Here are dog-food options and practical advice for supporting joint mobility in Australia, plus what to look for when choosing a food.

Top veterinary diets (often available only via vet or veterinary online stores)

• Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d (Mobility / Joint Care): clinically formulated to improve mobility (Hill’s states improvements in as little as ~21 days). It’s high in EPA (omega‑3), contains glucosamine & chondroitin, and is calorie‑controlled to help manage weight. Available through Australian vets and veterinary suppliers. (thevetshed.com.au)
• Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Mobility C2P+ (Mobility Support): designed to support dogs with osteoarthritis and after orthopaedic surgery; contains their C2P+ joint complex (turmeric extract, green tea polyphenols, hydrolysed collagen) plus omega‑3s and a moderate calorie content. Available via Australian veterinary retailers. (petbutlers.com.au)

Non‑prescription commercial foods and “joint” formulas (over‑the‑counter)

• Some commercial adult/senior formulas from mainstream and premium Australian brands include added glucosamine, chondroitin and higher omega‑3 levels. These can help milder mobility issues or be used alongside veterinary care, but the evidence and ingredient levels vary by brand — check labels for amounts of EPA/DHA, glucosamine and chondroitin and the guaranteed analysis. (Availability and formulations vary by brand and retailer.)

Supplements and combined approaches

• Prescription or specially formulated diets can be combined with evidence‑based supplements when appropriate: fish oil (high EPA/DHA), glucosamine + chondroitin, and veterinary joint nutraceuticals (some contain green‑lipped mussel in Australian products). Weight control, exercise modification and physiotherapy/hydrotherapy are also important. Always check compatibility with any therapeutic (prescription) diet. (thevetshed.com.au)

Practical guidance (Australia)

• See your vet first: prescription mobility diets (e.g., Hill’s j/d, Royal Canin Mobility C2P+) are intended to be used under veterinary advice; your vet can confirm diagnosis (osteoarthritis vs other causes), recommend the right product, and monitor progress. Many vet suppliers in Australia stock these diets. (shop.westvets.com.au)
• Key label items to look for: EPA/DHA (omega‑3), stated glucosamine and/or chondroitin, controlled calories for weight management, and any clinical claims or trial data. If a product claims to be “joint supporting” but gives no ingredient amounts or evidence, treat the claim cautiously.
• Monitor results and weight: owners often see improved willingness to move within weeks on a targeted diet, but full benefit and ideal dosing depend on the dog’s size, condition and concomitant treatments. Maintain an ideal bodyweight — losing excess weight reduces joint load substantially.
• Cost & availability: prescription diets are typically pricier and may require a vet prescription or a vet confirmation during purchase from veterinary online shops; non‑prescription joint foods are widely available in pet stores and online in Australia. (fishandfeather.com.au)

If you’d like, I can:

• Check availability and prices for Hill’s j/d and Royal Canin Mobility at online Australian retailers near you (I can search stores and list options and approximate prices), or
• Compare a few over‑the‑counter joint formulas available in Australia and list ingredient amounts (EPA/DHA, glucosamine, chondroitin) so you can compare.

Which would you prefer?