If your dog has been taking Nutraquin+ and you are wondering whether something else might suit them better, you are in good company. Many owners look at alternatives for ordinary, practical reasons. A dog may dislike capsules, you may want a different ingredient mix, or you may simply want to see what else is out there.
This guide looks at Nutraquin+ fairly, using what its manufacturer publishes, and then at how to compare it with other joint supplements. MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max is one of the options, and we will be clear about where it is the same and where it differs. A supplement supports joints and mobility alongside veterinary care, so we will also cover when a vet visit matters more than any chew or capsule.
One note on sources: the details below come from each manufacturer's published information as of September 2026. Labels can change, so always check the pack in your hand.
Nutraquin+ and MedPaw: what each label declares
If you are weighing up a switch from Nutraquin+, the quickest way to see what changes is to compare the declared actives. MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max is our own product, and the table below sets it next to Nutraquin+ and four other UK options.
Check the first row, which counts how many of the six key joint actives each one lists, then look at format and guarantee further down.
MedPaw is the only one of the six with all six key joint actives
| Ingredient | MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max | Nutraquin+ | NutraPaw Joint Support | YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS Max | Seraquin Joint | Synoquin EFA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key joint actives | 6 of 6 | 3 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 6 (+1 via mussel) | 2 of 6 | 2 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 | Vit C, zinc | Manganese | Vit C, Vit E, manganese | ✗ | Vit C, zinc |
| Format | Soft chew | Capsule | Tablet | Tablet | Chewable tablet | Tablet or capsule |
| Guarantee | 60 days | Not stated | 90 days | 6 weeks | 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.
Nutraquin+ lists glucosamine, chondroitin and Boswellia, so it scores 3 of 6. It does not list MSM, green-lipped mussel or hyaluronic acid. MedPaw is the only product in the table with all six key joint actives in one daily serving: glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia.
For an owner who is happy with the Nutraquin+ basics but wants a broader mix, that is the main difference. MedPaw also adds omega-3 from green-lipped mussel and flax seed, plus vitamins C and E and zinc, all to support joints and mobility alongside veterinary care.
Format is the other change. Nutraquin+ is a capsule, while MedPaw is a soft chew, which many owners find easier to give every day. There is a 60-day money-back guarantee, and Subscribe & Save if you decide to stay.
Explore MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max If you would like a soft chew with all six key joint actives, you can read more about MedPaw here.
What Nutraquin+ is and what is on its label
Nutraquin+ is a capsule. According to its published information, it contains glucosamine, chondroitin and Boswellia, plus vitamin C and zinc. It is a focused, fairly simple ingredient list, and some owners prefer exactly that.
Its published information does not list MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, omega-3, turmeric or collagen. "Not listed" is not a criticism. It just means those ingredients are not part of the declared formula, which is handy to know when you are comparing labels.
Guarantee and feeding guide
No guarantee is stated in the information we have, so we cannot say whether one is offered. We also do not have a Nutraquin+ feeding guide, and we would never suggest a dose for a product that is not ours. Please follow the manufacturer's label for your dog's weight. If you are unsure, your vet or the manufacturer can help.
You may come across joint supplements described as quick acting. Dogs differ a great deal, and joint supplements are generally intended for steady, daily use. It is kinder to your expectations, and to your dog, to judge any product over weeks rather than days.
Why owners look for an alternative
There is rarely a dramatic reason. The most common ones are quite ordinary:
- Format. Some dogs are happy to take a capsule. Others spit it out, mouth it for ages or learn to avoid the bowl once they spot it.
- A different ingredient mix. You may want a broader list, or a particular ingredient that your current product does not list.
- Guarantee. Some owners like a clear money-back period when trying something new.
- Daily practicality. A product that is easy to give is more likely to be given every day, and consistency matters.
- Your dog is not taking it well. If your dog seems off their food or has upset stools after starting a product, speak to your vet before carrying on or switching.
None of this means Nutraquin+ is a poor product. The best supplement is simply the one that suits your dog, fits your routine and that you can give reliably.
