If you have just picked up a pack of Nutraquin+, or you are thinking about it, the first question is usually how much to give and for how long. It is a fair thing to want to get right. A joint supplement is something you give day after day, so a clear routine matters more than any single dose.
This guide explains how the manufacturer says Nutraquin+ should be given: the weight-based dose, the 6-week loading period, and how to make it easy to stick to. We have not listed capsule numbers for each weight band, because those belong on the manufacturer's administration chart. Please follow the chart on your pack, or the amount your vet advises.
We also cover when a vet visit is the right next step. A supplement can sit alongside veterinary care, but it cannot tell you why your dog is stiff.
Nutraquin+ and MedPaw: what each formula lists
Once you know how much Nutraquin+ to give, it helps to see what that daily routine actually contains. The table below sets it next to MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max, which is our own product, and four other UK options.
We have kept it to the facts each formula lists, so you can compare the actives, the format and the guarantee in one place.
UK dog joint supplements compared, ingredient by ingredient
| 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, which is 3 of the 6 key joint actives. It does not list MSM, green-lipped mussel or hyaluronic acid. MedPaw is the only one of the six products to list all six, so every one of those actives is in a single daily routine.
If you are building a dosing habit around your dog's weight, the format matters too. Nutraquin+ is a capsule, while MedPaw is a soft chew. Many owners find a chew simpler to give every day, and the 2-3 months of daily use we recommend is easier to keep up.
MedPaw also adds omega-3 from green-lipped mussel and flax seed, plus vitamins C and E and zinc. It comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, and Subscribe & Save is available if you would like it to arrive on a regular schedule.
See MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max Take a look at the full formula and feeding guide for your dog's weight, and see how all six key actives fit into one soft daily chew.
Why the dose matters: weight, consistency and patience
With joint supplements, three things tend to matter most. The first is giving the right amount for your dog's weight. The second is giving it every day. The third is allowing enough time before you judge how it is going.
It is tempting to guess the dose by breed or by eye, especially if your dog is a bit bigger or smaller than the "typical" version of their breed. The manufacturer's guidance does not work that way. The amount depends on your dog's weight, so the best first step is a proper weigh-in. If your dog has gained or lost weight recently, use a current figure rather than the one from their last vaccination appointment.
Consistency matters just as much. A supplement given on and off is hard to judge fairly, for you and for your vet.
What is in Nutraquin+
Nutraquin+ is a capsule. The manufacturer calls them sprinkle capsules, which means you can give them whole or open them and add the contents to food. It is a complementary feed that supports joint health, designed to sit alongside veterinary care.
The listed ingredients are:
- Glucosamine: a natural substance in the body and a building block of cartilage, ligaments, tendons and joint fluid. The manufacturer notes that the body's own production slows with age, and says its glucosamine is the hydrochloride (HCL) form.
- Chondroitin: a structural part of cartilage. The manufacturer says its chondroitin comes from squid cartilage and describes it as helping to maintain the thickness of joint fluid.
- Boswellia: a plant resin that has been used for many years. The manufacturer says the active part is boswellic acids, which support the body's normal inflammatory responses and help comfort and movement.
- Vitamin C and zinc: also in the formula. We have no amounts for these, so we will not quote any.
It does not list MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, omega-3, turmeric or collagen. No guarantee is stated in the information we have seen, so check the pack or the manufacturer's website if that matters to you.
How the Nutraquin+ dose works
Start with your dog's weight
The manufacturer states that the amount depends on your dog's weight, and sets this out on an administration chart. Weigh your dog, find their band on the chart, and give that amount. If your dog sits between two bands, or their weight has changed, ask your vet or the manufacturer which amount applies, rather than rounding in whichever direction feels right.
Give the full dose
The manufacturer recommends the full dose, either as your vet advises or as set out for your dog's weight. Giving less than the chart suggests can make it hard to tell how your dog is really getting on. If you are tempted to cut back, have a word with your vet first.
