When we want a low-fat, low-calorie, and cholesterol-free diet, seaweed is always an option for us. Besides, it offers polyphenols, fatty acids, and fibre that all humans and dogs need. Since it is human food, you have to first know if can dogs have seaweed.
Fortunately, dogs can enjoy the benefits of seaweed. If your four-legged friend is lacking vitamins, minerals, protein, etc., you may consider including some pieces of seaweed in his meal. Be certain that your dogs can’t have this veggie with flavouring ingredients. Also, they have to avoid wild seaweed.
You must have understood that there are some safety concerns that we must follow when feeding seaweed to dogs.
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All About Seaweed
Seaweed, also known as macroalgae, is a type of vegetable found in the rocks of coastal areas. Seaweed is found in different colours and types, like red, brown, and green. Red seaweed, like Dulse, is usually seen in the Northern Pacific and Northern Atlantic oceans. Again, green seaweed, like Ulva (sea lettuce) and Nori, is seen almost all over the world. Brown seaweeds, like wakame, kelp, and kombu, are seen in many polar and temperate regions.
Different seaweeds have different tastes and textures. People like to add this veggie to their diet as it has several nutrients. Such as calcium, copper, iodine, fibre, vitamin B12, and so on.
Can Dogs Have Seaweed?
Dogs can have seaweed, as it contains nothing but vitamins and minerals. Your dog can gain several health benefits from it. As you see, seaweeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12, copper, magnesium, etc. In short, seaweed has all the nutrients that our canine friends need.
Well, dogs can eat seaweed, but that doesn’t mean they can eat it in any form. Seaweed is only safe for dogs when it is not loaded with salt, flavours, and spices. Besides, the seaweed should be fresh and clean.
Things To Consider Before Offering Seaweed To Dogs
Before you prepare a treat with seaweed for your canine friend, learn about its safety concerns first. Firstly, you can’t feed wild seaweed to dogs. As they remain in the ocean, pollutants and salt gather there, and these are both harmful for dogs to eat. In the same way, dried seaweed can also pose health threats, and the choking hazard is its bonus risk.
Another thing that we always say is don’t add any ingredients to the food that you are offering to your dog. For example, we like to add garlic, salt, and other flavours to our veggies. You can’t do that with your dog. They can’t digest such ingredients and have to deal with an upset stomach.
Last but not least, you have to ask your vet whether you can feed seaweed to your paw friend. Because sometimes the health record of dogs restricts them from eating certain human foods.
How To Feed Seaweed To Dogs?
You can purchase some seaweed sheets; they are safe for dogs. It would be better if you cut them into small pieces so that your dog can alleviate the choking hazard.
Another way to offer seaweed to dogs is by sprinkling the tiny pieces of it over other veggies or dog food.
How Much Seaweed Can Dogs Have?
Seaweed is not dog food, so dogs can’t have it as much as we can. Firstly, you introduce seaweed to your dog’s diet; only then can you offer him moderate food. Let your dog have a piece of seaweed. If he eats it without any adverse response, you may offer him some more pieces. But make sure he doesn’t eat more than three tablespoons. If he is a small breed, keep the quantity smaller, like one tablespoon.
Benefits Of Having Seaweed For Dogs
Since seaweed is packed with essential nutrients, your dog can have it without expecting any health issues. Seaweed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help with your dog’s cell function and body function. This even helps to reduce inflammation and prevent arthritis. Again, seaweed has iodine, which balances thyroid hormone production, and iron, which balances haemoglobin levels.
With magnesium and calcium, seaweed will promote the muscle and bone health of your dog. Besides, the vitamin A in this veggie can improve his vision, and vitamin B12 will take care of his nerve cells.
Risks Of Having Seaweed For Dogs
Not only seaweed but also taking any food more than required can be harmful for us and our dogs. Some seaweeds, like kelp, have mercury and arsenic. Taking too much of these ingredients can lead to neurologic impairment, nephrosis, dermatitis, skin cancer, and so on.
Seaweed has a good amount of fibre, which can cure constipation. It means seaweed helps soften the stool. But if your dog is already having diarrhoea, taking seaweed can worsen his condition. Besides, eating too much seaweed can again cause diarrhoea because of its high fibre content.
Your dog can also have adverse effects from having seaweed if it is wild. Wild seaweed has pollutants and salt in the ocean, which can lead to salt toxicosis in dogs.
In short, not properly taking seaweed and the proper amount can pose health threats to dogs. The common symptoms would be vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and sickness.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Have Seaweed?
Can dogs have seaweed with salt?
Dogs should not have seaweed with salt or any flavourings. Since seaweed comes from coastal areas, it is already high in sodium. Adding salt will increase the sodium content and can increase blood pressure in dogs.
Can dogs eat roasted seaweed?
Roasted seaweed is safe for dogs if you don’t prepare it with any ingredients, like salt, garlic, spices, etc.
Can wild seaweed kill dogs?
Wild seaweed can cause salt poisoning in dogs as it remains on the beach and has a lot of ocean salt inside. If your dog is suffering from high blood pressure, eating wild seaweed can be life-threatening for him.
Can dogs eat seaweed with sesame oil?
The portion of seaweed should be less for dogs, and if you add a few drops of sesame oil to it, that won’t be harmful to them. Thanks to the antioxidant properties of this oil, it is safe for dogs to have it in small amounts.
Final Thoughts
After learning about some potential health benefits and risks of seaweed, we can still wonder: Can dogs have seaweed? The answer is yes if you offer them plain, fresh seaweed. Also, be under your vet’s guidance, because veggies can sometimes be the wrong meal for dogs. It all depends on your dog’s health.
Another thing you must know is that you shouldn’t offer seaweed to your dog if he is allergic. Since this veggie comes from coastal areas, it can irritate the skin.
