First introduced with sushi, seaweed has become a popular snack in America. In fact, it’s often recognized as a superfood due to its nutritional value and many health benefits. But can you share seaweed with your dog?
Well yes, dogs can eat seaweed. The nutrients that make this sea vegetable healthy for us, are also incredibly beneficial to your pup’s health. But that being said, there are certain things to keep in mind to avoid any harmful side effects.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you should know before feeding seaweed to your dog.
Let’s first start by discussing the 5 amazing health benefits of feeding seaweed to your dog.
Seaweed is a rich source of iodine. It’s a trace mineral and an essential component of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These are two thyroid hormones that are required for the proper growth and development of your dog’s organs, especially the brain. They are also responsible for regulating metabolic activities in cells.
Adding seaweed to your dog’s diet can help prevent iodine deficiency, which is a common health condition that often leads to thyroid disorders.
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are categorized into 3 sets α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Seaweed contains both DHA and EPA that support various functions in your dog’s body, such as:
It’s also important to note that a dog’s body doesn’t produce omega-3 fatty acids. If you want your dog to enjoy the benefits of these acids, you should incorporate supplements like seaweed into their diet.
Seaweed contains both soluble and insoluble fibers that help support the digestive health of your dog. While the soluble fiber removes excess fluid from the body and prevents diarrhea, insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool and provides a laxative effect that prevents constipation.
Fiber gets fermented into fatty acids which is beneficial for the good bacteria found in your dog’s intestine. This acid also prevents the overgrowth of bad bacteria and helps the dog’s colon recover from injuries faster.
Seaweed is packed with vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamin A which supports healthy vision, vitamin B1 which promotes motor and cognitive function, and vitamin B2 which is responsible for the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates into energy.
It also contains vitamins C and E which are two powerful antioxidants that protect the dog’s body against harmful free radicals and help prevent inflammation and cognitive aging in older dogs.
In the minerals section, seaweed contains high amounts of calcium which supports the growth of healthy bones and teeth. It’s also an essential mineral required for proper muscle function, blood coagulation, and a healthy nervous system.
Furthermore, seaweed also offers potassium which is an electrolyte that regulates fluid balance in the body and aids the transmission of impulses from the brain to the body. It also contains magnesium which is required for energy production at the cellular level. These minerals work together to support various enzyme functions in your dog’s body.
Seaweed contains only a few calories which makes it a perfect snack for dogs that are trying to manage their weight. You can add it as a supplement to their diet to provide them with many essential nutrients without adding too many calories.
The seaweed dishes you make for yourself aren’t always safe or healthy for a dog. Even the packed seaweed snack that you have bought for yourself may not be safe for your dog as it might contain additional ingredients or seasonings that can be harmful to dogs.
To safely feed seaweed to your dog, buy packed unseasoned dog-friendly seaweed that doesn’t contain any additional ingredients. You might find it in dried or powder form that you can sprinkle on your dog’s daily meals.
There are also plenty of dog-friendly snacks like seaweed sheets available in the market. You can serve these in between meals or as a training treat to your dog.
But avoid food items like sushi and salad that contain seaweed as these also contain other harmful ingredients like onion, garlic, etc.
Also, remember to serve seaweed in moderation and as a supplement to a healthy well-balanced meal. Overeating seaweed can lead to an upset stomach, nutritional imbalance, and other health issues.
While the ideal amount will vary depending on your dog’s health and nutritional requirements, seaweed shouldn’t make up more than 5-10% of your dog’s weekly diet. If you are buying powdered seaweed supplements, you can follow the directions mentioned on the pack by the manufacturer.
It's best to discuss with your veterinarian any supplements you wish to consistently feed to your dog.
There are thousands of species of seaweed. Some of which are available in the market for both humans and dogs. To avoid any confusion, let’s also discuss the 4 most common and nutrient-rich types of seaweed you can buy and feed to your dog:
Kelp is a large brown seaweed that grows in the “underwater forests" in shallow oceans. It’s harvested for various purposes and is a commonly used ingredient in both human and dog food.
