The research behind green-lipped mussel

Green-lipped mussel is one of the most studied natural joint ingredients for dogs. Here is one of those studies, explained in plain words, with the key passage straight from the researchers.

The study

Influence of green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) in alleviating signs of arthritis in dogs

Bui LM, Bierer TL · Waltham USA, Vernon, California · Published in Veterinary Therapeutics

What the researchers did

  • They followed 31 mixed-breed dogs showing different degrees of arthritis.
  • It was a double-blind study, a design used to limit bias in the results.
  • All dogs ate the same dry food. One group had green-lipped mussel powder added to it, the other did not.
  • A veterinarian scored each joint for pain, swelling, crackling and range of movement, at the start and after 6 weeks.

What they found

  • The overall arthritis score improved significantly more in the green-lipped mussel group than in the control group.
  • Joint pain and swelling scores also improved significantly in that group.
  • Joint crackling and range of movement did not differ significantly between the two groups.

In the researchers' own words

“Significant improvements were also observed in joint pain and swelling scores in the test group. These findings provide strong evidence that GLM incorporated into a complete dry diet can help alleviate arthritis symptoms in dogs.”

Excerpt from the study's published abstract. GLM = green-lipped mussel.

Read the full study on PubMed →

What this means for your dog

This study tested green-lipped mussel added to a dog's daily food. MyPupAgain soft chews contain New Zealand green-lipped mussel alongside other joint-support ingredients, but the study was not done on our product, and every dog is different. That is why we give you 90 days to see how your dog responds.

Shop Hip & Joint Chews →

This is an independent study. Waltham is not affiliated with MyPupAgain and does not endorse our product. MyPupAgain is a food supplement, not a medicine, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If your dog is limping or in pain, check with your vet.