Spirulina is an increasingly popular dietary supplement that can be used by us humans and our pets: I add it to my dog’s home cooked meals every day. It’s been used as a nutritious food for centuries – it is known that the Aztecs consumed it and more recently, NASA began using it as a dietary supplement for astronauts on space missions. So what’s the big deal? What are the health benefits of spirulina and how can you easily incorporate it into your dog’s diet?
What is spirulina?
Spirulina is a bacteria, commonly classified as an algae. It is a nutrient-dense organism that grows in both fresh and salt water. Some of the many advantages of this superfood include:
- a high protein content
- excellent levels of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E
- a good source of copper and iron
- omega-6 and omega-3 fats
- good amounts of magnesium, calcium, zinc and potassium, plus a little bit of most other nutrients that we need
What are the health benefits of spirulina for dogs?
So, knowing that it’s full of nutrients and vitamins, what is spirulina good for in terms of health? Research has shown that it can benefit our dogs in the following ways:
- Help with allergies
- Help with detoxification
- Improve the immune system
- Improve gastrointestinal health
- Reduce the rate of cancer
Are there any side effects of taking spirulina?
Studies to date show that spirulina is a safe supplement. However, given that some sources of it are contaminated with other toxic elements, it is important to buy a reputable brand.
Spirulina for dogs – dosis
As I said earlier, my pooches enjoy the benefits of spirulina for their health too. Since it is so nutrient-dense, you only need a small amount. Too much may cause diarrhea or digestive upset.
The daily dosis for dogs is 1/4 teaspoon per pound of food.
As well as all the goodness listed above, Dogs Naturally Magazine also mention that including spirulina in a dog’s diet could reduce its tendency to eat grass.
Refs:
Article Spirulina in Clinical Practice: Evidence-Based Human Applications. NCBI.
Healthline. 10 Proven Benefits of Spirulina.
BBC. The Health Benefits of Spirulina
Push Doctor. Health Benefits of Spirulina
DNM. Sea Vegetables and Their Health Benefits for Dogs