A Deep Dive into the Science of Nutraceuticals for Osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting both dogs and cats. If your pet has been diagnosed with OA, you’ve likely seen recommendations for joint supplements and “natural” therapies. But do these nutraceuticals really work?
A group of researchers reviewed 72 clinical studies in dogs and cats to find out which joint supplements offer real relief, and which ones fall flat. The results of this research were published in 2022 in a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis, which you can read here.
But First….
What Are Nutraceuticals?
Nutraceuticals are products derived from food sources that may provide health benefits, including pain relief or joint support. These may come as supplements, powders, chews, or even therapeutic pet foods.
But what is important to know is that nutraceuticals are not subject to any oversight (compared to pharmaceuticals which must abide by very strict laws for proving efficacy, safety and manufacturing quality). The only regulation supplement manufactures must follow is that they cannot legally claim to treat any specific condition.
There are countless nutraceuticals available for both pets and people, but many of these products haven’t undergone the kind of rigorous testing you might expect. In most cases, there’s no requirement to confirm whether the ingredients listed on the label are present in the stated amounts—or whether they’re present at all. Even more concerning, these products typically don’t go through safety testing, and very few are backed by research proving they’re effective.
We’ll explore whether joint supplements are truly effective below. But first, we believe safety should always come first. Just because a product is labeled “natural” doesn’t automatically mean it’s safe. Pets still metabolize supplements through their liver and kidneys, just like medications. That raises important questions: Are these products safe for pets with liver or kidney disease? Are they safe to use alongside other medications? Unfortunately, most supplement manufacturers are not required to answer these questions through research or testing.
And when it comes to purity, wouldn’t you want peace of mind that the supplement you’re giving is free of contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, or other toxins? Currently, there’s little oversight to ensure these products meet strict quality standards.
So, what can you do to make sure you are giving a supplement that is safe? Here is some practical advice from CARE Contributor, Dr. Leilani Alvarez:
- Look for a product that undergoes third-party testing for quality and safety. This means that the company is committed to transparency and ensuring their product is as safe as possible and pays to have the quality tested by an outside laboratory.
- Look for products that display the National Animal Supplement (NASC), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) or United States Pharmacopea (USP) seal.
- Choose a respected company that has been in business for at least 10 years. This time has allowed the company to establish good manufacturing techniques, and they should be able to afford to run quality control checks.
- Ideally chose a supplement that has undergone testing in dogs (or cats) with the condition that the supplement is intended for. This is actually very uncommon for veterinary supplements.
With a growing number of options on the market, it’s important for pet parents to rely on science and not hype when choosing how to support their pet’s joint health.
Top Findings from the 2022 Systematic Review:
What Works and What Doesn’t
The researchers grouped the products into nine categories. Five had enough data to compare in-depth. Here’s how they ranked:
1. Omega-3-Enriched Therapeutic Diets
✅ High-quality evidence
✅ Clinically proven pain relief
Therapeutic diets enriched with omega-3 fatty acids were among the most effective for managing OA in pets. Only 10% of trials showed no benefit, and the majority demonstrated clear improvements in mobility and comfort.
Takeaway: If your pet is struggling with arthritis, switching to a vet-recommended therapeutic diet rich in omega-3s could be a great first step.
2. Omega-3-Based Nutraceuticals (Supplements)
✅ Strongest results overall
✅ High efficacy with scientific backing
Supplements like fish oil and green-lipped mussel extracts had the highest overall success rate. Nearly all trials showed either significant improvement or full analgesic effect compared to placebo.
Takeaway: Omega-3 supplements are backed by science as a powerful tool for reducing joint pain in dogs and cats. But make sure that you choose a product that is pure and free from toxins and heavy metals. Talk to your vet about what product they recommend.
3. Cannabidiol (CBD)
🟡 Promising, but needs more research
✅ Mostly positive studies
⛔ Not yet studied in cats
CBD-based supplements showed positive outcomes in 6 of 7 trials. However, one study using a lower dose showed no effect, suggesting that dosage and formulation are key. So far, no clinical trials have been done in cats.
Takeaway: CBD may offer relief for dogs with arthritis, but it’s important to consult your vet for the right product and dosage. If you do choose to give your pet a CBD product, make sure that the company provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA) showing they have tested each batch for quality and purity.
4. Collagen-Based Nutraceuticals
🟠 Mixed results
🔍 Limited by low-quality studies
Collagen products showed some promise, but most trials were of lower quality—small sample sizes, weak methods, and subjective assessments.
Takeaway: Collagen could be helpful, but we need more high-quality research to know for sure. Undenatured Type II collagen supplements seem to have the most promise.
5. Chondroitin-Glucosamine Products
❌ No proven effect
📉 88% of trials showed no benefit
Despite their popularity, glucosamine and chondroitin were consistently ineffective in managing OA pain. In fact, negative control groups (those not receiving any supplement) often did just as well or better. These supplements are often recommended to prevent arthritis, or to reduce the progression, but there is no research to confirm this.
Takeaway: Based on current science, these supplements should no longer be recommended for pets with osteoarthritis.
What About Cats?
While most trials focused on dogs, the few studies available on cats (specifically involving omega-3s) showed encouraging results. That’s a positive sign for feline friends, though more research is needed.
Understanding the Bigger Picture: Why Scientific Quality Matters
One of the biggest takeaways from this review is the importance of trial quality.
For pet parents, this means that not all claims on a supplement label are backed by real science. Look for products your veterinarian recommends, ideally those supported by clinical research.
Final Thoughts: What Should Pet Parents Do?
If you’re looking to help your dog or cat manage joint pain from osteoarthritis:
✅ Consider omega-3 enriched diets or supplements
✅ Ask your vet about CBD if you’re interested
✅ Be skeptical of chondroitin-glucosamine products
✅ Look for Quality seals such as NASC, GMP or USP
✅ Look for products backed by veterinary research
As always, talk to your veterinarian before starting any supplement or diet change. What works best will depend on your pet’s specific health profile and needs.
CARE Tip
You don’t have to navigate pet arthritis alone. At CARE, we empower pet parents with science-backed resources and support so your furry family member can live their best, most comfortable life.
References:
Barbeau-Gregoire M, et al. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of enriched therapeutic diets and nutraceuticals in canine and feline osteoarthritis. Int J Mol Sci 2022:23(18), 10384. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231810384
Tucker J, et al. Unapproved pharmaceutical ingredients included in dietary supplements associated with US Food and Drug Administration warnings. JAMA network open, 2018: 1(6), e183337-e183337.