Green lipped mussels (GLMs) are edible molluscs, and in health circles they’re a well-known supplement for protecting cartilage and boosting joint health. As part of a nutritious, well-balanced diet, these green-tinted shellfish can work wonders for dogs who suffer from joint pain.
Let’s get into the full range of benefits of green lipped mussels and explore the safest ways to feed them to your dog.
The benefits of green lipped mussels for dogs
The joint protection derived from green lipped mussels is found to affect dogs, making GLMs a wonder supplement for dogs’ joints and mobility.
When taken regularly alongside a healthy, balanced diet, green lipped mussels can:
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Reduce joint inflammation thanks to a unique combo of omega-3 fatty acids that block inflammatory pathways.
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Support cartilage repair, as Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in GLMs essentially make up the building blocks of cartilage.
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Lubricate your dog’s joints. GAGs contribute to healthy joint fluid so your dog has smoother movement and better mobility.
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Ease your dog’s pain and stiffness by reducing inflammation and improving cushioning in the joints.
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Protect against future joint damage as it slows the breakdown of cartilage, especially helpful for dogs with conditions like arthritis and hip dysplasia.
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Improve skin and coat health. As an added bonus, the omega-3s in green lipped mussels help improve your dog’s coat condition and can also soothe dry, itchy skin.
Why are green lipped mussels so good for dogs?
Green lipped mussels have an array of health benefits to dogs due to their unique combination of bioactive nutrients.
Green lipped mussels are rich in:
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Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) such as Chondroitin sulphate and Glucosamine. This pair of long-chain sugar molecules is known for boosting cartilage strength, slowing the breakdown of tissue and keeping dogs’ joints resilient.
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Unique omega-3 fatty acids. Green lipped mussels contain a unique fatty acid called ETA (eicosatetraenoic acid).
ETA is even more potent than those found in other fish oils (such as salmon oil, which is already packed full of EPA and DHA fatty acids).
This powerful combo of omega-3 acids reduces inflammation and discomfort in a dog’s joints by blocking the inflammatory enzymes.
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Vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium found in GLMs can boost your dog’s bone and tissue health.
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Amino acids. GLMs are a high-quality protein with essential amino acids, which can also support tissue and joint integrity in general.
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Antioxidants. Free radicals in your dog’s body cause oxidative stress, which accelerates joint damage - but the antioxidants in GLMs help to fight these off.
What are green lipped mussels?
Green lipped mussels are a species of mussel with an emerald-coloured rim along their shells, and they’re much rarer than the regular blue mussels you’d find on the British coast.
These green lipped mussels are rich in joint-protecting properties and have been proven to slow down the degradation of cartilage.
When harvested for supplements, the flesh of the mussels is removed from the shells, dried out and made into powder, capsules, chews or oil for dogs with joint issues.
Where do green lipped mussels come from?
Green lipped mussels are found only in the waters of New Zealand.
Back in the 1960s, medical scientists studying marine life in New Zealand found that the Māori population living in coastal areas had very low rates of arthritis compared to the inland Māori - because they regularly ate fresh green lipped mussels.
The term ‘green lipped mussel’ is tied to New Zealand only, as it’s the only place they naturally occur. If you see supplements with this name, it means they have been harvested from there.
What dogs benefit most from green lipped mussels?
Your pooch may benefit from green lipped mussel supplements if they fall under any of the following categories:
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Dogs with osteoarthritis and/or joint stiffness as GLMs help reduce inflammation, improve mobility and ease pain in your pooch.
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Dogs with hip dysplasia, as GLMs contribute to joint cushioning and may slow degeneration.
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Senior dogs are kept comfortable for longer, as GLMs boost their mobility and reduce pain as the cartilage in their joints naturally wears down over time.
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Dogs recovering from surgery, especially after orthopaedic operations, can use GLMs to support joint healing and resilience.
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Active or working dogs who move a lot each day, as GLMs help protect joints from wear and tear in running or working breeds.
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Dogs with inflammatory joint diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis or Immune-mediated Polyarthritis can also benefit from GLMs.
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Dogs at risk of developing sore joints, such as overweight dogs, as GLMs boost cartilage repair and help slow the process of it breaking down.
How to safely give green lipped mussels to your dog
Green lipped mussels supplements for dogs come as powders, oil, capsules, freeze-dried or as chews.
Some food for dogs with joint problems has green lipped mussels already mixed in, like Pooch & Mutt's Joint Care Dry Food, or a joint care supplement for dogs may combine green lipped mussels with other joint-supporting ingredients such as Glucosamine or Turmeric (an anti-inflammatory).
How much green-lipped mussels supplement can I give to my dog?
