Can Cats Eat Seaweed?

You might have read that seaweed is a great addition to your diet… It is packed full of healthy nutrients, and can be super tasty if used right. In that case, would it be a good addition for your cat too? Can cats eat seaweed?

Can cats eat seaweed?

Yes they can! Seaweed is a densely packed food that is wonderful for the diet of a lot of pets, including our feline friends.

The truth is that cats do not need seaweed to thrive, but a little bit can have its beneficial effects. Always in the right amounts, of course!

There are multiple seaweeds that are good for your cat: Acadian Sea Kelp, Dulse, Irish Moss, Nori, Kombu, Wakame and Sea Lettuce.

What are the health benefits of seaweed?

Let’s get straight to the point! Seaweed is full of bioactive compounds and nutrients. Here are the top benefits of feeding some seaweed to your cat:

-It helps with sensitive/itchy skin

This weed is full of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help cats keep their coat silky and smooth, without the risk of packing on extra pounds. It also may help to reduce skin dryness, redness and decrease inflammation.

-It helps with indigestion issues

Full of prebiotics, seaweed promotes healthy gut activity in most mammals. These prebiotics give live bacterial cultures (naturally present in feline gastrointestinal tract) the nourishment they need to control bad bacteria. The result is an improvement of digestion and nutrient absorption.

Seaweed is also packed with chelated minerals, that can act as an antacid to ease discomfort.

-It reduces free radical damage

When cats consume antioxidants, like seaweed, their cells get better at auto-repairing and fighting off the worst effects. As a result, cats are better protected against the negative impact of aging.

-It helps with teeth cleaning

Bacillus licheniformis is the name of the enzyme that makes seaweed good for teeth cleaning. This enzyme works to protect against tooth decay by keeping bacteria away from plaque.

What should I be aware of when offering seaweed to my cat?

It’s important to keep in mind that high quantities of seaweed are dangerous. This is mostly due to the prevalence of iodine – too much of it can impact thyroid functions. That’s why cats with hyperthyroidism should not be fed with seaweed.

For healthy cats, moderation is key. Many felines love the taste of seaweed, so offering it in the form of treats or dental chews could be a good addition. Regarding quantities, you should feed the amount recommended on the label, but as a general rule, do not offer more than 0,3g a day.

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