You surely know that seaweed is loaded with all kinds of nutrients, which make it a very healthy ingredient for all humans. You can find Nori, Kelp, and many other types of this ocean delicacy on the market in all kinds of forms. You can safely add any of these varieties to your diet without any worries of side effects.
But Are Seaweed Snacks Safe for Dogs?
Can you actually give seaweed paper to your dog without putting his health at risk? More recent research has been able to prove that as long as they are fed in moderation, these vegetables are just as beneficial to your dog as they are for you. Seaweed paper, also known as seaweed sheets or seaweed snacks, are a great treat for dogs of all ages.
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And in the same way, as long as they are not seasoned with garlic or other spices, kelp and nori are also great for dogs. It might taste salty, but you won’t have to worry about high contents of sodium, as seaweed gets its flavor from other minerals instead.
Of course, before you start adding it to your dog’s daily diet, it is a great idea to check his reaction with small amounts first. The general behavior of the dog shouldn’t be the only thing to monitor while adding new ingredients to his diet; instead, look at his energy levels and stool behavior as well. If you notice any irregularities, don’t just remove the ingredient completely. Talk with your vet and see whether this could be a temporary issue.
Nutritional Benefits of Seaweed Paper for Dogs
Although a lot of people believe that dogs only eat meat, they will need vegetation in their diets as well. What makes seaweed ideal for the diet of a dog is the fact that its cells lack any cellulose around them. Dogs have a pretty hard time digesting cellulose and it might even lead to some gastrointestinal issues.
Furthermore, these water vegetables are known to have a lot of vitamins, minerals, and protein, and are overall very nutritious. The skin and coat of the dog will both look very glossy and healthy when eating seaweed due to the Omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, and magnesium that the vegetable will provide.
Also, some types of seaweed like Nori have Vitamin B-12, which is known to improve cognitive function. You can add seaweed to the dog’s diet easily by simply sprinkling it all over their food. Some commercial seafood snacks can also be shared with your puppy as long as you read their ingredient list and you’re sure they don’t contain garlic, onion, or other types of seasonings. Due to their impressive nutritional plusses, there are some dog trainers that choose seaweed sheets as training treats.
Dangers of Wild Seaweed
If you’ve had a dog for a while, you surely know that these animals love to take a bite out of almost anything, which is why you will have to keep an eye on what they eat if you want to keep them safe. As long as your dog has started to like the taste of seaweed, he won’t waste the opportunity of trying wild seaweed. Your dog might get in trouble if he goes for the seaweed found commonly on the beach. This is why you should try to put a leash on your dog before taking him to the beach or places with dry seaweed.
One of the problems that make wild seaweed a bad choice for dogs is the fact that it shrinks and dries up when faced with hot weather. As soon as this dry vegetable gets inside the dog’s body, it will start to absorb water and will slowly expand in the digestive system. Enough of it will lead to a blockage that can become fatal.
At the same time, the seaweed you find on the beach is also known to carry all kinds of critters and pollutants that can damage the health of your pup. At the same time, eating seaweed they find on the beach, can put dogs in danger of salt poisoning. If you notice your dog eating wild seaweed don’t waste any time and call your vet ASAP.
As Always, Moderation is Key
It’s very important to keep the diet of the pet as moderate as possible, and I`m not even talking about seaweed alone. It happens often enough that an ingredient, although very healthy, can cause issues to your dog when in high amounts.
Considering that Kelp supplements can also have trace amounts of arsenic when in high quantities, it can become poisonous to your pet. Likewise, seaweed paper (nori) can contain mercury and other heavy metals that can be toxic to dogs. Ideally, you must consult your vet about the safe amount of seaweed that can be given to your companion.
Is Seaweed Paper Safe For Dogs?
A dog that is older than 8 weeks can start to eat solid foods as well. Seaweed is easy to digest and soft enough to be considered a great supplement for a pup’s diet. Keep in mind that it is very important to create a diet that is balanced in terms of nutrients before adding this green vegetable. As soon as you found the perfect balance of ingredients to create a healthy dog food recipe, you can try to sprinkle cooked seaweed on it first and see how the dog reacts.
Remember that although dogs are pretty tough, their stomachs are still very sensitive, so it is very important to keep this in mind when making dietary changes.
