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Autor: Franz Malten Buemann

  • Can Dogs Eat Seaweed?

    Can Dogs Eat Seaweed? 

    ‘Seaweed’ is an umbrella term for the many species of marine algae and plants. All varieties of seaweed are technically edible, but many are either too difficult to process for cooking or flavor, can upset the stomach, or carry dangerous toxins. A few types of seaweed are edible and choice, eaten commonly around the world, and used both for culinary and medicinal purposes.

    We know people can eat seaweed, and that many marine species eat seaweed, but can dogs eat seaweed? 

    Basic answer: Yes! 

    Now let’s take a closer look at how you can keep your pup safe while letting them enjoy this oceanic veggie.   

    Is Seaweed Safe for Dogs?

    In most cases yes, seaweed is safe for dogs, but as with all foods, there are possible risks, and some rules to follow to avoid those risks. Here are a few important pieces of advice for safely letting your dog eat seaweed: 

  • Start slow! Your dog could be allergic or sensitive to seaweed, so only feed them a very small amount the first few times to make sure they don’t experience an adverse reaction.

  • Only feed your dog seaweed you would also eat! Not all varieties are safe for dogs to eat, but those that you would commonly find on grocery store shelves are.

  • Beware of seasoning! All seaweed is naturally salty, but some have added salt and seasonings. These should generally be avoided since heavily salted or seasoned foods are not good for your dog.

  • Never let your dog eat seaweed from a lake or ocean since this could expose your dog to dangerous bacteria, unsafe algae, or a choking hazard. Blue-green algae is particularly dangerous and has been proven fatal for some dogs. 

    • Common Types of Seaweed

    Seaweed is most commonly used as an ingredient in East Asian cooking but can be found around the world today in grocery stores and on restaurant menus. Some of the common types of seaweed you’ll come across include:

    Seaweed Type

    What Does It Look Like?

    Common Uses

    Format

    Safe for Dogs?

    Nori

    Sushi rolls, “seaweed snacks”

    Used in dry sheets

    Yes! In moderation

    Wakame

    Seaweed salad, miso soup

    Rehydrated from dry

    Yes! In moderation

    Kombu

    Broth flavoring, salads

    Rehydrated from dry

    Yes! In moderation

    Dulse

    Broth flavoring, seasoning, marinated side dishes

    Rehydrated from dry

    Yes! In moderation

    Spirulina*

    Nutritional supplement

    Powder

    Yes! In moderation

    *Technically an algae.

    While these are the most common seaweeds you’ll find in your local store, other varieties of kelp (a variety of seaweed that includes more than 100 species) are also recommended for dogs, and used in seaweed supplements. 

    Nutritional Value of Seaweed

    Seaweed is super nutritious, both for humans and dogs! Packed with antioxidants, prebiotics, and key nutrients like magnesium and iron, seaweed has been used for centuries for its nutritional and culinary value. Some studies even suggest that certain varieties of seaweed have anti-tumor properties, and could be used to treat cancer. 

    How Much Seaweed Can I Give My Dog?

    Dogs should get the majority of their calories and nutrition from their regular diet, so like all treats, seaweed should only be a once-in-a-while treat. A small piece of nori or a few strands of wakame are totally safe for your pooch, but remember that salted and seasoned human treats aren’t always healthy for your dog. 

    If you want to regularly give your dog seaweed so they can enjoy the nutritional benefits, check out some of the options we’ve listed at the end of this blog. 

    Can Dogs Eat Seaweed? The FAQ

    Now it’s time to answer your questions! Here’s what our community of loving dog owners wants to know about dogs eating seaweed. 

    Can Dogs Eat Packaged Seaweed? 

    Yes, but in moderation. Packaged seaweed is the only seaweed you should ever allow your dog to eat, but the kind you give them matters. Seaweed snacks are processed with heavy oils and seasonings, so that would be something to only give your dog once in a while. Processed kelp supplements, on the other hand, can be added to your dog’s regular diet – just be sure to chat with a vet before you make changes to their food. 

    What Happens if a Dog Eats Seaweed?

    Nothing! Unless your dog eats an enormous amount of seaweed, has an allergic reaction, or chokes on the seaweed, they should be completely fine after eating seaweed. If you are concerned at all about your dog’s health, contact your vet immediately. 

    Is Seaweed Good for Dogs?

    Yes! Unsalted and unseasoned seaweed is good for dogs, but it should not be their main source of nutrition. 

    Can Dogs Eat Seaweed from Lakes & Oceans?

    NEVER allow your dog to eat seaweed or algae from a body of water. Similarly, you should not allow your dogs to swim in areas known to have blue-green algae, a possibly deadly variety of algae. If you like to swim with your dog, make sure to check local resources to learn which places are safest for you and your pup. 

    Best Ways To Give Your Dog Seaweed

    While your dog can enjoy a few little bits of the seaweed you eat, it’s better to give them seaweed that has been processed specifically for dogs. Seaweed treats, like these dental dare jerky treats that contain ground seaweed, are safely formulated for your dog’s biological needs and might taste better to your four-legged pal than pure seaweed. That said, many dogs really like the taste of seaweed!

    Another great option is to add a food topper or natural seaweed supplement to your dog’s diet. Great for healthy digestion, skin, fur, and immune health, powder supplements are a super easy way to give your dog extra nutrition without much time or effort. As with all dietary changes, be sure to talk to your vet before adding a seaweed supplement to your dog’s food. 

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  • Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?

    Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?

    A breakfast staple for people around the globe, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t at least tasted oatmeal. As with many human foods, pet owners worldwide are asking the same question: can dogs eat oatmeal? 

    can dogs eat oatmeal?

    To give a short answer: yes! Your pup can eat oatmeal, and it’s a human-food favorite for countless dogs!

