If you’ve spent time in natural bodies of water, you’ve likely seen (or felt!) some seaweed during your swim. Seaweed isn’t just a slimy nuisance, though — certain seaweeds, such as sea kelp, offer a wealth of benefits for canine health. SeaPet’s Sea Kelp Powder is a kelp supplement offering a high-protein source of amino acids, iodine, and micronutrients, all of which are essential to keeping your dog’s gut health in great shape. Read on to learn more about the benefits, side effects, and other info you should know about enriching your dog’s diet with natural supplements like sea kelp for dogs.
What’s sea kelp?
Sea kelp is a leafy brown seaweed that’s grown in the ocean. It grows in shallow water near coastal fronts all over the world. Sea kelp is used as a natural supplement for dogs to provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin K1, calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, and pantothenic acid. Each of these nutrients offers benefits that support the overall health of your precious pet.
Sea kelp is known as one of the world’s finest natural sources of iodine, a compound that is vital to maintaining proper thyroid hormone production. If the body has too little iodine, consequences like metabolism problems, thyroid enlargement, and other serious complications. Sea kelp is a one-stop-shop to boost the vitamins and minerals that dogs need.
Benefits of sea kelp supplements
The shallow saltwater in which high-quality kelp is grown is richer in nutrients than deeper waters, allowing sea kelp to absorb vitamins, minerals, and other trace elements. Wild-grown kelp harvested from ocean waters contains more phytonutrients and micronutrients than land plants can provide. Here are the most common conditions for which owners may supplement their dogs’ diet with sea kelp:
- Additional fiber: Sea kelp is 25 percent protein, giving your dog an extra protein boost. It’s easy to digest, making it a great source of protein for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Arthritis and joint problems: The protein and amino acids present in sea kelp provide a helping hand to repair tissue that has been weakened by arthritis.
- Itchy skin: Sea kelp is an anti-inflammatory, making it an ideal choice when it comes to dog supplements for dry skin, itching, or skin allergies.
- Maintaining glandular health: The minerals in sea kelp can help to regulate the activity of the adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid glands.
- Healthy teeth: Sea kelp contains alginic acid, a compound that’s known to reduce dental plaque and tartar buildup. This may help you and your dog reduce expensive, traumatic visits to the vet for teeth cleaning.
Sea kelp supplements for older dogs
Older dogs are prone to more and different conditions than younger dogs, and sea kelp is a popular way for owners to support their senior dogs. In fact, sea kelp is one of the best natural senior dog supplements on the market today.
Just as in younger dogs, sea kelp can be used to correct low iodine levels, leading to more energy, better brain function, and healthier thyroid glands. The iodine content of sea kelp is particularly helpful for senior dogs, lifting energy levels and promoting healthy brain function. Sea kelp supplements are a great way to give your sweet doggo the support they need to grow old gracefully.
Side effects of kelp supplements
Kelp and other sea plants can also absorb harmful heavy metals, which can be hazardous to canine health. Examine the label and check out the source of your sea kelp. Is it wild-grown in clear, unpolluted waters? If so, you can feel more confident in your decision.
Kelp is a natural supplement that’s entirely safe to add to most pets’ diets. However, too much of a good thing is not necessarily a good thing. As with any supplement, you’ll want to consult your vet before adding sea kelp to your pet’s diet. While the suggested dosage on the package is ½ teaspoon for every 30 pounds of weight, your dog may have different requirements.
It’s especially important to speak with your vet if you’re planning to use sea kelp to manage any canine thyroid problems. Because sea kelp is such a potent source of iodine, it’s vital to provide the proper amount of iodine for your dog. Too much iodine can lead to further, more serious thyroid problems.
Is sea kelp safe for dogs?
Sea kelp is a natural source of protein, amino acids, and vitamins, and many holistic veterinarians recommend supplementing with kelp. When given in the proper amount, it’s an easy way to provide your dog with an additional nutrient boost. The key words are “proper amount”, though. When you consult with your vet, be sure to talk about any other supplements along with the treats and food you’re feeding at present. This can help you and your vet calculate the amount of sea kelp that’s appropriate for your dog.
What should I look for when I buy canine sea kelp supplements?
If you’re researching natural dog supplements, sea kelp offers a wide range of canine health benefits. It’s essential to be sure you’re receiving a quality product, though, so look for a sea kelp supplement that’s ocean-grown. Commercially grown kelp is an inferior source of the minerals provided by natural seawater. In the same vein, you’ll want to be sure that the sea kelp you choose is dried naturally, not heat-processed. Sea kelp that’s dried quickly at a low temperature after harvesting is one way to make sure you’re giving your dog the best kelp supplement available.
SeaPet’s Sea Kelp Powder is a sea kelp supplement you can trust, and we’re dedicated to making our high-quality natural supplements for dogs accessible to all. At prices that start at under $10, it’s an affordable way to keep your dog feeling great. Support your dog’s overall good health with our sea kelp that’s harvested from the clean, cold waters of the Gulf of Maine by giving your furry friend the best kelp supplement today.


