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Can dogs eat Kelp?

can dogs eat kelpCaution

Overview

dog-food-safety-information

Yes, but with caution. Kelp can be safely given to dogs in moderation as a rich source of magnesium, calcium, iron, and vitamin C. However, kelp is high in iodine, which makes it unsuitable for dogs with thyroid problems. Kelp is also prone to accumulating mercury and lead, which are toxic to dogs.

Benefits

health-benefits
  • Kelp is a type of seaweed that's a rich source of calcium and magnesium, which both facilitate normal and healthy bone growth and development in dogs.
  • Kelp is high in antioxidants including vitamin C which decreases the susceptibility of canines to catching the disease by eradicating harmful free radicals.
  • Kelp carries a good amount of iron essential for proper blood circulation and oxygen supply in various organs of dogs.
  • Kelp aids in the weight management of canines, especially those that are overweight and obese, as it is high in fiber and low in calories as well as fat.

Risks

health-risks
  • Due to the high concentrations of iodine in kelp, it should not be fed to dogs with thyroid problems without consulting the vet beforehand to ensure that the seaweed is beneficial to their condition.
  • Kelp can accumulate high levels of water pollutants such as heavy metals like mercury and lead. Excessive consumption of contaminated kelp puts dogs at risk of poisoning.
health-risks-dog

Servings

serving-suggestions
  • Kelp that is harvested along the US coastline tends to be heavily contaminated with pollutants. Go for organically farmed kelp as it is a safer alternative for your dog.
  • To ensure that the product is truly organic and sustainably sourced, look for the USDA organic label, "Friend of the Sea" label, or ASC-MSC Seaweed Standard symbol.
  • Avoid feeding a whole sheet of dried kelp to your dog as it is a choking risk and may cause intestinal blockage. Always crush it before using it as a dog food topper.
  • Small dogs can have up to ¼ teaspoon of kelp, ½ teaspoon for medium dogs, and 1 teaspoon for large dogs.

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