How we score
We evaluate every joint ingredient and product on the same evidence-first rubric, then name the trade-offs plainly — including where the research is thin or mixed.
| What we weigh | Weight | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence quality | 30% | The strength of the clinical research behind an ingredient — controlled canine trials outweigh in-vitro work or single-species extrapolation. |
| Mechanism & form | 25% | Whether the active has a plausible joint mechanism and is delivered in a bioavailable, well-studied form. |
| Dose per serving | 20% | The amount of each active per serving, checked against the label and the doses used in the research — not just the ingredient list. |
| Safety & tolerability | 15% | The safety record and tolerability of the ingredient at label doses for everyday, long-term use. |
| Value & availability | 10% | Cost per effective serving, and whether the product is actually available to buy. |
We cover the whole category and let a competitor win where it genuinely earns it — believable losses are what make our wins worth trusting.
This site is for general education and is not veterinary advice. Supplements support normal structure and function; they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.