Chondroitin for Dogs: Benefits and Risks

Chondroitin is commonly used to help dogs with hip and joint issues, including canine arthritis and hip dysplasia. You can find it along with glucosamine in many hip and joint supplements, as well as in some dog food targeted at senior dogs. But what are the benefits of chondroitin for dogs, and are there any risks to supplementing their diet? We’ll explore both the pros and cons of this supplement.

What is Chondroitin?

Chondroitin is a naturally occurring compound that is a vital part of cartilage and other connective tissue. It is frequently used as a dietary supplement for humans and dogs alike to help maintain and repair joints and relieve pain caused by inflammation or trauma. Animal cartilage is the only naturally occurring dietary source of chondroitin, though it can be synthesized from its glucosamine precursor.

Chondroitin for Arthritis

Chondroitin is often recommended by vets to treat osteoarthritis, a progressive and degenerative disease that affects dogs of all breeds. When paired with glucosamine, chondroitin has been shown to help reduce pain and increase mobility in the joints of dogs. Since chondroitin naturally promotes water retention and elasticity in cartilage, it helps lubricate joints and build and repair the tissue lining these joints.

Chondroitin for Hip and Joint Maintenance

If you only started researching supplements after your pup started showing signs of needing extra support, you’re not alone. More often than not, supplements are used as treatment rather than as a preventative measure or maintenance. That said, under the guidance of your vet, supplements can be beneficial to maintaining healthy functions in your pup, particularly if they are prone to certain health challenges. Certain breeds like Great Danes, mastiffs, pugs, and bulldogs have a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia, while other breeds like Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and German shepherds are more prone to arthritis. However, no dog is immune from hip and joint issues, especially those who have active lifestyles that put pressure on these areas. Starting a supplement early on could help reduce the chances of arthritis or dysplasia progressing over time and nip symptoms in the bud.

What Are the Side Effects of Chondroitin?

When taken in proper doses recommended by a veterinary professional, the side effects of chondroitin should be minimal. However, there are a few symptoms to be on the lookout for when adding this new supplement to your dog’s diet.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you are already supplementing your dog’s diet in any other way, you will want to check with your vet that chondroitin or your hip and joint supplement is OK in conjunction with your dog’s current supplements, as some ingredients and vitamins can have adverse or competing effects.

How to Add Chondroitin to Your Dog’s Diet

Chrondoirton is most commonly found in over-the-counter supplements, either in chew, capsule, or drop form. It is almost always paired with glucosamine to optimize the benefits of cartilage production and repair. At Ollie, we pack both glucosamine and chondroitin into our Zoomies Hip and Joint formula. These soft chews are easy to feed or sneak into your pup’s meals or toys. Along with glucosamine and chondroitin, Zoomies are made with natural ingredients like turmeric to help support bone and ligament health, as well as reduce pain-causing inflammation.

When choosing a supplement for your pup, we always recommend selecting one that has been third-party tested. This unbiased testing ensures that all ingredients meet regulatory requirements and the highest quality standards.

The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out Ollie.com.