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Years in the past, I used to be launched to green-lipped mussel powder as a pure complement to cut back irritation. At this time, mussels are an everyday a part of my eating regimen, and I alternate between inexperienced and blue-lipped mussels. However what is the distinction? And which one is extra useful for my canines>

Inexperienced-lipped mussels, often known as Perna canaliculus, are native to New Zealand and famend for his or her potent anti-inflammatory properties. These mussels comprise a novel mixture of omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate, making them extremely useful for supporting joint well being in canines.

Alternatively, blue-lipped mussels, scientifically referred to as Mytilus edulis, are present in numerous areas worldwide, together with Europe and North America. Whereas blue-lipped mussels additionally supply some omega-3 fatty acids, they lack the particular compounds current in green-lipped mussels which were confirmed to alleviate joint ache and irritation in canines.

Inexperienced-Lipped Mussels for Canines

Inexperienced-lipped mussels supply many well being advantages. Full of important vitamins, these mollusks promote joint well being, enhance pores and skin and coat situation, and enhance general immune perform in canines. The excessive ranges of omega-3 fatty acids present in green-lipped mussels help wholesome mind improvement, scale back irritation, and ease joint ache in growing old or energetic canines. And my canines love them.

Vitamins in Inexperienced-Lipped Mussels for Canines

Apart from the Omega-3 fatty acids, green-lipped mussels are a wealthy supply of nutritional vitamins and minerals, together with nutritional vitamins A, B12, and E, in addition to calcium, iron, and zinc, contributing to a canine’s general vitality.

Sourcing Inexperienced-Lipped Mussels for Canines

I’ve 5 sources for green-lipped mussels:

I’ve discovered that the cooked/frozen mussels (no sauce) are probably the most inexpensive. The powder could be tough to supply. Many pet manufacturers have it as an ingredient, however I’ve solely discovered one that gives plain GLM powder. 4 Leaf Rover has a hip and joint complement that’s 60% GLM powder combined with different nice elements like eggshell membrane and curcumin.

Inexperienced-lipped mussel treats are costly if you happen to’re searching for mussels to help joint well being and scale back irritation; the powder or contemporary mussels are a greater funding.

Blue-Lipped Mussels for Canines

Blue-lipped mussels, scientifically referred to as Mytilus edulis, are filled with important vitamins supporting a canine’s general well being and well-being. Wealthy in protein, blue-lipped mussels present the required constructing blocks for robust muscular tissues and optimum physique perform. Though blue-lipped mussels are a pure supply of omega-3 fatty acids, the degrees are lower than what’s present in green-lipped mussels.

Vitamins in Blue-Lipped Mussels for Canines

Together with the Omega-3 fatty acids, blue-lipped mussels additionally comprise nutritional vitamins and minerals equivalent to vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc, all of which contribute to a robust immune system and enhanced vitality.

Sourcing Blue-Lipped Mussels for Canines

I can solely discover blue-lipped mussels at a neighborhood restaurant provide retailer; they’re cooked and frozen.

Which is More healthy? Inexperienced or Blue-Lipped Mussels

My preliminary analysis highlighted fewer variations between inexperienced and blue-lipped mussels past the style; blue mussels are barely sweeter than green-lipped mussels. However the style is not the chief concern for canine lovers.

Inexperienced-lipped mussels are recognized for his or her well being advantages, significantly in supporting joint well being resulting from their excessive content material of omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Blue-lipped mussels, alternatively, are usually not a generally recognized number of mussels and would not have established well being advantages like green-lipped mussels. Subsequently, in the case of joint well being help, green-lipped mussels are usually most well-liked resulting from their established status and research-backed advantages.

After I in contrast inexperienced and blue-lipped mussels within the Animal Food regimen Formulator software program, Three issues stood out:

• SODIUM: blue-lipped mussels are roughly 35% decrease in sodium.
• VITAMIN A: green-lipped mussels are roughly 45% larger in Vitamin A.
• PURINES: green-lipped mussels comprise purines, which is essential for breeds that require a low purine eating regimen.

Inexperienced-lipped mussels can be found in entire and as powder. I’ve solely discovered blue-lipped mussels as an entire mussels, not a powder (the place I reside).

How I Feed Mussels to My Canines

I add mussels to my canines’ meals as a facet dish. Blue-lipped mussels are 1/2 to 1/3 of the scale of green-lipped mussels. I feed 8-9 blue mussels or three green-lipped mussels. I alternate mussels with sardines, mackerel, salmon, and salmon oil. I do not feed blue-lipped mussels fairly often.

I by no means add uncooked mussels throughout meal prep as a result of blue-lipped mussels comprise thiaminase, and commonly mixing uncooked mussels with one other protein will lower the B Nutritional vitamins, doubtlessly resulting in a vitamin B deficiency. Though my analysis particularly talked about blue-lipped mussels, I could not rule out green-lipped mussels.

The mussels I order for my canines are cooked. They are often added throughout my meal prep, however I choose including mussels to my canines’ meals for a number of days as soon as a month.

Learn Extra About Uncooked Feeding