When you think of what goes in your dog’s food, green lipped mussels are likely not the first ingredient that spring to mind. Maybe you’re even asking yourself what a green lipped mussel even is, and hey, that’s okay. This particular type of mussel is also known as the New Zealand mussel and, as you may have guessed by this, is only found in the waters surrounding New Zealand.

But what makes this specific type of shellfish so good for your dog? We’re glad you asked. Let’s back it up and talk about one issue that tends to appear in people and pets alike as they age: joint pain. Joint pain arises due to a number of different issues that develop as both people and pets get older. Doctors and veterinarians often prescribe medication to help with the issue but there are some natural foods and herbs that feature some strong anti-inflammatory properties as well.

This particular ingredient is a great natural source of chondroitin, which is a chemical that is usually found in the cartilage around joints in the body. It’s something that is great for treating joint pain, among other things such as helping to treat anemia. On top of this, green lipped mussels also contain a unique blend of fatty acids and promote healthy joints which helps to improve mobility in your pets.

According to this study, green lipped mussels contain the nutrients that help provide faster long-term effects for osteoarthritis patients. They go above and beyond fish oil while also providing less risk of side effects. Not only is this true for the people that took part in the study, but it’s true for our pets too. If your pet is showing signs of arthritis and joint pain then including this ingredient can help to provide some relief for them.

It’s not only useful for reacting and treating the symptoms of arthritis, but also for acting as a preventative treatment. Some pet parents and people use it to prevent the pain and stiffness that could arise down the line. So even if your pet isn’t currently experiencing joint pain, green lipped mussels can still be beneficial for their health and help to fight back against the onset of these issues as your pet ages.

Recipes that feature green lipped mussel:

• T26 Nutram Total Grain-Free® Lamb & Legumes Natural Dog Food
• T25 Nutram Total Grain-Free® Salmon & Trout Recipe Natural Dog Food
• T23 Nutram Total Grain-Free® Turkey, Chicken & Duck Natural Dog Food
• T28 Nutram Total Grain-Free® Trout & Salmon Meal Dog Food
• I18 Nutram Ideal Solution Support® Weight Control Natural Dog Food

Curious if green lipped mussel is a good match for your pet? Take our quiz to find their Nutram Number.