What are Green Lipped Mussels?
Green lipped mussel is a marine shellfish native to New Zealand. The species Perna canaliculus is a product of marine aquaculture cultivated especially for food in the clear water off the coast of New Zealand and is named for the bright green stripe visible inside the lip of the shell.
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, Green Lipped Mussel has been used as a natural remedy for joint pain and arthritis in humans.
More recently, it has gained popularity as a supplement for dogs with joint issues.
Benefits of Green Lipped Mussel for Dogs
Green lipped mussel (GLM) contains nutrients that work together to reduce inflammation, improve flexibility, and promote healthy cartilage growth.
GLM contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which are all essential nutrients for joint health.
Green Lipped Mussel also contains other naturally occurring compounds that can improve joint lubrication, reduce inflammation, stiffness and joint pain, and improve mobility and range of motion. As a result, green lipped mussel is a great alternative to traditional joint supplements for dogs.
GLM is also one of nature’s best sources of eicosatetraenoic Acid (ETA) a widely studied ingredient that has been shown to provide equivalent pain relief to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Additional components of Perna canaliculus include building blocks needed to limit additional deterioration and possibly regenerate damaged joint cartilage and synovial fluid.
Research has shown that green lipped mussel can be effective in reducing joint pain and inflammation in dogs. A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science found that dogs who were given green lipped mussel supplements showed improved mobility and reduced pain compared to those who were given a placebo.
Green lipped mussel is also a natural source of antioxidants, which can help support a healthy immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, it contains high levels of protein, making it a great addition to a dog’s daily diet.
The Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Green Lipped Mussels for Dogs
You might be wondering, how can green lipped mussels replace expensive, scientifically proven NSAIDs? In fact, they work exactly the same way!
NSAIDs are COX inhibitors. This means they prevent an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX) from making hormone-like chemicals (called prostaglandins). Prostaglandins ramp up inflammation in the body. Green lipped mussels are also COX inhibitors, so they offer the same anti-inflammatory benefits.
Although the full benefits of green lipped mussels for dogs are still relatively unknown, there have been several studies showing their usefulness in treating osteoarthritis in pets.
One of those studies, published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal, evaluated the response of dogs suffering from chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Dogs who took a green-lipped mussel preparation for eight weeks experienced less pain and locomotion difficulties than those who took a placebo.
In addition, dogs taking the supplement also needed less carprofen—a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)—to fight chronic pain.
Mussel For Dogs Builds “Healthy” Joints
Green lipped mussels are rich in glycosaminoglycans (or GAGs). An important GAG found in green lipped mussels is chondroitin sulfate. And this is an important supplement for dogs with arthritis pain.
Your dog’s joints are enclosed in a capsule. This joint capsule is like a water balloon, and it changes in pressure to help your dog’s joints absorb shock. This protects the joints from war and tear.
Chondroitin strengthens your dog’s joint capsules, and this allows them to hold more water. More water means better shock absorption–leading to less wear and tear on the joints.
Plus, research shows green lipped mussels keep delivering these joint health benefits, even months after you stop giving them to your dog.
Green Lipped Mussel is Superior to NSAID Medications
While green lipped mussels can take a little longer to work in your dog compared to NSAIDs, it’s worth the wait when you consider how much safer they are.
But that’s not the only benefit of green lipped mussels compared to NSAIDs–
NSAIDs destroy cartilage that surrounds joints. This articular cartilage is important as it gives extra shock absorbing cushion to the ends of long bones. It also nourishes the joint and the joint capsule.
If the articular cartilage becomes damaged due to long-term use of NSAID’s, you’ll see the classic signs of arthritis. So instead of nice smooth bony ends, they’ll become jagged. These jagged ends can do even more severe damage to the joint and it becomes an endless cycle of pain and inflammation.
Where Can You Get Green Lipped Mussel for Dogs?
As we’ve seen, green lipped mussel is a superior natural and effective supplement for dogs with joint issues. Its anti-inflammatory properties and essential nutrients make it a great alternative to traditional joint supplements.
As with any supplement, it’s important to choose a high-quality product that is free from contaminants and additives.
That’s why K9 Medibles has formulated their new advanced care Flex-Fit Plus soft-chews to include green lipped mussel plus functional ingredients including glucosamine chondroitin, MSM, Hyaluronic acid, along with proprietary enzymes and vitamins to help support healthy joint repair and construction.
This powerful blend of active ingredients promotes the normal function of connective tissue, enhances cartilage health and joint mobility, and increase the lubrication of joints.
The super food ingredients in Flex-Fit Plus soft-chews plus daily doses of CBD oil like Canine Support Formula are sure to be a win-win for you and your barking bestie!
Curtis has been passionate about the health and welfare of animals since his first dog rescue.
After studying Sports Medicine & Biology at the University of Oregon, Curtis went on to excel in a career of Clinical Nutrition, later owning a health care supplement company serving private-practice physicians.
Known for his expansive knowledge of natural health and alternative medicine, Curtis believes that natural plant-based therapies can be applied to veterinary animal care which led him to study the science of Cannabinoid Medicine. His expertise in Functional Medicine led him to formulate a unique hemp-based canine care product, Canine Support Formula, fulfilling a dream to combine natural pet-care strategies with the new therapeutic potential of medical cannabis.
In reverence for his own dog, Parker, Curtis has dedicated his company–K9 Medibles–to improving the health and longevity of all dogs.
To learn more about Curtis and how K9 Medibles can help your dog, click HERE.