She’s a minor celebrity, the green-lipped mussel in dogs. Every dog owner has mixed the green-lipped mussel in the dog’s food as a preventive measure or in case of problems with the joints. But is the hype justified? Are the results achieved by feeding dogs green-lipped mussels convincing, or are they empty promises? How should the green-lipped mussel be fed to the dog so that positive effects occur? In this article, you will learn more!
Green-lipped mussel in dogs – possible uses
The green-lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus, is a species of mussel that is widespread in New Zealand. Breeding in tanks has not yet been successful. For the food supplement, the mussel meat is freeze-dried. The products are sold in capsules, pressed into tablets or as a powder. The green-lipped mussel is mainly used in dogs to have a positive effect on bones and joints.
Green-lipped mussel in young dogs
Puppies and young dogs first have to build up a stable skeletal system. Green-lipped mussel promotes healthy bone and joint growth.
Green-lipped mussel in senior dogs
Old dogs often suffer from wear and tear of the joints, arthrosis. The green-lipped mussel supports the formation of cartilage cells in the joint. Mobility increases.
How long does it take for green-lipped mussel to show effects in dogs?
The effect is not immediate. If the green-lipped mussel is fed to the dog as a cure, the dogs can experience an improvement in mobility and a reduction in pain after a few weeks.
Green-lipped mussel in sporting dogs
Some dog sports are real high-performance sports. These include, for example, parcours or mondioring. In these sports, the joints are particularly stressed. To prevent the joints from wearing out prematurely, green-lipped mussel is mixed into the feed.
Green-lipped mussel in diseases
The green-lipped mussel can have positive effects on the health of the dog with the following diseases:
- Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear of the joints and regression of the cartilage
- Spondylosis: bony growths in the joint
- rheumatism
- patellar dislocation
- disc prolapse
- Misalignment of the joints and the resulting wear and tear on the cartilage
- Wear and tear of joints with age
The green-lipped mussel in dogs is not a drug that can cure osteoarthritis. The products support the treatment of existing diseases and promote healing. If fed as a preventive measure, the green-lipped mussel reduces the development of arthrosis.
Side effects of green-lipped mussels in dogs
The green-lipped mussel is a natural product that hardly causes any side effects. Gas and diarrhea may occur in some dogs. Very rarely, feeding green-lipped mussels causes skin rashes in dogs.
In order to avoid side effects, it is particularly important to pay attention to the quality of the product. In some fishing areas, the mussel meat is heavily contaminated with heavy metals and algae toxins.
Ingredients
The flesh of the green-lipped mussel contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12 and numerous minerals and trace elements such as phosphorus, sodium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and selenium. The most important active ingredients include the glucosaminoglycans or GAGs.
Glucosaminoglycans
GAGs are made up of long chains of protein-sugar compounds found in synovial fluid. Together with the other helpers, they supply the articular cartilage with nutrients via the synovial fluid. Due to the storage of GAGs in connective tissue and cartilage, the tissue remains elastic and is not damaged even under high pressure. With the support of GAGs, the articular cartilage can better fulfill its function as a shock absorber.
Minerals and trace elements
The green-lipped mussel helps to replenish the calcium stores in old dogs. Magnesium supports the function of the muscles and the nervous system.
Fatty acids
The omega-3 fatty acids and lyprinol fatty acids are valuable antioxidants that reduce the risk of inflammation in the joint. They form the opposite pole to the omega-6 fatty acids, which are involved in the development of inflammatory processes.
The Lyprinol fatty acids act as antioxidants. They bind free radicals and other harmful substances and thus protect the cartilage cells from premature aging. pain is reduced.
How often can you use a green-lipped mussel treatment on dogs?
The application takes place in the form of three cures per year. The green-lipped mussel is mixed with the dog’s food in the recommended dosage. If the dog is being treated for joint disease, the green-lipped mussel should be fed throughout the treatment period.
Green-lipped mussel dosage
The dosage of green-lipped mussel in dogs depends on the age, size and weight of the dog.
Feeding recommendation:
- small dogs weighing up to 10 kilograms: 0.5 grams per day
- large dogs up to 30 kg body weight: 1 gram per day
- Very large dogs over 30 kg body weight: 1.5 grams per day
The green-lipped mussel is best used in dogs in the form of three cures a year. In spring, late summer and winter, one cure is carried out for four to six weeks. There is a break of three months between each treatment.
The exact dosage of green-lipped mussel in dogs
The dosage of green-lipped mussel in dogs always depends on the individual needs of the dog. Each product contains a different amount of active ingredients. It is therefore important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when dosing.
Where to buy green-lipped mussel for dogs?
Green-lipped mussel products are available online or from veterinarians.
Buy green-lipped mussel for the dog
You want to feed your dog green-lipped mussels and are now looking for a suitable product. This is available in many forms, but the most commonly purchased is green-lipped mussel powder, which can simply be added to dog food. Alternatively, there are tablets or capsules that can simply be given to the dog.
Conclusion
Green-lipped mussel is a dietary supplement that supports joint and bone health in dogs. The effect has already been proven by studies. Products with green-lipped mussel are used in dogs as a preventive measure or to support the healing of joint diseases. The ingredients can promote nutrition of the articular cartilage and reduce the risk of cartilage cell death.
