Dogs are our best friends, so it’s only natural we want the best for them. Unfortunately 1 in 5 dogs are put down early due to joint issues such as arthritis and dysplasia, and the worst part is it’s normally quite a sudden change. Dog’s don’t want you to worry, so they’ll hide the pain until it’s too late. The question is, what can we do about it?
In recent years there’s been a surge of popularity in the use of dog joint supplements, as the typical dog food diet misses out vital nutrients for keeping joints healthy and dogs happy. This surge in popularity has been met by a similarly large increase in dog joint care products, so how are you supposed to tell what’s worth your time or not?
Well we figured we’d give our two cents into which ones are worth your time or not, using our industry expertise and professional research team. Today we’re taking a close look at GetJoy’s Joint+ Chews, seeing whether or not they’re really worth your time and money.
Let’s dive in.
Quick Summary: A Tasty Choice, But Not the Full Package
Starting off with the positives, GetJoy Joint+ Chews are something your dog will very much enjoy. They’re designed to resemble a typical dog treat in taste and texture, and they’ve done a brilliant job on this end.
It’s when you start comparing the active ingredients that things start to fall apart for GetJoy, as it just doesn’t have the same sort of comprehensive coverage that a lot of its competitors offer. That said the ingredients that are here are decent, there’s just a lot more that can be done.
For those just looking for a quick answer, we don’t recommend this product. There’s just much better out there, such as FetchAgain. It has the same platability, being textured and flavoured in a way that will be seen as nothing more than a tasty treat by your dog. They’ve managed this without sacrificing potency, offering clinically effective doses of the most important ingredients for your dogs joint health such as Omega-3’s, Glucosamine and MSM. Beyond that FetchAgain offers a boon to your dog's health, with ingredients that will improve coat and skin health, as well as boosting digestion.
Overall FetchAgain is simply the superior product, but let’s find out exactly why that’s the case by picking apart GetJoy’s offering to see what’s going on under the hood.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
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Soft chew format makes daily dosing easy—even for fussy dogs
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Contains foundational ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin
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Tastes like a treat (which helps with compliance)
Cons:
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Missing key ingredients like MSM, hyaluronic acid, and omega-3s
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Lacks bioavailable, clinically proven ingredient forms
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No added benefits beyond joint support (e.g. skin, coat, or digestion)
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Not ideal for dogs with arthritis or moderate-to-severe joint issues
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More expensive than budget options, despite offering fewer ingredients
Ingredients & Analysis
Glucosamine
The cornerstone of most joint supplements, glucosamine supports cartilage repair and maintenance. GetJoy includes it at a standard dose, but not in a premium or highly bioavailable form like glucosamine HCl, which limits its absorption potential.
Chondroitin
Often paired with glucosamine to enhance joint cushioning and flexibility. While its inclusion is always a positive, again, GetJoy doesn’t go the extra mile in using advanced forms or dosing levels comparable to clinical standards.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a trendy addition thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory properties, primarily due to its active compound, curcumin. But while helpful, turmeric alone doesn’t have the strength or proven efficacy of more potent anti-inflammatories like MSM or omega-3 fatty acids—both of which are missing from the formula.
Missing: MSM, Omega-3, Hyaluronic Acid, and Digestive Support
Compared to a product like FetchAgain, the gaps in GetJoy’s formula become clearer. FetchAgain includes:
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OptiMSM – a highly bioavailable, clinically effective anti-inflammatory
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Omega-3s from cod liver oil – to reduce joint inflammation
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Hyaluronic acid – for joint lubrication and shock absorption
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CoQ10, probiotics, and enzymes – which provide additional energy, digestion, and immune support, as well as improving your dogs coat and skin health.
GetJoy Joint+ Chews Alternatives: FetchAgain
While GetJoy Joint+ Chews are a friendly, fuss-free way to start thinking about joint care, they fall short of being a truly comprehensive solution. And that’s where FetchAgain stands out—not just as an alternative, but as a significant upgrade in both effectiveness and overall value.
