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Last Updated on February 10, 2023
Seafood. Most of the time, when humans think of it, we will associate it with multiple allergies. This is a very common mindset that most people will have, and it is not entirely untrue. However, when it comes to seafood for dogs, usually humans will naturally assume that dogs are allergic to seafood. This is however not true. You have to understand that the dog’s digestive system is totally different from humans. The digestive acids in the dog’s stomach are much lower than that for humans, and hence dogs will be able to ingest many different kinds of food without having any allergic reaction. So hence, what is the top seafood that dogs can eat? What type of seafood is good for dogs? We have the exact answer for you, which is Green Lipped Mussel For Dogs.
Reasons Why Green Lipped Mussel For Dogs Is Good
Some of you might flinch when we mentioned that green-lipped mussel for dogs is actually good for them. It is a very normal reaction, as I have seen this whenever I mention this to some pet owners. Some dog professionals don’t even know this! There are several reasons why green-lipped mussel for dogs is good, and here are some of the reasons. But before that, let us inform you what exactly is a green-lipped mussel.
Types Of Green Lipped Mussel
There are in fact various types of mussels that you can find in the market. There is the Blue Mussel as well as the Green Lipped Mussel.
The Blue Mussels is one of the most common types of mussels that can be found in many parts of the world. It is extremely prevalent in the arctic regions. However, you can’t find it in the market as not many of them are edible. Hence, even if the edible Blue Mussels are sold in markets, it will be expensive.
The more commonly found mussel is the green-lipped mussel. If you have eaten mussel before, this would be it. The green-lipped mussel originates from New Zealand, and it is, in fact, the largest mussel that you can find. New Zealanders love to eat the green-lipped mussel, and this is due to the health benefits that it has. The green-lipped mussel is thought to be a superfood by many. Now, how many of you will think seafood can’t be a superfood, right? You are definitely wrong. The green-lipped mussel is indeed a superfood as it does have many health benefits to it.
Green-lipped mussel: Why It Is A Superfood
To identify the green-lipped mussel from other types of mussel, you will notice that the green-lipped mussel have a shell that has a green hue around it. It is oval in shape, and the surface is smooth and shiny. It does a sweet taste to it, and it packs a whole lot of nutrients with each bite. These are just some of the nutrients that the green-lipped mussel has.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The omega-3 fatty acid is an absolute necessity for dogs. It helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases, and it does strengthen the heart too. Indeed, the omega-3 fatty acids do help to promote a smooth and healthy skin for your dog. If you wish for your dog to have a smooth and healthy coat, you should then include food with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in it.
Another reason why omega-3 fatty acid is good for your dog is that it does have capabilities to reduce pain. If your dog is old, then this property will be good. This is because older dogs constantly suffer from bone or joint related problems. I have seen many older dogs having trouble walking! If the owners did include food with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in it, then they will have lesser problems in the older stages of their life.
Protein
The green lipped mussels are one of the better sources for protein when it comes to seafood. Indeed, it does have 18.8 grams of protein per 100 grams of cooked mussels. As you should know, Protein is good for dogs as it helps to repair damaged muscles. It helps to strengthen them too.
Vitamin B-12
While protein help to repair damaged muscles or to strengthen them, the B-12 is essential in producing red blood cells. The vitamin B-12 helps with the dog’s nervous functions too. The green-lipped mussels do have 20 micrograms of B-12 for each 100 gram serving of the cooked green-lipped mussels.
Iron
The green-lipped mussel contains 10.9 milligrams of iron per 100 gram serving of cooked green-lipped mussels. This is essential for dogs too, as the lack of iron causes the bone marrow to produce cells that are too small, hence having a reduction in its capabilities to carry oxygen. It can lead to iron-deficiency anemia in dogs.
The Nutritional Benefits of Green Lipped Mussels for Dogs
As mentioned earlier, the Green lipped mussels are a rich source of essential nutrients that are important for the health of dogs. Some of the key nutrients found in green lipped mussels include Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, vitamins B12, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium. These nutrients are important for a variety of functions in the body, including supporting the immune system, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and improving joint health.
1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
One of the biggest benefits of green lipped mussels for dogs is their anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to a variety of health problems. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in green lipped mussels, have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs with joint problems, such as osteoarthritis, as it can help to reduce pain and improve mobility.
2. Supports Joint Health
Another key benefit of green lipped mussels for dogs is their ability to support joint health. Green lipped mussels are rich in chondroitin and glucosamine, which are important components of cartilage. These substances help to maintain the elasticity and strength of joints, reducing the risk of arthritis and other joint problems.
3. Improves Skin and Coat Health
In addition to their anti-inflammatory properties and support for joint health, green lipped mussels can also improve skin and coat health in dogs. Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals found in green lipped mussels can help to keep skin and coat healthy, shiny, and free from dryness and itching.
How Should Your Dog Consume The Green Lipped Mussel?
Typically, there are different ways that your dog can consume the green-lipped mussel. The most common form is fresh and cooked mussels. While the fresh mussels do contain the most unblemished nutrients, some owners might want to cook the mussels before serving it to their dogs. While the latter is ok, it might not be the best as some of the nutrients might be destroyed after you steam it.
Hence, there does exist another form of the green-lipped mussel, and it is in powder form. This green-lipped mussel powder is usually termed as GLM powder.
GLM Powder
GLM powder, or the green lipped mussel powder, is just green lipped mussel ground to form the powdery substance. Usually, owners will sprinkle a little of this on the dog’s food. This is actually one of the best ways to let your dog consume the green-lipped mussel. We will strongly recommend you to purchase either the Super Snouts Green Lipped Mussel Joint Powder Supplement or the VetSmart Advanced Hip and Joint Complex with MSM. These two GLM powder supplements are proven to be good for dogs! We would also recommend you to buy probiotics for your dog too.
Conclusion
Green lipped mussels are a highly nutritious supplement that can offer a range of benefits for dogs. Their anti-inflammatory properties, support for joint health, and ability to improve skin and coat health make them an excellent choice for pet owners who are looking to improve their dog’s overall health and well-being. Whether fed as a supplement or added to your dog’s food, green lipped mussels are a simple and effective way to provide your dog with the essential nutrients they need to thrive. So if you’re looking for a high-quality, natural supplement for your dog, consider incorporating green lipped mussels into their diet!