Kombu and wakame are two popular forms of edible kelp available in the local market.
Dulse is a reddish seaweed that grows on the northern coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It’s most commonly used as food or medicine. You can find dried, shredded, and powdered dulse in your local market.
Nori is a popular seaweed used in Japanese cuisine. It’s roasted and pressed into sheets that are used to wrap rolls of sushi or rice balls. You can buy packs of unseasoned nori sheets from the supermarket to serve as a treat to your dog.
Sea grapes also known as green caviar are species of seaweed from the coastal regions in the Asia-Pacific. These look like tiny balls and are often considered a delicacy seaweed with a texture similar to caviar. You can buy dried or powdered sea grapes for your dog.
If you aren’t careful, seaweed can have many dangerous side effects for your dog. To avoid such situations, take note of the following precautions.
Your dog should never eat wild seaweed that has washed up on the beach. It can be fatal for their health.
First, there’re chances that the seaweed has been lying on the beach for some time. It might have accumulated pollutants and dangerous metals that can adversely affect your dog’s nervous system, kidneys, and immune system. There’s also a risk of salt poisoning.
Second, heat and sun exposure at the beach dries and shrinks the seaweed. When consumed in large quantities, it expands by absorbing the fluid from the dog’s stomach. It can lead to severe intestinal blockage that can be very dangerous.
To avoid any such situation, keep your dog away from wild seaweed during your beach visits. And if in case they have accidentally consumed some wild seaweed, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Even though it’s rare, your dog can still have an allergic reaction to the safe types of seaweed. It’s best to introduce seaweed in small amounts and monitor your dog’s reaction for at least 24-48 hours.
Look for any of the following signs of an allergic reaction:
If you notice any of these signs of an allergic reaction, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Seaweed is a supplement that’s added to a dog’s diet to maintain an adequate intake of nutrients. Overindulgence can lead to many health problems including digestive disorders and nutritional imbalances.
Hence the seaweed added to your dog’s diet shouldn’t make up more than 5-10% of their weekly diet. You can also talk to your veterinarian to determine the exact amount of seaweed you should feed to your dog.
Seaweed is a perfect supplement to boost your dog’s daily diet. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, dietary fibers, antioxidants, and many other essential vitamins and minerals that have a ton of health benefits.
To get started just sprinkle some dried or powdered seaweed into your dog’s daily meals or buy unseasoned nori sheets and snacks to feed them as a treat. Just stay away from dried wild seaweed at the beach.
If you’re still in doubt, consult your veterinarian before adding seaweed to your dog’s diet.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about feeding seaweed to your dog:
Yes, your dog can eat dried seaweed sheets. Although some seaweed sheets made for human consumption contain additional flavors or seasoning which can be harmful to a dog. It’s best to buy unseasoned seaweed sheets for your dog.
Yes, you can roast seaweed before feeding it to your dog. But make sure you don’t add any other harmful ingredients like onion or garlic while roasting. Keep the recipe plain to ensure everything is healthy and safe for your dog.
Yes, you can feed dog-friendly unseasoned seaweed snacks to your dog. But avoid feeding them seaweed snacks that are made for human consumption as they might contain additional ingredients like onion, garlic, lime, or chili, all of which can be harmful to a dog.
Seaweed salad made for human consumption contains many other ingredients including vinegar, onion, soy sauce, oil, salt, and pepper. These ingredients can be harmful to a dog’s health. Thus it’s best to avoid feeding seaweed salad to your dog.
Yes, you can feed small amounts of unseasoned seaweed to your dog when they have diarrhea. The dietary fibers present in the seaweed can help add bulk to the stool and provide relief from diarrhea.
No, a dog should never eat seaweed from the beach. First, it can contain pollutants and dangerous metals that could affect your dog’s nervous system, kidneys, and immune system. Second, it’s dried seaweed that can expand in the dog’s digestive system when eaten in large amounts and cause a severe blockage.
If you’re concerned about feeding seaweed to your dog, consult with a veterinarian beforehand.
