Why Kelp Is Great for Your Dog

Kelp has been touted as a highly beneficial supplement for humans for some time.  It contains lots of vitamins and minerals, some of which are hard to get from other sources.  But did you know that kelp has numerous benefits for dogs as well.

Feeding your dog kelp on a regular basis can do great things for his health.  Here are some of the benefits you can expect to see:

• Shinier coat and softer, healthier skin
• Better digestion
• Increased immune function, which means less sickness and quicker healing from injuries
• Greater milk production in lactating females
• Healthier puppies born to parents that were given kelp

Kelp is especially beneficial for glandular health.  This results in greater balance throughout the dog’s system, as well as less incidence of hyperthyroidism and other glandular disorders.  The thyroid and pituitary glands directly affect digestion, so this explains in part why dogs that eat kelp digest their food and absorb nutrients better.  They have a more efficient metabolism, too.

Dogs also need plenty of fiber to keep their digestive systems in check, and kelp is a great source of fiber.  This keeps the digestive tract clean and helps prevent absorption of toxic metals.  A diet high in fiber also helps fight inflammation, rheumatism, and the development and growth of tumors.

Puppies can benefit greatly from kelp as well.  It contains many of the things they need to grow up healthy and strong.  Kelp given to reproducing dogs will make birthing easier and result in better health and increased survival rates for their puppies.

Kelp contains over 100 nutrients that your dog needs.  It is a wonderful source of trace minerals, including iodine, magnesium, zinc, copper, gold, cobalt, and selenium.  Also found in kelp are high levels of B vitamins, as well as Vitamin E and C.  In addition to these vitamins and minerals, kelp is also rich in amino acids.

The easiest way to include kelp in your dog’s diet is to give him food that contains it each day.  Kelp is also available in dried form, which preserves its nutritional benefits very well.  There are also a number of kelp supplements in various forms on the market, but these vary in effectiveness.

Kelp has been called a miracle plant due to its outstanding nutritional value and ability to balance the human system.  Including it in your dog’s diet on a regular basis can improve his overall health and help treat a number of existing health problems.  Whether included as an ingredient in your dog’s food or given as a supplement, kelp is one of the best things you can give your best friend.