🦴 Joint Supplements

🔭 Scientific Evidence

YuMOVE has been tested in a real-world clinical study conducted on live dogs by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in the UK — one of the most respected veterinary institutions in the world. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study is the gold standard in clinical research, meaning neither the dogs' owners nor the researchers knew which dogs were receiving the supplement or the placebo, eliminating bias. The study demonstrated measurable improvements in joint mobility within 6 weeks in the majority of treated dogs. The key active ingredient, ActivEase Green Lipped Mussel (GLM), provides a concentrated combination of Omega-3 fatty acids, Chondroitin, and Glucosamine. GLM-based supplements have the strongest scientific evidence base of any joint supplement ingredient for dogs, supported by multiple independent studies. Additional ingredients include Hyaluronic Acid, plant-based Glucosamine, and antioxidant Vitamins C and E.

📚 Research References

• Royal Veterinary College UK — Double-blind, placebo-controlled, objectively measured clinical study on live dogs (cited by Lintbells/YuMOVE)
• Rialland P et al. (2013) — Effect of a diet enriched with green-lipped mussel on pain behaviour and functioning in dogs with clinical osteoarthritis. Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research
• Hielm-Björkman A et al. (2012) — Evaluating complementary therapies for canine osteoarthritis. PLOS ONE
• Bui LM & Bierer TL (2003) — Influence of Green Lipped Mussels on pain behavior and functioning in dogs with arthritis. Veterinary Therapeutics

🔭 Scientific Evidence

Pure salmon oil is one of the most scientifically supported joint supplements available for dogs. Unlike most joint supplements, fish oil Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) have been tested in multiple large, independent, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials — the gold standard of medical research. A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that 82% of dogs fed fish oil Omega-3s showed measurable improvement in how they moved and bore weight, compared to just 38% in the control group. A multicenter trial of 127 dogs across 18 veterinary clinics confirmed significant improvements in joint pain and mobility over 6 months. A further trial of 78 dogs showed that all measures of discomfort, lameness, and joint severity significantly improved versus placebo after 84 days. Cornell University recommends fish oil as a first-line supplement for joint health. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) also recommends Omega-3 fatty acids as a first-tier joint treatment. Pets Purest Scottish Salmon Oil is a pure, high-quality source of EPA and DHA with no additives.

📚 Research References

• Fritsch DA et al. (2010) — Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 236(1)
• Fritsch DA et al. (2010) — Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 236(1)
• Mehler SJ et al. (2016) — A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the effects of EPA and DHA on clinical signs of osteoarthritis in dogs. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — Recommends fish oil as a first-line supplement for canine joint health
• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) — Recommends Omega-3 fatty acids as a first-tier treatment for canine osteoarthritis

🔭 Scientific Evidence

Dasuquin is Nutramax's premium joint formula, combining patented FCHG49 glucosamine and TRH122 chondroitin with MSM and avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU). The ASU component is a key differentiator — a 2007 double-blind placebo-controlled study of 35 dogs showed significant improvement in mobility scores, and ASU has demonstrated disease-modifying properties including reduced cartilage degradation enzymes. A randomised double-blind trial of 35 dogs confirmed the glucosamine/chondroitin base is effective for OA. MSM provides additional anti-inflammatory support. The combination of three evidence-backed ingredients makes Dasuquin one of the most comprehensively researched joint supplements available without a prescription. The #1 veterinarian-recommended joint supplement brand in the US.