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/sea-vegetables-and-their-health-benefits-for-dogs/
https://www.rover.com/blog/can-my-dog-eat-seaweed/
Pet parents are constantly on the lookout for some delicious yet nutritious supplements to add to their dog’s diet. Mussels are one such healthy treat option that you can feed your dog. And yes, it’s safe for a dog to eat mussels occasionally.
In this article, we’ll discuss the various health benefits of mussels and the right way to feed them to your dog. But first, let's get an overview of this seafood.
Mussels are a type of shellfish that has a soft invertebrate inside two connected shells. These shells are joined together on the outside by a ligament.
Based on where they live they’re differentiated into 2 categories: freshwater mussels (found in canals, rivers, ponds, and lakes) and marine mussels (found in saltwater oceans and bays). The latter is widely eaten by humans and other marine predators while the former is mostly eaten by otters, raccoons, and ducks.
The two popular species of marine mussels include blue mussels and green-lipped mussels. Although they’re both safe and healthy for humans and dogs, green-lipped mussels are considered healthier for a dog due to their natural Omega-3s and anti-inflammatory properties. These mussels are native to New Zealand and can be distinguished by their green color around the lips of the shell.
Let’s discuss the 5 amazing health benefits of feeding mussels to a dog.
Mussels contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which are omega-3 fatty acids. These are powerful acids that can support various functions in your dog’s body, including:
It’s also important to note that a dog’s body cannot produce these fatty acids. Thus by adding supplements like mussels to their diet you can ensure they get the most benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in their daily diet.
Mussels contain a wide array of nutrients that can supplement your dog’s diet and boost their health. In the vitamins category, mussels are a rich source of vitamin A which is crucial for improving your dog’s vision, and vitamin C which is an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and cognitive aging in dogs.
It also contains vitamin B12 which is directly involved in producing protective tissues that coat the nerves in the brain. Thus it’s an important vitamin that supports a healthy nervous system.
Apart from that, mussels are also a rich source of minerals. They contain potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, and magnesium. These minerals are essential for many important bodily functions and they work together to support various enzyme functions in your dog’s body.
Green-lipped mussels contain glucosamine which is required by a dog’s body to build ligaments, cartilage, and fluid that surrounds the joints. It also contains chondroitin which supports the health of cartilage by absorbing fluid into the connective tissue. Both these compounds work together to provide effective results in relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Since arthritis has become a common health issue that can affect your dog at any age, adding mussels to their diet can be beneficial as it’ll help reduce joint inflammation and relieve other arthritis symptoms.
Mussels contain approximately 24g of protein per 100g serving. And this protein is bioavailable which means it's easier to digest and absorb in a dog’s body.
Now, most pet owners prefer protein-rich treats for their dogs. It provides them an extra boost that aids in muscle growth and improves nerve function. In fact, protein-rich foods allow a dog’s body to perform many critical functions like building and repairing cells and other tissues, supporting the immune system, fueling the dog’s energy levels, etc.
Mussels have high nutritional value and a low-calorie count making them a perfect treat for dogs that are overweight or are trying to manage their weight. You can even add mussels to your dog’s daily meal to increase their protein intake while feeding them fewer calories.
You may be eager to include mussels into your dog’s diet due to their many health benefits, but it’s helpful to remember that just like any other treat - moderation is the key.
Mussels can be a healthy supplement to your dog’s diet but they shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. The remaining 90% of calories should come from their daily well-balanced diet.
Below are a few different ways in which you can serve mussels to your dog as a special treat.
You can easily buy fresh or packed frozen mussels for your dog. But make sure you buy them without any added ingredients or seasonings as that can be harmful to your dog's health.
Also, you should properly cook the mussels before serving. So if you’re buying fresh mussels start with cleaning them properly to remove any debris or hair. Then boil a pot of water and add all the mussels at once, cover the lid and let it boil for 3-4 minutes.