    There’s absolutely no danger to your dog if they want to enjoy a bit of oatmeal, but as with everything else, moderation is key. Below, we’ll get into the specifics of how to best feed your dog oatmeal so that they can enjoy a snack without disrupting their diet!

    Is Oatmeal Safe for Dogs?

    Yes, it absolutely is, so if you’re enjoying an oatmeal breakfast, go ahead and share a bit with your dog! The one caveat to this is that every dog is different, so if you’re unsure how your dog will process a new food, it’s best to check with your vet first.

    Some dogs’ stomachs are more delicate than others, so suddenly introducing a new food into their diet may cause some issues. For the same reason you can’t suddenly switch the type of dog food your pup is having, it’s best to err on the side of caution when letting them try new things. Your dog won’t be in any real danger, but an upset stomach is best to avoid entirely. 

    oatmeal

    Finally, be sure your dog isn’t allergic to oatmeal or any of the toppings you’ve used in it, and that you only include dog-safe additives.

    Benefits of Oatmeal

    Much like humans, dogs stand to receive a number of benefits from a nutritious oatmeal snack! First and foremost, oatmeal is chock-full of fiber, which will aid their digestion. In addition, oatmeal contains vital nutrients such as vitamins A and B, iron, and calcium, perfect for keeping your pup happy and healthy.

    However, it’s important for your dog to be receiving the bulk of their nutrients from their regular food. As your dog shouldn’t be eating more than a small portion of oatmeal at once, they won’t be able to rely on it for all the nutrients they need to get through the day. Talk with your vet to ensure your dog’s everyday food is providing for all their nutritional needs.

    How Much Oatmeal Can I Give My Dog?

    Keep in mind that dogs require far fewer calories than humans to get by, so while a 200-calorie serving of oatmeal wouldn’t be much to you, it’s probably way too much for your furry friend. Not only could this lead to weight gain, but it could also cause an upset stomach for your dog from overeating.

    You’ll need to keep servings small whenever you’re feeding your dog oatmeal. Just a tablespoon or two should be fine for most dogs, but as always, consult your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

    Should Oatmeal Be Cooked For Dogs?

    cooked oatmeal

    Yes, you should cook oatmeal before giving it to your dog. While most dogs can digest cooked oatmeal without too much issue, uncooked oatmeal is much harder on their gut. Naturally, this means it’s much easier to upset your pup’s stomach by feeding them raw oats, so it’s best to avoid doing so.

    FAQ

    When introducing new foods to your pup’s diet, it’s good to be inquisitive, and fortunately, most pet owners are. There are a number of frequently asked questions regarding ways to feed your dog oatmeal, which we’ve listed below.

    Is Oatmeal Or Rice Better For Dogs?

    It depends on the dog. Both rice and oatmeal are completely safe for dogs to consume, but depending on your dog’s gut as an individual, one may be a better choice than the other. As always, talk to your vet to determine which human foods are best for your dog. However, as long as you clear it with your vet first, feel free to let your pup enjoy both rice and oatmeal!

    Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal With Milk?

    No, and milk should be avoided altogether in your pup’s diet. Lactose intolerance and dairy allergies are extremely common in dogs, so giving your dog milk will naturally cause an upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea. Though some dogs can safely consume small amounts of dairy, it’s best not to test the waters.

    Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Daily?

    Probably not. As mentioned before, you shouldn’t replace your dog’s everyday food with oatmeal, as it doesn’t meet all their dietary needs. You’re best off giving your dog the same food as always, while oatmeal can be a special treat a few times weekly. Everything in moderation!

    Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Cookies?

    the dog bakery oatmeal cookie bites

    Yes, as long as you use dog-safe ingredients! This means you’ll have to substitute or omit some of your favorite oatmeal cookie add-ins, such as artificial flavors, dairy, and raisins. If you want to make your own, we’ve written a blog post all about oatmeal cookies for dogs! Of course, if you want to be completely sure your pup’s treat is safe, you can buy them directly from The Dog Bakery, too!

    How To Cook Oatmeal For Dogs?

    Keep it simple! Your favorite oatmeal toppings may not be safe to feed your dog, so you’ll want to use as few ingredients as possible. Just cook your pup’s oatmeal in water and serve! Without all those extra sugars, fats, and ingredients unsafe for dogs, your pup will be able to enjoy the benefits of their healthy oatmeal snack to the fullest!

    Should You Make Oatmeal For Dogs With Diarrhea?

    It’s best not to. Oatmeal’s high fiber content makes it excellent for aiding digestion. Of course, if your pup is currently suffering from diarrhea, feeding them high-fiber foods will only exacerbate their digestive issues. Wait until your dog is feeling better, then continue feeding them their regular oatmeal treats!

    Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal With Brown Sugar?

    No, foods with added sugar are not good for your dog. Feeding your dog a high-sugar diet will cause poor dental health, weight gain, and sickness. While brown sugar is admittedly a delicious oatmeal topping for humans, you shouldn’t feed it to your dog.

    Can Dogs Eat Oats And Honey?

    oatmeal and honey

    In moderation, yes! Honey is a natural sugar, and won’t have the same negative effects as your typical white sugar. However, it’s quite rich, so if you feed your pup honey, be sure to only use a small amount!

    Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal With Cinnamon?

    Yes, but only in small amounts. Cinnamon isn’t toxic to dogs, but much like humans, they’ll feel some adverse effects from consuming too much. If you want to add cinnamon into your dog’s oatmeal, don’t use very much, and make sure your dog doesn’t react poorly.

    For more delicious dog recipes and pre-made snacks, cakes, and more, come visit us at The Dog Bakery! We’re a company made by and for pet lovers, so we want to help dogs enjoy all their humans’ favorite treats safely!

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