The words “green lipped mussels” might not mean a lot to you, but if you share your home with a dog suffering from arthritis, learning about green lipped mussels might be beneficial. These special mollusks can help manage inflammation and pain caused by arthritis in your canine companions.
What are Green Lipped Mussels?
Green Lipped Mussels (Perna canaliculus) are a species of mussel found along the New Zealand coast. Their name comes from the green edges of the shell or “lip” and a distinctive green lip on the inside of the shell.
Green lipped mussels have been used by the Maori, a Polynesian people in New Zealand. Scientists noticed that the Maori people living on the coast had much lower rates of arthritis compared to inland Maori people.
These special mollusks with anti-inflammatory benefits can help manage inflammation and pain caused by arthritis in your beloved dog.
What are the Benefits for your Dog?
- Reducing joint inflammation
- Relieving aches and pain
- Building healthy cartilage
- Protecting joints from damage
Green Lipped Mussel extract is a natural supplement to help manage your dogs arthritis. So what is in these mussels that make them so special and what are the benefits. Green Lipped Mussels contain high levels on Omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA. Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce the level of inflammation in dogs with osteoarthritis. Although these Omega-3s can be found in other fish it is the combination with other compounds found in these mussels that help to fight joint inflammation and pain. These mussels also contain a compound called eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), which is only found in Green Lipped Mussels. They bind with an inflammation causing enzyme called cyclooxygenase. Green Lipped Mussels are also rich in glycosaminoglycans (or GAGs) which help to support the joints. These mussels also contain other joint supporting compounds such glucosamine, chondroitin, zinc, and magnesium. This powerhouse muscle also contains other vitamins and minerals.
Is there Science to Support this?
Yes there is! There have been several studies showing their usefulness in treating osteoarthritis in pets. One of those studies evaluated the response of dogs suffering from chronic pain associated with arthritis. It found that dogs that took the Green Lipped Mussel extract for 8 weeks experienced less pain and movement difficulties. A number of other studies have confirmed the benefits one of those studies, found that it seemed to block the pro-inflammatory reaction.
Essentially, any chronic inflammatory condition in dogs may benefit from the use of green lipped mussels and in particular dogs with arthritis and joint pain.
Where to Find it?
You can find Green Lipped Mussel in the form of an extract found in some supplements. Not all Green Lipped Mussel products are created equal. The manufacturing process is complex to optimise the retention of the delicate nutrients. Good choices include Nutradyl, Mobiflex and GCS.
Our top pick NUTRADYL, manufactured by Zoetis, the largest global animal pharmaceutical company.