The biggest difference lies in ingredient quality and coverage. GetJoy sticks to the basics—glucosamine, chondroitin, and turmeric—but skips critical joint-supporting compounds like MSM, omega-3 fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid. FetchAgain, on the other hand, includes all of these in clinically effective doses, using premium, bioavailable forms like OptiMSM and cod liver oil–derived omega-3s, which means your dog actually absorbs and benefits from them.
But FetchAgain doesn’t stop at joint care. It also supports coat health, immune function, digestive balance, and energy levels through added ingredients like CoQ10, probiotics, and digestive enzymes—making it more of a whole-health solution than just a joint supplement.
And while GetJoy wins points for taste and chewability, FetchAgain delivers similar ease of use with its chew-based system—and even offers flexible 1–2–3 dosing by dog size, making it simple to get things right.
In short, if your dog needs serious joint support, or if you're looking to support their long-term overall health, FetchAgain is the clear winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do joint supplements actually work for dogs?
Yes, joint supplements can be highly effective when used consistently and chosen wisely. Ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and omega-3 fatty acids have been clinically studied and shown to support cartilage repair, reduce inflammation, and improve joint mobility. While they won't reverse severe joint damage, they can significantly improve comfort and quality of life—especially when introduced early.
When should I start giving my dog a joint supplement?
The best time to start is before joint issues become visible. For large breeds, active dogs, or breeds prone to hip or elbow problems, supplementation can begin as early as young adulthood. For older dogs, supplements can help slow down the progression of stiffness and support mobility, even if symptoms have already begun.
How long does it take to see results?
Most owners notice a difference within four to six weeks, although this can vary depending on the severity of your dog’s condition and the quality of the supplement. Some premium products that use highly absorbable forms of ingredients may produce faster results, but long-term, daily use is the key to sustained improvement.
Are joint supplements safe for long-term use?
Yes, reputable dog joint supplements made with well-researched ingredients are generally safe for long-term use. In fact, many dogs take them daily for years without any side effects. As with any new product, it’s best to monitor your dog initially and consult your vet if your dog has other medical conditions or is taking medications.
Can I give my dog human joint supplements?
It’s not recommended. Human supplements often contain additives, sweeteners (like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs), or dosing levels that aren’t appropriate for pets. Always choose a supplement formulated specifically for dogs, as these are designed with their unique physiology and safety in mind.
Are there any side effects?
Most dogs tolerate joint supplements well, but some may experience mild digestive upset when starting a new product. This can include soft stools or gas and usually resolves after a few days, especially if introduced gradually or given with food. If symptoms persist, it’s best to discontinue use and consult your vet.
Can joint supplements replace prescription medications?
No, joint supplements are not a substitute for veterinary-prescribed treatments, particularly for dogs with diagnosed arthritis or advanced mobility issues. However, they can be a valuable part of a broader care plan—supporting joint health, easing inflammation, and potentially reducing the need for stronger medications over time.
Should puppies take joint supplements?
Most healthy puppies don’t need joint supplements, as they’re still growing and usually receive adequate nutrition from high-quality puppy food. However, for large breeds or puppies at risk of developing hip or elbow dysplasia, a vet may recommend an early joint support supplement to aid healthy development.
Verdict
GetJoy Joint+ Chews are a decent choice if you’re looking for a simple, treat-like way to ease into joint care. They’re easy to give, they include the essentials, and they work well for young or low-risk dogs who just need a little extra support.
But for dogs already showing signs of stiffness—or for owners who want to do more than just the bare minimum—FetchAgain is the obvious step up.
It delivers clinically proven ingredients in superior forms, covers more ground across your dog’s health, and offers far better value considering what’s included. If you're after a reliable, all-in-one supplement that supports your dog now and into their older years, FetchAgain is the one to beat.