Test result preview
XARTHRO joint tablets support your dog’s joint health with a carefully considered combination of native type II collagen and omega-3 fatty acids, which help promote mobility. The formula is supplemented by a variety of functional ingredients such as green-lipped mussel meat, seaweed, MSM, devil’s claw, glucosamine and chondroitin, which together provide holistic nutrition for the joints. The tablets are suitable for dogs of all breeds, are well tolerated, have a high acceptance rate and last up to three months for smaller dogs. XARTHRO is produced in Germany under strict quality standards, which speaks for its safety and effectiveness.
In tests, XARTHRO impressed with its very good acceptance, practical divisibility and pleasant size, even for smaller dogs. The effect on mobility and activity was noticeable. The low focus on sustainability and the product price were negative aspects.
Advantages
- Very good acceptance
- Good size, even for small dogs
- Easy to share
Disadvantages
- Little focus on sustainability
First impression
Packaging and contents
Here, the packaging is examined in more detail. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course be ensured. Is the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
Here, the packaging is examined in more detail. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course be ensured. Is the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
Show moreCriterion
Comment
Score achieved*
Product protection
Cardboard is sturdy, product adequately protected
Points
Sustainability of packaging
No unnecessary packaging waste, plastic film protects the product components
Points
Package contents & scope
Complete
Points
Instructions
In German, written in an easy-to-understand manner
Points
TOTAL
98
Points
Weighting: 20%
*The maximum number of points is 100
XARTHRO® joint tablets for dogs impress with their sturdy and practical packaging. The cardboard box is robust and the plastic film effectively protects the product contents. The package contents are complete and meet expectations. The instructions for use are written in German and are easy to understand. XARTHRO® attaches great importance to functionality, which is reflected in the well-designed packaging and clear instructions for use.
First impressions
Product workmanship and appearance
Before putting the products to the practical test, we take a close look at how they are made. How high-quality are the materials used? Are the feel and appearance satisfactory?
Before putting the products to the practical test, we take a close look at how they are made. How high-quality are the materials used? Are the feel and appearance satisfactory?
Show moreCriterion
Comment
Score achieved*
Visual appearance
Appealing tablet design
Points
Workmanship
Very good workmanship
Points
Stability/shape
Tablet shape easy to eat for small and large dogs
Points
Sustainability of the product
No information, but produced in Germany (short transport routes)
Points
OVERALL
95
Points
Weighting: 20%
*The maximum number of points is 100
XARTHRO® joint tablets for dogs impress with their attractive tablet design and excellent workmanship. The visual appearance is appropriate, which strengthens consumer confidence. The tablets are optimally designed so that both small and large dogs can eat them without any problems. The stability and shape of the tablets underline the quality of the product and demonstrate careful manufacturing. No specific information is available on the sustainability of the product itself.
This is what our practical test revealed
Does the manufacturer deliver on its advertising promises?
Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore carries the highest weighting. Here, the product is subjected to a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test item.
Our practical test has the highest relevance and therefore the highest weighting. Here, the product must undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test item.
Show moreCriterion
Comment
Score achieved*
Health
No pesticides, very low lead content
Points
Tablet breakage resistance
The tablets show no signs of cracks or breakage, which is also due to the high dry matter content
Points
Acceptance by different dogs
Without exception, all dogs selected for the test took the tablets immediately and without any hesitation or reservations
Points
Tolerance
The dogs showed no signs of discomfort or behavioural changes after taking the tablets. Our laboratory tests have shown that the product does not contain any pesticides and only a very low level of lead.
Points
Tablet divisibility
Can be easily divided into two equal halves.
Points
OVERALL
98
Points
Weighting: 45%
*The maximum score is 100 points
As part of our testing of XARTHRO joint tablets, we examined their breakage resistance. The tablets showed no cracks or breaks, which is partly due to their high dry matter content. Dry matter describes the proportion of the mass without water. Our laboratory test showed that the dry matter content is 93.3 g per 100 g of tablets. The usual range of dry matter in food supplements is 85 g to 95 g per 100 g of tablet. This product therefore has a high dry matter content. A high dry matter value indicates a dense formulation with a low water content, which is typical for powders or tablets. In terms of acceptance, the product was completely convincing: all dogs tested accepted the tablets spontaneously and without hesitation. The product was also very well tolerated, with no signs of discomfort or behavioural changes. Laboratory tests have shown that the product does not contain any pesticides. Pesticide residues can be toxic and should be avoided in animal feed wherever possible (see European Food Safety Authority 2025). The fact that no pesticides are detectable is a strong indicator of quality (see European Food Safety Authority 2025). The value for lead measured in our laboratory is 0.14 mg/kg (equivalent to 0.132 mg/kg based on dry matter). The EU limit is 10 mg/kg. This means that the lead content is very low. Lead is a toxic heavy metal with no benefit for dogs (see European Union 2002, p. 15). The very low value shows that the product has been processed safely and to a high standard. The divisibility of the tablets was rated positively: they can be easily divided into two equal halves, which facilitates individual dosing and contributes to ease of use.
The joint tablets are of very good quality in terms of purity (no pesticides, extremely low lead content) and concentration (high dry matter content). The evaluation of the parameters examined indicates that this is a safe and well-processed feed supplement.
Literature sources:
European Food Safety Authority (2025). Pesticides. URL : https://www.efsa.europa.eu/de/topics/topic/pesticides [25.04.2025].
European Union (2002). Directive 2002/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 May 2002 on undesirable substances in animal feed – Council statement. URL: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:aca28b8c-bf9d-444f-b470-268f71df28fb.0002.02/DOC_1&format=PDF [25.04.2025].
Test plan
A detailed insight into the evaluation criteria for the practical part of the test and the scoring system can be found here. If you are also interested in the evaluation of our other test criteria, please read our document on the evaluation process.
Value for money
and consumer reviews
Finally, we examine how the product compares to the competition. Can it compete with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend it for purchase?
Finally, we examine how the product compares to the competition. Can it compete with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend it for purchase?
Show moreCriterion
Comment
Score achieved*
Price/performance
Very good performance in the upper price segment
Points
OVERALL
70
Points
Weighting: 15%
*The maximum score is 100 points
Prices of up to £0.70 per tablet are charged online for equivalent products. Very inexpensive products are available from as little as £0.40 per tablet. XARTHRO® joint tablets for dogs are therefore currently in the upper price segment at €0.58 per tablet. The price-performance ratio is very good for the quality and performance obtained.
Overall result
Weight
Score achieved*
1. Packaging & contents
20
Points
2. Product processing & appearance
20
Points
3. Practical test
45
Points
4. Price/performance & consumer reviews
15
Points
TOTAL
Points
*The maximum score is 100 points
