The National Research Council (NRC) recommends about 100 mcg iodine daily for a dog weighing 10 pounds, 300 mcg for a 50-pound dog, and 500 mcg for a 100-pound dog.Unfortunately, the iodine content of kelp and other sea vegetables varies widely, so there is no single dose of kelp that can be recommended. Interferes With Drug Action. (April 2, 2012). … Dangers of Kelp for Hyperthyroidism in Cats. Does this mean that this kelp is free of heavy metal contaminants? !Of course, Spirulina … Our articles are written by writers with a deep domain understanding of the topic and usually hold Bachelors / Masters degrees. I add organic kelp to my dogs' diet because it's their main source of iodine and supports thyroid health. Spirulina is very concentrated and a little goes a long way. Retrieved from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-Consumer/, Sea kelp: super supplement or health risk? Those with under-active thyroid could be prescribed kelp to improve thyroid functioning. Check out about our team in About Us section. Spirulina is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, and essential fatty acids. Spirulina is a microscopic, blue-green algae that can typically be found in warm, alkaline freshwater in milder climates. (5), Puotinen, CJ, & Straus, M. (August 2012). Benefits of Organic Kelp for Dogs. Alternatively, another common species of kelp used in supplements, Ascophyllum nodosum, can have 646 mcg/g of iodine and vary 392 mcg/g! High iodine intake can also cause thyroid gland inflammation and thyroid cancer and of course hyperthyroidism in our feline companions.When adding kelp or other seaweeds to a home-prepared diet, be sure to consider their source because plants grown in polluted waters can be contaminated by heavy metals. How much iodine is in seaweed? The high iodine content can benefit those with thyroid problems. In other paragraphs in this article we provide concerns with the ingestion of too much kelp. (1)Unfortunately, the iodine content of kelp and other sea vegetables varies widely, so there is no single dose of kelp that can be recommended. As mentioned previously, kelp can have extremely varied levels of iodine and powdered kelp can be a very concentrated source of this micronutrient making it very easy for over-supplementation. Retrieved from: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/diet-nutrition/a24605/sea-kelp-benefits-7987/, Wilde, M. (January 2015). It can interfere with … Why is Kelp Found in so Many Supplements and Foods for Dogs and Cats? Spirulina, a microscopic blue-green algae that grows in warm alkaline water in regions with mild climates, is richer in nutrients and higher in protein than kelp. Although microscopic, Spirulina can grow to 0.5mm in height. It contains both phycocyanin (blue) and chlorophyll (green) pigmentation. Chlorella vs Spirulina. Spirulina is a freshwater cyanobacteria, meaning it evolved in a radically different environment than phytoplankton.It is one of … It is used as a dietary supplement and is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, C, K, polysaccharides, magnesium, potassium, iodine, zinc, calcium, carbohydrates etc. you never answer the question that is the reason for this article. Retrieved from: https://www.ziwipets.com/blog/ingredients/kelp-boost-your-dog-naturally, Iodine. Kelp. For example, the FDA’s recommended daily dietary intake for adults is only 150 micrograms! However, continuous daily supplementing with kelp, or kelp products, is not recommended without first making sure extra iodine is in fact needed. You must also determine what encompasses a gram/serving be it 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp etc… Complicating matters is that kelp is commonly included in many pet vitamin supplements, and even pet foods, and the iodine content of these must be determined as well. If you want to protect yourself or animals from the sun load up on sources of these important antioxidant nutrients. So, just giving kelp, or more iodine, may not be the answer. Spirulina vs. Spirulina is a small, single-celled microorganism that’s rich in chlorophyll, a plant pigment that gives so many lakes and ponds their dark blue-green color. Alternatively, another common species of kelp used in supplements, Ascophyllum nodosum, can have 646 mcg/g of iodine and vary 392 mcg/g! Kelp for dogs - the good, the bad and the mumbo jumbo. Luckily, iodine 131’s short half-life of 8 days left it undetectable in the kelp a month later. For instance the standard kelp variety Laminaria sp. The articles are peer-reviewed before being uploaded on the website. These polysaccharides provide antibacterial activities for the mouth, creating a thin coating of film on the teeth and gums that helps to protect and support healthy bacterial balances in the mouth. Their function is to take iodine, such as that found in kelp, and convert it into thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). We would also consider providing an oral probiotic supplement to provide beneficial bacteria that can out-compete undesirable oral bacteria strains for a healthy, well balanced mouth. Retrieved from: https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/how-your-thyroid-works, Carson, A. Kelp is a fibrous plant, so the finer it is ground, the more absorbable the minerals and vitamins in it are, especially for a dog or cat’s short digestive system. Spirulina is safe to use every day, but you’ll want to make sure you don’t add too much spirulina to your dog’s diet. Apart from this, spirulina also has high concentrations of Vitamin B12, chelated minerals, natural plant rhamnose sugars, enzymes and trace elements. Kelp is the most popular food which one can give to their dogs. Be careful not to overdose on kelp or spirulina. Spirulina … Plus, if you are interested in providing additional protein this is where spirulina shines due to its phycocyanin content (the "blue" in blue/green algae) that makes it a great vegetarian protein source. They increase energy levels, improve liver function, boost immunity levels, possess anti-inflammatory benefits, help reduce the risk of heart disease, AIDS, cancer, help with weight-loss programs, protect cells from damage due to exposure to heavy metals and X-rays. Alternatively, kelp thrives in colder, nutrient-rich … Seaweed is very popular food among dog foods and supplements. (Click the link to find out more.). OFFICIAL SITE - Top ten reasons why spirulina should be in every dog's diet Before I dive into the miracles of spirulina and how amazing it can be for your dog, I would like to talk about travel. Alternatively, kelp thrives in colder, nutrient-rich saltwater. Kelp… "Spirulina is a cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that is used as a food supplement. Packed with