Quick answer: Synoquin is a glucosamine, chondroitin and krill tablet sold mainly through vets, but VetPlus doesn't publish how much of each ingredient is in a tablet on its UK pages, the loading phase lasts six weeks at up to 4 tablets a day, and there's no manufacturer money-back guarantee. MedPaw is a soft chew with all six key joint actives, the main amounts per chew on the label, a three-week loading phase and a 60-day guarantee. For most owners comparing the two, we'd recommend MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews, especially if your dog fights you over tablets or you want to see the main amounts in each dose.
Transparency note: this page is written by MedPaw, which makes a competing joint supplement. Synoquin details come from VetPlus's own UK product pages, and MedPaw's from our label. Everything was checked on 8 October 2026.
MedPaw vs Synoquin at a glance
MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews vs Synoquin (VetPlus)
| MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews | Synoquin | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Soft chicken and bacon chew | Pork liver flavoured chewable tablet, or capsule; small, medium and large breed sizes |
| Glucosamine | 170mg per chew | Yes, amount not published |
| Chondroitin | 70mg per chew | Yes, amount not published |
| MSM | 185mg per chew | Not listed |
| Green-lipped mussel | 70mg per chew | Not listed |
| Hyaluronic acid | Yes, amount not published | Not listed |
| Boswellia | 30mg per chew | Not listed |
| Omega-3 | Via green-lipped mussel | From krill, amount not published |
| Loading phase | Double for the first three weeks | Six weeks at 2 to 4 tablets a day, depending on size |
| Allergens to note | Mollusc, gluten (brewer's yeast); chicken and bacon flavour | Krill (a crustacean), pork liver flavouring; no allergen statement on VetPlus's pages |
| Pack size | 60 chews | 90 tablets (small), 120 tablets (medium and large) |
| Guarantee | 60 days from delivery, any reason, nothing to send back | None from VetPlus; depends on the seller |
| Subscription | Pause, change or cancel any time from your account or by email | None from VetPlus; depends on the seller |
| Where to buy | medpaw.co.uk | Through vets and pet retailers; VetPlus doesn't sell direct |
Sources: VetPlus's small, medium and large breed pages. Older packs and many listings call it Synoquin EFA.
Where Synoquin falls short
You can't check the dose
VetPlus lists chondroitin, glucosamine and omega-3 from krill as Synoquin's key ingredients, but its UK pages give no amount per tablet and no analytical constituents. The only figures we found were on a New Zealand retailer's site, which we couldn't confirm for UK packs. VetPlus also calls Synoquin "clinically proven", but its product pages don't cite a study we could check. MedPaw prints the main amounts per chew on the label.
A narrower formula
Synoquin is built on glucosamine, chondroitin and krill. It doesn't list MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid or Boswellia. MedPaw contains all six key joint actives in every chew.
A six-week loading phase
VetPlus recommends 2 tablets a day for small dogs, 3 for medium and large dogs up to 40kg, and 4 for dogs over 40kg, for the first six weeks. A 120-tablet medium tub at 3 a day runs out before that loading phase ends. MedPaw doubles the normal amount for just the first three weeks.
Tablets and capsules
Synoquin is a chewable tablet or a capsule, and the few owners who mentioned capsules found them harder to give. MedPaw is a soft chew most dogs take from your hand like a treat. For the full picture of owner complaints, see our Synoquin reviews.
Why Synoquin customers switch to MedPaw
The issues that make owners look for a Synoquin alternative
| The issue | Synoquin | MedPaw |
|---|---|---|
| Dog won't take tablets or capsules | Chewable tablet or capsule | Soft chew, given like a treat |
| Knowing what's in each dose | Amounts not published on VetPlus's UK pages | Main amounts per chew on the label |
| Length of the loading phase | Six weeks | Three weeks |
| If it doesn't suit your dog | No manufacturer guarantee | 60-day money-back guarantee, keep the tub |
Our recommendation: if your dog spits out tablets, you want MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia alongside glucosamine and chondroitin, or you'd like a guarantee while you find out if it suits your dog, choose MedPaw. Try MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews.
When Synoquin might suit your dog instead
To be fair, Synoquin will be the better fit for some dogs:
- Your vet has recommended it, your dog takes the tablets happily, and you're seeing results.
- You want omega-3 from krill in the same tablet. MedPaw's omega-3 comes only from green-lipped mussel.
- You prefer to buy through your vet practice so they can keep an eye on how your dog is doing.
Neither is suitable for dogs with a shellfish allergy: MedPaw contains green-lipped mussel and Synoquin contains krill.
Switching from Synoquin to MedPaw
Swap rather than stack: stop Synoquin and start MedPaw the next day, with no gap. Follow MedPaw's normal feeding guide, including the first three weeks at double the usual amount. Give it six to eight weeks, and keep a weekly note of how your dog gets up, walks and handles stairs. If you're not happy, email bark@medpaw.co.uk within 60 days of delivery and we'll refund you. Check with your vet first if your dog takes any medication.
If nothing has worked so far
If your dog is still stiff or sore after a fair trial of any supplement, see your vet. They may suggest pain relief, weight loss or an omega-3 fish oil at a proper dose, which has the strongest evidence for dogs with arthritis. Read what you can safely give a dog for joint pain and the best fish oil for dogs' joints.
More on Synoquin: our Synoquin alternatives guide and Nutraquin or Synoquin.
Is MedPaw better than Synoquin?
For most dogs we'd recommend MedPaw: it's a soft chew rather than a tablet, it contains all six key joint actives with the main amounts on the label, its loading phase is three weeks rather than six, and it has a 60-day money-back guarantee. Synoquin adds omega-3 from krill, which MedPaw doesn't, and some vets recommend it.
What's in Synoquin?
VetPlus lists chondroitin, glucosamine and omega-3 from krill as the key ingredients, with pork liver flavouring in the tablets. Its UK pages don't give the amount of each per tablet.
Does Synoquin contain MSM or green-lipped mussel?
No. VetPlus doesn't list MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid or Boswellia in Synoquin. MedPaw contains all four, plus glucosamine and chondroitin.
Can I give MedPaw and Synoquin together?
There's no need, as both contain glucosamine and chondroitin. Swap rather than stack. If you want to add something, ask your vet about an omega-3 fish oil.
Is Synoquin suitable for dogs with a shellfish allergy?
Synoquin contains krill, a crustacean, so it's not a good choice for dogs with a shellfish allergy. MedPaw isn't either, as it contains green-lipped mussel. Ask your vet for a shellfish-free option.
Can I switch from Synoquin to MedPaw straight away?
Yes. Stop Synoquin and start MedPaw the next day. There's no need for a gap, and you shouldn't give both. Check with your vet first if your dog takes any medication.
