Green-lipped mussels get their name from the green edges of their shell, which resemble the shape of a human mouth. So what is the evidence for the use of GLM in arthritic dogs? Green lipped mussels have always been used by the Maori, a Polynesian people in New Zealand. Because not all green lipped mussel powders are the same …. Green lipped mussels are one of those wonderful foods for joint health and prevention/treatment of osteoarthritis. This capsule is like a water balloon and it changes in pressure to help your dog’s joints absorb shock. And freeze drying them ensures those important micronutrients remain intact. The recommended daily doses of green-lipped mussel for a dog that weighs 20 kilograms vary between 300 and 500 mg. In addition, green lipped mussels have also been shown to contain glycosaminoglycans, substances with joint protective properties, according to Petty. This means they prevent an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX) from making hormone-like chemicals (called prostaglandins). Xtend-Life’s Green Lipped Mussel Powder, which is the brand we recommend, is manufactured in a unique to the market way that ensures it retains all the health benefits of eating raw mussels. Without these critical fats, your dog’s green lipped mussels will be virtually useless. To find a holistic or homeopathic vet near you or to find one who will do phone consultations, visit The Academy Of Veterinary Homeopathy. In general, you’ll want to give your dog 20 to 49mg/kg/day of green lipped mussels daily. The Maori tribe of New Zealand have a diet rich in green lipped mussels, and are known for having the strongest bones and joints in the world. Many pet owners include a Green Lipped Mussel supplement to food. DOGS LOVE THE FOOD I switched my dogs to a raw diet about 2 months ago. Mussel powder has been scientifically proven to alleviate arthritis in dogs as well as it does in humans! And they took another look. But what’s inside green lipped mussels that make them a natural anti-inflammatory? [src="https://a.omappapi.com/users/3d3cb4d2c858/images/883fe6fd129c1584135443-Raw-food-safety.png"], [src="https://a.omappapi.com/users/3d3cb4d2c858/images/1235141365041585953183-883fe6fd129c1584135443-Raw-food-safety.png"], Carprofen For Dogs: 5 Natural Alternatives, 2007 study looked at how well green lipped mussel worked in dogs, CBD Oil Can Reduce Pain Without Side Effectss …, Krill Oil For Dogs: An Irresponsible Choice, Earth-Friendly Sources Of EPA And DHA For Dogs, Lipomas In Dogs: 6 Herbs To Get Rid Of Fatty Tumors. Part of the power of green lipped mussels lies in their unique compound content. Plus they’ve got a healthy dose of DHA for brain health. RELATED: CBD Oil Can Reduce Pain Without Side Effectss …. Without these critical fats, your dog’s green lipped mussels will be virtually useless. This protects the joints from wear and tear. But the mussels used in those early studies were the rejected meat left over from processing. You might be wondering, how can green lipped mussels replace expensive, scientifically-proven NSAIDs? One can easily administer this supplement with meals and treats. The fatty acid content, mainly EPA, found in green lipped mussels is much more potent and concentrated than other fish oils. The active ingredient in GLX3, a leading supplement made with New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Oil, is Omega-3 fatty acids. But as an estimation, PetMD recommends that “small dogs get 0.5g, medium dogs get 0.7mg, and large dogs get 1g total a day.” Now there’s one more difference between green lipped mussels and NSAIDs … and it has to do with special fats found in the mussels. Green Lipped Mussels (GLMs) are a natural joint health supplement for dogs. As the supplement has glucosamine, MSM, and green-lipped mussels, it is ideal for older dogs or other working dogs undergoing joint stress. But green lipped mussels differ from NSAIDs in two important ways: 1. It’s a fact … NSAIDs can really hurt your dog. It also nourishes the joint and the joint capsule. Green lipped mussels can provide joint support as NSAIDs (also known as non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These special mollusks can help manage inflammation and pain caused by arthritis in your canine companions. And for dogs with joint pain, green lipped mussels are a great start! It was then steamed and made into a supplement. And a third study didn’t show much of a change … but this isn’t surprising as they were using only 1/4 the amount of green lipped mussel. The oil from the mussel is also used. Zesty Paws New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Chewable Treats for Dogs - with Natural Gluco… 4.5 out of 5 stars 101. But unlike NSAIDs, green lipped mussels also contain LOX (lipoxygenase) inhibitors. More water = more shock absorption = less wear and tear on the joints. These days many people are becoming aware of the benefits of green lipped mussel extract for naturally alleviating