Can dogs eat seaweed?
Seaweed, as any Mara fan knows by now, is the secret sea superfood full of nutrients. Not to mention flavour! But can this favoured vegetation satisfy the bellies of your four-legged sidekick?
Well, yes, dogs can eat seaweed – but there are some exceptions you should know about. Ones good to remember for humans, too. But let’s start with the positives.
What are the health benefits of seaweed?
Iodine, for one. Iron, also. Calcium, magnesium, potassium. Vitamins A, B, C and E. All are present in seaweed, making it a veritable cocktail of minerals. Good for you. Good for your dog.
Is seaweed good for your hair?
Beneficial to the system and soul – just a simple dusting of dried seaweed in powder form can bolster both the nervous and immune systems. It also gives a lustrous finish to your best friend’s fur (or whatever hairstyle you’re sporting yourself).
And even if you can’t see most of it, this vitamin-rich marine weed will give shine to your canine’s skin. This means it could be part of your skin routine, too.
Owing to natural antioxidants, seaweed can improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity. It promotes collagen production, as well, helping to plump up the skin and reduce fine lines. For all these reasons and more, seaweed is the ultimate addition to your diet.
Seaweed is a low-sodium alternative to salt
Who needs salt when there’s seaweed? Low in sodium, yet kissed with the salty lips of the ocean, seaweed has all the taste without the ailments. What a substitute.
Low in sodium, zero fat, and high in fibre and protein, this underwater wonder endows any human or dog with a good dose of energy. Perfect for all the outdoor activities pups love so much – running, rolling, swimming, wrestling, catching… all in a dog’s day of work.
Of course, seaweed will give you the same boost. Whether or not you’re into river dips, with all these nourishing properties, this salty-not-salty snack is really not one to miss.
Is seaweed good for the nervous system?
And there’s more. Seaweed also helps the glandular system function properly. Yours and your dog’s. That’s the iodine in it, which supports the metabolism in working fluidly, too.
Plus, full of Omega-3 fatty acids, seaweed is beginning to be seen as good for the brain. It affects the intellect indirectly through the gut microbiome and shows signs of improving cognitive abilities, as well as being a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s.
Is it dangerous for dogs to eat seaweed?
It’s not all good news for good boys, though. While seaweed eaten straight off the beach can contain things that aren’t good for your canine friends, dried seaweed can be a healthy supplement to a dog’s diet. Any change to your dog’s diet should be discussed with your vet, as seaweed might not be suitable for all furry friends.
Old dogs, new treats
Convinced? Why not add something new to your diet? Or your dog’s? Our hand-harvested seaweed from clean, clear Celtic waters has punch and nourishment in equal measure. If you don’t believe us, see(weed) for yourself, and visit our shop.