Green Lipped Mussel for Dogs: The Hype vs. the Helpful

In recent years there’s been a lot of hype surrounding Green Lipped Mussels for dogs. Is the hype worth it?

• What is Green Lipped Mussel
• What forms of Green Lipped Mussel are available for dogs? 
• How can Green Lipped Mussel Help?
• The Hype.
• What to look for when Purchasing Dog Food or Pet Supplements with Green Lipped Mussel
• FlexiPaw Green Lipped Mussel for Dogs

What is Green Lipped Mussel?

Green Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus) is a shellfish native to New Zealand. It has long been consumed by the indigenous Māori people living near coastal areas. The effects of Green Lipped Mussel were first observed in studies where the coastal Māori population had a lower occurrence of joint problems compared to European settlers and other populations living inland, away from the coast. 

What Forms of Green Lipped Mussel are available for pets?

In the consumer market, as the hype surrounding green lipped mussel for dogs and other pets has grown over the years, it is available in multiple different formats. However, the main forms are as an ingredient in dog food or as a supplement.

In dog food, Green Lipped Mussel is usually added in dog food unconcentrated.

In supplements, Green Lipped Mussel typically comes in three types, powder that you can sprinkle on dog food, in capsules (hard-shell capsules or softgel capsules) and in soft chew form. In these forms, the Green Lipped Mussel may come in unconcentrated or concentrated varieties. 

How can Green Lipped Mussel Help?

Green lipped mussel is rich in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine and glycosaminoglycans. Extensive publications and trials are demonstrating the effects of these categories of active principles on joint health.

Green Lipped Mussel contains many nutrients which are vital for:

• Joint & Cartilage health
• Skin & Coat health 

Green Lipped Mussels are also packed with other micronutrients which are crucial for the general health of dogs. 

The Hype.

Many brands that sell Green Lipped Mussel for pets extract nutrients through a heat-intensive process. The heat intensive processes break down many of the nutrients and leave the finished product with effectively a very low nutrient content. 

Some products contain very low concentrations of Green Lipped Mussel in food and supplements. Some brands also add additives into the mix, further reducing the concentration of beneficial nutrients in their product.

What to look for when Purchasing Dog Food or Supplements with Green Lipped Mussel.

How is it processed? Look for a brand that processes the Green Lipped Mussel through freeze-drying, a process that doesn’t use heat to extract moisture and therefore retains the nutrients.

How much is present? Look for a brand that contains concentrated Green Lipped Mussel. If the Mussels are concentrated look for a brand that is equivalent to a high mass of fresh Green Lipped Mussels.

FlexiPaw Green Lipped Mussel for Dogs

FlexiPaw is the ideal Green Lipped Mussel Supplement for dogs. The New Zealand Green Lipped Mussels are processed and concentrated through a freeze-drying process. Each capsule contains 500mg of dry green lipped mussel which is equivalent to 12,500mg of fresh New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel.

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