WOOF for Seaweed
Seaweeds many nutritional benefits include being rich in iron, magnesium, iodine, and the omega-3 fatty acids. Plus there's that great "umami" flavor. Umami is Japanese for "pleasant savory taste". These are the reasons we humans love to add seaweed to our diet- but what about our dogs?
Turns out seaweed is a great addition to our dog's diet. Those same powerful nutrients that benefit humans help improve our dog's coat and skin. Nori, the unseasoned sushi wraps can make great training treats for your dog. That umami taste sensation is similar to a rich, meaty bone.
If you are lucky enough to live near the beach, washed ashore seaweed is NOT a safe dog treat. In general, my Puerto Rican street dog Tuffy eats a lot of gross things on the beach- but she's never shown an interest in beach seaweed. The dangers are possible pollutants, salt poisoning and expansion as the dried seaweed expands in the tummy.
If you're looking for a good seaweed rich supplement for your dog check out the Maine company Source. Susan Domizi developed a nutritional product to help her horse's health. One of the problems of modern society is our soils may be depleted and not have all the essential micronutrients that our dogs need. Source for dogs contains "selected seaweeds plus the added benefits of yeast cultures, brewers yeast, garlic powder, vitamin E, zinc and natural beef flavor."
Source also makes a human supplement which I use but that's another blog!
Find out more on the Source website- https://www.4source.com/product/source-plus-for-dogs/
Find out more about seaweeds in general by visiting the Maine Seaweed Council website- http://www.seaweedcouncil.org/