Considered to be a “superfood,” kelp is packed with vitamins, minerals and amino acids. And it’s not just for humans – here are the benefits of kelp for dogs.
If you peruse the ingredients list for your dog’s food, you may come across some strange ingredients that are not easy to identify. You may also find ingredients that you are familiar with, but didn’t realize could be used in dog food – kelp is one of those things. Let’s go over the potential benefits of kelp for dogs and the role it plays in your dog’s diet.
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Benefits of Sea Vegetables for Dogs
When it comes to healthy ingredients in dog food, you are probably familiar with the nutritional benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables. But did you know that sea vegetables are also highly nutritious?
That’s right – the slimy seaweed you see floating in the ocean is actually loaded with healthy nutrients that can be good for your dog. On average, sea vegetables contain about 25% protein and just 2% fat. They are one of the richest natural sources for amino acids, plus they are full of vitamins and minerals that can provide some amazing benefits. For example, sea vegetables are rich in iodine, a mineral that is essential for healthy thyroid function – they also contain iron which fortifies your dog’s blood and supports healthy circulation.
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What is so Great About Kelp for Dogs?
Out of all the sea vegetables out there, kelp is the most nutritious for dogs. This sea vegetable contains more than 60 different vitamins, minerals, and trace elements as well as 21 amino acids. Kelp is also a complex carbohydrate and a natural source for numerous growth hormones. What kelp is most known for is its iodine content which helps to support your dog’s glandular system as well as his metabolism. Some of the other benefits associated with kelp include the following:
Kelp is a highly nutritious sea vegetable that can provide a great many benefits for your dog. While you may not want to make a trip to the beach to harvest fresh kelp for your dog, you can look for a dog food and treats that contains kelp or look into a dietary supplement that comes in powdered form. If you have concerns, talk to your veterinarian about the potential benefits of kelp for your dog and for suggestions about where to get it.
As part of a healthy diet, kelp can help your dog achieve balanced nutrition and improved overall health and wellbeing. It is always important, however, to choose a product that is high in quality – don’t just choose a dog food because it contains kelp unless it is a nutritious product overall.
