Green lipped mussels for dogs have gained popularity in recent years and for good reason. This single natural food source provides multiple critical minerals and overall health support for your dog while also being naturally anti-inflammatory. Supplements containing green lipped mussels are a great way to support your dog’s healthy lifestyle, provide natural pain relief, and even help with arthritis and other joint issues. 5 minute read time
In recent years, the anti-inflammatory benefits of green lipped mussels have become increasingly well known. This mussel, native to New Zealand, also provides a rich natural source of nutrients that support our dogs’ health in a myriad of ways. Giving your dog a supplement containing green lipped mussels is an easy way to add this superfood to your pup’s diet.
Green Lipped Mussels for Dogs: What Makes Them So Amazing?
Green lipped mussels contain all major classes of glycosaminoglycans, which are known for having natural anti-inflammatory and joint-lubricating properties. Green lipped mussels are also naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA. DHA is an essential “good” type of fat that helps a dog’s body and brain. Finally, they are also rich in natural proteins, B vitamins, glucosamine, chondroitin, zinc, and magnesium. All together, these nutrients make green lipped mussels beneficial to your dog’s overall health and wellness. And since all these beneficial nutrients come from just one source, you don\'t have to supplement with several different formulas depending on your dog\'s health concern.
None of this would mean anything, though, if your dog couldn’t absorb all these nutrients - which is a big part of what makes green lipped mussels so great. Your dog’s body knows how to use food - and green lipped mussels are a natural food source. That means they’re completely bioavailable with easy-to-absorb nutrients.
Can You Give Your Dog Too Much Green Lipped Mussel?
Green lipped mussels have no known side effects. The only note of caution is not to give them to dogs who are known to be allergic to shellfish.However, when you’re talking about nutrient-dense foods, giving the correct amounts to your dog is crucial. Too much of anything can be harmful, so you always want to give your dog the correct dosage for their size.
8 Health Benefits of Green Lipped Mussels for Dogs
Nutraceutical-grade Green Lipped Mussel is linked to a wide range of health benefits for your dog. A nutraceutical is “any substance that is a food or part of a food and provides medical or health benefits.” Multiple studies have shown clinical benefits of green lipped mussels for dogs, like this study from 2002 or this study from 2013.
Here are eight reasons why we find green lipped mussels amazing.
1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Green lipped mussels contain glycosaminoglycans. Glycosaminoglycans are made of glucosamine, so they’ll also sometimes be referred to as just glucosamine. These naturally anti-inflammatory compounds also provide joint-lubricating properties. This makes green lipped mussels a great choice for dogs suffering from arthritis or other joint-related issues.
2. Hip and Joint Health
Green lipped mussels also provide chondroitin, the major glycosaminoglycan found in cartilage. Chondroitin keeps joints hydrated and elastic, which promotes joint health.
The chondroitin and glucosamine in green lipped mussels provide structural integrity support for joints, ligaments, and tendons and all-natural arthritis support. They also help to improve damage from injuries and repair connective tissues.This makes green lipped mussels a great supplement choice for dog breeds that are naturally more prone to hip and joint problems, or for active dogs who can be prone to injury.
3. Bone Health
The magnesium and omega-3s in green lipped mussels maintain healthy bones and help bone healing if your pup suffers an injury. Not only do the nutrients in green lipped mussels support your dog’s bones directly, but they also protect them indirectly, too. The glycosaminoglycans in the mussels support healthy cartilage in joints. When your dog’s joint cartilage is healthy, the connected bones are protected from damage.
4. Pain Relief
Green lipped mussels contain glucosamine, which reduces inflammation. Reduced inflammation provides pain relief for pups suffering from arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.They also contain chondroitin, which gives pain relief by increasing joint lubrication. When our dogs’ joints are well-lubricated, they move more easily and reduce pain.
5. Heart Health
You may have heard how omega-3s are heart-healthy for humans. Well, they are for our dogs too!
The omega-3s that naturally occur in green lipped mussels support healthy hearts in our dogs. The magnesium in green lipped mussels is another essential element for heart health. The body uses magnesium to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, which keeps your dog’s heartbeat steady and strong.
6. Skin and Coat Health
For your dog’s skin and coat, green lipped mussels provide zinc, B vitamins, and omega-3s.
A lack of zinc in your dog’s diet can lead to skin abnormalities, especially in large breeds. Providing a bioavailable source of zinc, like supplements containing green lipped mussels, prevents this.
Deficiencies in B vitamins can lead to multiple problems, including severe skin problems and hair loss. Since B vitamins are water soluble and get flushed from your dog’s system if they aren’t immediately used, it’s important that they have a daily bioavailable source of B vitamins in their diet. Omega-3s ease dry and itchy skin in dogs, and you’ll likely notice more luster in your dog’s coat as well.
7. Brain and Cognitive Health
EPA and DHA are essential “good” types of fat found in omega-3s that help a dog’s body and brain. We all want our pups to live long, healthy lives. To do that, we need to protect both their physical and mental health. As our pups grow older, proper nutrient support for their brains becomes even more important. Natural omega-3s, as found in green lipped mussels, provide that support.8. Immune Support
Inflammation in the body harms our dogs’ immune system. By reducing inflammation and providing helpful vitamins and minerals, green lipped mussels keep our pups’ immune systems functioning their best.Our dogs need zinc and magnesium, too, for a healthy immune system. Studies have shown a lack of zinc impairs a dog’s immune responses.
What’s the Best Way to Give Green Lipped Mussels to Dogs?
As mentioned above (insert internal hyperlink to “Can you give…” section), too much of a good thing can be harmful. Giving your dog green lipped mussels in supplement form ensures your pup gets the perfect amount for them.
You also should make sure the manufacture of your dog’s supplements uses the best ingredients and manufacturing processes.
How Long Does It Take for Green Lipped Mussels to Work in Dogs?
Most people choose to give their dog green-lipped mussels in the form of supplements. While medicines may take effect immediately, supplements are not medicine. This means you won’t see the effects overnight.
In most cases, expect it to take a month before you’ll see changes in your dog. When you do though, you can expect to see benefits like more energy, healthier skin and coat, and, if your pup was suffering from joint issues, better movement and less pain.
The Final Woof
Green lipped mussels are an all-natural source of vitamins and minerals that provide amazing support for your dog’s joints and overall health. In addition, their anti-inflammatory properties make them a great choice for dogs suffering from arthritis. It’s rare to find a single natural source of so many great nutrients, but green lipped mussels are one of them, making them a great addition to your dog’s healthy diet.
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