debilitating arthritis in dogs. They can cause ulcers, liver and kidney damage … and even damage your dog’s joint and soft tissues. The only other thing he does that for is BBQ chicken. This isn’t the first study showing the benefits of green lipped mussels for dogs. © 2021 Dogs Naturally Magazine Inc. Green Lipped Mussel oil is strictly controlled by the New Zealand government to ensure the supply is high quality and sustainable. A 2007 study looked at how well green lipped mussel worked in dogs with moderate to severe arthritis. They can also be easily broken up for rewards when training your pooch. Green lipped mussels are also rich in vitamins and minerals. Every batch of Safe-Sea Green Lipped Mussels is independently tested for heavy metals, PCBs and toxins. Feeding Kittens 101: What to Feed, How Much, and How Often. So glad I found Loyalty Pet Treats. Omega-3s have been clinically shown to reduce inflammation in the joints, which can help dogs move with more freedom and flexibility. In fact, there are 90 different fatty acids in green lipped mussels! These jagged ends can do even more damage to the joint … and it becomes an endless cycle of pain and inflammation. Green lipped mussels are naturally rich in fatty acids. And scientists soon noticed that the Maori people living on the coast had much lower rates of arthritis compared to inland Maori people. The green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) is native to the New Zealand coast. My vet agrees, green lipped mussels are brilliant for joints and my dogs love them. NSAIDs destroy joint cartilage. 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. They’re a sustainable source of fatty acids too. And even though the dogs stopped receiving the green lipped mussels at 8 weeks, the improvements in pain and mobility were still there at 12 weeks. We recommend starting with 1 x Green Lipped Mussel every 2 days for smaller dogs and pups and up to 1 x Green Lipped Mussel every day for larger dogs. New Zealand green-lipped mussel is used for asthma, arthritis, exercise -induced muscle soreness, attention deficit … The content on this website is not meant to replace veterinary advice. OK, so now that you know how green lipped mussels work and how to choose a good product for your dog …. As for potential dangers of green lipped mussels for dogs, both Morgan and Petty agree that there really aren’t any serious concerns. The green lipped mussels used in the trial averaged 5.9 to 9.3% fat. Green lipped mussels are also rich in vitamins and minerals. Get it … How does it work? But the most abundant are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid). Scientists are studying green lipped mussels as a safe and effective alternative for dogs who can’t take NSAIDs. Before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet or health care plan, it’s important to speak with your veterinarian to verify safety and confirm dosing instructions. Green Lipped Mussel for Dogs – The Benefits. Why wait until your dog gets liver or kidney disease from his meds? The best known components of green lipped mussels are Omega-3 fatty acids, including the fatty acids EPA and DHA, explains Petty. As my dogs get older I am concerned to keep them in great shape, especially their joints. The green lipped mussels should contain at least 5% fatty acids. It means that a dog weighing 20 kilograms gets a maximum of 15 mg omega-3 fatty acids (ETA, EPA, DPA … NSAIDs can cause health issues because COX enzymes protect the liver and gut lining. My older boy will run from the other end of the paddock for them. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce inflammation in illnesses such as arthritis and osteoarthritis. Please support the hard working holistic vets who make this information possible. And nearly 3/4 of the dogs taking green lipped mussels didn’t need additional pain meds. You might also see green lipped mussel products in a water base. The green-lipped mussel Just some of the studies performed with the mussels include a 2002 study that observed the improvement of arthritis in dogs who were fed green lipped mussels, an overall study to determine the effectiveness of the mussels on osteoarthritis, and there have been multiple studies performed which confirm the use of a stabilized GLM extract and its effect as an anti … This effect has been confirmed through a number of studies, including one where scientists discovered that green lipped mussels seem to block the pro-inflammatory reaction without causing, and maybe even helping to reduce, the gastrointestinal irritation connected with NSAID treatment in dogs. Prostaglandins ramp up inflammation in the body. Zesty Paws New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Chewable Treats for Dogs - with Natural Gluco… They have a distinctive bright green stripe around their shell and a green lip on the inside of the shell. 