Spirulina, A Powerful Antioxidant, & Its Use In Dogs

What is spirulina

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae. It grows in alkaline-rich waters, usually in lakes. It can protect cells from damage because it's rich in the following:

• Protein
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Carotenoids
• Antioxidants

Spirulina can be contaminated because of its growing conditions. Pollution, run-off, and mercury can end up in water supplies and contaminate spirulina. Because of this, it’s best to research companies before buying. Organic, GMP-certified, and third-party tested will be the best products.

Benefits of spirulina

• Relieve allergies
• Immune-boosting
• Aids digestion
• Neutralize free radicals
• Improve thyroid function
• Can help fight and prevent cancer
• Lubricate joints and connective tissue
• Aids in detoxing body from heavy metals and other contaminants

Why is spirulina so powerful

Spirulina is loaded with all the good stuff! It contains more than 50% protein. It's rich in chlorophyll, which can help reduce stress, ease digestion, and neutralize free-radicals. And it's full of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, omega-3’s, and enzymes.

Uses of spirulina

While spirulina can be used daily for prevention of illness, it can be used to treat health issues too. Some health issues that spirulina can help ease are:

• Inflammation
• Cancer
• Nutrient and vitamin deficiencies
• Immune support
• Bacteria and yeast overgrowth
• Contaminant reduction (like heavy metals or radiation)

Immune-boosting

Spirulina boosts the immune system by activating the disease fighters in the body. Got macrophages?

It can also activate natural killer cells, which fight cancer. And genes damaged by toxins and radiation can be repaired with the help of spirulina.

Improve Gut Health

If your dog suffers from GI-issues, spirulina can help.

Spirulina lowers bad bacteria and stimulates good gut bacteria, like lactobacillus. A healthy gut improves digestion. Research has shown a healthy gut can:

• Improve energy
• Lower stress
• Decrease anxiety

How to use

When using spirulina as a supplement, I like using the powder form. This allows for dose adjustments based on your dog’s response.

If your dog is sensitive to new supplements, start with 50% of the recommended dose. As your dog tolerates, add more powder every 2-4 days until you’re giving the full recommended dose.

General recommendations are ¼ teaspoon per pound of food for dogs. And for cats, ⅛ teaspoon per pound of food.

If easier, you can sprinkle a small amount of powder on your dog’s food before serving. Even a small amount of spirulina will provide health benefits.

As mentioned earlier, make sure to research the brand of spirulina before buying. Spirulina can be contaminated with pollutants depending on where it’s grown. It is worth paying a little more to ensure you’re giving quality supplements to your dog.

When it comes to supplements, spirulina contains a lot of benefits. Both nutrient-rich and packed with antioxidants, a small dose will be beneficial.

Make sure to discuss with your veterinarian before starting a new supplement, such as spirulina.

Subscribe to our weekly blog by submitting your information in the box below.