Sea vegetables and algae are naturally rich sources of nutrients and have been used in human and animal nutrition for many years. They contain a variety of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, fibre and naturally occurring plant compounds.
From kelp and wakame to spirulina and chlorella, each type has its own nutritional profile. They can add variety to an animal's diet and provide nutrients that may be less abundant in other food ingredients.
Let's take a closer look at some of the sea vegetables and algae commonly used in pet nutrition and what makes each one interesting.
Kelp
Kelp is a type of large brown seaweed that grows in coastal waters. It's particularly well known for its naturally occurring iodine content, along with a range of other minerals and trace elements.
Iodine is an essential nutrient involved in the production of thyroid hormones, which help regulate metabolism. Kelp also contains naturally occurring polysaccharides, including alginates, as well as other plant compounds.
Kelp is used in a variety of animal nutritional products and can be included in the diet in liquid or powdered form.
Greenpet stocks several seaweed products, including:
A note about iodine: Kelp can contain high and variable levels of iodine. The amount depends on the species, growing conditions and processing methods. More isn't necessarily better, so take care when combining multiple iodine-containing products or adding kelp to an already supplemented diet.
Wakame
Wakame is a brown seaweed, scientifically known as Undaria pinnatifida. It's traditionally eaten in parts of Asia and is valued for its mineral content and naturally occurring plant compounds.
Wakame contains a range of minerals, including calcium, magnesium and iodine, as well as fucoxanthin, a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment. It also contains fucoidan, a type of sulphated polysaccharide found in several brown seaweeds.
Wakame has attracted research interest because of its unique nutritional composition. However, research into individual compounds doesn't mean that feeding wakame will produce a particular health outcome in pets.
You can find Augustine's Approved Wakame Powder in the Greenpet range.
Ascophyllum nodosum
Ascophyllum nodosum, commonly known as Norwegian kelp or egg wrack, is a brown seaweed found along the North Atlantic coastline.
It's particularly well known in pet nutrition for its use in dental products. Naturally occurring compounds in this seaweed have been studied for their interaction with oral bacteria and the formation of plaque.
You'll often find Ascophyllum nodosum listed as an ingredient in seaweed dental powders for dogs and cats.
Greenpet's seaweed range includes products featuring seaweed for everyday nutritional use. You can also read more about bad breath in dogs and cats.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue-green microalga, more accurately classified as a type of cyanobacteria. Unlike kelp and wakame, it isn't a seaweed, but it's often grouped with algae-based nutritional ingredients.
Spirulina has an impressive nutritional profile. It's naturally rich in protein and contains amino acids, B vitamins, minerals, carotenoids and the blue-green pigment phycocyanin. It also provides gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid.
Its naturally occurring antioxidant compounds have made spirulina a popular ingredient in animal nutrition. It's commonly included in nutritional blends and can be added to food in small amounts.
Spirulina is also a source of chlorophyll and other pigments that contribute to its distinctive deep green-blue colour.
Greenpet stocks Greenpet Organic Spirulina, as well as Greenpet Supa Greens, which includes a selection of antioxidant-rich ingredients.
Chlorella
Chlorella is a single-celled freshwater green microalga valued for its concentrated nutritional profile. Like spirulina, it's often used as a nutritional ingredient in animal supplements, but the two algae have different compositions.
Chlorella contains plant-based protein, fibre, chlorophyll, carotenoids, vitamins and minerals. It also contains naturally occurring antioxidant compounds.
One interesting feature of chlorella is its tough outer cell wall. You'll often see supplements labelled as broken-cell-wall chlorella. This means the cell wall has been processed to help make its nutrients more accessible.
Chlorella has attracted interest in nutritional research because of its protein content and range of naturally occurring compounds. However, its nutritional value will depend on the quality of the product, how it's processed and the amount included in the diet.
When choosing a chlorella supplement for your animal, look for a reputable supplier with appropriate quality testing for contaminants, including heavy metals.
Adding Sea Vegetables and Algae to Your Pet's Diet
Sea vegetables and algae can provide a variety of nutrients, but each ingredient has its own nutritional profile. It's worth considering the whole diet before adding them, particularly if your animal is already receiving a supplement containing similar ingredients.
A few things to keep in mind:
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Introduce gradually: Start with a small amount and observe how your animal responds before increasing it.
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Check the iodine content: Brown seaweeds such as kelp and wakame can contain significant amounts of iodine. Avoid adding several iodine-rich products without considering their combined contribution.
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Choose quality products: Look for reputable suppliers and products with appropriate testing for contaminants, particularly heavy metals.
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Consider the individual animal: Age, size, diet and individual nutritional requirements all influence which ingredients may be appropriate.
Animals with an existing thyroid condition or those following an iodine-restricted diet need particular care with seaweed products. The iodine content can vary considerably between products, so it's important to check the nutritional information rather than assuming all seaweeds contain similar amounts.
A Little Variety Goes a Long Way
Kelp, wakame, Ascophyllum nodosum, spirulina and chlorella each offer something different. Whether used individually or as part of a broader nutritional blend, these ingredients can add variety to an animal's diet.
As with any supplement, the aim is to complement a balanced diet rather than simply adding more ingredients. Choose quality products, consider the nutrients already present in your animal's food and introduce new ingredients thoughtfully.