Quick answer: of the natural joint supplements for dogs, omega-3 fish oil and green-lipped mussel have the best evidence. Turmeric's evidence is mixed, and Boswellia and devil's claw haven't been shown to work on their own in good-quality dog trials. Natural doesn't mean risk-free: devil's claw isn't for pregnant dogs or dogs with stomach ulcers, and any of these can upset a stomach or interact with medicines. If you want natural ingredients in a simple daily chew, we'd recommend MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews, which combine green-lipped mussel and Boswellia with glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and hyaluronic acid.
Transparency note: this page is written by MedPaw, which makes a joint supplement containing some of the ingredients below. We've graded them honestly and linked our sources. Checked 9 October 2026.
What "natural" tells you, and what it doesn't
"Natural" tells you where an ingredient comes from: a mussel, a fish, a root or a tree resin. It doesn't tell you whether it works, how much is in a dose or whether it's safe for your dog. Herbal ingredients contain active compounds, which is exactly why they can cause side effects and interact with medicines. So the questions are the same as for any supplement: what's the evidence, what's the dose, and is it right for my dog?
See a vet first if...
- your dog is limping, crying out or won't put weight on a leg
- they are pregnant, nursing, diabetic or have stomach, liver, kidney or heart problems
- they take an anti-inflammatory, blood thinner, steroid or any regular medicine
- they are due an operation
A natural supplement is not a painkiller. Please don't swap prescribed pain relief for one without talking to your vet.
Natural joint supplements, graded
The main source for these grades is a 2022 review of 72 trials of joint supplements in dogs and cats (Barbeau-Grégoire et al., 2022).
Natural joint ingredients for dogs: evidence and safety
| Ingredient | Evidence in dogs | Safety notes |
|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 fish oil | Strongest: clear effect on arthritis pain in the 2022 review | Can cause loose stools or fishy breath; ask your vet about the dose, and before surgery |
| Green-lipped mussel | Good: eased pain and improved mobility against placebo, though less than the anti-inflammatory carprofen (Hielm-Björkman et al., 2009) | Not for dogs with a shellfish allergy |
| Turmeric (curcumin) | Mixed: some trials positive, some negative | Poorly absorbed on its own; can upset the stomach; in people, liver injury has been reported with some high-absorption curcumin products (NCCIH) |
| Boswellia | Unproven alone: the main dog study had 24 evaluable dogs and no placebo group (Reichling et al., 2004) | Brief diarrhoea and wind were reported in a few dogs in that study |
| Devil's claw | Unproven alone: only tested in dogs as part of combination products | A licensed human devil's claw medicine is not for use in pregnancy or with stomach or duodenal ulcers, and lists stomach upset as a side effect (HPRA product information). Don't combine with an anti-inflammatory without vet advice |
Want the detail on each one? See our guides to green-lipped mussel, turmeric, Boswellia (and Boswellia products compared), devil's claw and fish oil.
What about glucosamine and chondroitin?
Both occur naturally in cartilage and are in most joint supplements to support it. In the 2022 review they didn't relieve arthritis pain, so think of them as cartilage support rather than comfort.
The most natural help of all
The approaches with the best track record don't come in a tub:
- Weight loss. In obese dogs with arthritis, lameness improved after losing just over 6% of body weight (Marshall et al., 2010).
- Steady exercise, swimming and hydrotherapy.
- Diet: see the best diet for a dog with arthritis and anti-inflammatory foods.
- A safer home: rugs, a ramp and a supportive bed.
Natural and medicine together
It isn't either/or. Many dogs do best on vet pain relief plus weight control, exercise and a supplement. Green-lipped mussel, one of the better natural options, was less effective than carprofen in a head-to-head trial, so a natural product shouldn't be expected to replace medicine for a sore dog. Our guide to natural vs pharmaceutical joint treatment covers how they fit together.
How MedPaw fits
Natural ingredients in MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews
| Ingredient from the list above | In MedPaw? |
|---|---|
| Green-lipped mussel | Yes, 70mg per chew |
| Boswellia serrata | Yes, 30mg per chew |
| Omega-3 fish oil | No. MedPaw isn't a fish oil; give one alongside if your vet recommends it |
| Turmeric | Not one of MedPaw's actives |
| Devil's claw | Not one of MedPaw's actives |
| Also in each chew | MSM 185mg, glucosamine 170mg, chondroitin 70mg, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C 33mg, vitamin E 24 IU, zinc 3mg |
Our recommendation: if you'd like the better-evidenced natural ingredient, green-lipped mussel, in a daily chew that also covers cartilage and joint fluid, try MedPaw. It's a soft chicken and bacon chew most dogs take like a treat. Give it six to eight weeks, and if you're not happy, email us within 60 days for a refund, with nothing to send back. MedPaw is a complementary feed, not a medicine. It contains green-lipped mussel (mollusc) and brewer's yeast (gluten), so it isn't suitable for dogs with a shellfish allergy, and please check with your vet first if your dog has a health condition or takes medication. Try MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews.
Comparing brands? See our best joint supplements for dogs in the UK and best joint chews. Shellfish allergy? See our guide to allergy-friendly options.
What is the best natural joint supplement for dogs?
On the evidence, omega-3 fish oil, followed by green-lipped mussel. For a daily chew that includes green-lipped mussel and Boswellia alongside glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and hyaluronic acid, we'd recommend MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews.
Is turmeric safe for dogs' joints?
It can upset the stomach, it's poorly absorbed on its own, and the evidence for joints is mixed. Ask your vet first if your dog takes medication, is diabetic or is due surgery.
Can I give my dog devil's claw with Metacam?
Not without your vet's advice. Devil's claw is often described as having an anti-inflammatory action, and combining it with a prescribed anti-inflammatory hasn't been shown to be safe in dogs. It also isn't suitable for pregnant dogs or dogs with stomach ulcers.
Is there a natural alternative to anti-inflammatories for dogs?
Not one that matches them. In a head-to-head trial, green-lipped mussel helped dogs with arthritis but less than carprofen. Natural supplements can sit alongside medicine, and may help when a vet decides anti-inflammatories aren't suitable, but that's your vet's call.
Are natural joint supplements safe long term?
Many dogs take them for years without problems, but natural ingredients can still cause stomach upsets, allergies and interactions. Stick to one product, use it as directed and review it with your vet at check-ups.
Is green-lipped mussel natural?
Yes. It comes from a New Zealand shellfish and naturally contains omega-3 fatty acids. That's also why it isn't suitable for dogs with a shellfish allergy.