How to compare joint supplements fairly
When you are weighing up two products, marketing language can blur things quickly. Sticking to facts keeps it simple. Put both labels side by side and look at:
- Format. Capsule, tablet, chewable tablet or soft chew. Think about what your dog will really accept.
- Listed ingredients. Which joint-related ingredients appear, and which are not listed.
- Feeding guide. Is there a clear amount for your dog's weight, and is there a higher starting amount at first?
- Guarantee. How long it lasts, or whether one is stated at all.
- Ease of daily use. How simple is it to give in the morning rush or on a busy day?
It also helps to remember that no two supplements are identical. Switching is about reading labels carefully, not swapping like for like.
Where MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max differs
MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max is a daily soft chew and a complementary feed for dogs. These details are MedPaw's own and are separate from anything on the Nutraquin+ label.
Its key joint ingredients are glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia serrata. It also provides omega-3 from green-lipped mussel and flax seed, vitamins C and E, and zinc. It is made with rapeseed oil and glycerine.
What the two have in common
Going by the published labels, both products include glucosamine, chondroitin, Boswellia, vitamin C and zinc. So if those are the ingredients you value in Nutraquin+, you will find them in MedPaw as well.
What is different
- Format: MedPaw is a soft chew rather than a capsule. That can suit dogs that dislike capsules or tablets.
- Extra ingredients: MedPaw includes MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, omega-3 and vitamin E, none of which are listed for Nutraquin+.
- Guarantee: MedPaw has a 60-day money-back guarantee, and Subscribe & Save is available. A Nutraquin+ guarantee is not stated in the information we have.
MedPaw feeding guide
For MedPaw, the guide is 1 chew a day up to 4kg, 2 chews for 5-17kg, and 2-3 chews for 18kg and over. The amount is doubled for the first three weeks. We recommend 2-3 months of daily use, because joint supplements are meant to be given consistently over time, not as a quick fix.
Other alternatives you may come across
Nutraquin+ and MedPaw are not the only options. Here are some others owners often see, described only by what each manufacturer publishes.
- NutraPaw Joint Support: a tablet with glucosamine, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, turmeric and collagen, plus omega-3 from the mussel and manganese. It does not list chondroitin or Boswellia. It has a 90-day guarantee.
- YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS Max: a tablet with 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. It has a 6-week guarantee.
- Seraquin Joint: a chewable tablet with glucosamine, chondroitin and turmeric. It does not list MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, Boswellia, omega-3 or collagen. A guarantee is not stated.
- Synoquin EFA: a tablet or capsule with glucosamine, chondroitin and krill oil, plus vitamin C and zinc. It does not list MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, Boswellia, turmeric or collagen. A guarantee is not stated.
Seen together, a pattern emerges. Each product takes a slightly different approach to format and ingredients, so the right choice depends on what you want from the label and what your dog will accept.
Practical steps before you switch
Changing supplement is straightforward, but a little care helps you see how your dog is getting on.
- Write down what your dog takes now. Copy the ingredient list and feeding amount from the current pack, so you can compare it properly.
- Talk to your vet first. This matters most if your dog takes any medication, has a health condition, is pregnant or nursing, or has food allergies or sensitivities. Show them the ingredient list of any new product.
- Change one thing at a time. Introduce the new supplement on its own, and watch appetite, stools and general mood. Follow the label's feeding guide.
- Choose a format your dog will take. If capsules have become a daily battle, a soft chew may be easier. Regular daily use matters more than which format you pick.
- Give it time. Judge any joint supplement over weeks, not days, and be wary of promises of fast results.
- Do not stop prescribed treatment. A supplement sits alongside veterinary care, so if your vet has prescribed something, keep following their advice.
Keep a simple mobility diary
A few short notes can be surprisingly useful. Jot down how your dog manages stairs, how they get up after a rest, how long their walks are, and whether they hesitate to jump into the car or onto the sofa. A quick phone video of them walking and getting up helps your vet see what you see at home.
Looking after the basics
A supplement is only one part of the picture. Everyday habits play a real part in how comfortable a dog feels.
