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Kelp for Dogs: Feeding Seaweed for Optimal Health

Kelp is the most nutritious of sea vegetables and is rich in amino acids, minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients such as lycopenes and carotenes. Unlike vegetables, kelp is easy for dog’s to digest due to the fact that it doesn’t require cellulose to encircle the cell wall (which is what makes vegetables difficult for dogs to digest).

Seaweeds are about 25% protein and 2% fat. Kelp contains over 60 minerals and trace elements, and 21 amino acids. It is one of the richest sources of minerals and amino acids found in a plant source and is also rich in iodine (essential for stimulating the thyroid). This makes it an excellent supplement for supporting and maintaining a strong glandular system, especially for the pituitary, adrenal and thyroid glands. With these glands functioning properly, optimal metabolism is easier to achieve.

Benefits:

Increased energy.

Enhanced immune system.

Darkened skin pigments and richer coat colors.

Improved thyroid function.

Promotes longevity.

Studies show that seaweed may reduce cancers.

Thought to contain anti-tumor properties.

Believed to fight heavy metal accumulation in the body.

Seaweeds are also high in tryptophan, which is also helpful in fighting cancer.

New studies show seaweed may help heart conditions.

Improved health in diabetic dogs.

Protection against cancer.

Improves skin conditions as well as skin allergies.

Reduces shedding.

Protein in kelp can be effectively used to aid in tissue repair.

Flea control has been reported.

Kelp gives dogs a natural source of minerals that are essential in every aspect of a dog’s health.

Is all kelp safe for dogs? Not all kelp is the same. Deep ocean kelp is considered to be the cleanest and safest because it is far from shore and commercial pollutants. Norwegian kelp is considered to be special and of the highest quality because of the healthy environment in which it grows. Kelp thrives off the Norwegian coast because this is where fresh Arctic Ocean water meets mineral-rich glacial freshwater run-off. These to waters combine to create the optimal conditions for kelp to thrive.

How to Feed:

Sprinkle kelp on your dog’s food 2-3 times a week. Kelp distributors suggest feeding daily, but a little kelp goes a long way. A sprinkle every other day or so is enough to provide the full benefits of this superfood.

Warning: Fresh kelp can form a gel within the digestive system that can result in a blockage in the intestines. Only feed the dried or powered form.

Recommended: Organic Norwegian Kelp


2 thoughts on “Kelp for Dogs: Feeding Seaweed for Optimal Health”

  • Would this help a cocker spaniel with poor coat following spaying and tartar buildup on her teeth.
    Would it also help Labrador who won’t stop eating grass and plants plus Xray,s have shown big chance of arthritis in the future only 2 years old world welcome your advice thank you Elizebeth

    • Hi Elizebeth! No, kelp alone will not fix/prevent these things, but a raw diet will. A raw diet will give your Spaniel a wonderful coat, eliminate tarter buildup and you won’t ever worry about tarter again, and will give your Lab the nutrition it needs to prevent arthritis. Only a raw diet can do all of these things. I have a Rottweiler who had a poor coat prior to being on a raw diet, now it’s soft and shiny. My dogs have perfectly clean teeth and will never need them cleaned, no matter how old they are. And arthritis isn’t in their future. Their diet ensures that they’re have optimal health throughout their long lives. Here is my eBook on feeding a raw diet if you’d like to learn more: https://whitneyliving.com/rawfeedingebook

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