Kelp and Pets
Have you ever been on the beach with your furry friend and they launched themselves into a patch of kelp or seaweed that washed up on the shore? They seem to love it, rolling around in it, sniffing it, sometimes maybe even chewing on it. Well your furry friend might be onto something! Kelp is chock full of vital nutrients, minerals and vitamins to support a healthy life. Not only is kelp good for your pets, but they love it too, just ask Spirit!
Spirit was notorious for sprinting towards a patch of kelp the moment we got to the beach. We thought it was just a quirk of his, but little did we know at the time - kelp is an amazing dietary supplement for pets!
Kelp is a natural source of vital nutrients such as iodine, calcium, potassium and a whole swath of antioxidants and vitamins. It is packed with protein, which aids muscle and tissue development. It is also full of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and supports the gut microbiome (fun fact: 70% of a dog’s immune system resides in the gut, so keeping their bellies happy is super important!).
Including just a small amount of kelp in your pet’s diet can help fill nutrient gaps and make a world of difference in your best friend’s life - such as:
Metabolism:
Iodine promotes thyroid function which is responsible for regulating metabolism and energy
Bone & Joint:
Fucoidan and alginates support arthritis and joint inflammation, helping to keep your pets moving
Calcium, potassium, magnesium and Vitamin K play a key role in bone health and development
Gut Health:
Algal polysaccharides (some unique to brown kelps) and dietary fiber act as a prebiotic to promote healthy gut bacteria
Skin and Coat:
Alginates, fucoidans and vitamins support a healthy and happy coat, reducing inflammation and the resultant itching and skin irritation, adding great support for those with allergies or more sensitive skin
Oral Hygiene:
Alginic acid is shown to reduce tartar and plaque build up, helping with bad breath and disease causing bacteria
The first evidence of humans consuming kelp for food and medicine was over 14,000 years ago. Since then, kelp has been documented for its cultural, medicinal and dietary significance in humans and animals across the globe and time. In places like Japan, where kelp and seaweeds have remained a staple in diets, some people claim it is the bedrock of longevity! We are just now rediscovering our relationship with kelp and its benefits, so why not share that with our animal companions so they can live just as well as we do!
At PKC, we love our furry friends and want them to be as happy and healthy as possible. We are excited to provide a natural and organic source of nutrients to support their health and wellbeing. That’s why we are working hard on the launch of our first kelp farm, so we can bring you, your pets and the environment - better, healthier and more sustainable solutions.
Big thank you to Polly, Alex, and Spirit for their love of kelp and photo contributions!