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What you‘ll find in this article:

What is green lipped mussel?

Green Lipped Mussel (or Perna canaliculus if you want to use its fancy name) is a shellfish from New Zealand, and a source of marine lipids and other natural compounds. It’s studied by scientists for its role in improving joint comfort in dogs. Products vary by source and processing, which can influence the final nutrient profile.

What the dog studies found

In a double-blind study adding green-lipped mussel powder to food, dogs showed lower total arthritis scores and improvements in joint pain and swelling compared to the control group (Bui and Bierer, 2003). Another study in the Canadian Veterinary Journal (2013), found that dogs with diets enriched with green lipped mussel showed improved owner scores (subjective) and peak vertical force output (objective), than the control group. Peak vertical force is the scientific measure of ‘effective’ pressure the dog was able to push through its paw.

The owner scores are an interesting nuance, because whilst the clinical data is important, it’s also encouraging to know that dog owners noticed these improvements, too.

How this fits into joint care

Whilst the evidence suggests that Green Lipped Mussel may help to support joint comfort and mobility, it’s important to note that supplementation is not a cure, but an adjunct alongside other health measures. Keeping the basics front and centre to begin with is crucial: maintaining your dog’s healthy body condition, alongside steady, regular exercise.

Which dogs might consider it

Adult or senior dogs showing age-related stiffness or mild mobility changes may benefit from added support, once your vet has checked for underlying problems. Very active dogs or working breeds, such as Collies, may also benefit from a little extra help to keep them in fine form.

Choosing a product

Product that state sourcing, ingredient traceability and high manufacturing standards are preferable. Most often, feeding guidelines are provided on a per kg or dog weight basis, and so a clear, easy to read ingredients list and the per scoop/per serving active ingredient profile is also important to to ensure the formulation suits your dog’s needs.

Safe use and vet advice

Researchers used force-plate peak vertical force as an objective outcome in osteoarthritic dogs, a method vets recognise when monitoring mobility (Rialland et al., 2013). Your vet will be able to carry out similar tests on your dog, depending on the equipment available to them, or might prefer a more general physical examination. New supplements should be implemented gradually with food, and your dog’s progress should be tracked consistently and carefully over several weeks. Green lipped mussel is a shellfish, so if your dog has a shellfish allergy concern, or is on other prescribed medicines, speak to your vet first.