Is it okay to feed seaweed to dogs? A thorough explanation of the health benefits of seaweed, the appropriate amount to feed, and points to note

Nori is an easy-to-eat addition to your daily meals and is a superfood that provides nutrients such as dietary fiber and calcium.

Many households keep seaweed on the dining table, and your dog may be interested in it. However, is it okay to feed seaweed to dogs?

In this article, we will explain the benefits of giving seaweed to dogs and the precautions to take when giving it to them.

1. Is it okay for dogs to eat seaweed?

Generally, it is safe to feed seaweed to dogs.

Seaweed is a nutritious food for dogs as well as humans. It is rich in minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, and more, helping to maintain your dog's health.

It does not contain any ingredients that are dangerous to dogs, so you can feed it to them without worry.

2. Nutrients contained in seaweed

Seaweed is packed with nutrients that are beneficial for your dog's health, including:

1. Minerals: Calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, etc.
2. Vitamins: Vitamin A, B vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, etc.
3. Dietary fiber: β-carotene, insoluble dietary fiber, soluble dietary fiber

3. 5 health benefits of eating seaweed for dogs

1. Helps in bone and tooth formation

It is rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D, which helps form bones and teeth. It is recommended not only for growing puppies, but also for seniors with joint diseases such as hernias.

2. Improves digestion

It is rich in dietary fiber, which improves the intestinal environment and promotes digestion. Dietary fiber is not essential for dogs, but giving it as a snack to dogs who tend to be constipated can help improve bowel movements.

3. Maintain healthy skin and coat

It is rich in vitamins A and E, which help maintain healthy skin and coat.

Long-haired breeds such as Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers can maintain a beautiful, shiny coat by actively consuming this food.

In addition, it contains EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), commonly known as omega fatty acid. It is known that there is a relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and atopic dermatitis, and it is believed that ingesting seaweed can have a significant effect on maintaining your dog's coat, smoothing the skin, and improving the barrier function.

4. Boost your immunity

It is rich in vitamins C and E, which boosts immunity. It is recommended for senior dogs and for seasons when temperature differences can make them sick.

5. Antioxidant properties

It is rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which have antioxidant properties and are said to be effective in preventing aging, such as maintaining the health of blood vessels and cells.

4. The appropriate amount of seaweed to feed to dogs

The appropriate amount of seaweed that can be given to dogs varies depending on the dog's size, weight, and health condition, but a general guideline is about 0.1g per kg of body weight.

• For a body weight of 5 kg: 0.5 grams
• For a body weight of 10 kg: 1.0 grams

By the way, a full-sized sheet of nori seaweed weighs 3 grams.
For very small dogs such as Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles weighing less than 2.5kg, limit them to 1/12 of a large sheet of nori, if they weigh 5kg then 1/6 of a large sheet of nori, and even if they weigh 10kg then limit them to about 1/3 of a large sheet of nori.

5. How to feed seaweed to dogs

When giving seaweed to your fish, start with a small amount and then increase the amount as you observe.

Large pieces of seaweed are difficult to digest and can get stuck in the mouth or throat, causing choking, so be sure to chop them up finely before giving them to your pet.

Although seaweed is rich in nutrients, it should not be given as a staple food to your pet as it will disrupt the nutritional balance. Seaweed should only be given as a snack or as a topping for staple foods.

There are many different types of seaweed, some thick and hard, and some soft. Avoid seaweed that is too hard, as it can be a choking hazard.

Nori from Ariake is characterized by its relative softness, and first-harvested nori is even softer, melting in your mouth.

It is best to choose seaweed produced in Ariake whenever possible.

6. Precautions when giving seaweed to dogs

As mentioned above, seaweed is very healthy when given as a snack or topping in moderate amounts, but needless to say, eating too much or choosing the wrong seaweed can have adverse effects. Please be careful of the following points.

1. Too much: As with anything, moderation is key. Giving your pet too much seaweed can cause indigestion, including diarrhea and vomiting.
2. Seaweed with a high salt content: When giving seaweed to your pet, roasted seaweed is the only option. Avoid giving seaweed seasoned with soy sauce or sugar. This can lead to excess salt intake, which can cause high blood pressure.
3. When your pet is unwell: If your pet is unwell, avoid giving it seaweed as it can cause indigestion.
4. Allergies: In rare cases, some dogs may be allergic to seaweed. If you are giving it to your dog for the first time, give it a small amount at a time and observe closely.

7. Take care if you have a chronic illness

Although seaweed is extremely nutritious, it should not be fed to the following children:

1. Kidney disease

It is probably best not to feed seaweed to dogs with advanced kidney disease. Seaweed is a food that is high in protein and potassium, and consuming too much of it can put a strain on the kidneys and further worsen their condition.

2. Thyroid Disease

Seaweed contains a lot of iodine, although not as much as kelp, and if ingested in excess, it can overstimulate the thyroid gland. Therefore, seaweed should not be given to children with thyroid disorders such as Graves' disease or hypothyroidism.

3. Urinary stones

It is said that the magnesium contained in seaweed can make it easier for struvite stones to form if consumed in large quantities. It is best not to feed seaweed to dogs with a history of urolithiasis, dogs currently undergoing treatment for urolithiasis, or dogs with kidney or liver problems.

8. Summary

What did you think? Actually, my Chihuahuas love seaweed. What's even more luxurious is that they top their usual crunchy seaweed with Yamamotoyama seaweed.

Of course, you should be careful not to feed too much, but seaweed is a nutritious food for dogs. Make sure to feed it in moderation and in the right way to help maintain your dog's health.

Yamamotoyama seaweed, a company that has been in business for 334 years, will keep your beloved dog healthy! Let's all aim for age 20 together.