Kelp for pets

Kelp is a seaweed plant that grows in cool ocean waters. It can be used to create soap and glass, and is eaten in many ways in many cultures. Alginate, a carbohydrate derived from kelp is used to thicken products such as ice cream, jelly and toothpaste. In Japan, one popular species of seaweed, kombu is used to flavor broths and stews as a garnish, as a vegetable and even in snacks. If you've eaten sushi, you've probably eaten sushi wrapped in seaweed.

Kelp is also used in higher quality dog and cat foods, dog treats, and supplements that we sell at VictoriasAllNaturalPetHealth.com.

Kelp is reported to benefit our dogs by supporting thyroid health, heart health, their appearance (shiny coats) and digestion. Our kelp supplements for pets taste salty and can be easily served to your pets by sprinkling it on their food. Like most products sold at VictoriasAllNaturalPetHealth.com, the kelp we offer is very high quality human grade, which means you and your pet can both enjoy it. If you prefer, our kelp powders can be put into capsules.

Seaweed is rich in nutrients and trace minerals and can contain sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chlorine, sulfur and phosphorus; the micronutrients include iodine, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, molybdenum, fluoride, manganese, boron, nickel and cobalt.

Seaweed has such a large proportion of iodine compared to dietary minimum requirements, that it is primarily known as a source of this nutrient. The RDA of iodine can be obtained from very small quantities of seaweed. Just one gram of dried brown algae provides 3-53 times the RDA for adult humans of iodine. Green and red algae (such as the purple nori that is used in Japanese cuisine) provides approximately 1-2 times the RDA for adult humans in just a single gram.

There is no known RDA of iodine for pets. Supplements that are available in our store have recommended usage stated on the package. It is believed that when a pet's diet is supplemented with kelp as a whole food source of iodine, the body can choose what it needs and reject what it doesn't. Your veterinarian can also discuss kelp supplementation with your.

Iodine supplementation, such as that found in kelp, may interact with thyroid medication. If your pet is taking a thyroid medication, discuss iodine supplementation with your pet's veterinarian.

Our Kelp Supplements for Pets:

More information:

http://www.itmonline.org/arts/seaweed.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/35.html
http://www.wikipedia.org