vitamins, minerals and amino acids, kelp boasts a bounty of goodness for dogs. Because of our concern for the potential of too much iodine in the diet from the daily use of kelp, we would focus on a whole food diet to avoid all the carbohydrates and starches found in processed kibble pet foods that can damage the teeth of dogs and cats by providing food for plaque growth. Learn how your comment data is processed. Other causes of hypothyroidism in our canine friends include vaccines that can damage thyroid tissue as part of the immune response caused by the vaccination. Kelp has much more "bulk" than spirulina and is therefore a less expensive addition to pet products. Dosage: To add chlorella to your dog’s dish, give them 50 mg per 25 lbs of body weight one to two times daily. If you suspect, or want to rule out, iodine deficiency as a cause for your dog's hypothyroidism you should test for this nutrient before randomly providing kelp. The potential issue with using kelp for this purpose is: how much kelp does an animal have to take to enjoy these results? This can be dangerous for cats susceptible to hyperthyroidism because consuming too much iodine (either from food or supplements) can cause the thyroid gland to overproduce thyroid hormones.(2). In general for dogs, cats and even people, getting high levels of iodine can cause some of the same symptoms as iodine deficiency, including goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland). For dogs, cats, and other mammalian pets spirulina benefits them much in the same way it does people. The only way to be sure of the iodine content is to ask the manufacturer about the certificate of analysis (COA) for that particular supplement. First, they are both algae. Seaweeds and kelp are commonly used as multivitamin and mineral sources for pet supplements and foods. Kelp is an underwater plant, often confused for seaweed. The holistic pet health protocols he has developed are followed by clients from all over the world. In 2010 a group of researchers at the University of Newcastle found that a fibrous material in sea kelp … Care should be taken to purchase kelp growing in unpolluted waters for otherwise it could contain toxins like arsenic. Kelp vs spirulina. However, this efficient process can also create toxicity concerns, especially when the water source is highly polluted as are our oceans. By giving your dog spirulina … There is a theory going around that spirulina can actually make arthritis worse. Spirulina and kelp are distantly related. If you are reading this post, it might be because you are wondering if there are any differences between the two and, if so, what they may be. The only way to be sure of the iodine content is to ask the manufacturer about the certificate of analysis (COA) for that particular supplement. They can be eaten raw or dried and added to various recipes. Some extra iodine found in whole foods like leafy greens or herbs is fine for our pets, but more concentrated sources like kelp should be used cautiously with dogs (even more cautiously in cats). The answer is fairly simple - bulk. Kelp for Dogs and Cats Spirulina is a microscopic, blue-green algae that can typically be found in warm, alkaline freshwater in milder climates. Because of this process it might seem like a good idea to provide kelp to everyone. This sea veggie is good for humans and for dogs. Spirulina is also an underwater plant which belongs to the blue-green algae family. As they readily absorb minerals from seawater, so do they absorb toxic heavy metals. This concern has lead to recommendations that kelp not be ingested if an individual is pregnant or breastfeeding, or by children or people with health issues, especially liver or kidney problems. Philip Reich is a Master Herbalist and co-founder of The Pet Health and Nutrition Center. The reason for this is that kelp very efficiently absorbs minerals directly from ocean water into its tissue. It grows well in fresh, warm, alkaline waters. At least this is what I understand. For instance the standard kelp variety Laminaria sp. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, because spirulina stimulates the immune system it could make rheumatoid arthritis worse in theory because it is an autoimmune disease. It also helps in the treatment of chronic sinusitis and gum diseases. When purchasing kelp, obtain that which is certified organic. It has plenty of health benefits and has been used for centuries all over the world. The reason for this is that they absorb minerals directly from ocean water, especially the high iodine content, into the plant tissue. Spirulina and kelp were two key finds. The physical configuration of the plant which grows in swirling, microscopic strands gave rise to the name ‘spirulina’ which is Latin for ‘spiral’ or ‘helix’. Spirulina grows in freshwater, Marine Phytoplankton grows in saltwater. Learn more about the similarities and differences between seaweed, kelp, and phytoplankton. This means that it is required in trace amounts for the normal growth and development of living organisms. How much are they charging you for that multivitamin for your dog or cat containing kelp? It may be interesting to note that since spirulina often grows in shallow waters, it must produce a natural protection from the sun called carotenoids - "nature's sunscreen". Probably not, but contaminant levels should be much lower in these kelp products. Seaweeds contain naturally high levels of iodine and this makes them popular in many supplements. Kelp is key for good dental health in dogs and cats. Our writers spend 10s of hours researching and writing articles which are factual and comprehensive. Knowledgeable, Results Oriented, Natural Care for Dogs and Cats. It’s very nutrient dense and may cause diarrhea. Spirulina contains 65-71% essential amino acids and is considered a âcomplete proteinâ. The most recent study I could find on was con… Always consult a doctor when taking these supplements. Both kelp and spirulina are rich in nutrient content and are known to possess many health benefits. Hypothyroidism in dogs. Thyroid cells are the only cells in the body which can absorb iodine. Abnormal growths in the thyroid can damage healthy tissue, and problems in the pituitary gland that controls the thyroid gland can impact the production of thyroid hormones. It contains both phycocyanin (blue) and chlorophyll (green) pigmentation. However, not all cases of hypothyroidism are caused by a deficiency in iodine. A small piece of kombu/kelp granules added to dried beans helps to tenderize them as they cook. There are many types of food is available in the market. The only evidence I have found supports the claim that spirulina helps decrease arthritis. 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