The instant invention provides a method of treating or preventing osteoarthritis, joint effusion, joint inflammation and pain, synovitis, lameness, post operative arthroscopic surgery, deterioration of proper joint function including joint mobility, the reduction or inhibition of metabolic activity of chondrocytes, the activity of enzymes that degrade cartilage, the reduction or inhibition of the production of Hyaluronic acid, said method comprising orally administering to a mammalian species a therapeutically effective amount of Hyaluronic Acid or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Additionally, compositions containing hyaluronic acid; chondroitin sulfate, and glucosamine sulfate in a paste formulation are also disclosed which can be administered on their own or can be used as a feed additive.