Give the day's capsules together, with food
The guidance is to give all of the day's capsules at the same time, alongside food. That might be the morning meal or the evening one, whichever suits your routine. Pairing it with a meal you never skip makes it much easier to remember.
The 6-week loading period
Nutraquin+ starts with a loading dose period of 6 weeks. The manufacturer's reasoning is that glucosamine and chondroitin are structural ingredients that need time to build up in the body, while Boswellia is described as acting more quickly. The loading phase is part of the plan, not an optional extra.
Follow the loading amounts on the chart for your dog's weight, then move to the maintenance amount. Here is how the stages fit together.
How the Nutraquin+ dosing journey fits together, based on the manufacturer's published guidance
| Stage | What the manufacturer says | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Before you start | Dose depends on the pet's weight | Weigh your dog and check the administration chart |
| Loading period | 6 weeks at the loading amount | Give the loading amount daily with food, without gaps |
| Maintenance | Move to the maintenance amount for the dog's weight | Carry on daily at the lower chart amount |
| Switching from a product outside the Nutraquin range | Complete a loading dose | Treat it as a fresh start, as your dog's existing level of support is unknown |
| Already loaded within the Nutraquin range, no gaps | A new loading dose is not needed | Continue at maintenance |
| After a long break | Not covered in the information we have | Check with the manufacturer or your vet |
For guidance only, not a diagnosis. Always follow the chart on your pack or your vet's advice.
The long-break row deserves a quick note. If you stopped for a while and are restarting, do not assume either way. A call to the manufacturer or your vet will settle it.
How to give it: whole, opened or on a topper
The capsule format gives you a few options, so you can find what works for your dog.
- Whole. Some dogs will take a capsule hidden in a small piece of food without any fuss.
- Opened. Pull the capsule apart and sprinkle the powder onto or into their meal.
- On a favourite topper. The manufacturer notes that some dogs notice when something has been added to their food. Its suggestion is to sprinkle the powder on a favourite treat or something strongly flavoured, such as tuna or mackerel.
Keep it to the same time each day, with the same meal. A small note on your phone helps too. Jot down the start date, the weight you used for the dose, and anything you notice about how your dog moves. That record is handy for you, and for your vet if you later talk about how things are going.
What to expect, and when
The manufacturer is clear that the time it takes varies from dog to dog and depends on the individual and how stiff they are. It suggests allowing the full 6-week loading period before judging how things are going.
We would add a gentle note of realism. Every dog is different, and some owners notice changes sooner or later than others. Changes can also be gradual and easy to miss when you see your dog every day. These are the everyday things worth watching:
- How your dog gets up after a rest
- How they manage stairs or hopping into the car
- How keen they are to go out on walks
- How comfortable they look when settling into their bed
A supplement supports joint health as part of a wider plan. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, sensible exercise, a comfortable bed and non-slip flooring all matter too, and often more than people expect.
Allergies and safety points
Before you start, run through these points.
- Shellfish and squid: the manufacturer says Nutraquin uses shellfish-derived and squid-derived ingredients. If your dog has a known squid or shellfish allergy, speak to your vet first.
- Medication or health conditions: the information we have does not cover interactions. If your dog takes medication or has another condition, check with your vet before adding any supplement.
- Puppies and younger dogs: the manufacturer says joint supplements are not only for older dogs, and can help maintain joint health as dogs grow. Growing dogs have particular nutritional needs, so ask your vet about timing and suitable products first.
- Species: this guide is about dogs. If you share your home with other pets, use the right chart for each species and weight.
When to see your vet
A supplement cannot find out why your dog is struggling. If your dog is slowing down, or finding it harder to jump onto furniture or climb stairs, your vet can check for other health issues. Here is a simple way to think about how quickly to act.
How quickly to speak to your vet
Gradual changes
Slower to get up, a little stiff after resting, less keen on stairs or the car, or less interested in play. Book an appointment and mention it, even if it seems mild.
