Is Seaweed Good for Dogs – Comprehensive Guide

· by Glendon Lloyd Dip.Canine.Nutrition Dip.Dog.Nutrigenomics

Seaweed for Dogs Good Benefits for Dog Health

Discover the Benefits of Seaweed For Dogs.

Despite seaweed being a trendy superfood, its rich nutritional value has been celebrated for thousands of years, especially in Asian diets. Known to contribute to longevity, seaweed is now being recognised for the numerous benefits it can provide to our canine companions. We explore the world of seaweed for dogs, examining the benefits, risks, and even the environmental impact of this aquatic plant.

Different Species of Seaweed for Dogs

There are various species of seaweed that can contribute to a dog’s health, most notably red, green, and brown seaweeds.

Red seaweed is rare in the plant kingdom because it contains Taurine, an essential compound that supports canine heart health. Green seaweed, on the other hand, is rich in protein and fibre and is an excellent source of omega-3 fats.

Brown seaweed, specifically Ascophyllum nodosum, is known for its oral health benefits. It has been clinically proven to reduce plaque, tartar, and bad breath in dogs.

Is Seaweed Good for Dogs?

Indeed, seaweed is excellent for dogs when provided in the right quantities. It is a nutrient powerhouse, offering a rich supply of minerals like calcium, copper, iodine, zinc, and iron, along with fibre, protein, and vitamins like K and folic acid. (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)

Seaweed contains Omega-3 DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), which promotes skin and coat care, digestion, heart health, immune response, and visual and brain health. Additionally, it includes Fucoxanthin, a potent antioxidant 13.5 times more powerful than Vitamin E, shielding your dog’s cells from oxidative damage.

Health Benefits of Seaweed for Dogs

Seaweed provides numerous health benefits for dogs, thanks to its rich composition of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here are some key reasons to include seaweed in your dog’s diet:

  1. Supports Thyroid Function: Seaweed contains iodine and Tyrosine, essential for a dog’s thyroid gland to function properly.  (1, 2, 9)
  2. Promotes Gut Health: The fiber and polysaccharides in seaweed act as a prebiotic, nourishing the gut bacteria. (28, 29, 30, 31)
  3. Assists in Weight Management: Seaweed’s fiber content and low-calorie count, combined with Fucoxanthin, can delay hunger and reduce food consumption, aiding in weight management. (27, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
  4. Reduces Heart Disease Risk: Seaweed can help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and the risk of blood clots. (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44)
  5. Improves Blood Sugar Control: Compounds in seaweed, like Fucoxanthin and alginate, can help control blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. (46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52)

Seaweed for Dog’s Teeth

One of the remarkable benefits of seaweed, especially brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum), is its positive effect on oral health. It has bio-actives like Fucoidans and Polyphenols, clinically proven to reduce plaque, tartar, and bad breath. It can also improve gum and teeth health in dogs. (54, 55)

Risks of Seaweed for Dogs

While seaweed has numerous benefits, moderation is key. Excessive seaweed consumption can lead to an iodine overdose, causing thyroid issues in dogs. Always ensure to offer seaweed in recommended amounts to avoid adverse effects.

Environmental Benefits of Seaweed

Seaweed cultivation has a minimal environmental impact. It is a highly renewable food resource that doesn’t require deforestation, fertilisers, pesticides, or freshwater. Instead, seaweed improves water quality by ‘fixing’ the nitrogen content, making it an environmentally friendly solution to nitrogen pollution.

Furthermore, seaweed acts as a carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide at 30 to 60 times the rate of land-based plants, contributing significantly to combating climate change.  (53)

Is Seaweed Best in Food or Supplements?

Seaweed offers numerous benefits when incorporated into a dog’s diet. When it is included in dogs’ food the level of inclusion will have been scientifically calculated by expert nutritionists to ensure any risk of over supplementation is reduced.

While supplements, including seaweed powder for dogs, offer a balanced dose of the nutrients found in seaweed giving dogs supplements is not without the risk of overconsumption without understanding the Iodine levels in their existing food.

It makes most sense to search for a food that delivers all the health benefits seaweed offers your dog in the correct balance without adding the cost of adding supplements to their diet.

Nevertheless, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian before introducing any new supplement into your dog’s diet.

In conclusion, seaweed offers a sustainable, nutrient-dense addition to your dog’s diet, supporting overall health from gut to gums. Always remember to introduce it gradually and observe your dog for any changes in behaviour or health. With its numerous benefits and minimal environmental impact, seaweed truly is a superfood for dogs and the planet.

Bonza premium vegan dog food includes a blend of red, brown and green seaweed which each deliver their own health-giving benefits for your dog.

Shop Bonza Superfood Now

About Glendon Lloyd Dip.Canine.Nutrition Dip.Dog.Nutrigenomics

I have had dogs from the day I was born. Much to my Mum's amusement, my Dad bought home Zetta, a beautiful corgi puppy , as his contribution to our new family!

Fast forward to 2018 and Catherine, my wife, and one of our dogs Poppy, were both diagnosed and treated for cancer within months of each other

Diet and its impact on health, cancer particularly, led me down a rabbit hole of discovery.

I consumed information voraciously - on our diets, our dogs' diets and the impact these have not just on health but also the health of our increasingly fragile planet.

I was humbled by the time and expertise given so freely by doctors and vets, canine nutritionists and scientists, academics and agronomists. The more I learned the more I understood there had to be a better way to improve not just our health but also our dogs and the planet's.

The result of my trip down that rabbit hole is Bonza, a plant-based dog food (and now supplements) that elevate our dogs' diet beyond simple nutrition to a diet that inspires a healthier everyday life for our dogs and the planet.

I am continually researching the nutritional impact our dogs' diets have on their health and wellbeing and the ingredients and nutrients we should include in, and exclude from, their food to deliver longer, healthier lives.

I am delighted that my trip down the rabbit hole has led to me completing a Diploma in Canine Nutrigenomics and a Diploma in Canine Nutrition being awarded a Distinction for both my coursework and theses!

ADD LIFE TO YOUR DOG'S YEARS

X