Your Labrador's slowing down. They're still enthusiastic about walks. Still wag their tail when you pick up the lead. But you've noticed the hesitation before they jump in the car. The stiffness after their morning nap.
Labradors are prone to joint problems. It's not if, but when.
Here's what you need to know about protecting your Lab's joints, which supplements actually work, and when to start.
Why Labradors Need Joint Support
Labradors are one of the most joint-vulnerable breeds in the UK.
The statistics:
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Up to 20% of Labradors develop hip dysplasia
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Nearly 1 in 3 will have arthritis by age 8
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Large frame puts constant stress on joints
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Active lifestyle accelerates wear and tear
Why Labs are vulnerable:
1. Size: Medium-to-large dogs carry more weight on their joints. Every jump, every run, every stairs climb creates impact.
2. Genetics: Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia run in the breed. Even well-bred Labs can develop problems.
3. Activity level: Labs are high-energy. They don't self-limit, even when joints are sore. They'll play fetch until they literally can't move.
4. Weight gain tendency: Labs love food. They're prone to obesity, which puts even more stress on already-vulnerable joints.
5. Fast growth: Lab puppies grow quickly. This rapid bone development can lead to joint issues if not properly supported.
The good news? You can slow this down. Prevention works.
When to Start Joint Supplements for Your Labrador
Puppies (6 Months - 2 Years)
Should you supplement? Yes, especially if:
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Your Lab is from lines with hip/elbow dysplasia
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They're growing rapidly
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They're particularly active
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You want to prevent problems rather than treat them
What to give: Pure Collagen for general support. Helps build strong connective tissue during growth.
Why now: Puppies have elastic joints that are still developing. Supporting them during this critical period sets them up for life.
Young Adults (2-5 Years)
Should you supplement? Yes, for prevention.
What to give: Pure Collagen powder daily. This maintains collagen levels before they start declining.
Why now: Your Lab seems indestructible right now. But collagen production is already starting to slow. Prevention is 10x easier than treatment.
Think of it like dental care. You don't wait until your teeth fall out to start brushing.
Middle Age (5-7 Years)
Should you supplement? Absolutely.
What to give:
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Pure Collagen if they're still moving well
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Mobility & Joints 6-in-1 advanced joint formula if you notice any stiffness
Why now: This is when joint issues typically appear. Catching them early makes a huge difference.
Watch for:
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Reluctance to jump
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Slower on stairs
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Stiffness after rest
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Less enthusiasm for long walks
Senior Labs (8+ Years)
Should you supplement? Non-negotiable.
What to give: Mobility & Joints 6-in-1 advanced joint formula with collagen, glucosamine, and anti-inflammatories.
Why now: At this age, most Labs have some degree of joint degeneration. Comprehensive support helps maintain their quality of life.
The 3 Best Supplements for Labrador Joints
1. Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides
What it does: Provides building blocks for cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue.
Why it works: Collagen is the structural protein your Lab's joints are made of. As they age, production drops. Supplementing replenishes it.
Studies show hydrolysed collagen peptides accumulate in cartilage and stimulate new collagen production.
Who needs it: All Labs, all ages. This is your foundation.
Best choice: Pure Collagen - 6,000mg per serving, Types I & III Collagen
2. Multi-Ingredient Joint Formulas
What it does: Attacks joint problems from multiple angles.
Typical ingredients:
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Collagen (structural support)
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Glucosamine (cartilage health)
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Hyaluronic acid (joint lubrication)
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Vitamins C & E (antioxidants)
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Manganese (collagen production)
Why it works: Each ingredient targets a different aspect of joint health. Together, they provide comprehensive support.
Who needs it: Labs with existing joint issues, senior dogs, post-surgery recovery.
Best choice: Mobility & Joints - 6-in-1 formula specifically for dogs showing stiffness.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
What it does: Reduces inflammation in joints.
Why it works: Inflammation accelerates cartilage breakdown. Omega-3s (especially EPA and DHA) have anti-inflammatory properties.
Who needs it: Labs with arthritis or inflammatory joint conditions. Complements collagen beautifully.
Source: High-quality fish oil or salmon oil. Look for supplements with high EPA/DHA content.
Can be used alongside collagen - they work differently and complement each other.
What to Look For in a Joint Supplement
Must-Haves
1. Hydrolysed collagen peptides
Standard collagen doesn't absorb. Peptides do. If it doesn't say "hydrolysed," it won't work.
2. Appropriate dosing for large dogs
Labs are 25-35kg on average. You need 6,000-12,000mg of collagen daily for effective support.
Many supplements are underdosed. Check the serving size for your Lab's weight.
3. Clean ingredients
No artificial flavours, colours, or unnecessary fillers. Short ingredient list = more active ingredients per serving.
4. Powder form
Easier to dose accurately. Maximum collagen content. Mixes into food invisibly.
Chews need binders and additives that dilute the active ingredients.
Nice-to-Haves (For Advanced Support)
- Glucosamine - Supports cartilage specifically
- Hyaluronic acid - Lubricates joints, reduces friction
- Green-lipped mussel - Natural source of omega-3s and anti-inflammatories
- MSM - May reduce joint pain and inflammation
- Chondroitin - Works with glucosamine to support cartilage
These are beneficial for Labs with existing issues but not essential for prevention.
How Much to Give Your Labrador
Average Lab weight: 25-35kg
Collagen dose: 6,000-12,000mg daily
Don't double up thinking more is better. Follow recommended doses unless your vet advises otherwise.
When You'll See Results
Week 1-2: No visible changes yet. Keep going.