Once cooked let them cool down and remove the shells before serving. Your dog should only eat the meaty part of the mussel. The shells are a choking hazard and can even cause digestive obstruction.
You can simply serve these cooked mussels on their own or mix them in with their usual daily meals.
Dehydrated mussels are also a popular choice amongst pet owners. Boiling or cooking mussels can slightly decrease the nutritional value of mussels whereas dehydrated mussels have the same nutritional value as raw mussels.
You can make these at home but a more convenient method is to buy packed dehydrated mussels made for dogs.
Green-lipped mussel powder and supplements are quite popular for improving joint health in dogs. They are a great meal topper that’s often recommended by veterinarians. You can try such supplements if you have an older dog or if they are showing signs of arthritis.
You should however consult with your veterinarian before adding such mussel supplements to your dog’s diet.
You can safely feed cooked mussels to your dog in moderation. But let’s also discuss some precautions that you should consider while feeding mussels to your dog.
1. Don’t feed raw mussels - Most vets recommend against feeding raw mussels to your dog because it’s seafood that might contain the risk of bacteria and parasites. Thus it’s important that you cook the mussels before feeding them to your dog, especially if they are suffering from a prior health condition or have low immunity.
2. Don’t feed mussel shells - Dogs cannot properly chew or digest the hard shells of the mussel. These can be a choking hazard and can even cause digestive obstruction in your dog’s body. So make sure you remove and discard the shells and feed only the meaty part of the mussel to your dog.
3. Allergies - Your dog can have a shellfish allergy so it’s best to start with small quantities and monitor their reaction after feeding them mussels for the first time. Look out for signs like an upset stomach, constant itching, sneezing, or a runny nose. If you see any of these signs of an allergic reaction within the first 24-48 hours, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Mussels can add protein and various nutrients to your dog’s diet. They are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that helps improve the skin and coat health of your dog. It’s also great for their heart health and immune system.
You can add mussels as a supplement to your dog’s current diet. But remember to control the portion sizes as too much of anything can be harmful.
If you still have some doubts, you can consult with your veterinarian before feeding mussels to your dog.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about feeding mussels to your dog.
Yes, a dog can eat cooked mussels in moderation. They contain various nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids that can support the overall health and well-being of your dog.
Most vets recommend against feeding raw mussels to your dog as they might contain some bacteria or parasites. It’s better to cook the mussels or buy dehydrated mussels for your dog.
Yes, green-lipped mussels are very healthy for a dog as they can help reduce joint pain and protects the cartilage in your dog’s body. They also contain many nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants that can perfectly supplement your dog’s daily meals.
No, you should never feed mussel shells to your dog as they are a choking hazard and can even cause digestive obstruction.
https://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/green-lipped-mussels-dogs-how-they-can-help
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/can-dogs-eat-mussels
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/green-lipped-mussels-can-they-help-your-dogs-joints/
https://blog.homesalive.ca/dog-blog/green-lipped-mussel-for-dogs
Oats are amongst the healthiest grains available for human consumption. It's also used in a few commercial dog foods because it's a healthy gluten-free whole grain that acts as a great source of dietary fiber for your dog.
Once cooked, oatmeal is safe to consume for our furry friends. But how exactly does oatmeal benefit a dog? And are there any side effects? Let’s discuss it!
Let’s start by first looking at the several potential health benefits of feeding your dog oatmeal:
Oatmeal is a rich source of fiber that can be linked to numerous health benefits, especially for your dog’s digestive system. These fibers are often fermented into fatty acids that feed the good bacteria in your dog’s intestine. It can help keep things moving inside the digestive tracts.
Fiber is also known to add bulk to your dog’s stool and can prevent irregularity like diarrhea or constipation. It can also help in the absorption of sugar in a dog’s body which might stabilize their blood glucose levels.
It’s also important to note that feeding large amounts of food that's rich in fiber can upset your dog’s gastrointestinal tract causing diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating. Since some dog food brands already use oats in their diet, you have to take that into consideration and feed the right amount of oatmeal only as a supplement to a well-balanced diet.
