Joint support for dogs – plant- and algae-based supplements

Supplements that support healthy joint function are being used increasingly often in dogs due to the progression of joint disorders. One of the most common is osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease. Do you know which products may help relieve pain and improve your dog's mobility while reducing the side effects associated with high doses of pain medication?

Causes of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis most commonly affects joints exposed to substantial mechanical loads from body weight, such as the hip and knee joints. The disease can develop as a result of various injuries, infections, metabolic disorders, congenital abnormalities or an inappropriate diet. It may also occur secondary to conditions such as joint dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, failure of bony processes to fuse or patellar luxation. Further research is needed to determine the prevalence of osteoarthritis because currently available studies report conflicting data.

What should joint supplements aim to do?

Osteoarthritis affects synovial joints. Changes occur at the cellular, anatomical and physiological levels. The disease is associated with cellular stress and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). For this reason, in addition to pain medication, it is worth supporting overall bone and joint strength, reducing joint stiffness, nourishing the synovial fluid and promoting cartilage repair. This is particularly important because the disease damages articular cartilage, causes inflammation of the synovial membrane and leads to fibrosis of ligaments, tendons, menisci and joint capsules. The bones are also affected, undergoing remodelling and forming new bone tissue. The body attempts to repair the damage, but the mechanisms it activates do not produce the desired results and may even worsen the symptoms. Supplements cannot replace pain medication, but it is worth discussing their use with a veterinarian to improve your dog's quality of life.

Avocado–soybean unsaponifiables

A previous article on supplements discussed compounds derived from animal tissues. Plant-derived substances, such as avocado and soybean extracts, are also used to help keep joints in good condition. More specifically, these are the unsaponifiable fractions of oils pressed from these plants. They contain phytosterols and fat-soluble vitamins, among other components. In vitro studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties linked to changes in the activity of articular cartilage mediators and reduced nitric oxide synthesis. Dogs given this type of avocado- and soybean-based supplement showed improved histological findings in articular cartilage, as well as reduced activity of the enzyme responsible for degrading type II collagen. However, further research is needed into the use of these oils to treat osteoarthritis in dogs, as their effects are not yet fully understood. Nevertheless, most studies indicate that ASU (avocado–soybean unsaponifiables), whether used alone or in combination with other supplements, can substantially help alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis. This may allow lower doses of pain medication to be given, thereby reducing their side effects.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to provide significant pain relief. Improvement was not observed in only 2 of the 20 studies conducted. Their nutritional role is also worth noting: they support digestive and kidney function and help prevent obesity. This is particularly important in older animals. Microalgae oils contain DHA and sometimes EPA as well. They are often produced from algae grown under controlled conditions, offering high quality and purity. They may be given to animals that, for various reasons, cannot tolerate fish or fish-derived products in their diet.

CBD oil

Cannabidiol (CBD), which occurs naturally in hemp, also has analgesic properties. Research to confirm the efficacy of supplementation for osteoarthritis in dogs is still ongoing. Six of the seven studies conducted reported a reduction in pain, which is quite promising. Cannabidiol has not been shown to support the repair of articular cartilage, and its anti-inflammatory effects have not been sufficiently confirmed. Before giving a CBD product, remember to consult a veterinarian because interactions with medications may occur. Always check the cannabinoid content of the specific product batch as well.

Sources:

  1. Vandeweerd, J.-M., Coisnon, C., Clegg, P., Cambier, C., Pierson, A., Hontoir, F., Saegerman, C., Gustin, P., & Buczinski, S. (2012). Systematic review of efficacy of nutraceuticals to alleviate clinical signs of osteoarthritis. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 26(3), 448–456.
  2. Barbeau-Grégoire, M., Otis, C., Cournoyer, A., Moreau, M., Lussier, B., & Troncy, E. (2022). A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of enriched therapeutic diets and nutraceuticals in canine and feline osteoarthritis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(18), Article 10384.
  3. Boileau, C., Martel-Pelletier, J., Caron, J., Msika, P., Guillou, G. B., Baudouin, C., & Pelletier, J.-P. (2009). Protective effects of total fraction of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables on the structural changes in experimental dog osteoarthritis: Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and matrix metalloproteinase-13. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 11(2), R41.
  4. Sabucedo-Suárez, A., López-Peña, M., Permuy, M., & Muñoz, F. (2025). Soybean and avocado unsaponifiables: A review of their potential use in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11, Article 1473688.