Week 3-4:
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Shinier coat
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Less scratching
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Improved skin condition
Week 4-6:
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Easier movement
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More enthusiasm for walks
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Less hesitation jumping in car
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Better getting up from lying down
Week 6-8+:
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Noticeably improved joint comfort
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Sustained energy throughout day
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More playful behaviour
For severe arthritis: Results may take 8-12 weeks. Stick with it.
Other Ways to Support Your Lab's Joints
Supplements aren't magic. Combine them with:
1. Weight Management
Every extra kilogram = 4x the pressure on joints.
Keep your Lab at ideal weight:
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Ribs should be easily felt but not visible
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Clear waist when viewed from above
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Tuck-up visible from the side
Overweight? Gradual weight loss makes a massive difference to joint comfort.
2. Appropriate Exercise
More isn't always better.
Good for joints:
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Swimming (zero impact, full body workout)
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Controlled walks on soft surfaces
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Gentle fetch on grass
Bad for joints:
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Running on concrete
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Repetitive ball throwing (hard stops/starts)
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Jumping from heights
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Rough play with much larger dogs
Quality over quantity. Two 20-minute gentle walks beat one exhausting hour-long run.
3. Joint-Friendly Environment
At home:
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Non-slip mats on hard floors
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Ramps for car/sofa access
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Orthopaedic bed for joint support
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Raised food bowls (less strain on neck and back)
Small changes, big impact.
4. Early Vet Intervention
Don't wait until they can barely walk.
If you notice:
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Limping
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Reluctance to move
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Yelping when touched
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Severe stiffness
See your vet. They may recommend:
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Pain medication (short term)
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Physiotherapy
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Hydrotherapy
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Weight management plan
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Advanced imaging to check for dysplasia
Supplements support joint health. They don't replace veterinary care for serious issues.
Common Mistakes Lab Owners Make
Mistake 1: Waiting Until Problems Are Severe
By the time your Lab is visibly limping, significant joint damage has occurred.
Start prevention early. It's easier to maintain healthy joints than repair damaged ones.
Mistake 2: Choosing Based on Price Alone
"£10 for 100 tablets sounds cheaper than £30 for a pouch of powder."
But those tablets contain 200mg per tablet. You need 20 tablets daily to match a single scoop of powder.
Do the maths on cost per serving, not cost per container.
Mistake 3: Giving Chews That Get Left in the Bowl
Labs usually eat anything. But if they're leaving chews behind, they're not getting the benefit.
Powder mixes invisibly. No waste. Guaranteed consumption.
Mistake 4: Stopping When Things Improve
"My Lab's moving better, I'll stop the supplement to save money."
Then they're back to square one in a month.
Joint supplements work by maintaining collagen levels. Stop supplementing, levels drop again.
It's maintenance, not a cure. Keep going.
Mistake 5: Overexercising Young Labs
"They have so much energy, I take them on 10km runs."
Puppies and young adults need exercise. But too much, too young damages developing joints.
Until 18 months old:
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Avoid repetitive high-impact activities
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No forced running (beside a bike, etc.)
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Limit jumping and stairs
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Short, frequent walks better than long ones
Save their joints for their senior years.
FAQs: Joint Supplements for Labradors
Do all Labs need joint supplements?
Not all, but most benefit from them.
Prevention is valuable for:
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Labs from lines with hip/elbow dysplasia
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Labs who are very active
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Labs approaching middle age (5+)
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Overweight Labs
Even healthy Labs benefit from prevention. Starting before problems appear is ideal.
Can I give joint supplements alongside medication?
Usually yes, but check with your vet.
Collagen is a food supplement, not a drug. Most vets are happy for you to use it alongside medications.
If your Lab is on anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) or other joint medications, let your vet know you're adding supplements.
My Lab puppy is 8 months old. Too early for supplements?
No. Prevention can start from 6 months.
Especially important if:
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Your Lab is large for their age (rapid growth)
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They're from parents with joint issues
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They're very active/rough players
Pure collagen supports healthy development of joints, bones, and connective tissue.
Will supplements prevent hip dysplasia?
Supplements can't prevent genetic hip dysplasia.
But they can:
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Support proper joint development
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Reduce inflammation
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Slow progression if dysplasia develops
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Improve comfort and mobility
Combined with weight management and appropriate exercise, supplements give your Lab the best chance at healthy joints.
My Lab has severe arthritis. Are supplements enough?
Probably not on their own.
For severe arthritis, you likely need:
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Veterinary pain medication
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Weight loss (if overweight)
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Physiotherapy/hydrotherapy
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Environmental modifications
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PLUS joint supplements
Supplements support joint health. They work best alongside other interventions for serious conditions.
How long will a tub last for my Lab?
11-20kg: 30 days
21-30kg: 20 days
30kg+: 15 days
The Best Supplement for Your Labrador
For Prevention (Healthy Labs Under 7)
Pure Collagen
100% hydrolysed collagen peptides. 6,000mg per serving for large dogs.
Supports joints, bones, skin, and coat. Single-ingredient formula.
For Joint Issues (Labs 7+, or younger with problems)
Mobility & Joints
Advanced 6-in-1 formula combining collagen, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and anti-inflammatory support.
Specifically formulated for dogs showing stiffness.
For Gut Health + Joint Support
Beef Bone Broth
40% collagen plus natural gelatin and minerals.
Perfect for Labs with sensitive stomachs or picky eaters (rare, but it happens).
Final Thoughts
Labradors give us everything. Their enthusiasm, loyalty, and energy light up our lives.
The least we can do is protect their joints so they can keep doing what they love for as long as possible.
Start prevention early. Don't wait for problems.
Your 12-year-old Lab will thank you for the supplements you started at age 2.
"We started using this product about two weeks ago, and our labrador who has very severe arthritis definitely seems more sprightly. Will continue to use it as it seems to be having a positive effect!!" - Clare, Mobility & Joints customer
Last updated: December 2025