📚 Research References

• Vandeweerd et al. (2012) — Randomised double-blind trial, 35 dogs with OA, glucosamine/chondroitin combination (PubMed 16647870)
• Boileau et al. (2009) — ASU inhibits cartilage degradation enzymes, double-blind placebo-controlled, 35 dogs
• PMC Review (2017) — Glucosamine and chondroitin use in canines for osteoarthritis (PMC5356289)

🔭 Scientific Evidence

YuMOVE Max Strength is the strongest senior formula in the YuMOVE range, containing 50% more active ingredients than standard YuMOVE Joint Care for Senior Dogs. Each tablet provides 250mg Glucosamine HCl, 170mg Green Lipped Mussel Powder (40% more than standard), 18mg N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine (a building block of chondroitin), 18mg Concentrated Fish Oil (80% more than standard), 1.8mg Hyaluronic Acid, 12.5mg Vitamin C, 1.2mg Vitamin E, and 3mg Manganese Sulphate. The science basis is the same Royal Veterinary College canine study that underpins the full YuMOVE range — a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of 120 dogs showing statistically significant improvements in mobility, stiffness and overall quality of life scores. The higher dosages of Green Lipped Mussel and Fish Oil are clinically meaningful: Green Lipped Mussel provides the highest natural concentration of Omega-3 ETA (eicosatetraenoic acid), which has demonstrated greater anti-inflammatory potency than the EPA found in standard fish oil. The additional N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine provides extra precursors for chondroitin synthesis. Hyaluronic Acid reaches joints within 2 hours and lubricates synovial fluid. This formula is specifically designed for dogs aged 8 and over showing signs of stiffness and reduced mobility. Backed by 15+ years of Lintbells research.

📚 Research References

• Royal Veterinary College — Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled canine study, 120 dogs. Statistically significant improvements in mobility, stiffness and quality of life scores. Underpins all YuMOVE Joint Care formulas
• Lintbells / YuMOVE — Max Strength contains 50% more active ingredients than standard YuMOVE Senior; 40% more Green Lipped Mussel (170mg vs ~120mg); 80% more fish oil (18mg vs ~10mg)
• Animed.co.uk — YuMOVE Joint Care Max Strength for Senior Dogs: per tablet 250mg Glucosamine HCl, 170mg GLM, 18mg Fish Oil, 18mg N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine, 1.8mg Hyaluronic Acid
• Joii Pet Care (2024) — YuMOVE Max Strength: 50% more powerful ingredients vs standard YuMOVE Joint Care; designed for older dogs aged 8+ with more advanced joint stiffness

🔭 Scientific Evidence

MobilityMax contains a blend of ingredients that individually have varying levels of scientific support, but no independent peer-reviewed clinical trial has been published specifically testing MobilityMax as a complete product. The science score is based on ingredient-level evidence. A 2022 PLOS ONE randomised, placebo-controlled trial of 40 dogs with osteoarthritis found that a supplement containing Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Hyaluronic Acid produced significant improvements in pain and mobility scores versus placebo — ingredients present in MobilityMax. However, a 2024 review of multiple studies noted that Glucosamine and Chondroitin alone show weaker results than Omega-3 based supplements such as Green Lipped Mussel. MSM has limited high-quality canine trial data but is generally considered safe. The absence of Green Lipped Mussel or concentrated fish oil is a notable gap compared to the strongest-evidence joint supplements.

📚 Research References

• Comblain F et al. (2022) — A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a dietary supplement in dogs with osteoarthritis. PLOS ONE
• Vandeweerd JM et al. (2012) — Systematic review of efficacy of nutraceuticals to alleviate clinical signs of osteoarthritis in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
• Rialland P et al. (2013) — Effect of a diet enriched with green-lipped mussel on pain behaviour in dogs with clinical osteoarthritis. Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research
• Colitti M et al. (2012) — Transcriptome modification of white blood cells after dietary curcumin supplementation in dogs. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology

🔭 Scientific Evidence

Cosequin contains patented FCHG49 glucosamine hydrochloride and TRH122 sodium chondroitin sulfate, plus MSM. A randomised double-blind trial of 35 dogs with osteoarthritis found the glucosamine/chondroitin combination significantly improved mobility scores vs baseline. Nutramax independently verified their product contains the correct labelled ingredient amounts — an important distinction as 84% of competing brands failed quality testing. MSM adds further anti-inflammatory support. No large-scale placebo-controlled trial exists for Cosequin as a finished product, and broader reviews rate glucosamine/chondroitin efficacy as moderate. The #1 veterinarian-recommended retail joint supplement brand in the US for over 25 years.