Oats are a great source of vitamin B and linoleic acid, which is a type of omega-6 fatty acid.
Vitamin B can help keep a dog’s fur shiny and skin healthy. It might also be involved in the production of healthy skin cells. Whereas, linoleic acid is known to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier and helping in healing wounds. It can also help your dog fight inflammation and prevent future skin problems.
Many veterinarians also recommend oatmeal baths to treat dry skin, minor itches, or other skin issues. All you have to do is make a fine powder of the oats in a blender and mix it in warm water.
Then gently and generously apply it to the skin and fur of your dog, leave it for 5-10 minutes and wash off using a mild shampoo. This can help your dog’s skin heal from minor skin problems and develop a protective barrier that will lock in all the moisture.
Oats contain beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber. It’s often associated with improving heart health in humans. Although there aren’t any substantial studies for dogs, there is this one study where 14 dogs were fed a control diet or a diet supplemented with 1% beta-glucan for 71 days. They observed reduced levels of total and LDL cholesterol.
LDL cholesterol is classified as bad cholesterol because it collects in the walls of the blood vessels, increasing the chances of heart attack or stroke.
Therefore if your dog suffers from high cholesterol levels, they might see some improvement by either switching to a food with oatmeal or adding it as a supplement to their diet.
Oats contain potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, silica, and iron. They can help in the absorption of calcium in the body and thus strengthens the bones of your dogs. Magnesium can also work alongside fiber to make the digestive system of the dog function optimally.
Dogs can develop intolerance to multiple ingredients including gluten or wheat. If your dog suffers from any such sensitivity then oats might be a good option for them. It’s a great gluten-free alternative when feeding your dog.
Some manufacturers process oats with the same equipment as other grains. Hence you’ll have to buy oats from a source that can ensure they do not get in contact with wheat and other grains during processing, especially if your dog has a severe allergy to gluten. It’s best to buy oats from a manufacturer that labels them gluten-free.
Oats are the only food that contains avenanthramide which is an antioxidant. It’s a plant-based polyphenol that might be helpful in lowering blood pressure in dogs. It can also have some anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effects on your dog's skin.
Preparing oatmeal for your dog is very different from how you prepare it for yourself. You need to follow certain precautions and understand the right portion sizes. Let’s discuss each of these topics and concerns in a little more detail…
Even though oatmeal has some great benefits for dogs, it still lacks many nutrients that are necessary for the overall well-being of your dog. Hence oatmeal should be served as a supplement to a complete and balanced diet. It should never substitute or replace their actual diet.
According to American Kennel Club, an appropriate amount to serve your dogs would be around one tablespoon which is ½ ounce of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of their body weight. It’s also advised to not serve oatmeal every day, instead feed it 1-2 times a week.
Feeding your dog more than the advised amount of oatmeal can lead to multiple health problems including vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating.
Grains are often used in commercial dog food to add vitamins, minerals, and fibers. They also help dry dog food maintain its shape and crunch.
If you're adding oats to your dog's diet you should know which dog food brands use oats in their recipes. You should read the ingredients list before buying dog food. If it already contains oats, you should refrain from feeding them additional oatmeal.
Otherwise, it’ll lead to too much fiber in your dog’s body which can cause diarrhea and bloating.
Oats do not have any side effects if you take proper precautions and feed them moderately. And there are multiple reasons why you should avoid overfeeding. First, as mentioned above the high fiber content of oats can cause digestive problems. Secondly, oats are rich in carbohydrates and contain a significant number of calories. Thus overfeeding can lead to weight gain which might increase the risk of many other health problems including diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.
Feed your dog the right amount of oats once or twice a week as a supplement to a well-balanced diet to avoid any side effects.
Oatmeal can be a great source of nutrients and fibers but only if you serve the right ones. You should never feed your dog flavored, instant, or pre-mixed oats. These might contain raisins, chocolates, cinnamon, or xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can be toxic to your dog’s health.
