Green-lipped mussel for dog joints: benefits, dosage & side effects

Pros & Cons of Green Lipped Mussel for Dogs:

Contents

• What is a green lipped mussel?
• Packed with nutrients for healthy joints.
• Natural joint care for dogs.
• Available in different forms.
• Dogs love the taste.
• Sustainably sourced.
• Giving alongside NSAIDs.
• Backed by science.
• For dogs of all ages & breeds.
• Green lipped mussel dosage for dogs.
• Side effects of green lipped mussels in dogs.

What is a Green-Lipped Mussel? 

Green-lipped mussel (scientific name: Perna canaliculus) are a type of shellfish native to New Zealand. It differs from other mussels in that the edges of its shell are green. It is also one of the largest mussel species, reaching up to 24 cm in length. Usually, the soft meat inside is consumed or used to make health supplements while the shell is discarded. 

It has been a staple diet of the Māori people for hundreds of years. Scientists became interested in learning about the joint health benefits of green lipped mussels after observing that the coastal Māori populations had a lower incidence of arthritis than the Europeans and inland populations that did not consume green-lipped mussels. 

Benefits of green-lipped mussels for dogs

Packed with nutrients for healthy joints

Green-lipped mussels contain a range of nutrients including healthy lipids such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), furan fatty acids, phytosterols, sphingolipids and diterpenes as well as antioxidants such as carotenoids and xanthophylls. These nutrients are likely biosynthesised in marine algae that the green-lipped mussels feed on. There are extensive publications and trials demonstrating the effects of these categories of active principles on joint health of dogs as well as humans. 

According to a study ‘Perna canaliculus (Green-Lipped Mussel): Bioactive Components and Therapeutic Evaluation for Chronic Health Conditions’ by Coulson, Palacios & Vitetta (2015), GlycOmega green lipped mussels contain the following nutrients:

• Proteins
• Amino Acids 
• Complex Carbohydrates
• Lipids 
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA)
• Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)
• Vitamins
• Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Vitamin B12
• Minerals
• Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Boron, Chromium, Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Nickel, Selenium, Iodine, Sulphur

Natural joint care for dogs

Many green lipped mussel products for dogs are 100% natural. Many contain no additives or artificial preservatives. Be sure to read the label carefully when purchasing green-lipped mussel products for your dog. Avoid products with fillers and other cheap ingredients. 

Available in different forms

Green-lipped mussel products are available in many different forms. You can buy green lipped mussels in powder form, oil form or whole dehydrated green lipped mussels. Consider buying freeze-dried green lipped mussels over products that have been processed using heat. Freeze-drying is a process where the moisture is removed without using heat and therefore gives a concentrated green lipped mussel powder with maximum nutrients. Whereas the heat dried product loses much of its nutrients in the process.

Green lipped mussel powder products are also available in capsule and soft chew formats. It allows for convenience and consistent dosage. 

What to look for: 

It can be difficult to find the right green-lipped mussel supplement for your four legged furry friend. Here are a few things to consider when you are trying to find the best green lipped mussel supplement: 

• Freeze-dried processing method
• High concentration of green lipped mussel (no fillers or additives)
• Consider capsule or soft chew format for consistency and convenience

However, you may like to try a few different formats to see what product your dog prefers and works best for you. 

Dogs love the natural green lipped mussel taste

Most dogs love the natural green lipped mussel taste. So you won't have to hide the green lipped mussel in cheese or other treats. You can simply add the green lipped mussel to their food. 

Sustainably sourced

Many green lipped mussel products such as Flexipaw - green lipped mussel for dogs are made using sustainably farmed New Zealand green lipped mussels. 

Can be given alongside NSAID

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed to dogs for pain relief who are suffering from arthritis. Green-lipped mussels can be given to dogs as an adjunct with NSAIDs after consulting your veterinarian.

Backed by science

There have been numerous studies on green-lipped mussels and their health benefits on both humans and animals, including dogs. Several studies have shown promising joint health benefits in dogs, however the exact mechanism of how green lipped mussels benefit joint health is still unknown or contested. 

Safe for dogs of all ages & breeds

There are no age restrictions for giving green lipped mussel products to dogs. If your dog is on solid food, they can be given green lipped mussel products. Starting green lipped mussel supplements for your dog at a young age can be beneficial to maintain health joints and mobility for a long time. 

Green-Lipped Mussel Dosage for Dogs

There is no single correct answer to: how much green lipped mussel does my dog need? It depends on many factors such as the quality of the supplement, the size of your dog and their joint health needs. Therefore, it is recommended that you read the product label carefully and consult your vet if you are unsure. 

The important thing is that you give consistent dosage regularly. 

Shown below is the dosage for flexipaw - green lipped mussel for dogs. 

Side Effects of Green-Lipped Mussel for Dogs

There are currently no known serious side-effects of green-lipped mussels in dogs. 

Although rare, some dogs do suffer from shellfish allergies just like us humans. Therefore, if your dog is allergic to shellfish, green-lipped mussels should not be given. 

Always monitor your dog while giving green lipped mussel supplements. It is also advisable to monitor your dog for sometime after giving it a green lipped mussel for the first time to ensure your dog is not allergic to shellfish. 

Some dogs may feel some stomach discomfort or flatulence when you first start giving them green lipped mussels. This may go away after sometime. 

If your dog has medical conditions or is on prescribed medication, consult your veterinarian before giving any supplements. 

Green Lipped Mussel for Dogs: The Bottom Line

Green lipped mussel, a type of shellfish native to New Zealand, is packed with natural nutrients to promote healthy joints and mobility in dogs. Can be given to dogs of all ages and breeds, therefore starting your dog at a young age is beneficial to promote healthy joints for a long time to come. It is available in many different forms; however, it's best to find a product that contains concentrated freeze dried green lipped mussels. A consistent dosage should be given regularly to your dog for best results. There are no known serious side effects of giving dogs green lipped mussels and can be given alongside medications such as NSAIDs after consulting your veterinarian.  

It's best to consult your veterinarian before you start giving your dog any health supplements.

References

Coulson, S., Palacios, T., & Vitetta, L. (2015). Perna canaliculus (Green-Lipped Mussel): Bioactive components and therapeutic evaluation for chronic health conditions. Progress in Drug Research, 91–132. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-0927-6_3 

Elliott, D., Servet, E., & Biourge, V. (2007). Nutritional management of canine osteoarthritis. Veterinary Focus, 17(3), 43–48.

Bui, L.M.; Bierer, T.L. Influence of green lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) in alleviating signs of arthritis in dogs. Vet. Ther. 2003, 4, 397–407.

Bierer, T.L.; Bui, L.M. Improvement of arthritic signs in dogs fed green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus).J. Nutr. 2002, 132, 16345–16365.

Eason CT, Adams SL, Puddick J, Romanazzi D, Miller MR, King N, Johns S, Forbes-Blom E, Hessian PA, Stamp LK, Packer MA. Greenshell™ Mussels: A Review of Veterinary Trials and Future Research Directions. Veterinary Sciences. 2018; 5(2):36. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci5020036

Disclaimer: The content on this website is for educational purpose only. We recommend you talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns, if the lameness worsens or are unsure. Products on this website are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease. The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.