Quick answer: Superdog Joints & Bones is mostly glucosamine hydrochloride (18% of the tablet), calcium carbonate (9%), maltodextrin and cellulose, with chondroitin (5%), MSM (2%), linseed oil (1%), green-lipped mussel (0.5%), ginger root and beef flavouring, plus added vitamins and trace elements. That's four of the six key joint actives: there's no hyaluronic acid or Boswellia. Vitabiotics doesn't publish the tablet weight, so there are no amounts per tablet. If you want to see the main amounts your dog gets, we'd recommend MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews instead: all six key joint actives in a soft chew, with the main amounts per chew on the label.
Transparency note: this page is written by MedPaw, which makes a competing joint supplement. Superdog's ingredients come from its label as published by UK retailers, because Vitabiotics' own Superdog page no longer exists. Everything was checked on 8 October 2026.
Superdog's active ingredients
Superdog Joints & Bones: joint actives as listed on the label
| Active | Share of the tablet | Per tablet |
|---|---|---|
| Glucosamine hydrochloride | 18% | Not published |
| Chondroitin sulphate | 5% | Not published |
| MSM (methyl sulphonyl methane) | 2% | Not published |
| Linseed oil | 1% | Not published |
| Green-lipped mussel | 0.5% | Not published |
| Dried ginger root | Not stated | Not published |
| Hyaluronic acid | None listed | |
| Boswellia | None listed |
Source: label text on Ocado and Superdrug, checked 8 October 2026. The older 30-tablet Vitavet Superdog pack on Ocado lists the same ingredients.
Because the tablet weight isn't published, you can't turn these percentages into milligrams. They do show the balance of the formula: there's 36 times more glucosamine hydrochloride than green-lipped mussel, and more calcium carbonate than chondroitin, MSM and mussel combined.
Full composition and additives
The label lists, in order: glucosamine hydrochloride (18%), calcium carbonate (9%), maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, chondroitin sulphate (5%), linseed oil (1%), methyl sulphonyl methane (2%), beef flavouring, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, green-lipped mussel (0.5%) and dried ginger root.
Added vitamins, per kilo of product: vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 13,513mg, vitamin E 900mg, niacin 2,252mg, thiamine mononitrate 1,351mg, vitamin D3 2.2mg, pyridoxine hydrochloride 900mg, riboflavin 450mg, vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) 1.4mg and folic acid 36mg.
Trace elements, per kilo: DL-methionine 11,261mg, ferrous fumarate 676mg, zinc oxide 1,351mg, manganese sulphate 180mg, cupric sulphate 90mg and sodium selenite 11mg. The anticaking agent is silicon dioxide.
Analytical constituents: protein 12%, fat 4.4%, crude fibre 6.8%, ash 23.3%. The high ash figure reflects the minerals, especially the calcium carbonate.
Allergens and warnings
Superdog contains green-lipped mussel and beef flavouring, and its label says: "Do not give if your dog has a known allergy to fish or shellfish." It's labelled gluten free. The label also says owners of diabetic dogs should consult their vet first, that it isn't suitable for puppies under 12 months, and not to give more than the recommended intake. For general advice, see joint supplement side effects in dogs.
What the evidence says about each active
A 2022 meta-analysis of 72 trials by Barbeau-Grégoire et al. (International Journal of Molecular Sciences) looked at supplements for arthritis pain in dogs and cats:
- Glucosamine and chondroitin: the review found they didn't relieve pain and said they should no longer be recommended for pain management. That applies to every product built on them, MedPaw's glucosamine and chondroitin included. They're widely used to support cartilage, but don't expect them to relieve pain.
- Omega-3: the strongest evidence of any supplement for arthritis pain. Superdog's omega-3 comes from linseed oil (1%), which supplies the plant omega-3 ALA rather than the EPA and DHA in fish oil, and its green-lipped mussel is only 0.5% of the tablet.
- MSM, Boswellia and hyaluronic acid: too few studies to judge on their own. Superdog has MSM at 2%, but no Boswellia or hyaluronic acid.
What's missing compared with MedPaw
Superdog has no hyaluronic acid and no Boswellia, both of which MedPaw contains. It also has no published amounts per tablet, so even for the actives it shares with MedPaw you can't compare doses. MedPaw has no ginger, linseed oil or B vitamins, and it isn't gluten free.
Why Superdog customers switch to MedPaw
Superdog vs MedPaw: what's in each
| The issue | Superdog (per tablet) | MedPaw (per chew) |
|---|---|---|
| Key joint actives | 4 of 6: glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel; no amounts published | All 6: glucosamine 170mg, chondroitin 70mg, MSM 185mg, green-lipped mussel 70mg, Boswellia 30mg, plus hyaluronic acid |
| Omega-3 source | Linseed oil 1%, green-lipped mussel 0.5% | Green-lipped mussel 70mg |
| Format | Chewable tablet | Soft chicken and bacon flavour chew |
| Allergens | Not for fish or shellfish allergy; labelled gluten free | Contains mollusc and gluten (brewer's yeast) |
| If it doesn't suit | No money-back guarantee we could find | 60-day money-back guarantee, nothing to send back |
Our recommendation: if you've read Superdog's label and want to see the main amounts your dog is getting, with hyaluronic acid and Boswellia included, choose MedPaw, unless your dog has a shellfish or gluten allergy. Swap rather than stack, give it six to eight weeks, and if you're not happy, email bark@medpaw.co.uk within 60 days of delivery for a refund. Try MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews.
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 Superdog: our Superdog Joints & Bones reviews and MedPaw vs Superdog. On the actives themselves: glucosamine and chondroitin and MSM for dogs.
What is in Superdog Joints & Bones?
Glucosamine hydrochloride (18%), calcium carbonate (9%), maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, chondroitin sulphate (5%), linseed oil (1%), MSM (2%), beef flavouring, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, green-lipped mussel (0.5%) and dried ginger root, plus added vitamins and trace elements.
How much glucosamine is in a Superdog tablet?
It isn't published. The label says glucosamine hydrochloride makes up 18% of the tablet, but Vitabiotics doesn't give the tablet weight, so you can't work out the milligrams.
Does Superdog contain hyaluronic acid or Boswellia?
No. Neither is on the label. MedPaw contains both.
Is Superdog Joints & Bones gluten free?
It's labelled gluten free. It contains green-lipped mussel and beef flavouring, and the label says not to give it to a dog with a fish or shellfish allergy. MedPaw contains gluten from brewer's yeast.
Is Superdog or MedPaw stronger?
We can't say for the actives they share, because Superdog doesn't publish amounts per tablet. MedPaw has the broader formula, with hyaluronic acid and Boswellia, which Superdog doesn't contain, and lists the main amounts per chew.
Can I switch from Superdog to MedPaw straight away?
Yes. Stop Superdog 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.
