Spirulina may have health benefits for your pup, but research the risks before introducing it to their diet.
You may have heard of spirulina and its many benefits but how can that translate to your dog’s health? As with many supplements, there is not much research on the benefits and risks of giving your dog spirulina. Some pet parents promote this nutrient-rich supplement for potential immune-boosting properties, with added benefits such as healthy skin and fur coat, detoxification, gut health, and allergy relief. Others feel that it is not beneficial and that a poor quality or contaminated product could cause serious harm.
Here we will break down what is spirulina and some of the best ways for your pup to enjoy it. As always, consult with your vet.
Spirulina is a blue-green alga that grows in freshwater, brackish water, seawater, and thermal springs. This microscopic alga has been grown and used as a natural food supplement for centuries. It became a popular supplement in the U.S. during the 1970s. (Trusted Source)
There are plenty of benefits to using spirulina due to its nutrient profile:
According to the USDA, 1 teaspoon of spirulina powder (Trusted Source) contains 1 gram of protein, 20 milligrams of phosphorus, and 30 milligrams of potassium.
👉 Always talk to your vet before introducing a new supplement into your dog’s diet.
Dog owners should be aware of the drawbacks of giving their dogs supplements because too little or too many nutrients or minerals can lead to health issues. Plus, supplements are meant to be used alongside a well-balanced diet, proper exercise, hygiene, and veterinary care tailored to your individual pup.
While spirulina is generally considered safe, one concern is the risk of contamination and toxicity. Algae can be contaminated with toxic substances called microcystins. It can also absorb heavy metals from the water where it is grown. Additionally, some dogs may find it unpalatable or experience gastrointestinal upset.
There’s a lot of information available on dog supplements, but there’s also plenty of misinformation, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the products on the market before pulling out your credit card.
Prior to doing anything else, you should consult with your vet. This is the best way to make sure your dog isn’t getting too many or too few nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that they require daily. Plus, a vet will have guidance on the most effective supplements for your specific dog’s needs. In most cases, if your dog is eating a WSAVA-compliant complete and balanced diet, additional vitamins, minerals, and nutrients will not be needed.
Once your vet has given you the green light, researching and reading the product label is also important for understanding what specifically is going into each product. Products that have been third-party tested, have the NASC Quality Seal, and are vet-recommended are a great place to start. The form and palatability of a supplement are also things to consider.
If you have any questions about ingredients, direct those to your veterinarian. They should have a good sense of your dog’s medical history, as well as what’s generally considered not safe for canine consumption.
Chippin Spirulina Daily Treats are a sustainable, nutritious treat and an excellent source of protein for pets. They are oven-baked and made in the U.S., and the ingredients are entirely plant-based and packed with superfoods that are great for pups. These treats can easily be broken up and used for training. Another benefit? Even the packaging is eco-friendly and made partly from recycled materials.
Many Chippin customers say they love that they are giving their dogs a treat with a short, clean ingredients list — oats, kale, flaxseed, carrots, parsley, sunflower oil, molasses, spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), rosemary extract — that’s also better for the environment than many mainstream treats. Dogs of all ages seem to love the spirulina treats, and they work great for training.
Wholistic Pet Organics Spirulina for Dogs is an organic spirulina powder supplement that focuses on overall health and wellness for dogs. It has the NASC seal of approval and is Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certified.
Customers love that this powder supplement is easy to add to dog food, especially since it’s one ingredient — organic spirulina. Dogs who take this spirulina supplement seem to have shinier coats, improved bowel function, and even boosted energy, according to their pet owners.
The Purina DentaLife ActivFresh Oral Care chewy treats help fight bad breath and are made for dogs over 40 pounds. These sticks have defined ridges that will keep your dog occupied and satisfied all while getting added nutrients. They aren’t likely to break apart or splinter and have the NASC seal.
Some pet parents mention that they purchased these treats based on dental vets’ recommendations that the treats help improve dogs’ oral health. Pets seem to love these treats, and as an added benefit for human friends, they don’t have a strong odor, either.
Due to the double-duty role of this type of spirulina, the ingredients list is slightly longer than the others on our list and includes a proprietary blend of spirulina, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols, BHA (a preservative), BHT (a preservative), calcium carbonate, calcium propionate (a preservative), and calcium stearate. You can review the full ingredients list here.
Spirulina can be a great addition to your pet’s diet but only with the explicit approval of their veterinarian. Be sure to do your research and determine which form of spirulina—if any—is best for your pup.
Large quantities of spirulina may cause gas, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting in dogs. Discuss the best dosage option for your pet with your veterinarian.
Spirulina can contain heavy metals, bacteria, or microcystins, which are toxins produced by algae. Although there are ongoing studies about the benefits of spirulina, if these algae are contaminated, it could lead to serious health problems for humans or dogs, including vomiting, liver damage, or even death.
Spirulina has been shown to potentially offer benefits for detoxifying the kidneys for dogs, however, it also contains high levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals which may need to be restricted in dogs with kidney disease. Always consult your vet first.
With proper dosage and management, spirulina and kelp can both have positive benefits for dogs.
While primarily unstudied, it’s been suggested that spirulina can help boost a dog’s immune system since spirulina has high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
