Seaweed contains essential vitamins and nutrients such as iodine, magnesium, iron and Vitamin B12 that are vitally important to dogs. You can feed seaweed to them either as snacks or supplements; just start out by providing smaller portions at first.
Never allow your pet to ingest raw seaweed found near beaches or lakes as this could contain harmful bacteria and be a choking hazard. Instead, purchase packaged snacks designed especially for dogs.
Contents
It is a good source of iodine
Seaweed is an excellent source of iodine, calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron as well as antioxidants which support immunity and inflammation reduction. Seaweed comes in several forms such as fresh, dried flaked powdered. By including seaweed into their diet it will positively impact their skin, fur and digestion.
Select plain seaweed snacks without seasonings or processing, as dogs have difficulty digesting certain seasonings, which may even be toxic for them. Seaweed contains high amounts of salt so be mindful about feeding it to your pup!
If you decide to incorporate seaweed into your dog’s diet, powder supplements are often best. Raw, uncooked seaweed or other wild plants could contain heavy metals or other toxins which could make them sick; consult with your veterinarian first when adding new foods into his/her diet.
It is a good source of iron
Seaweed can provide dogs with essential iron for making red blood cells, magnesium for energy boost and muscle function support, fatty acids to promote coat health and help regulate thyroid gland. However, dogs only should eat certain types of seaweed; any with too much iodine could potentially harm dogs with thyroid issues.
Kombu is an excellent non-toxic choice of seaweed for dogs, packed with vital vitamins and nutrients such as C, B, E and iron; in addition to calcium potassium iron silica silica that may prevent tartar or calculus buildup.
One easy way to give your dog more iron and other vital nutrients is adding kelp to his/her food. There are also pet-safe seaweed snacks and supplements available – just be sure that any product does not contain salt!
It is a good source of magnesium
Seaweed provides your dog with essential iodine and magnesium for healthy thyroid function, providing energy boosts and fighting infections. However, it should only be fed in moderation; too much could block their digestive tract or contain salt or seasonings they cannot process, leading to stomach upset in turn.
If you want to introduce seaweed into your dog’s diet, purchasing dry form instead of raw can make digestion much simpler for him/her. Look for products without added salts or spices and double check its label for iodine content – dried seaweed digests more easily than fresh seaweed; alternatively you could purchase natural seaweed powder supplements that you sprinkle onto their food – however speak with your vet before doing this as certain varieties may trigger allergic responses or sensitivities in them.
It is a good source of antioxidants
Seaweed can provide many health benefits for dogs, but it must be consumed in moderation for optimal results. Too much seaweed may upset their stomach. Furthermore, when purchasing packaged seaweed products for them it should contain no heavy oils or seasonings which could potentially harm their bodies.
Seaweed is an excellent source of antioxidants and protein, iron, iodine, magnesium and Omega-3s – providing dogs with strong teeth and bones while iron helps support healthy blood cells. Omega-3s found in seaweed may ease arthritis symptoms while its magnesium helps strengthen nerves and immunity systems.
Your dog could benefit from adding seaweed supplements or snacks into their daily food intake or you could try offering seaweed-based treats as treats, however always consult your veterinarian first when changing their diet.
