The best joint supplement for a Rhodesian Ridgeback is a broad formula dosed for a 31 to 38kg dog, given every day in a format your dog actually wants to eat. Ridgebacks are large, powerful hounds, and the PDSA lists both hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia among the breed's common health problems.
That makes joint care a lifelong job rather than something to think about in old age. This guide covers the joint risks in the breed, why weight control can be harder than it looks for a Ridgeback, how to raise a puppy with its hips and elbows in mind, how many MedPaw chews an adult needs and when to see your vet.
Comparing joint supplements for Rhodesian Ridgebacks
With both hips and elbows to look after, a Ridgeback benefits from a formula that does more than one thing. This table puts MedPaw alongside five of the UK's most popular joint supplements, using each brand's own published ingredients.
We make MedPaw, so we have stuck to what is printed on the labels. You can check every line yourself.
How six UK dog joint supplements compare
| Ingredient | MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max | NutraPaw Joint Support | YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS Max | Seraquin Joint | Synoquin EFA | Nutraquin+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key joint actives | 6 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 6 (+1 via mussel) | 2 of 6 | 2 of 6 | 3 of 6 |
| Glucosamine | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chondroitin | ✓ | ✗ | Via mussel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| MSM | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Green-lipped mussel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Hyaluronic acid | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Boswellia | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Omega-3 | Mussel, flax | Mussel | Mussel, fish oil | ✗ | Krill oil | ✗ |
| Turmeric | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Collagen | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Antioxidants | Vit C, Vit E, zinc | Manganese | Vit C, Vit E, manganese | ✗ | Vit C, zinc | Vit C, zinc |
| Format | Soft chew | Tablet | Tablet | Chewable tablet | Tablet or capsule | Capsule |
| Guarantee | 60 days | 90 days | 6 weeks | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
✓ = included, ✗ = not listed. Key joint actives: glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia. Taken from each manufacturer's published information, September 2026.
MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max is the only product in the comparison with all six key joint actives. For a Ridgeback carrying 31 to 38kg through both hips and elbows, that means cartilage, joint fluid and connective tissue are covered together in one daily chew, alongside omega-3 from green-lipped mussel and flax seed and the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc.
Ridgebacks are famously independent and can be choosy about what they will eat on command. A soft chew that tastes like a treat avoids the daily battle of hiding a tablet, which matters because a joint supplement only works if it is given consistently.
See MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max for your Ridgeback, backed by our 60-day money-back guarantee.
Joint risks in Rhodesian Ridgebacks
The PDSA describes the Ridgeback as a large dog of 31 to 38kg and 61 to 69cm at the shoulder that needs at least two hours of exercise a day. Its common health problems include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and hypothyroidism, all of which have a bearing on joint health.
Hips
In hip dysplasia, the ball and socket do not develop to fit snugly, so the joint wears unevenly and arthritis can follow. The good news for Ridgeback owners is that the breed has a long record of screening. The BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme has scored 1,401 Ridgebacks over the last 15 years, and the five-year breed median is 7. Individual scores still ranged from 0 to 40 over that period, so the parents' own results matter more than the breed average. Our guide to hip dysplasia explains the condition in more detail.
Elbows
Elbows are a bigger talking point in Ridgebacks than in many breeds of similar size. Of the 979 Ridgebacks elbow graded under the BVA/KC scheme in the 15 years to the end of 2024, 88% received the ideal grade of 0, which means around one in eight did not. Elbow dysplasia often shows as a stiff front-leg gait or a head nod when walking. Read more in our guide to elbow dysplasia.
If you are choosing a puppy, ask to see both parents' hip and elbow certificates.
Thyroid and weight
Hypothyroidism is not a joint condition, but it is relevant here. The PDSA lists unexplained weight gain, or difficulty losing weight, and lethargy among its signs. A Ridgeback that is piling on weight despite sensible feeding should be checked by a vet, because extra kilos mean extra load on every joint, and the cause may be medical rather than greed. With treatment, the PDSA says most dogs with the condition have an excellent outlook.
Rhodesian Ridgeback joint facts at a glance
| Measure | Rhodesian Ridgeback | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Adult weight | 31 to 38kg | All adults sit in MedPaw's 18kg and over band |
| Daily exercise | At least two hours | Muscle supports the joints, so fitness is protective |
| BVA hip score, 5-year median | 7 (range 0 to 40) | Look for parents at or below the median |
| Elbow grade 0 (15 years to 2024) | 88% of 979 dogs graded | Ask for both parents' elbow grades |
| Hypothyroidism | Listed as a common problem | Unexplained weight gain adds joint load and needs a vet check |
Sources: PDSA Rhodesian Ridgeback breed information and hypothyroidism guide; BVA Hip Dysplasia Scheme breed statistics to 31 December 2025; Kennel Club annual elbow report 2024.
Exercise for a Ridgeback
Ridgebacks were bred to track and hold game over long distances, and they have the stamina and the turn of speed to match. Regular, varied exercise keeps the muscles around the hips and elbows strong, which is one of the best things you can do for their joints.
