilage for a better shock absorption
Cons
- It has a lower effectivity rate than the other supplements
- Some chews are not even making it hard to get the right dosage
6. VETRISCIENCE Laboratories – Glycoflex 3 Hip & Joint Support for Dogs
Vetriscience‘s joint support supplement is an Amazon’s Choice product and each bag contains 120 treats. The vets recommend it and it is clinically proven to increase joint strength in dogs by up to 41% in 4 weeks. Glycoflex combines 11 active ingredients which help your dog’s connective tissues and joints.
They contain MSM, DMG, glucosamine, and Perna canaliculus and are made with working, active, and senior dogs in mind. It is great for senior dogs, active dogs, and even working dog breeds that show signs of joint health problems.
Pros
- Its natural chicken taste can help your dog to love the supplement
- All products are made with care and by professionals
Cons
- It has a strong smell
- Some chewable can crumble inside the packaging
7. YuMOVE ONE-A-DAY Chewies for Dogs
Another Yumove product, these daily chewies use the same recipe as the one mentioned above, but they are a tasty chew for dogs of different sizes. They’re available in packs of 30 chews for small-medium and large-extra large dogs.
They contain the same high-quality, natural ingredients. Still, they are portioned out to be nutritionally appropriate for different-sized dogs so that you don’t have to worry about the dosage and can just give your dog one chew a day.
They are also tastier than the tablet version, which is great for fussy eaters. The chews are pork flavor, and reviews rave about their effectiveness with picky eaters.
Pros
- It aids in joint stiffness in adult dogs
- Results can be visible in 6 weeks
- It contains vitamins C and E, which can also help in mobility
Cons
- It’s hard to chew for some dogs
- It can cause diarrhea in some dogs
8. Extend Joint Care for Dogs
Extend‘s joint supplements for dogs are specifically designed to soothe the effects of joint damage, support cartilage, retain flexibility, and improve mobility. It has a beef flavor and comes in packs of 30, and they’re meant to be suitable for dogs of all shapes and sizes.
The product is not a tablet or chew; it’s a powder you can sprinkle over your dog’s dinner (i.e., a dog food topper). The brand also recommends adding warm water to make a tasty gravy! It contains glucosamine and MSM and comes with a money-back guarantee if you are not 100% happy with your buy.
Reviews love the product, and many buyers also like the powder form, saying that it’s perfect for suspicious and fussy eaters.
Pros
- Promotes hydration
- It contains chicken collagen
- Helps in maintaining healthy cartilages
- Contains vitamin C
- Increases the production of chondroitin sulfates and hyaluronic acid
Cons
- Has a low dose of glucosamine compared to other products on the list
- The scent may not be enticing to other dogs
9. RestoraPet Organic Bacon Flavor Pet Supplement
Restoreapet‘s organic pet supplement is suitable for dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, and horses. Therefore it’s ideal for owners of multiple pets! The tasty drops can be bought in bacon flavor or beef flavor and can be added to your pet’s food, which is perfect for picky eaters.
It contains 11 organic, natural antioxidants such as vitamin E and Omega-3s. They help to reduce joint pain, improve mobility, and increase muscle strength within days of usage. It’s also free from GMOs and fillers and comes with a money-back guarantee if you are not 100% satisfied.
Reviews are complementary to the product and owners of different pets love the convenience of it.
Pros
- Contains organic antioxidants great for dog immunity
- Helps prevent inflammation
- It is also high in Omega 3 which improves joint flexibility and hydration
Cons
- Has a low effectivity rate
- You may be spending more money because you need at least 2 drops every day and the bottle is small
10. The Missing Link Original All Natural Superfood Dog Supplement For Joints & Hips
The Missing Link‘s all-natural daily supplement contains superfoods that promote healthy joints, skin, coats, and energy levels. It is a tasty powder that you add to your dog’s food. It also comes with a helpful chart to help you see how much your dog needs every day.
The product also contains dietary fiber and phytonutrients to support good digestion. It’s suitable for all breeds and is free from artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and GMOs. Not only that, buyers love the supplement and several reviews mention seeing a significant difference in their dog’s overall health.
Pros
- Balanced omega fatty acids keep connective tissues and joints lubricated
- Also keeps your dog’s heart healthy with taurine and nutritional yeast
- Made with organic ingredients
Cons
- Can cause an upset stomach in some dogs
- It has a strong smell
| Product Name | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| YuMOVE Dog Joint Supplement | It helps reduce joint pain and muscle stiffness. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| PetHonesty Senior Hemp Mobility Joint Supplement | It contains no filler and is rich in glucosamine and turmeric. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Cosequin Maximum Strength Hip & Joint Supplement | It promotes maximum joint strength with the right amount of glucosamine. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Petnc Natural Care Hip and Joint Soft Chews | It is an affordable soft chew supplement for joint support. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Glucosamine for Dog’s Soft Chews | It reduces pain and inflammation and improves strength and mobility by lubricating the joints. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| VETRISCIENCE Laboratories – Glycoflex 3 Hip & Joint Support for Dogs | It is clinically proven to increase joint strength in dogs by up to 41%. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| YuMOVE ONE-A-DAY Chewies for Dogs | It has high-quality, natural ingredients but they are portioned out to be nutritionally appropriate for different-sized dogs. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Extend Joint Care for Dogs | It is specifically designed to soothe the effects of joint damage, support cartilage, retain flexibility, and improve mobility. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| RestoraPet Organic Bacon Flavor Pet Supplement | It helps reduce joint pain, improve mobility, and increase muscle strength within days of usage. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| The Missing Link Original All Natural Superfood Dog Supplement For Joints & Hips | It has an all-natural daily supplement that contains superfoods that promote healthy joints, skin, coats, and energy levels. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
What Is Luxating Patella?