2. “Omega-3s work by reducing the level of inflammation associated with diseases such as osteoarthritis,” Petty says. The results were pretty poor. The growth is now the size of an egg and his excessive panting has stopped. Sign up for the Dogs Naturally Newsletter and get over 200 FREE Health Plans and Guides in 2020. So let’s take a look at how green lipped mussels can help your dog … and how to make sure you’re not getting ripped off. With that said, green lipped mussels can take a little longer to work in your dog compared to NSAIDs. Save 5% more with Subscribe & Save. The after ten days, reduce this to a half dose. And freeze drying them ensures those important micronutrients remain intact. 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. Dana works tirelessly to educate pet owners so they can influence veterinary medicine and change current vaccine, food and preventive health practices. The verdict? Green lipped mussels have many Omega-3 fatty acids inside. Bobbie Dogs Green Lipped Mussels are dehydrated to retain the health benefits these tiny little green shellfish contain. For young, old, large and small pets. The green lipped mussels should contain at least 5% fatty acids. Made in the UK to GMP code of practice and ISO 9001 quality assurance certification. Green Lipped Mussels for Dogs: How They Can Help. Green lipped mussels are also COX inhibitors … so they offer the same anti-inflammatory benefits. They can help build healthier joints in your dog. The reason scientists initially saw poor results was because the mussels were missing an important nutrient after processing … omega-3 fatty acids. These are two important fatty acids that reduce inflammation. It’s time to get back to nature and stop the unwanted side effects from drugs. Green Lipped Mussels. The Green Lipped Mussels dog treats are hugely popular, all-natural, and made from only New Zealand Mussels. This is not to say green lipped mussels are better than fish oil, but a smaller dosage can provide more benefits. I’ll get to those results in just a bit … but I want to discuss the importance of how the mussel is processed first. “The ETA is found only in green lipped mussels and binds cyclooxygenase, which is an enzyme that causes inflammation,” according to Dr. Judy Morgan, DVM, a certified and accredited veterinary acupuncturist and food therapist who combines holistic medicine with traditional Western techniques in her practice. And this time around, the results were much more exciting! Green lipped mussels are naturally rich in fatty acids. The overall result of the study was that New Zealand green-lipped mussel extract supplementation improves joint disorders in dogs in an average of 74 per cent. The supplement is made in the USA and regulated by the National Animal Supplement Council, making it safe for all the dogs to consume. “They also contain glucosamine, chondroitin, zinc, and magnesium, which are beneficial for joint metabolism.”. This means that a lower dose is needed to attain its benefits. Chondroitin strengthens your dog’s joint capsules … and this allows them to hold more water. Unlike NSAIDs, they take a few days to work. This study showed a significant improvement in arthritis too. So the dose of green lipped mussel for dogs by weight is: Remember, you’ll also want to see a nutritional analysis of your dog’s green lipped mussels … because you want to see at least 6% fat content. What’s more it can help heal your dog without the nasty side effects of synthetic drugs. If you’d like more on how we use your information, just check out our Privacy Policy. But it’s worth the wait when you consider how much safer they are. The Benefits of Green Lipped Mussels for Dogs. Unlike NSAIDs, green lipped mussels build healthy cartilage. Dana has been a raw feeding, natural rearing breeder since the 90's and is a sought after speaker and outspoken advocate for natural health care for dogs and people. The dogs were given green lipped mussel for 8 weeks and evaluated at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Inhibiting these enzymes destroys the stomach lining and harms liver cells. She also breeds award winning Labrador Retrievers under the Fallriver prefix. “It is well known that many chronic skin diseases and inflammatory diseases like asthma respond to Omega-3's, and could respond to green lipped mussels,” adds Petty. These enzymes protect the stomach lining and liver from harm. “They get their name from the green edges or lips on their shells,” Petty says. What Are The Benefits Of Green Lipped Mussels For Dogs? After the initial 10 days, most dogs do well without any need for pain control. The dogs given the green lipped mussel had a significant improvement in pain and mobility compared to the placebo group. It has a bright green stripe around the its shell and a distinctive green lip on the inside of the shell. So their fatty acids are key the green lipped mussel’s anti-inflammatory effects. Simply speaking, green lipped mussels are a species of mussel found in New Zealand, according to Dr. Michael Petty, DMV, past president