Can Dogs Eat Seaweed? Potential Health Benefits and Hazards

Seaweed contains many nutrients that are beneficial to both humans and dogs. In small, dried quantities and when obtained from a trusted source, seaweed can be a healthful addition to your dog’s diet.

Soft and pliable in the water, seaweed usually gets dried for preservation. Here are some of the most popular types of edible seaweed humans eat that are also suitable for dogs.

1. 1. Dulse: This reddish seaweed comes from the colder waters of the northern Atlantic and northern Pacific oceans, where it grows attached to rocks. First harvested in Scotland and Iceland over a thousand years ago, dulse has a soft, leathery texture. You can find it sold in dry flakes, shredded, or ground into a powder.
2. 2. Kombu: Most famous for its role in dashi (broth), kombu is a flavorful type of kelp sold in long strips. Hokkaido, the largest island in Japan, is one of the largest producers of kombu, but it is also plentiful along the California coast. You can make a simple dashi with kombu and katsuobushi (bonito flakes) or iriko (dried anchovies) and use it to moisten your dog’s kibble. Stay away from dried shiitake mushrooms (another popular dashi ingredient), as they can be toxic to dogs.
3. 3. Hijiki: Hijiki is a brown seaweed that turns black when dried and looks like tiny, thin twigs. It grows along the rocky shorelines of China, Japan, and Korea. Hijiki is most popular in seaweed salad; to incorporate it into your dog’s diet, rehydrate the dried seaweed and add a little to their meal.
4. 4. Irish moss: This purple and red alga is native to the Atlantic shorelines of North America and Europe. Irish moss resembles miniature trees, with branches fanning out from the stem. You can find it as a powder or gel.
5. 5. Nori: Also known as purple laver, nori is a deep purplish-red seaweed that turns a dark green when dried. It typically gets roasted and pressed into dried nori sheets, similar to the paper-making process. It is the most well-known type of seaweed in the western world: Japanese restaurants use nori to wrap sushi rolls and onigiri (rice balls). Dried nori sheets are an excellent snack for dogs in moderation; choose varieties seasoned simply with salt (or nothing at all).
6. 6. Wakame: While best known for providing a habitat for various marine life species in the shallow, coastal waters worldwide, kelp (Laminaria) forests also provide an edible seaweed species known as wakame. Wakame seaweed, also known as sea mustard, is a dark green seaweed found in miso soup. It has a sweet taste, a silky smooth texture, and is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Depending on the type of seaweed you choose, it can contain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, iodine (which is essential for thyroid hormone production), iron, magnesium, calcium, and various vitamins (including vitamin A and Vitamin B12) that can boost your dog’s health.

When considering the addition of seaweed to your dog’s diet, it’s essential to consider sourcing and ingredients. Here’s what you need to know:

1. 1. Plain is better than seasoned. Seaweed snacks intended for human consumption can contain additives and seasonings like garlic and onion, which are toxic to dogs. Unseasoned, powdered seaweed is likely the safest bet as a supplement for your pet.
2. 2. Never let your dog eat wild seaweed. Seaweed found on the beach shrinks in the sun and can expand in your dog’s digestive system, potentially causing a severe blockage. It can also contain pollutants and other sea life potentially harmful for your dog to consume. Lastly, it can give your dog salt poisoning. In short, your dog shouldn’t be eating seaweed they find on the beach, and if they do, consider contacting your vet.
3. 3. A small amount is enough. Kelp and nori contain trace amounts of arsenic and mercury, respectively, so when it comes to seaweed, your dog can have too much of a good thing. Keep in mind that seaweed supplements intended for humans may not be safe for dogs.

Always talk to your vet before adding a new food to your dog’s diet. If your vet is onboard, either purchase seaweed sheets you crumble yourself or try giving your dog seaweed snacks without too many added seasonings. Simply sprinkle a small amount of dried seaweed (no more than a teaspoon) onto your dog’s food.

After introducing your dog to seaweed, monitor your dog’s energy levels, stool, and overall behavior to see if they experience an allergic reaction or have any other adverse reactions to the supplement.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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