📚 Research References

• Vandeweerd et al. (2012) — Randomised double-blind trial, 35 dogs with OA, glucosamine/chondroitin combination (PubMed 16647870)
• PMC Review (2017) — Glucosamine and chondroitin use in canines for osteoarthritis (PMC5356289)
• Nutramax ingredient quality verification — 84% of competitor brands failed labelled ingredient testing vs Cosequin

🔭 Scientific Evidence

Pooch & Mutt Joint Care contains Green Lipped Mussel (GLM), Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Hyaluronic Acid, MSM and Collagen — a well-constructed combination of ingredients. No independent peer-reviewed clinical trial has been published specifically testing this Pooch & Mutt product. However GLM, the standout ingredient, has a strong body of independent clinical evidence. A 2013 study in the Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research (Rialland et al.) found significant improvement in how dogs moved and bore weight — considered the gold standard measure of joint improvement — in dogs fed a GLM-enriched diet over 60 days. Multiple studies have verified GLM helps dogs with arthritis and Cornell University confirms this. The addition of Collagen is a relatively new ingredient with emerging positive evidence in human studies and limited but promising canine data. The science score reflects good ingredient-level evidence for the GLM and glucosamine/chondroitin combination, with no product-specific double-blind trial.

📚 Research References

• Rialland P et al. (2013) — Effect of a diet enriched with green-lipped mussel on pain behaviour and functioning in dogs with clinical osteoarthritis. Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research
• Bui LM & Bierer TL (2003) — Influence of Green Lipped Mussels in alleviating signs of arthritis in dogs. Veterinary Therapeutics, 4(4), 397-407
• Hielm-Björkman A et al. (2009) — Evaluating complementary therapies for canine osteoarthritis: Green-Lipped Mussel. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — Multiple studies have verified Green Lipped Mussel helps dogs with arthritis

🔭 Scientific Evidence

Old Friend is a liquid herbal tonic formulated by a holistic veterinarian, combining eight botanical ingredients: Alfalfa, Guggul gum, Reishi mushroom, Astragalus root, American Ginseng root, Eleuthero root, Dandelion root, and Ginger rhizome. No independent peer-reviewed clinical trial has been published specifically testing Old Friend as a complete product in dogs. The science score is based on ingredient-level evidence only. Of the eight ingredients, Astragalus root has the strongest canine evidence — a study by researchers in Singapore found that Astragalus polysaccharides significantly enhanced cellular immune function in immunosuppressed dogs, and beagle studies showed anti-inflammatory effects via saponins. A 2024 peer-reviewed review in Animal Frontiers (Pezzali & Shoveller) concluded that Astragalus may benefit immune function and antioxidant status in dogs but that direct canine studies are still needed to confirm efficacy and safety. Reishi mushroom has recognised immune-modulating and antioxidant properties, largely evidenced in human and in vitro studies. Guggul has a long history of traditional use for joint support but lacks rigorous canine clinical trial data. Ginger has recognised anti-inflammatory properties. The remaining ingredients have minimal canine-specific research. The formula is third-party tested and produced in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility, which supports quality and purity, but does not substitute for clinical outcome evidence.

📚 Research References

• Pezzali JG & Shoveller AK (2024) — Herbal paw-sibilities: potential use and challenges of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax species in diets intended for cats and dogs. Animal Frontiers, Volume 14, Issue 3
• JustFoodForDogs (2025) — Singapore researchers found astragalus polysaccharides significantly enhanced cellular immune levels in immunosuppressed dogs
• JustFoodForDogs (2025) — Studies on beagles showed astragalus saponins may help maintain a normal inflammatory response
• IVC Journal — Astragalus membranaceus as an immunotonic herb: evidence for immune system support in elderly and debilitated animals
• Pet Wellbeing — Old Friend is manufactured in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility and is third-party tested for purity and potency