of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management and a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist. The good news is, researchers have established a safe and effective dose in dogs. Green Lipped Mussel Dosage for Dogs According to Dogs Naturally Magazine, we should add “15mg of powdered extract per 1 pound of pet’s body weight.” I looked it up and 15 mg = 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon; that is what I add to our dogs' meals when they're having a … Troop Advance Green Lipped Mussels for Dogs and Cats | All Natural Joint Support Supplement for Mobility, Pain, Inflammation, and Hip and Joint Discomfort from New Zealand | 160g. Even a full month after you stop giving them to your dog. This articular cartilage is important … it gives extra shock absorbing cushion to the ends of long bones. And this is an important supplement for dogs with arthritis pain. Green-lipped mussel oil can reduce joint pain and make your dog feel like a puppy again Reduced inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, reduced discomfort by decreasing NSAID use, and increased mobility for your fluffy friend make green-lipped mussel oil a wonderful natural alternative to help your dog feel more like a puppy again. You can change your mind and unsubscribe anytime. But in the 80’s things changed … scientists started freeze drying the mussels. You should consult your veterinarian before discontinuing any painkillers, and observe your dog over a period of at least a month to … Next, let’s see how well they work for dogs. Until day 28 of supplementation, in both groups (mussel extract and placebo), an improvement in about 40 per cent of the dogs was observed both by owners and veterinary clinicians. Many dog parents know and understand that fish oil has a ton of omega-3 fatty acids inside, too. “The ETA has been shown in studies to be much more powerful at fighting inflammation than just the EPA and DHA found in fish oils,” explains Morgan. They are very healthy and are rich in omega 3s, which will reduce the risks of infection, act as antioxidants, and reduce joint inflammation, to name a few. We don’t yet fully understand how green-lipped mussel works, but we know that extracts contain omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, minerals and carbohydrates. Not all green lipped mussel powders contain those fatty acids … so make sure you ask for a nutritional analysis. Although this is the same compound found in fish oil, in the case of green lipped mussels, this is combined with other compounds that also fight joint inflammation and pain. “Omega-3s work by reducing the level of inflammation associated with diseases such as osteoarthritis,” Petty says. NSAIDs are COX inhibitors. A double-blind, double-controlled experiment was performed on a group of dogs, and the results showed that those given green lipped mussels had a significant decrease in inflammation and pain levels when compared to the placebo group. In all three studies, there were no negative side effects in the dogs taking green lipped mussel. As fresh green lipped mussels are found only in New Zealand, most pet owners will find them dog hip and joint care products in the form of supplements that can be added to pet foods, explains Petty. Dogs who took a green-lipped mussel preparation for eight weeks experienced less pain and locomotion difficulties than those who took a placebo. While researchers have put increasing focus on the benefits of Green Lipped Mussels for dogs, the dosages and serving sizes required are still not an exact science. Green lipped mussels are rich in glycosaminoglycans (or GAGs). Anything less and your dog likely won’t get much benefit. Yes, I want to get emails from Dogs Naturally. ProVida Green Lipped Mussel Powder is a 100% natural supplement containing EPA & DHA Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids, as well as protein and essential vitamins and minerals. Your dog’s joints are enclosed in a capsule. The actual mussels are … It's an ingredient we find in a few top quality foods, and often in foods from New Zealand where they're generally sourced. A powder like Super Snouts Joint Power can be easily mixed with your pet's food. This makes the green lipped mussel for dogs stand out from other sources of omega 3s. A variety of nutrients, including long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine hydrochloride, antioxidants and green- lipped mussel powder, are reported to be beneficial for the nutritional support of cats and dogs with joint issues. Remember … when green lipped mussels don’t come with their fat, they’re unlikely to help with arthritis. 