Clearer signs of discomfort
Limping, holding up a leg, licking or chewing at a joint, crying out or flinching when touched near the hips, back or legs, or a change in how they sit or lie down. Book a vet visit soon.
Sudden or severe signs
Suddenly unable to put weight on a limb, severe pain, a swollen or hot joint, or collapsing and being unable to get up. Get urgent veterinary advice.
Please also speak to your vet if there is no change after the full loading period, or if things get worse. The same goes if you are unsure which dose applies, for example when your dog's weight has changed or falls between bands.
Alternatives, including MedPaw
Nutraquin+ is one of several options, and the right choice depends on your dog. If you are weighing it up, here is a fair, factual look at how it differs from MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max.
Both include glucosamine, chondroitin and Boswellia serrata. Both also contain vitamin C and zinc, and MedPaw adds vitamin E. The main differences are in format and in what else is in the formula.
- Format: Nutraquin+ is a capsule that can be opened onto food. MedPaw is a daily soft chew.
- Extra ingredients: MedPaw also includes MSM, green-lipped mussel and hyaluronic acid, with omega-3 from green-lipped mussel and flax seed. These are not listed for Nutraquin+.
- Loading: Nutraquin+ recommends a 6-week loading period. MedPaw doubles the daily amount for the first three weeks.
- Guarantee: no guarantee is stated for Nutraquin+ in the information we have. MedPaw has a 60-day money-back guarantee, and Subscribe & Save is available.
For MedPaw only, the feeding guide is 1 chew a day up to 4kg, 2 chews for 5 to 17kg, and 2 to 3 chews for 18kg and over, doubled for the first three weeks. We recommend 2 to 3 months of daily use. None of this applies to Nutraquin+, which has its own chart.
Practical points can help you decide. Think about how easily your dog takes capsules or chews, whether they have any allergies, and what your vet advises. Whichever you choose, a clear routine, an accurate weight and a little patience will do more for your dog than any single product.
How much Nutraquin+ should I give my dog by weight?
The manufacturer sets the amount by your dog's weight on an administration chart, so the right number of capsules depends on which weight band your dog falls into. We have not listed capsule numbers here, so please follow the chart on your pack or the amount your vet advises. If your dog sits between two bands or their weight has changed recently, ask your vet or the manufacturer which amount applies.
How long is the Nutraquin+ loading period?
The manufacturer recommends a loading dose period of 6 weeks, using the loading amounts on the chart for your dog's weight. After that you move to the maintenance amount. It is sensible to allow the full 6 weeks before judging how your dog is getting on.
Can I open Nutraquin+ capsules and sprinkle them on food?
Yes, the manufacturer describes them as sprinkle capsules, so you can give them whole or open them and add the contents to food. Some dogs notice the powder, so the manufacturer suggests a favourite treat or something strongly flavoured, such as tuna or mackerel. Giving the day's capsules together with a meal also makes the routine easier to remember.
Do I need to repeat the loading dose if I switch to Nutraquin+ from another supplement?
The manufacturer's guidance is to complete a loading dose if your dog is switching from a product outside the Nutraquin range. If your dog has already been loaded within the range with no gaps, a new loading dose is not needed. If there has been a long break, check with the manufacturer or your vet rather than guessing.
How many MedPaw chews would a 20kg dog have each day?
On the MedPaw label, dogs of 18kg and over have 2 to 3 chews a day, so a 20kg dog would have 2 to 3 chews daily. The amount is doubled for the first three weeks, which means 4 to 6 chews a day at the start. A tub holds 60 chews, and MedPaw recommends 2 to 3 months of daily use.
Is Nutraquin+ or MedPaw better for my dog?
It depends on your dog. Nutraquin+ is a capsule with glucosamine, chondroitin and Boswellia, whilst MedPaw is a soft chew that also includes MSM, green-lipped mussel and hyaluronic acid, with omega-3 from green-lipped mussel and flax seed. Think about how easily your dog takes capsules or chews, any allergies, and speak to your vet if your dog is stiff or you are unsure what to choose.
