As a dog owner, you probably know that feeling in the pit in your stomach that you get when your best mate starts to slow down a bit. There’s a little hesitation now when they jump into the car, or when they get up from bed on a cold morning. In many cases, we can just chalk these signs up to getting older, but there’s also a chance to help them feel a bit better by supplementing their joints.

Dogs age, just like we do, and that means the natural cushioning in their joints wears thin (just like ours does). Luckily, we live in New Zealand, and that means we have access to some of the highest-quality ingredients in the world for dog supplements. We want to spend this time setting you up with the most effective joint supplement for your pooch.

With so many options on the shelves, getting this right can feel like a bit of a guessing game. But we believe that effective joint care goes beyond finding a single “miracle” ingredient. Your best bet is finding a science-backed formulation of nutrients to better support your pup’s joints as they age. So, come on a quick tour of the most effective dog supplements NZ dog owners need to know about.

Note: Always, always discuss any supplements or new diets with your animal’s vet before introducing them, especially if they have known health issues! Your pup will thank you.

Prevention & Maintenance Dog Supplements: Glucosamine and Chondroitin

If you’ve done some scoping on dog supplements NZ-wide, then you’ve likely noticed two recurring ingredients: glucosamine and chondroitin. These are the building blocks in your pup’s joints. The former – glucosamine – is a natural compound found in healthy cartilage. It helps to create fluid to lubricate joints, and when there isn’t enough of it, cartilage withers and joints become stiff or achy.

The latter, chondroitin, helps cartilage to hold on to water. This keeps the cartilage springy and flexible, so your pup’s joints can easily absorb the shock of running or jumping. Without these vital ingredients, life gets a bit harder for active pooch.

That said, they’re not enough on their own if your pup is already showing signs of joint stiffness. Dog supplements with these two ingredients are fantastic for maintenance and prevention, but if you’re seeking out supplements for an older dog or one with a joint condition, you’ll need a more comprehensive formulation that tackles inflammation as well.

Natural Joint Support: Green-Lipped Mussel

If your canine is already showing some signs that their joints are giving them trouble, it can really help to incorporate a natural supplement into their diet that deals with inflammation. Of the many available dog supplements NZ-wide, we absolutely recommend those containing green-lipped mussel.

These mussels are native to Aotearoa, and often appear in human supplements for joint health as well. They’re rich in a complex mixture of omega-3 fatty acids that you won’t find in fish oils. They’re also full of glycosaminoglycans, which are essentially the “glue” that holds the joint structure together.

Introducing these supplements into your pup’s diet can help to block inflammatory pathways that are causing pain when your pup tries to run or jump. Instead of just masking the discomfort like pain medication might, the nutrients can actually help to settle the active inflammation down, allowing other supplements to do their job more effectively.

To reap these benefits, it’s key to source high-grade, sustainably-sourced green lipped mussel for the best bioavailable support your pooch will enjoy.

Renew Cartilage with Collagen Dog Supplements

One of the most significant advancements in animal health over the last few years has been the use of specific collagen peptides. In the past, collagen was often seen as just a general protein source, but we now know that certain types of collagen are specifically targeted at joint and connective tissue.

We carry a specific Hydra-flex CARE formula with a patented collagen structure that has been scientifically proven to stimulate the renewal of cartilage cells. This is vital, because once the cartilage is gone, it’s very difficult to get back.

If your pup’s body has the exact peptides it needs to trigger repair in its joints, then you’re getting into active support that can help your pup feel better long-term. For any dogs struggling with mobility, this is the kind of concentrated support we would recommend.

How to Choose the Right Kind of Supplements

When deciding on a supplement, consider where your dog is in their life journey.

If you have a young, active dog or a breed that is prone to joint issues later in life, like a Labrador or a German Shepherd, starting them on a product like Hydra-flex ACTIVE is a smart move. This provides a steady supply of glucosamine and MSM to keep their joints lubricated and resilient as they grow and play.

If your pup is already slow to rise, hesitating at stairs, or has been diagnosed with arthritis, you need the higher potency of a product like Hydra-flex CARE. This formula contains higher concentrations of active ingredients, along with hyaluronic acid and collagen, to provide “ultra comfort” for those who need it most.

Above all, consistency will be the key to success with dog supplements NZ-wide. While painkillers or pharmaceuticals work quickly for acute pain, your best mate is just like us, in that they need consistent lifestyle changes to see benefits from bioavailable supplements.

Some dogs might show improvement sooner, while others may take up to 6 weeks to see the full benefit. The key is to be consistent. Missing doses can slow progress, so making it part of their breakfast or dinner routine is the best way to ensure they get the support they need. Plus, it’s a simpler routine for you to manage!

When in doubt, consult directly with your supplement provider or vet to be sure your dog is getting exactly what they need to support their joint health long-term.

Get a holistic approach to joint health with NPC Health.

At NPC Health, we’re dedicated to helping Kiwi dogs live longer, happier, more active lives. We help you choose dog supplements with fine-tuned, naturally sourced, bioavailable support that helps your dog feel more comfortable and ready for adventure.

Browse our range of dog supplements NZ-wide to find exactly what your pup needs to get back to living.