- Healthy weight. Extra weight puts more load on the joints. Ask your vet to score your dog's body condition and suggest a sensible target.
- Steady exercise. Regular, moderate walks usually suit dogs better than occasional long ones.
- Grippy floors. Non-slip rugs or runners help dogs that slip on hard flooring.
- Supportive bedding. A warm, well-padded bed in a draught-free spot is kinder to stiff joints.
- Easy access. Ramps or steps for the car and sofa save repeated jumping.
When to see your vet
Dogs are good at hiding discomfort, and changes in older dogs are often written off as "just age". A supplement should never be used to put off an appointment. Young and large-breed dogs can have joint problems too, so age is not the only reason to get your dog checked. Your vet can find the cause, which may not be joint-related at all, and recommend suitable care.
How quickly should you call the vet?
Mild, gradual changes
A little slower on walks, slightly stiff after rest, or less keen to jump. Note it in your diary and raise it at the next check-up or book a routine visit.
Signs that persist or worsen
Limping that lasts more than a day or two, stiffness that is getting worse, licking at a joint, reluctance to climb stairs, or changes in mood such as hiding or irritability.
Sudden or severe signs
Crying out when touched, a hot or swollen joint, a weak or dragging back leg, loss of coordination, or being unable to stand or put weight on a leg. Contact your vet straight away.
Loss of appetite, weight change or lethargy alongside changes in how your dog moves are also worth mentioning to your vet promptly.
Making a calm decision
Nutraquin+ is a capsule with a focused list of glucosamine, chondroitin, Boswellia, vitamin C and zinc. If your dog takes it happily and your vet is comfortable with it, there may be no need to change anything. If the format is a struggle, or you would like a broader ingredient list, a soft chew such as MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max is one option to consider, with a 60-day money-back guarantee if you would like to try it.
Whatever you choose, read the labels, introduce one change at a time, give it a few months of steady daily use, and keep your vet in the loop. Together with a healthy weight, gentle exercise and a comfortable daily routine, that is a sound, supportive approach for your dog.
What is in Nutraquin+ and how does it differ from MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max?
Going by its published information, Nutraquin+ is a capsule containing glucosamine, chondroitin and Boswellia, plus vitamin C and zinc. MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max is a soft chew with glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia serrata, plus omega-3, vitamins C and E and zinc. Always check the pack in your hand, as labels can change.
My dog hates capsules. Is there a Nutraquin+ alternative in a different format?
Yes, several options come in other formats. MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max is a daily soft chew, Seraquin Joint is a chewable tablet, and NutraPaw Joint Support and YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS Max are tablets. Choose the format your dog will take reliably every day, as consistent use matters more than the format itself.
How many MedPaw chews would a 20kg dog have, and how long does a tub last?
For dogs of 18kg and over the label guide is 2-3 chews a day, doubled for the first three weeks. A 20kg dog would therefore have 4-6 chews a day for the first three weeks, then 2-3 a day after that. With 60 chews per tub, that is roughly 10-15 days at the starting amount and 20-30 days at the usual amount, so a tub will last a little longer once the first three weeks are over.
Do any of the alternatives offer a money-back guarantee?
It varies by product. MedPaw has a 60-day money-back guarantee, NutraPaw Joint Support has a 90-day guarantee and YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS Max has a 6-week guarantee. A guarantee is not stated in the information we have for Nutraquin+, Seraquin Joint or Synoquin EFA, so check each manufacturer's current terms before buying.
How long should I give a joint supplement before deciding whether to switch again?
Joint supplements are intended for steady daily use, so it is fairer to judge them over weeks rather than days. For MedPaw we recommend 2-3 months of daily use. Change one thing at a time so you can see how your dog is getting on, and keep a short mobility diary to share with your vet.
Should I speak to my vet before changing my dog's joint supplement?
Yes, it is a sensible step, especially if your dog takes any medication, has a health condition or has food sensitivities. A supplement sits alongside veterinary care and should never replace it. If your dog is limping, stiff or seems uncomfortable, please book a vet visit rather than relying on a chew or capsule.
