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Imagine there was an immune system supplement for dogs whose value matched its marketing. In this post, you will learn how organic sea kelp benefits and can boost your dog’s immune system in just a few scoops per day.
No more unfounded claims of wasted money on inferior outcomes or poor-tasting products that your dog refuses to eat.
If your dog suffers from a suppressed immune system, poor digestive health, a lackluster or shedding coat, or hypothyroidism, keep reading.
Organic sea kelp may just be the solution you have been looking for.
An immune system booster for dogs that really works!
Note: This is a review of Organic Sea Kelp by Raw Paws Pet Food. The product was provided by Raw Paws, but all information and opinions are based on my personal experience using the product on my dogs.
What is Organic Sea Kelp?
Sea kelp is a kind of large brown algae.
There are over 30 different kinds of sea kelp, nearly all of which live in cool, shallow, nutrient-rich saltwater close to shore. They live in forest-like groupings called kelp forests which provide food and shelter for many fish and marine mammals. [1]
What is the Difference Between Sea Kelp, Seaweed, and Algae?
For the purposes of this article, we are going to focus just on sea kelp benefits for dogs.
However, it may be helpful to just briefly describe the difference between sea kelp, seaweed, and algae, as they are often mistakenly referenced interchangeably.
Sea kelp is just one of several kinds of seaweed. Yet, while they look like a plant, they are not classified in Plantae, but rather Protista.
Seaweed, however, is a primitive sea plant that belongs to the algae family. [3]
Of interest for us dog lovers….
Derived from red seaweed (not sea kelp) is an extract called carrageenan.
Carrageenan is an additive that is used to thicken, emulsify, and preserve many foods and drinks and even pet food.
And while it is often found in human and pet foods with claims of safety, research is showing the opposite.
According to this 2013 Report,
“Animal studies have repeatedly shown that food-grade carrageenan causes gastrointestinal inflammation and higher rates of intestinal lesions, ulcerations, and even malignant tumors.” [5]
And according to Truth About Pet Food,
“Finding a canned/moist pet food without carrageenan is not easy; far too many pet foods use this ingredient as a thickener in moist pet foods.” [4]
I tell you this to make you aware and informed… not to scare you.
For the purposes of this post, I simply wanted to delineate the difference between sea kelp, seaweed, and algae so if you hear something about carrageenan, you don’t confuse it as a derivative of sea kelp.
Top 7 Benefits of Organic Sea Kelp for Dogs
Organic sea kelp benefits for dogs support overall body wellness and function by providing 60 different vitamins, minerals, and trace elements as well as 21 amino acids.
Sea kelp is a rich natural source of iron, manganese, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, and vitamins A, B12, B6, C, D and E.
- Strengthens the immune system
- Boosts glandular function through a rich source of iodine
- Reduces itching and shedding and promotes healthy skin and coat
- Improves digestion through increased fiber
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Stimulates appetite
- Reduces tartar and plaque on teeth
Put simply, organic sea kelp benefits your dog through an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and immune-boosting antioxidants.
“Our organic sea kelp daily supplement is harvested from the cleanest, richest waters on earth, right off the coast of Iceland. This excellent natural source of iodine supports glandular functioning such as thyroid health and metabolism. With an improved metabolism, the overall health of your pets will improve by an increase in energy and decrease in inflammation and infection.” ~Raw Paws Pet Food.
Iodine Benefits for Dogs
One of the many kelp benefits for dogs is that sea kelp is one of the richest natural sources of iodine.
And while the actual levels of iodine can vary depending on where it was grown, kelp for dogs stands alone as one of the best natural supplements for thyroid regulation.
The thyroid gland needs iodine for optimal functioning and metabolism.
And with so many dogs deficient in iodine, sea kelp can provide this much needed glandular boost.[2]
Big Dog Mom Review of Organic Sea Kelp for Dogs by Raw Paws Pet Food
How to Feed Organic Sea Kelp for Dogs
The dosage for dogs is a ¼ tsp per 10 pounds body weight (max 3 tsp per day).
An 8 oz package contains approximately 65 tsp, enough to feed a large or giant breed dog daily for about a month.
While I feed sea kelp daily, you may choose to feed it on an as-needed basis as well.
3 Easy Ways to Feed Sea Kelp to Dogs
No matter how you feed it, keep in mind that organic sea kelp as an immune system booster should be one small part of a broader healthy diet that includes a variety of unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods.
Sea kelp benefits all dogs, but those whose immune systems are supported with natural, species-appropriate foods will benefit the most.
The following are 3 ways I have found best to feed sea kelp to dogs:
1. Pour sea kelp directly over the top of your dog’s food.
This is the easiest method to feed sea kelp. I have found this method to be both efficient and effective.
My dogs love the taste of it so adding it directly has not posed a problem for us.
2. Combine it into turmeric paste and freeze it once the paste has cooled down.
As I discuss at great length in Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 5 Supplements You MUST Try, turmeric paste is a fantastic anti-inflammatory.
Combining the sea kelp with turmeric paste will provide a powerful immune system booster for your dog.
3. Mix sea kelp into food.
This method works well for very picky dogs with just about any ground, semi-solid food.
Some healthy options you can try are raw ground food, kefir, yogurt, raw ground beef, a raw egg, or cultured raw goat milk.
Precautions When Feeding Organic Sea Kelp to Dogs
The precautions for feeding organic sea kelp to dogs are pretty minimal.
Here are a couple of things to keep in mind.
1. If your dog’s thyroid is already overstimulated (hyperthyroid), you may want to avoid giving organic sea kelp.
Because sea kelp has such a concentrated amount of iodine in it, it can overstimulate the thyroid gland. While most dogs can benefit from iodine supplementation, you will want to check with your veterinarian if your dog has hyperthyroidism.
2. Most sea kelp, seaweed, and algae take up minerals from the waters they inhabit.
As such, they can also absorb heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead.
While arsenic in a very small amount is naturally occurring and present in all kelp, you want to make sure you are selecting a certified organic sea kelp product for your dog.
Summary
Now it’s your turn.
Have you used organic sea kelp either for yourself or your dog as an immune system booster? What kelp benefits have you realized while using it?
Share your experience in the comments below. I would love to hear from you!
blog posts
nutrition & health
Resources
1. Kelp: The Oceanic Plant With Skin, Health & Thyroid Benefits
2. 8 Things You Need to Know About Iodine Deficiency in Dogs
3. Difference Between Kelp and Seaweed
4. Why Carrageenan Can Be Dangerous to your Pet
5. Carrageenan: How a “Natural” Food Additive is Making Us Sick
