Green lipped mussels for dogs and cats: Which type should you choose?

You may have already heard of green-lipped mussel for dogs and cats, often used in dietary supplements designed to support joint comfort. But with powders, capsules, oils, and treats, it is not always easy to know which product to choose.

Each form has its own characteristics. Here is a simple guide to understanding the differences and finding an option that is right for your companion. For the benefits, dosage, and contraindications, you can also read our guide on green-lipped mussel for dogs.

One mussel, several names

Green-lipped mussel or New Zealand green mussel. Its scientific name is Perna canaliculus.

However, not all mussels are green-lipped mussels: some products contain other species, such as the common mussel (Mytilus edulis), or a blend. Check the species listed on the label and the product composition.

The different forms of green-lipped mussel

1. Green-lipped mussel powder

Powder is generally obtained by drying and then grinding the mussels. 

 It mixes easily with food and allows you to adjust the amount to your pet's weight, following the manufacturer's recommendations.

Advantages: easy to mix with meals and convenient for daily use.

Disadvantages: some animals do not like its smell or marine taste.

2. Green-lipped mussel capsules

Capsules may contain whole mussel powder or a concentrated extract. Their composition therefore depends on the product chosen.

Advantages: a convenient format that allows you to give a pre-measured amount, without having to measure the powder.

Disadvantages: some animals, especially cats and small dogs, have difficulty swallowing capsules.

3. Green-lipped mussel oil

Oil is obtained by extracting the lipid fraction of the mussel. It provides certain marine lipids, notably omega-3 fatty acids, but its composition differs from that of whole mussel powder. We do not currently offer green-lipped mussel oil.

Advantages: easy to add to food, and may be suitable for animals that refuse powders or capsules.

Disadvantages: some animals do not like its marine taste. It must be stored properly to limit oxidation, and it adds fats and calories to the diet.

4. Green-lipped mussel joint treats

These treats combine green-lipped mussel with other ingredients, such as fish collagen or plants. Their composition is therefore different from that of a product containing only green-lipped mussel, and the amount of mussel is sometimes low: for example, 3% green-lipped mussel powder in a chicken-based recipe.

Advantages: a tasty and convenient format, useful for dogs that do not like powder supplements.

Disadvantages: the amount of green-lipped mussel may be limited or not specified, and the treats add extra calories. Follow the portion indicated on the packaging.

5. Dried whole mussels and toppers

Dried whole mussels are offered as treats, while toppers are made of ground or dehydrated mussel, to sprinkle on food.

Advantages: simple and tasty formats that can make meals more attractive, especially for picky animals.

Disadvantages: nutrient levels naturally vary from one piece to another, so it is more difficult to provide a precise daily amount than with a measured supplement. Watch the size of the pieces for small animals, as dried mussels can be hard.

Which form for which animal?

Our selection at La Patte Verte 🌿

We select the products we offer by prioritizing clear compositions and brands whose transparency we appreciate. Our selection of products based on green-lipped mussel includes AniForte® supplements as well as Mr Bones treats and toppers, in different formats depending on your companion's preferences.

AniForte®: powder, capsules, and joint treats

AniForte mussels come from an approved marine farm in New Zealand and are delicately freeze-dried to help preserve their nutrients.

• Powder and capsules AniForte®: made from 100% whole New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus), with no artificial additives, no fillers, and no grains. The powder has a natural fat content of 8%.
• AniForte® joint treats for dogs: they combine green-lipped mussel with fish collagen, rosehip, devil's claw, MSM, and turmeric.

See the AniForte® range →

Mr Bones: dried whole mussels and toppers

• Mr Bones dried whole green-lipped mussels: a single-ingredient treat made from dried whole green-lipped mussels.
• Mr Bones green-lipped mussel topper: made from dehydrated mussel meat, to sprinkle on regular food to vary meals.

See the Mr Bones range →

How to choose a green-lipped mussel supplement?

If you choose a supplement (powder, capsules, or oil), check these three points on the label:

• The species: look for New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus), not just "mussel".
• The composition: prioritize clearly listed ingredients, without fillers or unnecessary additives, and check the amount of mussel per serving when indicated.
• Quality information: check if the manufacturer explains the origin, manufacturing process, and quality controls.

For treats and toppers, the checks are simpler: simply read the list of ingredients.

Powder, capsules, oil, treats, or dried mussels: the best option depends on your pet's preferences, the reason you want to use it, and the product composition.

• For older animals, or those that need joint comfort support: powder, capsules, or oil are forms to consider, as they allow you to give a more precise amount, according to the manufacturer's instructions. (We do not currently offer oil.)
• For pleasure, variety, and reward: treats, dried whole mussels, and toppers are easy to offer and tasty. They often contain less green-lipped mussel and are not dosed like a supplement: think of them as an extra, not a replacement.

A few precautions: ask your veterinarian for advice before starting a supplement if your pet is allergic to seafood, pregnant or nursing, a puppy or kitten, taking medication, or suffering from a health problem. If your dog or cat limps, seems to be in pain, or has difficulty moving, consult your veterinarian to identify the cause. Dietary supplements do not replace veterinary care.

The La Patte Verte team 🐾