Studies show that spirulina contains more than 100 vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients!
Not bad for an alga, right?
However, the “danger of spirulina” is real, especially when people are thinking to give it to pets.
Truthfully, spirulina is a type of cyanobacteria, so it’s essentially a microbe. It can be damaging to the health of both pets and humans if it is consumed in very high quantities.
On the other hand, spirulina consumption of about 1-3 grams has been proven effective in humans.
But is it safe to pets too?
Keep reading and you’ll find out!
The danger of spirulina – myth or fact?
When taking any type of supplement, it’s important to consider the dosage.
For example, very high amounts of vitamin A can cause health problems such as dizziness and nausea. But if you take just a small amount, you’ll be fine.
The same story goes for calcium – too much can cause kidney stones. Too little can cause brittle bones.
Spirulina is not an exception in this case and probably that’s why people think it can be dangerous.
When it comes to pets, you just have to administer smaller amounts. Dogs might need about 1/4 teaspoons for each pound of food. Cats might need 1/2 per pound of food.
What are the spirulina health benefits?
That’s a great question!
Spirulina provides numerous health benefits to humans and it will obviously be beneficial to cats and dogs too.
Let’s take them one by one and learn more about this blue-green alga.
Spirulina detoxifies your dog or cat
Our pets are exposed to numerous chemicals and dangerous substances on a daily basis, just as we humans do.
Some of the most dangerous impurities can come from water, food and even the air we breathe. Spirulina is chock-full of antioxidants which help the body eliminate toxins and unnecessary elements.
For example, spirulina can reduce kidney toxicity and eliminate toxins from the bloodstream.
This will make your pet less prone to getting sick and you’ll be able to enjoy its company for a longer period of time.
Spirulina can fight allergies
Have you ever saw a dog sneezing?
It’s a hilarious scenario, but you can do something to help and that is to administer spirulina to your canine friend.
Dogs can have allergies too. Spirulina helps by normalizing allergic sensitivity and eliminate the likelihood of developing a seasonal allergy.
The result?
Your dog or cat will sneeze less often and feel less itchy. This will help you enjoy a healthier pet and save money which would have been spent on allergy medication.
Dogs and cats are also quite sensitive to the pollen found in flowers. Administering spirulina will prevent your pet from developing allergies when you go outside and play in the park.
And if you do that often, don’t hesitate to get a GPS pet tracker so that you never lose your dog!
Spirulina improves the digestive function
Did you know that the bacteria in your gut are responsible for nutrient absorption from the foods you eat?
Since spirulina is essentially a bacterium, it can improve the digestion function and bowel movement. It will help the small intestine extract more nutrients from foods eaten and this improves general health.
Getting a spirulina supplement on a regular basis can also keep bad bacteria at bay such as Candida and E-coli.
It’s important to give spirulina to your pet in the form of a tablet or powder. You can combine it with food and administer it a few times per week for best results.
Spirulina improves the immune system
The immune system is constantly working to keep your dog or cat healthy and thriving. It fights bacteria of any kind and helps to eliminate toxins from the body.
Spirulina comes packed with numerous phytonutrients which help the immune system perform its job better.
Phytonutrients are nutrients coming from plants. They neutralize free radicals, help to repair cellular damage and eliminate waste products.
Studies have found out that spirulina can also help the body produce more red blood cells which are required for transporting oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs.
Since spirulina is so beneficial for the immune system of a pet, it can effectively replace antibiotic drugs at some point in the future.
Spirulina can prevent cancer
Cancer appears as a result of incorrect cell mutations.
Animals are as exposed to this disease as humans are, but spirulina can help as it has been discovered that it has anticancer properties.
Some components of spirulina such as biliprotein can stop cancer formation and drastically reduce the chance of developing this disease.
Another important component of spirulina is chlorophyll. Studies show that a chlorophyll supplement can help animals develop less cancerous tumors in the long run.
Cats and dogs will both benefit from getting spirulina and your furry friend will get to enjoy many happy and healthy birthdays as a result!
Safety precautions when it comes to administering spirulina
Although spirulina is definitely good for your pet’s health, do your homework before buying a supplement.
For example, make sure that you buy from a trustworthy brand which has been tested by a third-party agency.
You should also ask questions regarding the purity of the spirulina. Is it free of dangerous chemicals? Does it contain heavy metals? How about additives, preservatives, and flavors?
The vendor should also be able to provide a Certificate of Analysis which confirms the origin of the spirulina.
You might also want to ask the vendor if the spirulina is grown outdoors as it should be.
If you’re buying spirulina online, check the label and see the ingredients contained. Does something look suspicious to you? If it does, contact the vendor and ask for more information.
Conclusion
Although the danger of spirulina is minimal, remember that this is not a magic bullet.
You just have to do your research properly and administer spirulina supplements in the right dosages. This will make your dog wiggle its tail with joy!
Feel free to also check out our other pet articles! You can learn more about how to be a better animal owner and enjoy a happier pet.