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. So green lipped mussels are a great way to both prevent and manage arthritis in dogs. Cat Nutrition: What Makes a Nutritional Cat Food? Of course, EPA and DHA are found in fish and marine oils … but unlike fish oils, growing and harvesting green lipped mussels is ocean friendly. Reductions of more than 40% joint swelling have been observed by feeding green lipped mussel, and for some dogs in the early stages of arthritis, or those experiencing injury-related joint pain, green lipped mussels may provide relief. Green Lipped Mussel is a completely natural food source that has been found to have an exceptional ability to aid dog’s bodies in fighting the progression of joint and connective tissue disease. 99. At Dogs In Motion, owners of arthritic dogs often seek advice regarding appropriate dietary supplements.Most will have received advice regarding the use of glucosamine or fish oils; more recently green lipped mussel (GLM) has come into vogue. It's made with 100% green lipped mussels that contain natural glucosamine and chondroitin. “Although there are no defined doses at the moment, it is usually suggested that small dogs get 500 mg capsules, medium dogs get 750 mg capsules, and large dogs get 1000 mg total a day,” Petty says. Unlike NSAIDs, green lipped mussels do much more than just decrease inflammation. Dana Scott is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Dogs Naturally Magazine and CEO of Four Leaf Rover, a high end natural supplement company. In fact, there are 90 different fatty acids in green lipped mussels! In addition, dogs taking the supplement also needed less carprofen—a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)—to fight chronic pain. The initial dose was 20 to 49mg/kg/day and this was reduced to a half dose after 10 days. Plus, research shows green lipped mussels keep delivering these joint health benefits. GLMs are only found in the pristine waters off the coast of New Zealand where they are farmed without the use of growth hormones and/or pesticides. Zestlife Green Lipped Mussel for dogs recommended by vets for joint structure & mobility. But the most abundant is ETA, and a fair bit of EPA. Once scientists started using green lipped mussels with the omega-3 fats intact, they noted the mussels were much more effective. But you can also give your dog CBD (full spectrum hemp) oil for pain. “Many of the other substances in green lipped mussels such as vitamins and minerals could contribute to their pain-relieving properties, but more research needs to be done,” says Petty. My older dog was panting a lot and he had a potato sized growth on his shoulder. The best known components of green lipped mussels are Omega-3 fatty acids, including the fatty acids EPA and DHA, explains Petty. So scientists have been looking to help dogs (and people) with arthritis pain without the harmful side effects. An important GAG found in green lipped mussels is chondroitin sulfate. A good example of these compounds is eicosatetraenoic acid, or ETA. Green-lipped mussel is a nutritional supplement taken from perna canaliculus, a bivalve mollusc (mussel) native to New Zealand. A second study was poorly controlled and the dogs in the placebo group were also given other nutraceuticals. Here we take a closer look at green-lipped mussel. Green Lipped Mussel Oil for dogs — what is it? Clinical studies have shown this natural wonder food to be as effective in dogs as it is in humans, which is extremely encouraging. Early research on green lipped mussels was disappointing. 99 (£79.98/kg) CDN$ 38.99 CDN$ 38. These are two important fatty acids that are known to reduce inflammation. “In addition, green lipped mussels also provide polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (PSGAGs), the building blocks for cartilage and joint fluid,” says Morgan. If the articular cartilage becomes damaged, you’ll see the classic signs of arthritis … instead of nice smooth bony ends, they’ll become jagged. Cardiovascular and immune health While these benefits are still subject to further studying, there has been evidence found that supports the role of green-lipped mussel supplements in improving overall heart health. You can buy it from high-street retailers. Basically any chronic inflammatory condition in dogs may benefit from the use of green lipped mussels, according to Petty. However, dogs who suffer from shellfish allergies should not take green lipped mussel supplements. Our Green Lipped Mussels are carefully freeze dried and never heated to stabilize the delicate oils. AniForte Green Lipped Mussel for Dogs and Cats 500g Powder - 100% Natural Joint Supplement with Glucosamine, Lipids, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Minerals and Amino Acids 4.7 out of 5 stars 5 £39.99 £ 39 . These types of mussels can only be found off the coast of New Zealand and can be fed raw, dehydrated, air-dried, or even as a powder. Green Lipped Mussel Capsules for Humans and Dogs - 90 x 500mg - Powerful Joint Care Supplement - Hip, Knee and Ligament Pain Relief - Effective Anti-Inflammatory - 100% Pure with No Fillers or Mixers Green Lipped Mussel is not only an important dietary addition for pets. These products won’t be as effective either because the fatty acids will be missing.