The amount of GLMs you give your pooch depends on the concentration level, and the size and breed of your dog.
If it’s a powder:
Around a half teaspoon for a small dog
1 teaspoon for a medium-sized dog
Up to 2 teaspoons for large breeds
You can give this to your dog once or twice a day with their food - but it’s a good idea to start with a small dose so you can monitor how they respond to it.
Always follow the instructions on the pack of the supplement, and chat to your vet if you’re not sure.
How long does it take for the benefits of green lipped mussels to work?
You should feed your pooch green-lipped mussels regularly in order to see a noticeable difference in their joint pain and mobility.
Most dogs start to see improvement within 2-4 weeks of consistent use, but to really see the benefits, it might take 6-12 weeks.
After 3 months of usage, you should hopefully see your dog’s mobility and resilience improve - just be sure to keep up with the consistent, regular dose.
Potential side effects of green lipped mussels for dogs
Green lipped mussels are generally safe for dogs, but there are a few side effects to be aware of.
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Shellfish allergies. Your dog may have a shellfish allergy, which could result in itching, swelling, or tummy issues.
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Mild diarrhoea
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Vomiting
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Excessive gas when first starting the supplement. GLMs contain natural oils, and giving too much at once can upset the stomach.
Keep note that GLMs may interact with certain medications, such as anti-inflammatories or blood thinners, so be aware if your pooch is already on existing medication for a health issue.
It’s best to chat things over with your vet if this is the case - and this is always best practice before giving a new supplement to your dog.
Alternatives to green lipped mussels
For dogs, there are several good alternatives to green-lipped mussels if you’re looking for joint support and anti-inflammatory benefits.
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Fish oil such as Salmon oil for dogs is a great option as it provides omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation.
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Glucosamine and Chondroitin are widely used to protect cartilage and support mobility, and they’re often included in canine joint supplements or dog food for joint care.
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Eggshell membrane is a natural source of Collagen and Glucosamine, making it useful for joint health. It’s not as widely available as the above, but it can be found in specialist pet health stores, or you can source it yourself.
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Herbal options such as Turmeric (Curcumin) and Boswellia are also renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties.
If you’re interested in the benefits of turmeric for dogs, be sure to check the dosage instructions or try dog food with these herbal remedies already added.
FAQs
Are green lipped mussels better than Glucosamine for dogs?
One isn’t significantly ‘better’ than the other; they both work well together when it comes to joint protection, but in different ways.
Green lipped mussels provide omega-3 fatty acids and other anti-inflammatory ingredients that help reduce joint pain and stiffness, while Glucosamine focuses on supporting cartilage structure and slowing its breakdown. Many joint supplements for dogs actually combine the two, as they complement each other well.
How much green lipped mussel can a dog have in a day?
The amount your pooch should have in a day depends on their size, breed and current health condition - so be sure to read the dosage instructions on the pack.
Generally, a small dog should have around ½ teaspoon of green lipped mussel powder a day, scaling up to 1.5-2 teaspoons for large dogs.
It’s much easier to use a joint supplement for dogs which is already separated into the correct dosage - for instance, in capsules or chews - or to try a dog food for joint care which already has the supplement mixed in.
Does green lipped mussel rebuild cartilage?
Green lipped mussels don’t directly rebuild cartilage, but they contain a mix of glycosaminoglycans (such as glucosamine and chondroitin) which help maintain cartilage health and slow its breakdown. Their strong anti-inflammatory effect can also reduce pain and swelling, which helps dogs move more comfortably and prevents further wear and tear on their joints.
Can puppies have green lipped mussels?
Giving green lipped mussels to puppies is generally safe in small amounts; however, unless your pup has a specific need, such as a developmental or joint growth issue, it probably isn’t necessary.
For healthy puppies, a balanced diet typically provides everything they need. Joint supplements for dogs are usually introduced later in life. For this reason, always check with a vet before giving green-lipped mussels to a puppy.
For your pooch to see the wondrous benefits of green-lipped mussels, try our Joint Care Dry Food, jam-packed with key nutrients to support and boost your dog’s joint health. You can also check out our full range of dog food for joint care, so your pooch feels mobile and pain-free from the inside out.
References
- “A green-lipped mussel reduces pain behavior and chondrocyte inflammation and attenuated experimental osteoarthritis progression”, 2021 - National Library of Medicine.
- “Therapeutic Effect of Green-Lipped Mussel Oil on Pain and Functional Disability in Dogs with Clinical Osteoarthritis”, 2024 - Journal of Veterinary Clinics.
- “Improvement of Arthritic Signs in Dogs Fed Green-Lipped Mussel”, 2002 - The Journal of Nutrition.
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