Green Lipped Mussel for Dogs and Cats: The Complete Guide

Šapice Pet Wellness
2026-04-04T17:29:17-04:00

Green lipped mussel is one of the most effective natural joint supplements for dogs and cats, providing omega-3s, glucosamine, chondroitin, and rare anti-inflammatory ETA in a single whole-food source.
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Green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) is one of the most researched natural joint and anti-inflammatory supplements available for pets. Harvested from the pristine coastal waters of New Zealand, it has been used in veterinary nutrition for decades — and for good reason. Unlike many supplements that offer a single active compound, green lipped mussel provides a uniquely complex nutritional profile that works through multiple biological pathways simultaneously.

If you're considering a joint supplement for your dog or cat, here's everything you need to know.

What Makes Green Lipped Mussel Unique?

Most joint supplements work through one mechanism — glucosamine rebuilds cartilage, fish oil reduces inflammation, and so on. Green lipped mussel does all of this at once:

Omega-3 fatty acids — including EPA, DHA, and the rare ETA (eicosatetraenoic acid), a potent anti-inflammatory found almost exclusively in green lipped mussel

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) — including glucosamine and chondroitin, which support cartilage structure and joint fluid viscosity

Proteins and peptides — bioactive compounds that contribute to tissue repair

Vitamins and minerals — including zinc, copper, and B vitamins that support overall joint and connective tissue health

Antioxidants — that help neutralise free radicals contributing to joint degradation

This multi-pathway approach is why green lipped mussel consistently outperforms single-ingredient joint supplements in clinical studies.

What Does the Research Say?

Green lipped mussel is one of the few natural pet supplements with genuine peer-reviewed clinical evidence behind it. Studies in dogs have demonstrated:

Significant reduction in joint pain and stiffness scores

Improved mobility and exercise tolerance

Reduced reliance on NSAIDs in dogs with osteoarthritis

Improvements visible within 4–8 weeks of consistent supplementation

Research in cats is more limited but shows similar promise, particularly for age-related joint stiffness.

Which Pets Benefit Most?

Senior dogs and cats — age-related joint degeneration is the most common indication

Large and giant breeds — breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Great Danes are predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia

Active and working dogs — high-impact activity accelerates joint wear; supplementation supports long-term joint health

Dogs post-surgery — supports recovery from orthopaedic procedures

Overweight pets — excess weight accelerates joint damage; GLM helps manage inflammation while weight is addressed

Our Green Lipped Mussel Range

We carry green lipped mussel powder in multiple sizes to suit every household — from single-pet trials to multi-pet or large-breed ongoing supplementation:

Green Lipped Mussel Powder 60g — ideal for cats, small dogs, or trying the supplement for the first time; approximately 1–2 months supply for a small dog

Green Lipped Mussel Powder 150g — a mid-size option for medium dogs or multi-pet households

Green Lipped Mussel Powder 500g — the best value option for large breeds or long-term supplementation

KRWN Green Lipped Mussel Powder — our premium KRWN-brand formulation, cold-processed to preserve the full bioactive profile

How to Use Green Lipped Mussel Powder

Green lipped mussel powder is easy to incorporate into your pet's existing routine:

Mix directly into wet food, raw food, or over kibble

Start with the recommended dose based on your pet's weight and adjust as needed

Allow 4–8 weeks for full effect — joint supplements work cumulatively, not immediately

Can be combined with salmon oil for enhanced omega-3 coverage

Cold-Processing: Why It Matters

Green lipped mussel is heat-sensitive — high-temperature processing destroys the ETA fatty acids and degrades the bioactive peptides that make it effective. Our powders are cold-processed (freeze-dried or low-temperature dried) to preserve the full nutritional profile. Always check that any green lipped mussel supplement you buy specifies cold or low-temperature processing.

Is Green Lipped Mussel Safe?

Green lipped mussel is extremely well-tolerated by dogs and cats. Side effects are rare and typically limited to mild digestive upset when first introduced — which can be avoided by starting with a lower dose and building up over 1–2 weeks. It is safe for long-term daily use.

Note: pets with shellfish allergies should not be given green-lipped mussel. Consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement, particularly if your pet is on medication.

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