A luxating patella often called a trick knee, is a condition that causes the kneecap (patella), to dislocate. It’s quite common in smaller breeds of dogs and can be diagnosed and graded on the severity with a simple veterinary exam. The causes of a luxating patella can be genetic or traumatic, and it can affect one or both knees, but surgery can fix it.
However, most of the time, it doesn’t need surgery. Surgical correction is only necessary in severe cases where the condition is causing the dog pain, but for most dogs, this isn’t the case.
Mild cases are manageable with lifestyle changes, including the addition of joint supplements. Non-surgical therapies can also help. If early treatment applies, the condition shouldn’t affect a dog’s length or quality of life. However, if left untreated, it can get worse and lead to arthritis.
The symptoms of a luxating patella in dogs include:
- Lameness
- Stiffness
- Whining and licking the affected knee
The four grades of severity are:
- 1 – The patella slips in and out of the groove, but returns to the normal position randomly
- 2 – The patella slips out of the groove now and then and can be put back with manipulation
- 3 – The patella slips out of the groove the majority of the time, but can be put back with manipulation
- 4 – The patella slips out of the groove and can’t be put back manually
What Are Joint Supplements For Dogs?
Joint supplements are edible products to enhance your dog’s diet with nutrients that improve or maintain their joint health. They are full of anti-inflammatories that combat joint damage and pain. They also contain ingredients that lubricate the joints, making them more flexible, and strengtheners to make joints stronger and improve mobility.
What to Look for in Joint Supplements for Your Dog
Here’s what to consider when looking for supplements for your dog.
Type
A lot of supplements come in tablet form, which is fine for some dogs. However, owners of fussy eaters may want to opt for supplements that come as tasty treats or chews. Alternatively, you can buy supplements in powder form or as drops that go on top of your dog’s daily meals.
Ingredients
It probably goes without saying, but look for supplements containing natural anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce pain and lubricate and strengthen the joints to improve mobility.
Good ingredients to look out for include:
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Vitamin B1, B6, C & E
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
- Hyaluronic acid
- Coenzyme Q10
- Selenium
- Tumeric
- Green-lipped mussel
- Deer antler velvet
Avoid products with filler ingredients that are inflammatory, hard to digest, and cause weight gain, all of which can make joint pain worse. Filler ingredients include grains and artificial additives. Always check for allergens if your dog has allergies, too. You should also consider the flavor of the product if your dog is a fussy eater.
You can check the product’s ingredients on the product descriptions of item listings online and on the labels of products in stores. They also usually state if the ingredients are cruelty-free or eco-friendly if that’s important to you.
Generic vs Specific Supplements
Many supplements claim to be appropriate for all dogs, and owners must adjust the dosage to suit their dog’s size and activity level. However, there are also joint supplements out there that are specific to some dogs; smaller breeds, bigger breeds, younger dogs, older dogs, different activity levels, dogs with sensitive stomachs, etc.
If you just want a quick, easy, daily supplement without worrying about giving the correct dosage, you may want to opt for a specific supplement. On the other hand, if you have multiple dogs of different breeds and sizes, a generic supplement may be easier and more cost-effective.
However, you need to make sure you get the dosage right. Otherwise, you could overload your dog with nutrients they don’t need, which could cause weight gain. Alternatively, you could not give them enough and not see results.
FAQ
Feel free to check out our FAQ for more details.
There are four grades of severity in patella luxation. Grade 1 is when the patella slips in and out of the groove but returns to the normal position randomly. 2 is when the patella slips out of the groove now and then and can be put back with manipulation.
Grade 3 is when the patella slips out of the groove most of the time but can be put back with manipulation. 4 is when the patella slips out of the groove and can’t be put back manually.
A luxating patella can only be fixed with surgery. However, most of the time, it doesn’t need to be fixed. Surgical correction is only necessary in severe cases where the condition is causing the dog pain. For most dogs, however, this isn’t the case. Mild cases can be managed with lifestyle changes, including exercises, therapies, dietary changes, weight management, and supplements.
When looking for supplements for a dog with a luxating patella, look out for natural anti-inflammatories and joint strengtheners such as glucosamine, chondroitin, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B1, B6, C & E, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), hyaluronic acid, coenzyme Q10, selenium, turmeric, green-lipped mussel, and deer antler velvet. You should also avoid products with filler ingredients.
The best foods for treating joint pain naturally are turmeric, alfalfa, cinnamon, coconut oil, oily fish, apples, blueberries, cabbage, celery, and sweet potatoes. You should also avoid inflammatory foods such as gluten, nightshade vegetables, and foods with additives.
Neither is better than the other, it all depends on what is easier for you. They contain the same ingredients, just in different quantities. Generic supplements that are suitable for all dogs require owners to tailor their dog’s dosage according to their size. Whereas size-specific supplements have already done that for you, and you can just give your dog their daily supplement without worry.
If you have one dog, specific supplements may be more convenient for you. However, if you have lots of different dogs, a generic supplement will be more cost-effective.
Dogs should take supplements designed for dogs, as human supplements may have inappropriate nutrient densities or contain ingredients that aren’t suitable for dogs.
Those are our ten best joint supplements for dogs with a luxating patella. If your dog has a luxating patella, talk to your vet about joint supplements and try out one of our recommendations. Remember, supplements are not food replacements; they are the cherry on top of a good diet.