Updated 10/1/24
With all the media attention, and 80 zillion products on store shelves, you’ve probably gotten the message about Omega-3 fatty acids. But did you know that they’re just as important for cats and dogs as for people?
The anti-inflammatory effects of Omega-3s EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid) have been thoroughly researched, and are abundantly proven to be beneficial for dogs and cats. (If you’d like more background info, please click here for a general article on Omega-3s.
I’ve been a big fan of Omega-3s for many years. In fact, I even served on the Board of Advisors and as a consultant for Nordic Naturals. I still believe that they are the highest quality fish-based products anywhere on earth.
Relative sizes of fish oil, krill oil, and Moxxor capsules. (Actual size of Moxxor is 8 mm, compared to fish oil at 25 mm)
Then… a few years ago, I was introduced to another form of Omega-3, the oil from New Zealand green lip mussels (GLM), produced by a company called MOXXOR. I used GLM products for my patients in the past, and they were very effective, especially for older kitties. But I was skeptical of this new product, having had such great results with Nordic fish oil.
But I gave GLM oil a good trial for myself and my cats; and I’ve taken a hard look at the data (pro and con). I must say, I am very impressed. For example, I noticed an increase in my overall energy within just a few days.
The teeny tiny GLM capsules are very easy to take, or to give a pet by mouth. Or (if your cat is as uncooperative as mine about taking pills), you can puncture the capsule and squeeze the oil into food; the taste is definitely ocean, but it’s not strongly fishy.
These mussels are raised in clean waters, are completely sustainable, and are more humanely produced than fish products. (The mussels are essentially “chilled to death,” whereas fish are pulled from the water and slowly crushed or suffocated with thousands of their fellows). Its mild taste and superior antioxidant characteristics have me convinced–and that’s not an easy thing to do!
Here’s some important background info:
Green Lip Mussel Oil
New Zealand green lip mussels (Perna canaliculus) are grown in the pristine Marlborough Sounds, on the eastern coast, under a Sustainable Farming Program that ensures the long term viability of the GLM industry, with minimum impact on the environment. 
Green lip mussels are bi-valve mollusks known to be a rich source of many fatty acids.
GLM oil contains all 18 known forms of Omega-3, not just the familiar EPA and DHA:
- Alpha -Linolenic Acid (ALA)
- Stearidonic Acid (STA)
- Eicosatrienoic Acid (ETE), 2 forms
- Eicosatetraenoic Acid (ETA), 4 forms
- Eicopentaenoic Acid (EPA), 2 forms
- Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA), 3 forms
- Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), 2 forms
- Tetrocosapentaenoic Acid (TPA), 2 forms
- Tetracosaheexaenoic Acid (THA)
One of GLM’s unique array of Omega 3s is ETA (eicosatetraenoic acid). ETA, which is not found in any other foods to any measurable degree, has been shown to have extremely powerful ant-inflammatory properties.
MOXXOR is a premier producer of New Zealand green lip mussel oil: it is organic; sustainably grown; cold-extracted; and certified free of mercury and other toxins and pollutants. In order to ensure freshness, the mussels grown for MOXXOR are processed in a facility built on the shores of the Marlborough sound where they are grown and harvested. In addition, the other two components of MOXXOR, Sauvignon Blanc grape seed husk extract* and kiwifruit seed oil provide additional antioxidant power, including all 8 components of the Vitamin E array. These ingredients safeguard MOXXOR’s freshness and stability by scavenging the free radicals that cause rancidity.
Here’s a short (4:31) video about how the mussels are grown and processed. I think it’s quite fascinating, although I am a geek at heart, so this sort of thing appeals to me!
MOXXOR’s cold, solvent-free processing makes it more bioavailable than other products. It stays in its natural form. This, as well as the absence of fillers or carrier oils, is what allows the very small GLM oil capsule to contain more antioxidant power than the larger krill and fish oil capsules.
(Click here for more information than you can possibly use!)
MOXXOR comes in 30- and 60-capsule sizes. The human dose is one capsule twice a day; so 60 capsules is one month’s supply for a human or giant breed dog. Smaller pets need much less. Once they’re “caught up” with any Omega-3 deficiency, a cat or small dog can take one capsule 3 or 4 times a week, so a bottle can last several months.
I absolutely want to emphasize that Omega-3s are THE single most important nutritional supplement you can give your pet. Get it here, get it there… just make sure it’s a reputable product, and use it! I believe strongly in this particular product; so much that I agreed to be on MOXXOR’s Holistic Advisory Board. These folks are very serious about helping animals! But only you can decide what’s right for you and your family (fur, feathers, and all!)…
To order Moxxor:
Click here to order a 60-count bottle. Click the “JOIN” link in the upper right corner to get your Preferred Customer discount. (Don’t worry, this does not obligate you to become a distributor; and you can cancel autoship at any time.) Use coupon code DRJEAN.
Healthy cats and small dogs may only need one capsule every 2 or 3 days, so this is an easy way to try it without spending a small fortune!
NOTE: The only other brand of Omega-3 supplements that I trust is Nordic Naturals. They have a variety of products and sizes for pets.
No matter what you decide, I urge you to get a good Omega-3 product and start using it now! It’s that important!
* There have been reports of grape toxicity in dogs, but this is not a risk with MOXXOR. Click here to find out why.
Full disclosure: I am a member of Moxxor’s Advisory Board, and receive a small commission on sales.