Green Lipped mussels dog treats, the science & nutrition value & Eating VIDEO

If you wondered what green lipped mussels look like particularly dried ones for dog treats, and what kind of chewing is required, this video and article is for you.

There appears to be one actual reference for Green lipped mussel dog treat nutrition in table form available on the internet so we have reproduced it below for :  ‘Green  Mussels and United States recommended daily allowances.’

The table provides the base level of understanding how useful and how unique this mollusk is. However many of the most incredible active ingredients are not singled out in the basic vitamins and minerals list. So we have provided extra information for you in easy to understand terms.

While Green Lipped Mussels are known for their anti inflammatory properties and arthritis relief (see previous article),  it is actually the SPECIAL omega 3 chemical combined with other active compounds that provides the main fight against joint inflammation and pain.

It is apparently a unique version of eicosatetraenoic acid, or ETA, that creates all of the excitement and great benefits. “This type of ETA is found only in green lipped mussels and binds cyclooxygenase, which is an enzyme that causes inflammation. They also contain glucosamine, chondroitin, zinc, and magnesium, which are beneficial for joint metabolism.” Ref 2

 NOTE it is the glucosamine and chondroitin of shark cartilage dog treats that gives it the amazing properties of pain relief, inflammation reduction and cartilage repair, and why I use that dog treat daily with my dog.

The other big buzz compound is polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (PSGAGs), said to be the building blocks for cartilage and joint fluid.  glycosaminoglycans are said to block the pro-inflammatory reaction without causing  gastrointestinal irritation connected with NSAID treatment in dogs.  If you have a dog with arthritis the vet most likely prescribes  carprofen a steroid with serious side effects on long term usage. 

Glycosaminoglycans in dog treats

GAGs (for short), are necessary for brain, cartilage and tissue development, and play a vital role in the health and maintenance of cartilage and tendons, skin and connective tissue. Some glycosaminoglycans – which are also known as mucopolysaccharides, or MPS – help ensure that tissues retain moisture so they function as they should.    These molecules are very important to our overall health and well-being of your dog, and are often called “the glue of life,” due to the big role they play in the aging process.

Green-lipped mussels seem to have NO short or long term negative side effects.  But we don’t take over the vets job, always talk to them before considering changes in medicine or supplements to your dog.

If you have read our Omega 3 articles you will also know that many chronic skin allergy diseases in dogs and inflammatory diseases like asthma can be reduced massively by regular appropriate doses of animal based omega 3 in conjunction with omega 6 essential fatty acids.

In respect to New Zealand Green lipped Mussels, when taken by people, they can also often provide “almost 100% of their daily iodine and selenium needs, 1/3 of daily protein needs and 3  times the daily Vitamin B12 needs”.. Note humans are typically much larger than dogs, and their vitamin and mineral requirements vary from dogs, but you can see that GLM’s are very nutrient dense foods.

Did you know that you can also buy Lyprinol (component of GLMs) alone that is extracted from raw green lipped mussels? But again, we always recommend feeding who foods to dogs – when it comes to meat. 

Nutritional information for Green Mussels and United States recommended daily HUMAN allowances Ref 1

Perna canaliculus values per 100g heat blanched meat.

 References

REF 1 The Concise New Zealand Food Composition Tables  www.foodcomposition.co.nz/concise-tables

REF 2  www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/green-lipped-mussels-dogs-how-they-can-help