The 2 best and most recommended types of oats to feed your dog are:
These are processed by chopping the whole oat grain into several pieces using a steel blade. They take a much longer time to cook but they also contain slightly higher fiber compared to rolled oats.
They are also known as Irish oats or Scottish oats.
These are processed by steaming the whole grains of oats to make them soft and flexible. Then they are pressed to look like flat irregular round discs.
They are also known as old-fashioned or whole oats.
You should never feed your dog raw oats as they can be hard to digest and can cause an upset stomach. It’s recommended that you cook them properly and allow them to cool down before serving.
Another thing to note is that you should avoid using milk to prepare oats. Dogs can struggle to break down the lactose in both dairy and plant-based milk. The best option is to cook oats with water.
Simply mix water with rolled or steel-cut oats and let it cook on the stove until the oats absorb the liquid. Don’t add any seasoning or spices like salt, cinnamon, honey, or maple syrup as they can be harmful to your dog.
Once the oatmeal is cooked, let it cool down before serving it to your dog. Remember to use the right portion size which is one tablespoon (½ ounce) for every 20 pounds of body weight.
Allergies in dogs can be described as a defensive mechanism of the immune system. It is caused when a dog’s immune system mistakes a harmless substance for a dangerous invader. It then employs specialized immune cells to defend the body against the invader.
Although your dog can develop allergies from oats, it’s more often used to assist in relieving the symptoms of allergy like inflamed and itching skin. It does this by improving the health and vitality of the skin and fur and also provides important vitamins and minerals during an elimination diet.
If in a rare case, your dog suffers an allergic reaction due to oats, you might witness one or many of the following symptoms:
Just for caution, monitor your dog's health for 24-48 hours after feeding them oats. If you notice any changes, don’t feed them oats again and contact your veterinarian.
But if your dog enjoys oatmeal and handles it fine, continue to serve it once or twice a week.
Oats are fiber-rich grains that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s an extremely popular food supplement for dogs who suffer from any insensitivity or allergies to wheat or gluten.
But too much of any food ingredient can do more harm than good. Your dog needs a well-balanced food diet to which you can add oatmeal as a supplement.
If you still have doubts, you can consult your veterinarian before feeding your dog oatmeal.
You should always feed minimally processed oats like the steel-cut or the old-fashioned rolled oats to your dog. Stay away from the flavored, instant, or pre-mixed oats as they are highly processed and might contain artificial sugar, salt, cinnamon, chocolates, or raisins, all of which can be harmful to a dog.
Yes, oatmeal is perfectly safe for puppies. Just remember to properly cook oats with water and let them cool down before serving. Don’t serve raw oats to your puppy as it can be hard to chew and digest.
An appropriate amount to serve your puppies would be around one tablespoon which is ½ ounce of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of their body weight.
According to American Kennel Club, an appropriate amount to serve your dogs would be around one tablespoon which is ½ ounce of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of their body weight. It’s also advised to not serve oatmeal every day, instead feed it 1-2 times a week.
Oatmeal as a supplement to a balanced diet should be served in moderation. It’s recommended that you serve cooked oatmeal 1-2 times a week only. If you would like to feed oatmeal more regularly you should consult with your veterinarian.
You shouldn’t feed your dog uncooked oatmeal as it can be hard to chew and digest and can cause an upset stomach. Always cook the oats in water and serve them at room temperature. Also avoid adding any spices or seasonings like sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, turmeric, or cardamom as they can be harmful to your dog.
Honey and oats are both safe for dogs but they both contain a lot of calories. Adding honey to the oatmeal regularly can lead to weight gain and obesity. Hence you should save it only for a special treat.
Oatmeal contains fibers that add bulk to the stool which might help treat mild diarrhea. But if you overfeed oatmeal to your dog, it can make the situation worse.
Furthermore, if your dog is suffering from severe diarrhea or an upset stomach, you should contact your veterinarian.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-oatmeal
https://www.purepetfood.com/help/can-dogs-eat-oats
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-oatmeal/
https://wildearth.com/blogs/dog-knowledge/can-dogs-eat-oatmeal