- Build distance gradually. Long, steady walks on mixed ground do more for joint health than occasional marathon days.
- Let them run safely. Free running in a secure, grassy area is good for a fit adult. Hard, slippery surfaces and tight, repeated turns are not.
- Cut the repetitive sprints. Endless ball chasing loads the front legs heavily on every stop, which is worth bearing in mind for a breed where elbows are a known concern.
- Try low-impact options. Swimming and hydrotherapy build muscle without the jarring. See our guide to low-impact exercise for ideas.
Raising a Ridgeback puppy
Ridgeback puppies grow into a big frame, and the joints are most vulnerable while the bones are still developing. Hip and elbow dysplasia are developmental conditions, so genes set the risk but growth rate, diet and exercise during puppyhood all play a part.
- Use a complete large breed puppy food and feed to the guidelines. A lean puppy that grows steadily is better than a chunky one that grows fast.
- Skip extra calcium unless your vet recommends it.
- Keep sessions short. Plenty of free play and short walks, no forced running, no repeated jumping in and out of the car and limited stairs.
- Watch the front legs. Any lameness in a growing puppy, front or back, deserves a vet check rather than a wait-and-see.
Our guide to protecting large-breed puppy joints goes into more detail.
Ridgeback joint care from puppy to senior
Growing: steady and lean
Large breed puppy food, short bursts of play and a vet check for any lameness.
Prime years: fit, lean and supported
Two hours of varied daily exercise, regular weigh-ins and a daily joint supplement, especially if either parent had a high hip score or an elbow grade above 0.
Later years: comfort and routine
Shorter, more frequent walks, a supportive bed, grip on smooth floors and a ramp for the car.
Choosing a joint supplement for a Ridgeback
- Cover hips and elbows. Glucosamine and chondroitin support cartilage, hyaluronic acid supports joint fluid, MSM supplies sulphur for connective tissue, green-lipped mussel adds omega-3 and glycosaminoglycans, and Boswellia serrata supports joint comfort.
- Check the daily amount for 31 to 38kg. Big dogs need more each day, so compare the cost per day, not the cost per tub.
- Pick a format your Ridgeback will take. A treat-style chew is far easier with an independent dog than a pill.
- Look for a guarantee long enough to see a fair result.
How much MedPaw to give a Rhodesian Ridgeback
At 31 to 38kg, every adult Ridgeback falls in MedPaw's 18kg and over band: 2 to 3 chews a day. For the first three weeks, double the amount to build up levels, then return to the standard serving. Our guide to joint supplements for 25 to 40kg dogs explains how dosing works at this size.
Allow two to three months of daily use for optimal results. A tub holds 60 chews, so Subscribe & Save keeps the next one arriving before you run out.
Signs to watch for in your Ridgeback
- Stiffness when getting up, which eases after a few minutes of moving
- A nodding head when walking, which can point to a sore front leg
- Reluctance to jump into the car, onto the sofa or up the stairs
- Swaying hips, a shorter stride or bunny-hopping at speed
- Lagging behind on walks, or weight creeping up despite the same food
When to see your vet
A joint supplement supports normal joint function. It is not a treatment for dysplasia, thyroid disease or any other condition, so get changes checked.
Book a vet appointment if your Ridgeback:
- is lame for more than a day or two, or the lameness keeps coming back
- goes suddenly lame or will not put weight on a leg
- shows pain when a leg or the back is handled
- is a puppy with any limp while still growing
- is gaining weight or slowing down for no obvious reason
If your dog is on medication or has a diagnosed condition, check with your vet before starting a supplement.
Support your Ridgeback's hips and elbows every day. MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max puts all six key joint actives into one tasty soft chew. Give it two to three months, and if you are not happy, our 60-day money-back guarantee has you covered. Shop MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max
What is the best joint supplement for a Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Look for a broad formula that supports both hips and elbows, a daily amount suited to a 31 to 38kg dog and a format your Ridgeback will take. In our comparison of six leading UK joint supplements, MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max was the only one with all six key joint actives: glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia. It is a soft chew with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
How many MedPaw chews does a Rhodesian Ridgeback need?
Adult Ridgebacks fall into the 18kg and over band, which is 2 to 3 chews a day. Double the amount for the first three weeks, then go back to the standard serving.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks prone to elbow problems?
Elbow dysplasia is listed by the PDSA as a common problem in the breed. Of 979 Ridgebacks elbow graded under the BVA/KC scheme in the 15 years to the end of 2024, 88% were graded 0. Ask to see both parents' elbow grades before buying a puppy.
Can thyroid problems affect my Ridgeback's joints?
Not directly, but hypothyroidism can cause weight gain and lethargy, and extra weight adds strain to the hips and elbows. If your Ridgeback is gaining weight without eating more, ask your vet to check.
When should I start my Ridgeback on a joint supplement?
Many owners start once their Ridgeback has finished growing and is doing a full exercise routine, especially if the parents' hip or elbow results were not ideal. For a dog under 18 months, or with a diagnosed condition, ask your vet first.
