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When the dog has an inflammatory condition, we usually feed the dog some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs under the guidance of a veterinarian, such as meloxicam, vitacoxib, etc.
These NSAIDs do have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, but they also run the risk of causing ulcers, liver damage, and kidney damage. Sometimes, it can even damage a dog's joints and soft tissues.
Scientists are currently working to find safe alternatives to NSAIDs, and green-lipped mussels are one of the options.
< h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" >what is a green-lipped mussel? </h1>
Green-lipped mussels are native to New Zealand. Its shell is surrounded by a bright green stripe, while the interior of the shell has a distinctive "green lip".
Māori in New Zealand often feed on green-lipped mussels, while those living in coastal areas are much less likely to develop arthritis than in other regions (inland areas).
This finding may suggest that green-lipped mussels have an amazing anti-inflammatory role.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > the anti-inflammatory effect of green-lipped mussels on dogs</h1>
NSAIDs are inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (COX), which means it can block inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity, thereby blocking the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. Prostaglandins, on the other hand, can worsen inflammation in the body.
Studies have shown that green-lipped mussels also have the effect of inhibiting cyclooxygenase. Therefore, compared with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, green-lipped mussels also have the same anti-inflammatory effects.
In addition to their similar anti-inflammatory effects, there are two important differences between green-lipped mussels and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:
(1) NSAIDs may cause other health problems. Cyclooxygenase plays an important role in protecting the liver and the lining of the intestines, and inhibiting these enzymes destroys the lining of the stomach and intestines and damages liver cells. Although the green-lipped mussel also inhibits the activity of cyclooxygenase, it also contains a lipoxygenase inhibitor, which protects the stomach wall and liver from harm.
(2) Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the green-lipped mussel not only has anti-inflammatory effects, it is also a functional ingredient that can help dogs maintain joint health.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > green-lipped mussels can maintain joint health in dogs</h1>
Green-lipped mussels are rich in glycosaminoglycans (also known as aminopolysaccharides, mucopolysaccharides), and it is also rich in a substance that is very beneficial to joints - chondroitin sulfate. This is an important nutritional supplement for dogs with arthritis.
How does chondroitin sulfate work in joints?
The dog's joints are actually sealed in a capsule (joint capsule). This capsule acts like a water ball that continuously secretes synovial fluid and lubricates the joints, thereby reducing friction during joint movement. These synovial fluids are important and are key to protecting joints from wear and tear.
Chondroitin sulfate promotes the secretion of synovial fluid in the joint capsule, so that the joints can be moisturized with more "moisture" and there is less friction between them.
Studies have also shown that this beneficial effect of chondroitin sulfate on joints is persistent, and even after you stop feeding your dog for a month, their benefits for the joints are maintained.
Still, the effects of green-lipped mussels may not be as rapid and pronounced as that of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Green-lipped mussels require longer "working hours" on dogs. But if you think about dog safety, the wait may be worth it.
On the other hand, NSAIDs can also damage a dog's joint cartilage. Joint cartilage is very important, it provides shock absorption and friction reduction effect on the ends of long bones. Joint cartilage also nourishes joints and joint capsules.
If the cartilage of the dog's joints is damaged, it will develop arthritis. The most significant changes in arthritis are in the non-smooth ends of the bones, which become jagged. These jagged bones, in turn, cause greater ring breakage to the joints. It's a vicious circle of immense pain.
Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, green-lipped mussels can promote the formation of healthy cartilage.
In addition to the difference in the effect on the joints, the green-lipped mussel also contains some special fats, which is also what distinguishes it from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > green-lipped mussels contain important fatty acids that are beneficial for the health of dogs</h1>
Green-lipped mussels contain an important fatty acid, Ω-3 fatty acids.
In fact, green-lipped mussels contain 90 different fatty acids! The most abundant of these are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These are two important fatty acids that play an important role in reducing inflammation and improving brain vitality.
Do you know why many people feed fish oil to dogs? Because fish oil contains two substances, EPA and DHA. Maybe you'll also think of that ad for baby formula: rich in EPA and DHA, which are essential for your baby's brain development...
Yes, green-lipped mussels contain both of these substances.
According to the nutritional composition analysis, green-lipped mussels (dried) contain at least 6% fatty acids.
In addition to key fatty acids, green-lipped mussels are also rich in vitamins and minerals.
The figure below is a comparison of green-lipped mussels and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
<h1 class= "pgc-h-arrow-right" > scientific support for the beneficial effects of green-lipped mussels on dogs</h1>
A 2007 study showed that green-lipped mussels can have beneficial effects on dogs.
The researchers selected dogs with moderate or severe arthritis for an 8-week study period. They fed the dogs at doses of 20 to 49 mg/kg/day and assessed the physical condition of the dogs at weeks 4, 8, and 12, respectively.
The average fat content of the green-lipped mussels used in the trial ranged from 5.9% to 9.3%.
Dogs given green-lipped mussels had significant improvements in pain and activity compared to the control group. Almost 3/4 of dogs that use green-lipped mussels no longer need additional painkillers. Even when the dog was stopped feeding green-lipped mussels at week 8, improvements in pain and mobility persisted at week 12.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > how to safely feed green-lipped mussels to dogs</h1>
Studies have shown that dogs are fed 20 to 49 milligrams of green-lipped mussels per kilogram per day, and then cut their feeding in half ten days later.
Therefore, according to the weight of the dog, the amount of green-lipped mussels fed is:
< h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > summary</h1>
Green-lipped mussels are a naturally healthy functional food for dogs. Unlike NSAIDs, it takes longer to manifest its benefits. This is also the difference between dietary therapy and medication.
Green-lipped mussels don't have huge side effects on dogs like drugs, and it's a great option for dogs with arthritis.