Chances are you’ve heard of using fish oil as a supplement to support joint health. For years fish oils have been widely accepted as the most potent source of omega-3 fatty acids to naturally help with joint pain and inflammation in both humans and dogs… until now. Enter the green-lipped mussel.
The words “green-lipped mussel” may not mean much to you at the moment, but if you have a dog suffering from arthritis or other joint disorders, it pays to learn a little more about what is now accepted as the ultimate source of omega-3 fatty acids to improve joint health and why we chose it to put into our patented Flexerna Omega formula.
What Is the Green Lipped Mussel?
Simply put, the green-lipped mussel is just what it sounds like – a species of mussels with a green edge, or lip, around their shells. They are found only in the pristine waters of New Zealand, and while the Maoris, the native people of New Zealand, have known about the health benefits of green-lipped mussels for centuries, they have only recently been introduced in the West.
Why Is the Green Lipped Mussel Beneficial for Joint Health?
In general, most pet owners have an idea that omega-3 fatty acids are good for their dog’s joints, but do you know why? To give a quick overview, there are two kinds of fatty acids: essential and non-essential. Your dog’s body can produce the non-essential ones on its own, so we’ll skip those for now.
The essential fatty acids must be derived from food sources, however, and there are two kinds: omega-3s and omega-6s. In general, most dogs have an imbalance of the ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, mainly because omega-6 sources are cheaper for manufacturers and more readily available.
The reason omega-3 fatty acids are so beneficial for dogs with joint disorders is because of their ability to lower inflammation naturally, safely, and without harmful side effects. And less inflammation means less joint discomfort and stiffness for your beloved pet.
The Best Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Without a doubt, marine oils are the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. So, which is the best marine source?
Here are the top 5 advantages the green-lipped mussel has over fish oil, making it the ultimate omega-3 source to help improve your dog’s joint health.
1. The Green Lipped Mussel has a Secret Weapon: ETA
While fish oil contains two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids – Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) – the green-lipped mussel also contains a third called Eicosatetraenoic Acid (ETA). While all omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation by blocking the enzymes (lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase) that contribute to it, ETA is a rare form that goes one step further: it works at the gene level to lower the production of cyclooxygenase. This means less inflammation, less pain, and more mobility for your canine companion.
2. You Need Less of the Green Lipped Mussel
Since the ETA found in the green-lipped mussel is hundreds of times more potent than the EPA found in fish oil, you can give your dog a comparatively lower dosage. This means you can provide them with better pain relief and health benefits for less money out of your pocket. Plus, studies have shown that Supernol™, the purified liquid extract of the green-lipped mussel found in TopDog’s product, Flexerna Omega, is an extremely powerful natural anti-inflammatory even when compared to pharmaceutical drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and Metacam – and without any of the potential side-effects.
3. The Green Lipped Mussel Is Considered a Superfood
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, the green-lipped mussel is considered a superfood because it contains a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fats, amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, and many more nutrients.
4. The Green Lipped Mussel Is the Poster Child for Bio-sustainability
Overfishing has become a major concern, you can feel confident you are not hurting the environment by using green-lipped mussel oil. It is harvested with a method that causes no harm to any other marine life, and New Zealand Greenshell™ Mussels have been ranked as one of the top two eco-friendly kinds of seafood in the world by the International Conservation Organization Blue Ocean Institute and gained the USA Blue Ocean Award for environmental sustainability.
5. The Water the Green Lipped Mussel Grows in Is Some of the Cleanest in the World
The green-lipped mussel is found in the pristine waters of the New Zealand coast, which are some of the cleanest in the world because of their long distance from any dense population centers. The mussels are therefore free from the harmful effects of pollution and the plankton they feed on is nutrient-rich, making them a purer product for your dog to ingest than oil coming from fish in potentially-contaminated waters. This is a big deal!
The green-lipped mussel is truly one of the most effective, natural, and environmentally conscious ways to help manage and improve your dog’s joint health. But before you run out to grab some, remember that as an educated consumer, it’s important to pay attention to how the particular green-lipped mussel product you choose has been processed.
As with any supplement, the process in which it goes from the source into supplement form is extremely important. At TopDog Health, we have taken great care in producing Flexerna Omega, the highest-quality green-lipped mussel supplement possible.
We select only premium grade mussels, and our harvesting and processing methods protect and preserve the most precious active ingredients – the essential fatty acids – to help your dog live a happier, healthier life.
