Researchers tested a natural supplement made from fish oil and plant extracts to see if it could help dogs with arthritis as well as a common arthritis medication does. Twenty dogs were split into two groups: one received the natural supplement daily for 90 days, while the other received a prescription arthritis drug four times over the same period. After tracking pain, limping, and joint fluid quality, scientists found that the natural supplement worked just as well as—and sometimes better than—the medication at reducing pain and improving how well the dogs could move around.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Can a natural supplement containing fish oil and plant ingredients help dogs with arthritis pain and movement problems as effectively as a prescription arthritis medication?
  • Who participated: Twenty dogs with arthritis were randomly divided into two equal groups. One group received the natural supplement, and the other received a prescription medication. The study tracked their progress over six months.
  • Key finding: The natural supplement reduced pain and improved limping in dogs with arthritis just as well as the prescription medication, and in some cases performed even better at improving joint fluid quality.
  • What it means for you: If your dog has arthritis, a natural supplement might be a good option to discuss with your veterinarian, especially if you’re concerned about long-term medication side effects. However, this study was small, so talk to your vet before making changes to your dog’s treatment plan.

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the strongest types of scientific studies. Researchers randomly assigned 20 dogs with arthritis into two equal groups to ensure fair comparison. One group received a natural supplement called Asudyn® containing fish oil, turmeric, devil’s claw, boswellia, and other plant-based ingredients taken by mouth every day for 90 days. The other group received mavacoxib (Trocoxil®), a prescription arthritis medication given four times during the same 90-day period. Both the researchers and the dog owners didn’t know which dogs were getting which treatment until the study ended—this is called “double-blind” and helps prevent bias. The study measured pain and limping at the start, and then at 30, 60, and 180 days after treatment began.

This research design is important because it directly compares two treatments side-by-side in a fair way. By randomly assigning dogs to each group and keeping everyone blinded to which treatment each dog received, the researchers could be more confident that any differences in results were due to the treatments themselves, not other factors. The study also looked at multiple ways to measure improvement—pain scales, limping assessments, and actual joint fluid samples—which gives a more complete picture than looking at just one measure.

This study has several strengths: it was randomized (fair assignment to groups), double-blind (reduces bias), and controlled (compared two treatments directly). However, the sample size of only 20 dogs is relatively small, which means the results are less certain than they would be with more dogs. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication. The researchers measured multiple outcomes using established assessment tools, which strengthens the findings.

What the Results Show

Both the natural supplement and the prescription medication significantly reduced pain in dogs with arthritis. Dogs in both groups showed improvement in their ability to move around and decreased limping. The natural supplement group showed results that were comparable to the medication group throughout the 90-day treatment period and even six months after treatment started. Interestingly, when researchers examined the joint fluid from dogs in both groups, the natural supplement group sometimes showed better improvements in fluid quality, which suggests the supplement may have positive effects on the joint itself. Pain scores, measured using established scales that veterinarians use regularly, improved similarly in both groups, indicating that the natural supplement was just as effective at controlling discomfort as the prescription medication.

Additional measurements like limb swelling and gait (how the dog walks) improved in both groups. The natural supplement appeared to have no serious side effects during the study period, which is important because the prescription medication can cause stomach problems and other issues with long-term use. The fact that the natural supplement worked continuously over 90 days of daily use, while the medication was given only four times, suggests the supplement may provide steady, consistent relief.

Previous research has suggested that natural compounds like fish oil, turmeric, and boswellia may help with arthritis inflammation, but few studies have directly compared them to prescription medications in dogs. This study adds important evidence that these natural ingredients can be as effective as a commonly prescribed arthritis drug. The results support growing interest in using natural supplements as either an alternative or complementary treatment alongside other arthritis management strategies.

The main limitation is the small number of dogs (only 20 total, so 10 in each group). Larger studies with more dogs would provide more reliable results. The study only lasted six months, so we don’t know how well the supplement works over years of use. The study didn’t look at cost differences between the supplement and medication, which matters to many pet owners. Additionally, we don’t know if the results would be the same in dogs of different ages, sizes, or with different types of arthritis. The study also didn’t test what happens if you combine the supplement with other arthritis treatments.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, the natural supplement appears to be a reasonable option for managing arthritis pain in dogs, with a confidence level of moderate (the study is well-designed but small). It may be especially worth considering if your dog has had side effects from arthritis medications or if you prefer natural options. However, this should not replace a conversation with your veterinarian—discuss whether this supplement is appropriate for your specific dog, especially if your dog is taking other medications or has other health conditions.

Dog owners with pets that have arthritis should find this research interesting, particularly those concerned about long-term medication side effects. Veterinarians may want to consider recommending this supplement as an option for dogs that don’t tolerate standard arthritis medications well. This research is less relevant for dogs without arthritis or for people with human arthritis (though some of these ingredients are studied in humans too).

Based on this study, dogs showed noticeable improvement in pain and movement within the first 30 days of taking the supplement. The benefits continued to improve over the 90-day treatment period. Some benefits appeared to persist even at the six-month follow-up, suggesting the supplement may have lasting effects on joint health.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your dog’s daily pain and mobility using a simple 0-10 scale: 0 = no limping/pain, 10 = severe limping/pain. Record this every morning and evening to see if the supplement is helping. Also note specific activities your dog can or cannot do (like climbing stairs, jumping, or playing).
  • Start giving your dog the supplement daily at the same time each day (for example, with breakfast). Set a phone reminder so you don’t miss doses. Keep a simple log of when you give the supplement and any changes you notice in your dog’s behavior, energy level, or movement.
  • After 30 days, review your pain and mobility scores to see if there’s improvement. Take photos or videos of your dog walking or playing to visually compare over time. Share your tracking data with your veterinarian at regular check-ups to help them assess whether the supplement is working for your dog and whether any adjustments are needed.

This research is about dogs with arthritis, not humans. While some ingredients in this supplement are also studied in people, you should not give your dog any supplement without first consulting your veterinarian. Some supplements can interact with medications or may not be appropriate for dogs with certain health conditions. This study is relatively small (20 dogs), so results should be considered preliminary. Always work with your veterinarian to develop a complete arthritis management plan for your dog, which may include exercise, weight management, and other treatments in addition to supplements or medications.