Plenty of owners start with the same search: the cheapest joint supplement for a dog, often typed alongside a brand name they have heard of. That is a sensible thing to want. Joint support is a daily, ongoing purchase, and the costs add up over months.
The trouble is that the price on the front of a pack rarely tells you what you will actually spend, or whether the product suits your dog. This guide shows you how to compare supplements fairly, so you can judge value rather than just the headline price.
One thing first. If your dog is limping, struggling to get up or seems sore, please speak to your vet before buying anything. A supplement can support joints as part of a balanced routine, but it can't tell you what is going on.
Price per pack is only half the story on joint supplements
Hunting for the lowest price on a named brand like Cortaflex makes sense, because joint support is something you buy month after month. But a cheap pack only tells you what you pay at the till, not what your dog gets in each daily serving.
Below is a comparison of what is actually in the chew, tablet or capsule. MedPaw is our product, and we have included five other UK options so you can judge value for yourself.
Key joint actives in the UK's leading dog joint supplements
| 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.
Cortaflex is not in this table, but the same checks apply to it as to any other supplement: how many of the key joint actives are declared, and what format your dog will take every day. MedPaw is the only one of the six here with all six, scoring 6 of 6. The others range from 2 to 4.
That matters when you are weighing up cost. A product that covers glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia in one soft chew means you are paying for one daily routine, not building a stack of extras to fill the gaps.
For a dog of 18kg and over, the label says 2-3 chews a day, doubled for the first three weeks. Used daily for 2-3 months, it is designed to support joints, mobility and comfort alongside veterinary care. The 60-day money-back guarantee and Subscribe & Save also help you manage the cost.
See MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max Check the current price and what each tub gives your dog before you decide where to buy.
Why "cheapest" can be misleading
A low pack price can look like a bargain until you see how long the pack lasts. A small tub that costs less may run out in a couple of weeks for a large dog, while a bigger-looking pack may last a month or more for a small one.
That is why the number to look for is the cost per day for your dog's weight, not the cost per pack. Two dogs in the same household can have quite different daily costs from the same product.
Price is only one part of value. The ingredient list, the format your dog will actually eat and the length of the guarantee all affect whether you are getting good value for your money.
Check it is made for dogs
Some of the search results you will find for well-known joint supplement brands are for horses and ponies. Horse powders are formulated, dosed and labelled for horses, and their feeding rates are based on a horse's body weight. They can't be translated to a dog.
The same goes for rules and notes on equine products, such as those written for competition horses. They have no bearing on pet dogs.
So before you compare anything else, check that the label names dogs as the species. A proper label also shows the composition and analytical constituents, and a feeding guide by dog weight. If a product doesn't give you that, move on.
Joints in plain English
It helps to know what a joint supplement is aiming to support. Inside a joint, the ends of the bones are covered with cartilage, a spongy, elastic material that acts as a shock absorber and reduces friction. The joint is also bathed in thick, slippery joint fluid, which lubricates it and cushions movement.
Several nutrients are part of, or linked to, those structures:
- Collagen is a protein that forms the structural framework of cartilage.
- Hyaluronic acid is found in joint fluid.
- Glucosamine is an amino sugar, described as a building block for the compounds that bind to the collagen framework.
- MSM is a source of sulphur, which is involved in the bonding of compounds in cartilage.
- Trace minerals such as manganese and zinc play a part in the body's production of structural compounds.
Joint supplements are complementary feeds. That means they are given as part of a balanced diet to support normal joint function. They sit alongside veterinary care, any prescribed medication and weight management, never in place of them.
Work out the real cost per day
Here is a simple way to compare products on equal terms. It takes a few minutes and tells you far more than a price tag.
Step by step
- Find the feeding guide for your dog's weight on each product.
- Work out how many tablets, chews or capsules your dog needs each day.
- Divide the number in the pack by that daily amount to see how many days it lasts.
- Divide the pack price by the number of days. That is your daily cost.
Do not forget the starting phase
Many joint supplements recommend a higher amount at the start, followed by a lower maintenance amount. This affects your first month's spend, so check how long the starting phase lasts.
For MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max, the daily amount is 1 chew up to 4kg, 2 chews for 5-17kg and 2-3 chews for dogs of 18kg and over. The amount is doubled for the first three weeks. We recommend 2-3 months of daily use, because a supplement is something to judge over weeks and months rather than days.
What to check on any dog joint supplement
| Check | Why it matters | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Made for dogs | Dose, format and formulation are not interchangeable with horse products | Species named on the label |
| Cost per day | A cheap pack can cost more per day for a larger dog | Feeding guide and pack size |
| Starting phase | A higher initial amount raises your first month's cost | Feeding instructions |
| Ingredients | Products with similar names can contain quite different things | Composition list |
| Format | A dog who refuses a tablet is not getting value from it | Product description |
| Guarantee | A longer one gives you more time to see whether it suits your dog | Manufacturer's published terms |
For guidance only, not a diagnosis.
Read the ingredient list, not just the name
"Joint support" on the front of a pack tells you very little. Two products with near-identical names can contain quite different ingredients, so turn the pack over.
The details below come from each manufacturer's published information, September 2026. We have included them to show how much products can differ.
- MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max is a daily soft chew. Its key joint actives are glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia serrata. It also contains omega-3 from green-lipped mussel and flax seed, vitamins C and E, and zinc.
- NutraPaw Joint Support is a tablet containing glucosamine, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, turmeric and collagen, with omega-3 from the mussel and manganese. It does not list chondroitin or Boswellia.
- YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS Max is a tablet containing glucosamine, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and fish oil, with chondroitin only via the mussel, plus vitamins C and E and manganese. It does not list MSM, Boswellia, turmeric or collagen.
