Joint Chews for Large and Giant Breed Puppies: When to Start and How Much

Who Is This Puppy Plan For?

For anyone with a big baby on their hands: Mastiff, Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Dogue de Bordeaux, Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Cane Corso, American Bully, Boxer and every wonderful mixed breed who is going to be a big adult.

It is also for rescue puppy parents, who often do not know the parents or the likely adult size, so a gentle start matters even more.

Who Should Wait

• Puppies under 3 months old.
• Puppies with a shellfish allergy, because the chews contain green lipped mussel.
• Any puppy with a health condition or on medication, until you have spoken to your vet.

What Are SolaPup Hip & Joint Chews?

A soft, chicken free, bacon flavoured daily chew with nine natural actives and no artificial flavouring or preservatives. Per serving (2 chews, 4 g):

Because puppies start on 1 chew a day, they have half of these amounts. A 9 oz jar holds about 120 chews. Made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility that is also GMP, NASC and SQF certified, with every batch third party lab tested. The ingredient list on your jar is the final word.

Why Puppies Need a Different Plan

A puppy's body is still under construction. Growth plates, the soft areas at the ends of the bones, have not finished hardening, and internal systems are still maturing. Giant breeds take the longest, often 18 to 24 months.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural and well tolerated by most dogs, but at higher amounts they can cause increased urination, especially in younger dogs and in dogs who have been spayed or neutered. It is not dangerous and settles quickly when the amount comes down, but it is confusing if you do not know to expect it. So the rule is simple: start low, go slow, and watch your puppy.

Why Start Early at All?

Large and giant breeds put a lot of weight through their joints from a young age. A gentle daily routine from 3 months, alongside sensible growth and exercise, means good habits are already in place as your puppy grows. After 35 years with big dogs, I am a big believer in the small, steady things done early.

Why Roxy Matters Here

SolaPup began with Roxy, a French Mastiff we rescued from a puppy mill with only hours to live. She came to us far too young in body and spirit for what she had been through. We learned our puppy approach the slow and careful way, from real dogs and real owners.

When to Start and How Much, by Age and Size

If you see more frequent urination or any accidents after starting or increasing, go back to the previous amount. Spayed and neutered puppies may be more sensitive, so stay at the lower end and give them longer at each step.

When Will I Notice a Difference?

Puppies are not usually stiff, so this is mostly about a steady routine rather than visible changes. Check in with your vet at regular puppy appointments and let them know what you give.

Where to Start, Where to Buy and Where They Are Made

• Where to start: at home, calmly, with half a chew crumbled into a bowl.
• Where to buy: solapup.com or Amazon.com
• Where they are made: in the USA, in an FDA-registered facility that is also GMP, NASC and SQF certified, with every batch third party lab tested.
• Where to keep the jar: lid on tight, stored as directed on the label, high up and out of puppy reach. Puppies are very resourceful.

How to Give the Chews and Support Healthy Growth

• Most puppies take to the bacon flavour straight away.
• For a fussy or small puppy, crumble the chew into the bowl to lap up. One chew is about 5 ml of crumbs.
• Start with half a chew for the first 2 to 3 days if your puppy is on the sensitive side.
• Split the daily amount into a morning and an evening serving once you are on more than 1 chew.

How to Support a Growing Big Dog Alongside the Chews

• Steady growth. Ask your vet about a diet made for large breed puppies and keep your puppy lean.
• Gentle exercise. A commonly cited guideline is five minutes, twice a day, for every month of age, kept low impact.
• Go easy on jumping, sharp turn games and repeated stair running while the joints are growing.
• Add grip. Rugs on slippery floors help a puppy find their feet.

For more on this, read our guides to starting your puppy on joint chews and dosing for puppies and adult dogs.

Which Puppies, Which Questions and Which Mistakes to Avoid

Which Puppies Benefit Most?

Large and giant breeds, bull breeds and puppies from active or working lines.

Which Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the adult weight chart for a puppy.
• Jumping straight to a full amount.
• Increasing more than one chew at a time.
• Forgetting to tell your vet what your puppy has.

What Does It Cost for a Puppy?

At 1 chew a day, a jar of about 120 chews lasts around 4 months. At $39.99 a jar, that is about $0.33 a day.

Quick Answers

At what age can a large breed puppy start joint chews?

From 3 months old, at 1 chew a day. Please check with your vet first if your puppy has any health condition or takes medication.

Should I use the weight chart for my puppy?

No. The weight chart is for adult dogs. Puppies follow the age plan above.

Why does my puppy need more toilet trips?

Glucosamine and chondroitin can increase urination in younger and neutered dogs. Go back to the previous amount, which settles quickly, and check with your vet if it continues.

Are they suitable for puppies with a shellfish allergy?

No. They contain green lipped mussel, which is shellfish.

Are they chicken free?

Yes. Read more on our chicken free page.

How long do giant breed puppies keep growing?

Giant breeds are still growing until around 18 to 24 months. Your vet can advise for your breed.

My puppy will be over 90 lbs. What will the adult amount be?

Adult dogs of 61 lbs and over have 4 chews a day, including dogs over 90 lbs. Your puppy will get there gradually, one chew at a time.

Can my puppy have them if they are spayed or neutered?

Yes, but go especially slowly, as neutered dogs can be more sensitive to increases.

What if my puppy does not like them?

Crumble them into a bowl and mix with things your puppy likes like small amount of peanut butter, otherwise simply use our no fuss 30-Day Tail-Wag Guarantee.

More from SolaPup: Chicken free | Giant breeds | Active and working dogs | Bull breeds and rescue dogs

As always, check with your vet before starting any new product, especially for puppies or dogs with existing health conditions or on medication. SolaPup Hip & Joint Chews contain green lipped mussel (shellfish). Our products may be formulated with ingredients containing FDA recognised allergens, for example shellfish, soy and wheat, which may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals or pets. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.