Choosing The Best Joint Supplement for a Cane Corso – 6 Things You Must Know

#1: For Maximum Efficacy, Choose a Supplement for Your Cane Corso with Multiple Active Ingredients

When most people think of a joint supplement for their cane corso, glucosamine comes to mind. And while glucosamine is the most popular active ingredient, other powerful nutraceuticals include MSM, chondroitin, and turmeric (curcumin). If your supplement contains only one or two of these, you may be missing potential benefits. Different dogs respond to different treatments, so when in doubt, offer a broad spectrum of nutrients.

#2: Always Check The Amount of Active Ingredients

If the quantity of active ingredients (in milligrams) is not made available, the product likely contains low levels that are unlikely to have a therapeutic effect on your cane corso’s joints. As a rule of thumb, your dog should receive 20 mg of glucosamine daily for each pound they weigh. Budget-oriented joint supplements (often in the $15-20 a bottle range) often contain levels too low to make any serious impact on your dog’s joint health. In addition, dry dog food manufacturers have begun including trivial amounts of glucosamine in their products in an attempt to woo consumers. Make sure your dog receives enough to matter!

#3: Always Buy Made In USA

While you’d expect that most pet stores would have transitioned to only carrying consumable products that are made in the USA, this is simply not the case. Many budget-oriented pet stores, online retailers, and grocery stores still carry inferior supplements made in factories outside the USA with far lower production standards.

#4: Decide If You Want An Arthritis Supplement with or Without Hemp for Your Cane Corso

The last few years have brought about exciting advancements in the use of Hemp for dogs. Several clinical trials have shown Hemp can improve the mobility of arthritic dogs. Some brands have begun to offer their Hip & Joint supplements with Hemp or without Hemp.

#5: Results Will Vary Based on Your Cane Corso’s Age and Condition

Ideally, a joint supplement regimen should begin before signs of pain are present in your cane corso. (ideally around 5 years of age, although large breeds may need earlier) In reality, however, we often don’t consider the need until signs of pain are apparent. If your dog is already showing signs of distress, a joint supplement can still offer substantial relief. However, it may take 1-2 months to show signs of improvement.

#6: Taste and Format Matters

The best joint supplement in the world is worthless if your dog refuses to eat it. The most popular formats of delivery for joint supplements are liquid, tablet chews, and soft chews, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. When it comes to palatability, soft chews and liquids tend to please the most canine palates. Because a soft chew can contain a wider variety of nutraceuticals (see item #1) it’s our preferred method.

Where Our Research Led Us (Our Preferred Joint & Joint Supplement for Cane Corsos)

Our research in hip & joint supplements for dogs led us to develop & recommend the Happy, Healthy line of canine joint care supplements. An added bonus of this brand is that each purchase goes towards helping provide food for animal shelters in need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing the Best Joint Supplement for a Cane Corso

1. What type of joint supplement is best for a Cane Corso?
   Look for supplements that contain glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and hyaluronic acid, as these support joint lubrication, cartilage health, and inflammation control. Large breeds like Cane Corsos benefit from formulas tailored for extra joint and hip support.

2. At what age should I start giving my Cane Corso a joint supplement?
   It’s wise to start as early as 12 to 18 months, especially for working or highly active dogs. Preventative use can slow the onset of joint conditions common in large breeds, such as hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis.

3. How do I know if my Cane Corso needs a joint supplement?
   Signs include limping, stiffness after resting, decreased activity, difficulty rising, or avoiding stairs. A vet diagnosis of arthritis or joint inflammation is also a clear indicator to begin supplementation.

4. Are natural joint supplements safe for Cane Corsos?
   Yes—natural supplements using turmeric, green-lipped mussel, or omega-3 fatty acids can be safe and effective. Always choose veterinarian-approved brands and monitor for any allergic reactions.

5. Can joint supplements prevent hip dysplasia in Cane Corsos?
   While supplements can’t prevent genetic conditions like hip dysplasia, they can reduce inflammation, support mobility, and delay the progression of joint degeneration when used early and consistently.

6. How long does it take for joint supplements to work?
   Most dogs show improvement within 4 to 6 weeks, though some may respond sooner. Consistency is key, and continued use is typically needed to maintain benefits.

7. Are human joint supplements safe for dogs?
   Not always. Human products may contain dosages, sweeteners, or additives that are unsafe for dogs. Always choose a pet-specific supplement formulated for large breeds like the Cane Corso.