- Seraquin Joint is a chewable tablet containing glucosamine, chondroitin and turmeric. It does not list MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, Boswellia, omega-3 or collagen.
- Synoquin EFA comes as a tablet or capsule and contains glucosamine, chondroitin and krill oil, plus vitamin C and zinc. It does not list MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, Boswellia, turmeric or collagen.
- Nutraquin+ is a capsule containing glucosamine, chondroitin and Boswellia, plus vitamin C and zinc. It does not list MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, omega-3, turmeric or collagen.
None of this makes one product right for every dog. It simply shows why comparing by name or price alone can leave you with something quite different from what you expected. If your dog has other health conditions or takes medication, your vet can help you decide what is suitable.
Format and guarantee matter more than you might think
A supplement can only support your dog's joints as part of a routine if your dog will take it every day. Soft chews, tablets and capsules suit different dogs. A fussy eater who spits out a tablet, or a dog who needs several capsules hidden in food, can turn a good-value product into a daily battle.
Think about your own routine too. If giving a supplement feels like a chore, it is easy to miss days, and steady daily use is what these products are designed around.
Guarantees vary
Guarantee length differs between brands, and some manufacturers do not publish one. From their published information, NutraPaw lists a 90-day guarantee and YuMOVE lists a 6-week guarantee. Seraquin, Synoquin EFA and Nutraquin+ do not state one. MedPaw offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, and Subscribe & Save is also available for regular orders.
Joint supplements are recommended for use over a couple of months, so a guarantee that covers a fair stretch of that time is worth weighing up alongside the price.
Everyday support that sits alongside any supplement
No chew, tablet or capsule can do the whole job. These everyday habits can help keep many dogs comfortable, and most cost little or nothing.
- Keep your dog lean. Extra weight puts more load on joints. Your vet can tell you what a healthy body condition looks like for your dog.
- Regular, moderate exercise. Steady daily walks usually suit stiff or older dogs better than occasional long outings.
- Non-slip flooring. Rugs or mats on smooth floors give dogs something to grip.
- A warm, supportive bed away from draughts.
- Ramps or steps for getting into the car or onto furniture.
- A gentle warm-up before walks and a calm cool-down afterwards.
- A balanced diet suited to your dog's age and size.
When to see your vet
A supplement is never a reason to put off a vet visit. Only a vet can diagnose the cause of stiffness or discomfort and recommend what comes next, which might include an examination, imaging, pain relief, weight management or physiotherapy.
How quickly to act on changes in your dog's mobility
Slowing down gradually
Slower on walks, a little stiff after rest or less keen to jump. Raise it at your next routine appointment, and mention any supplement you give.
Signs that persist or worsen
A limp lasting more than a day or two, licking or chewing at a joint, reluctance to use stairs or play, or a change in mood such as being quieter or grumpier. Book a vet appointment.
Sudden or severe changes
A hot, swollen or misshapen joint, yelping when touched, being unable to bear weight, dragging a limb, collapsing or obvious severe pain. Contact your vet straight away.
Also tell your vet about loss of appetite, weight loss or unusual tiredness, as these can sit alongside mobility changes. If your dog is already on veterinary treatment, check with your vet before adding any supplement.
Putting it all together
The cheapest pack is not always the cheapest way to support your dog's joints, and the most familiar name is not always the best fit. A fair comparison takes just a few minutes. Confirm the product is made for dogs, work out the cost per day for your dog's weight, allow for any starting phase, read the ingredient list and check the guarantee.
Then think about your dog. A chew they happily take every morning, at a daily cost that suits you, will fit into a steady routine far better than a bargain they refuse. Give it the recommended time rather than judging it after a few days. Keep up the weight management, gentle exercise and comfortable surroundings, and keep your vet in the loop throughout.
Where can I buy Cortaflex for the lowest price in the UK?
Prices change often, so the fairest approach is to check the same pack size across the manufacturer's own site, Amazon UK, Pets at Home, Zooplus and online vet pharmacies on the day you buy. Look at delivery charges, any multi-buy or subscription price, and whether the listing is for the dog product rather than a horse one. We have not quoted a price here because it may be out of date by the time you read this.
How do I work out the real cost per day for a 20kg dog?
Find the feeding guide for 20kg on the product's own page and see how many tablets, chews or scoops a day that means. Divide the number in the pack by the daily amount to get the days it lasts, then divide the pack price by those days. Remember to allow for any higher starting amount, as that raises your first month's spend.
Is a subscription cheaper than buying one-off?
It can be, but it varies by retailer, so compare the subscription price per pack with the one-off price for the same size. Check the delivery cost and how easy it is to pause or cancel before you sign up. MedPaw also offers Subscribe & Save for regular orders.
Is there a like-for-like alternative to Cortaflex?
Compare the composition on each manufacturer's own page, covering the declared actives, the format, the daily amount for your dog's weight and the guarantee. MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max is a daily soft chew that combines glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia serrata, with omega-3 from green-lipped mussel and flax seed. It also comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. Check Cortaflex's own page for its composition, so you are comparing like with like.
How many MedPaw chews does a 20kg dog need, and how long does a tub last?
A dog of 20kg has 2-3 chews a day, doubled for the first three weeks, so 4-6 chews a day at the start. With 60 chews per tub, that is roughly 10-15 days per tub in the first three weeks, then about 20-30 days per tub on the usual amount. We suggest 2-3 months of daily use to see how your dog gets on.
My dog seems stiff or sore. Should I just buy the cheapest supplement?
Please speak to your vet first, because stiffness or limping needs a proper examination and a supplement cannot tell you what is going on. Once your vet is happy, a joint supplement can be given as a complementary feed to support mobility and comfort alongside weight management, gentle exercise and veterinary care. It never replaces veterinary treatment or medication.
