The sea holds a bounty of treasures that our feline friends can reap health benefits from. You may even wonder, “can my cat eat seaweed?” The answer is yes! When consumed in appropriate amounts, seaweeds and marine plants are safe, beneficial, and healthy for cats. This nutrient dense superfood provides a source of proteins, fiber, vitamins, trace minerals and essential fatty acids.

In this blog post, we will explore the nutritional benefits of seaweeds and marine plants as for cats, as well as the best sources of these nutrients.

High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Next to fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna, sea plants and seaweeds have a high content of omega-3 fatty acids comprising of EPA and DHA, two essential fatty acids that are important for cat health. These fatty acids are important for maintaining a healthy heart and circulation, as well as promoting good skin and fur. Adding seaweed to your cat’s food can also help to reduce inflammation and improve joint health.

Great Source of Iodine

Seaweeds and marine plants are an abundant source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for feline health. For example, seaweed is a good source of iodine, which is important for regulating the metabolism and supporting healthy thyroid function in cats.

Elkhorn sea moss, a red seaweed and kelp, a brown seaweed are just a few examples of seaweeds that cats can eat that are rich in iodine. Iodine helps with many functions including proper function of the thyroid gland. A diet that is low or deficient can lead to hyperthyroidism, an endocrine disease that is common in cats above 8 years old.

Antioxidant Rich

Another benefit of marine plants and seaweeds is their valuable source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help to support the immune system and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals produced in the body due to exposure to the environment, air pollutants and chemicals. Some of the best sources of antioxidants in seaweeds and marine plants include astaxanthin, a carotenoid that is found in marine algae such as the Hawaiian red algae and Haematococcus pluvialis, a microalgae.

Digestible Source of Fiber & Protein

Seaweeds and marine plants such as chlorella, a type of single-celled algae is also a great source of nutritional fiber for cats, which is important for digestive health. They help to regulate your cat’s digestive system, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy bowel movements.

Finally, seaweeds and marine plants are also a great source of protein for felines, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissues. Spirulina and chlorella, two types of blue-green algae are particularly rich in amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein.

In conclusion, seaweeds and marine plants are a great way to support feline health and well-being. Not only are they safe for cats to eat, but they are also a nutritional powerhouse that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and protein.

If you are looking to add seaweeds and marine plants to your cat’s diet, consider adding kelp, nori, kombu, elkhorn seamoss, spirulina, and chlorella to their diet. Alternatively, choose from our range of AAFCO complete and balanced raw cat food that includes superfoods such as prebiotic seaweed into each meal.

Sources

• “Antioxidant Effects of Seaweeds and Their Active Compounds on Animal Health and Production – A Review” Taylor & Francis Online, 8 April 2022 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01652176.2022.2061744
• “Seaweeds for Animal Health” Innovative Veterinary Care, 20 September 2017, https://ivcjournal.com/seaweeds-animal-health/
• “Red Algae.” International Journal of Current Advanced Research, 28 April 2022, https://journalijcar.org/sites/default/files/issue-files/13134-A-2022.pdf