Green-lipped mussels (GLMs) may be unfamiliar to you or sound like something you’d order at your favourite seafood restaurant. However, these unique shellfish are a form of nutrient-rich mollusc found off the New Zealand coast. So, how can they help your dogs who have joint pain?
The answer starts with the Maori, indigenous New Zealanders who have consumed the local green-lipped mussels since ancient times. According to research, Maoris who live on the coast and eat mussels regularly have an extremely low occurrence of arthritis. Continue reading to find out how green-lipped mussels become treats for dogs.
The Leading Cause of Pain in Dogs
Green-lipped mussels have been studied by scientists for their effectiveness and safety in treating osteoarthritis symptoms in humans and dogs. This is critical in the world of canine health since, according to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the leading reason for chronic pain in dogs. More than one in every five dogs will develop progressively intensifying osteoarthritis, dysfunction, and joint pain, with some developing as early as one year of age.
The following symptoms of osteoarthritis are listed: joint swelling, lameness, muscle wasting, scarring, and thickening of the joint membrane. Regardless of the severity of the symptoms, dogs may have trouble rising or climbing stairs, be afraid to exercise or go for walks, and experience pain when stroked close to the harmed joints, all of which have a significant impact on the dog’s and its owners’ wellbeing.
Weight, age, repetitive stress, breed, bone fractures and misalignments, elbow or hip dysplasia, and joint surgery can all play a part in arthritis in dogs. Arthritis is commonly recognised and treated in our senior canine friends, but it is frequently overlooked in young dogs, despite the fact that it affects 20% of dogs over the age of one year and 80% of dogs over the age of eight.
The Safety of Green-Lipped Mussels Dog Treats
The green-lipped mussel Dog Treat is a product of the aquaculture industry grown specifically for food off the New Zealand coastline. It gets its name from the bright green stripe visible in the shell’s lip.
Researchers examined the components of GLM and discovered a high concentration of omega-3, as well as other naturally occurring components that can enhance joint lubrication, minimise inflammation, toughness, and joint discomfort, and maximise mobility and range of motion. GLM is also among nature’s richest sources of ETA, a widely researched ingredient that has been shown to offer pain relief comparable to NSAIDs.
GLM components also include the building blocks required to limit further deterioration and potentially regenerate broken joint cartilage. GLM is also high in fatty acids, Omega-3, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals, all of which help with organs, skin, and disease prevention.
Are Green-Lipped Mussels Really Nutritious for Dogs?
Green-Lipped Mussel may be good for dogs with chronic inflammation in the body. Skin conditions and asthma are examples, but arthritis is perhaps the most common. There is evidence that Green-Lipped Mussel when included in dog food or sprinkled on top, reduces arthritic symptoms in dogs. According to one review of studies on Green-Lipped Mussel use in dogs, the majority of the studies found a positive effect on arthritis.
Inflammation Effects of Green-Lipped Mussels
Chronic inflammation causes arthritis, which is characterised by painful swelling and rigidity in one or more of your dog’s joints. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common forms of arthritis. Green-lipped mussel extract has been said to decrease joint inflammation and alleviate arthritis symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Even so, one report found that there is insufficient evidence to support the consumption of green-lipped mussel extract for RA or OA, particularly when compared to other supplements with more scientific backing. Another review of four randomised clinical trials, on the other hand, indicated that green mussel extract enhanced joint stiffness and pain for dogs.
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Are There Any Green-Lipped Mussel Side Effects for Dogs?
There are currently no known Green-Lipped Mussel side effects in dogs. Any food supplement, in theory, has the potential to cause gut-related symptoms, but none have been proven with Green-Lipped Mussel.
Dogs, like humans, can develop shellfish allergies, though this is uncommon. Green-Lipped mussels should not be fed to dogs who are allergic to shellfish. It’s also a good idea not to leave your dog alone the first time you give them Green-Lipped Mussel so that you can keep an eye out for any signs of an allergic reaction.
If your dog has a medical condition, you should consult with your veterinarian before beginning any supplements or nutraceuticals. It’s also a good idea to consult your vet first if your dog is on any medications. Although there are no known interactions between Green-Lipped Mussel and medications at this time, nutraceuticals can potentially interact with each other and with medications.
Take Away
Medical studies of green-lipped mussels have shown that dosages prescribed to arthritic dogs for an appropriate period were associated with reduced joint pain and inflammation, as well as improvements in mobility. GLM, when MIXED with chondroitin and glucosamine, adds to a safe supplement that treats osteoarthritis in dogs and enhances their way of life. Want to learn how they can help? Check this out from WAG
