From the Ocean to Your Dog’s Joints—What to Choose and What to Skip
I’ve gone back and forth about writing this. It’s not about calling anyone out—I know we’re all doing our best for our dogs. But I do believe we have a responsibility to make choices that support both our dogs’ long-term wellbeing and the world they live in. That’s why I feel strongly about using joint support options that are not only effective but also environmentally responsible. Krill oil may seem like a good option on the surface, but many people simply aren’t aware of the environmental cost behind it. I think it’s time we start looking a little deeper at what we’re using and why.
This issue first landed on my radar when close friends travelled to Antarctica. They came back deeply affected by what they’d learned: large-scale krill fishing is having a real and visible impact on the delicate Antarctic ecosystem. Krill are the foundation of the entire food chain in those waters—feeding whales, seals, penguins, and countless marine species. Harvesting them at industrial levels is already causing disruption. Krill provide 96% of calories for seabirds and mammals in the Antarctic Peninsula (https://polarjournal.net/)
Our dog’s joint health matters.
We see it every day—dogs who go from stiff and sore to lively and comfortable with the right support. And we are not saying krill is not therapeutic. But for me, I want what actually works—and I want to feel good about using it.
Two ingredients we believe are better alternatives are:
👉 Green-lipped mussels
👉 Epitalis
Let’s take a closer look at why we recommend these, and why we do not want to use krill oil. Firstly, Green-lipped mussels are native to New Zealand and farmed in pristine coastal waters using sustainable aquaculture. Their nutritional profile is also really impressive and comprehensive.
What’s Inside?
ETA (Eicosatetraenoic Acid): A rare omega-3 not found in fish or krill oil. ETA is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in joint tissues.
GAGs (Glycosaminoglycans): The building blocks of cartilage and synovial fluid—essential for cushioning and smooth joint movement.
EPA & DHA: Omega-3s that reduce systemic inflammation and support overall health.
Natural Bioavailability: As a whole-food extract, mussels offer nutrients in a form the body readily absorbs.
These compounds make a real difference in how dogs move and feel, particularly when it comes to osteoarthritis and joint stiffness.
Epitalis plant-based ingredient found in joint supplements has been gaining attention—and rightly so. Where green-lipped mussels work as a whole food, Epitalis acts more like a targeted therapeutic, promoting:
Cartilage regeneration
Reduction of inflammation at the cellular level
Long-term improvement in mobility
It’s especially useful in more advanced or chronic cases, and works beautifully alongside green-lipped mussels.
Why We Don’t Recommend Krill Oil
I first became aware of the environmental concerns around krill harvesting after some close friends returned from a trip to Antarctica. They were visibly moved by what they had seen and learned—stories of expanding krill fishing operations in some of the most pristine and fragile waters on Earth. What struck them most was the disconnect, this tiny crustacean, so often overlooked, was in fact a cornerstone of the Antarctic ecosystem.
Krill might be small, but they’re a keystone species—meaning they play a disproportionately important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. They form the base of the food chain, feeding everything from blue whales and seals to penguins and seabirds. When you start removing krill at a commercial scale, you risk creating a domino effect through the entire marine web. And with the added stress of climate change already reducing krill populations in some regions, the consequences of overharvesting are not just theoretical—they're already being felt.
And while krill oil does contain omega-3s and antioxidants like astaxanthin, it lacks the joint-specific nutrients (like ETA and GAGs) that green-lipped mussels offer. That means you’re getting less benefit—with more ecological cost.
Krill Are a Keystone Species
Removing them affects countless marine species—especially in the Southern Ocean.
(Atkinson et al., 2004; Nicol et al., 2012)
Wild-Harvested = Higher Ecological Risk
Krill aren’t farmed—they’re pulled from the wild. Even when labelled “sustainable,” there’s concern about the long-term impact on whales, seabirds, and fish.
(Flores et al., 2012)
Fewer Joint-Specific Benefits
Krill oil lacks ETA and GAGs—two of the key players in joint comfort and function for dogs.
(Wakimoto et al., 2021; Comblain et al., 2015)
With effective, ocean-friendly options like green-lipped mussels and Epitalis available, we don’t see a reason to turn to krill.
What to Look For in a Quality Supplement
If you're shopping for joint support, here's what we recommend checking:
Whole green-lipped mussel or powder sourced from New Zealand, this is important as there are supplements farmed elsewhere that are not as good
Epitalis extract listed clearly
Transparent, ethical sourcing
No fillers, unnecessary binders, or vague labelling
Supporting your dog’s joint health doesn’t have to mean compromising on your values. In fact, some of the most effective, evidence-backed options are also the most sustainable.
We trust green-lipped mussels and Epitalis because we’ve seen them work and the evidence is there in literature. We recommend them because they work and don’t harm the ecosystems we care about.
Written by Lisa Wright
