Ever wondered ‘Can dogs have mussels?’
Then you’re in the right place. Yes, dogs can eat mussels, and green-lipped mussels in particular are known to have plenty of great health benefits. Here at Green Pantry, our dry dog food and fresh dog food feature 100% natural ingredients, consisting of fresh meats and fish, like green-lipped mussels.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the benefits of green-lipped mussels for dogs and discover exactly why they are a powerful ingredient in many dog food recipes.
Are mussels good for dogs?
Yes, mussels can be highly beneficial for dogs, specifically those who might need joint care support or suffer with their mobility. Green-lipped mussels, which are native to New Zealand, are known for having multiple health benefits, and when taken as part of a healthy, balanced diet, they can help to:
- Reduce joint inflammation
- Support cartilage repair
- Improve skin and coat health
- Ease stiffness and pain
Green-lipped mussels are much rarer than the standard blue mussels that humans eat, and come with an emerald-coloured rim along their shells. And, these little pieces of gold hold much more power than you might think. Their main benefit is that they are rich in joint-protecting properties and have been proven to slow down the degradation of the cartilage.
Some other benefits include:
- They are a natural source of fatty acids – They contain powerful acids that support vital functions in your dog’s body, including proper brain development, boosting their immune system, and reducing inflammation.
- Rich in nutrients – Green-lipped mussels are a rich source of Vitamin A, which is crucial for improving your dog’s vision, and Vitamin C, which can help to reduce inflammation and cognitive ageing in dogs.
- Low in calories – Green-lipped mussels are great because they have a high nutritional value with a low calorie count, making them a perfect ingredient for dogs that are overweight or trying to lose weight.
Why are green-lipped mussels beneficial for dogs?
So, we’ve discovered that green-lipped mussels are good for dogs, particularly senior dogs who might suffer more with their mobility. But what is it that’s in them that makes them so good?
Here’s some more nutritional information and what they are rich in:
- Omega-3 fatty acids – They contain a unique fatty acid called ETA (eicosatetraenoic acid), which is very potent and can help to reduce inflammation in a dog’s joints by blocking the inflammatory enzymes.
- Glycosaminoglycans – Also known as GAGs, such as Chondroitin sulphate and Glucosamine, which are known for boosting cartilage strength and slowing the breakdown of tissue.
- Vitamins and minerals – Such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium that can boost your dog’s bone and tissue health.
- Amino acids – Green-lipped mussels are a high-quality protein containing essential amino acids, which can also support tissue and joint integrity.
- Antioxidants – The antioxidants in green-lipped mussels can help to fight off free radicals in your dog’s body that can cause oxidative stress.
As we’ve mentioned above, green-lipped mussels are highly beneficial for dogs who might be suffering from joint stiffness, recovering from surgery, have arthritis, or dogs who are a bit overweight. When it comes to feeding your dog green-lipped mussels, you might have to be patient in order to see any effects. Most dogs might see an improvement within 2-4 weeks of constant use, but you should start to really see benefits after 6-12 weeks.
Find natural recipes that feature green-lipped mussels
Incorporating green-lipped mussels into your dog’s diet is incredibly simple, and you don’t need to transform into a gourmet chef to do it. Here at Green Pantry, we’ve got all of the solutions for you, using purely natural ingredients that target specific health functions and dietary needs.
Your dog is sure to love our recipes, and not only will they taste good, but they are packed full of nutritious ingredients that aim to let your pooch lead their best life!
Discover our recipes that include green-lipped mussels below:
Natural joint supplement
Our natural joint supplement has been specially formulated to support joint health and mobility, helping your dog to move with ease and a new sense of energy. We’ve included green-lipped mussels because they are packed full of Omega-3, helping to reduce inflammation that is associated with stiff and sore joints.
Our recipe also features boswellia, fennel, celery seeds, turmeric, black pepper, and blueberries. Combined, we’ve ground it down into a powder form that can be sprinkled over your dog’s main meal. Green-lipped mussels really are the standout ingredient, supporting discomfort in your dog and helping to protect your dog’s joints from cartilage damage and degradation.
Dry dog food
For ultimate convenience, we’ve also got a dry dog food formulation – our Lamb with Cranberry & Turmeric recipe. This completely natural and hypoallergenic dog food has been designed to support joint mobility and health, and is a great way to introduce green-lipped mussels into your dog’s diet. Green-lipped mussels work to help soothe and aid sore joints, offering mobility support directly in your dog’s bowl.
Combined with other powerful ingredients like lamb, brown rice, oats, barley, spinach, carrots, and herbs & botanicals, it’s a healthy recipe designed to support your dog’s mobility.
Nourish your dog from the inside out with Green Pantry
So, are mussels good for dogs? Yes! Hopefully, this blog has informed you about the natural benefits of green-lipped mussels, and in particular, how they can help dogs with mobility issues, inflammation, and more.
At Green Pantry, we’re passionate about natural nutrition. That’s why all of our recipes feature freshly prepared and sustainably sourced meat and fish, vegetables, herbs and botanicals, and healthy carbohydrates, looking exactly like they would in your kitchen before cooking.
Want to know more about our recipes? Then please do get in touch with our team today.
