Can dogs or cats eat seaweed?
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Can dogs eat seaweed?
Certain types of seaweed can be a nutritious addition to your dog's diet, though only in moderation. Seaweed is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including iodine, iron, calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains antioxidants, which can help support your dog's immune system.
Just remember that too much seaweed can cause iodine toxicity, which in turn can lead to hyperthyroidism (swelling in the gland under the jaw or neck area). And keep in mind that certain types of seaweed ,such as hijiki, contain arsenic, which could be harmful to your dog if they eat it regularly or in large amounts.
In general, you should only feed your dog seaweed as an occasional treat.
Also, you should only give them plain seaweed that's completely unseasoned. Soy sauce, for example, can make your dog extremely ill due to its high sodium content. And while seaweed itself can be safe to eat, that doesn't mean you should attempt to turn your pup into a sushi connoisseur; raw fish can contain illness-causing bacteria.
As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult with your veterinarian first! If your dog eats seaweed (or any food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If your pet requires veterinary care due to something they ate, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.
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Can cats eat seaweed?
Yup, kitties can eat certain types of seaweed in moderation, as an occasional treat. Seaweed is rich in essential nutrients such as iodine, potassium, calcium, iron, vitamins A and C, and omega-3 fatty Acids. These nutrients are important for maintaining good overall health in cats.
Just keep in mind that not all types of seaweed are safe for cats to eat. Hijiki, for example, contains arsenic, which could be harmful for your cat if they eat it regularly or in large amounts. You should also avoid giving them seaweed that contains high levels of salt, which could lead to dehydration or illness. (In general you, should only give them plain seaweed without any seasonings or additives; soy sauce, for instance, could make your cat ill due to its high salt content.) And don't attempt to introduce your cat to sushi, as raw fish can contain illness-causing bacteria.
Feeding your cat too much seaweed can also cause iodine toxicity, which can lead to hyperthyroidism (a swelling in the gland under the jaw or neck area). So again, moderation is key.
As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult with your veterinarian first! If your cat eats seaweed (or any food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If your pet requires veterinary care due to something they ate, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.
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Information Purposes Only
The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian.
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Food Safety Statuses
Could be given almost daily without harm
Not toxic, but should not be given regularly
Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet