My dog loves to eat Nori seaweed sheets, is it OK?

Is Seaweed Safe For Dogs To Eat
Is Seaweed Safe For Dogs To Eat

Can dogs eat nori seaweed?

Nori, being considered as seaweed, is safe for dogs to eat as long as it is not seasoned with salt, spices such as garlic and onions, and other additives. In fact, some seaweed-loving dog parents report that the tiny slices of seaweed are actually good training foods for a pooch. However, it is better to monitor your dog’s consumption of nori since excessive intake might upset your dog’s digestive system that can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. So even if nori is safe to be included in a dog’s diet, it is still best to limit his/her nori snack intake.

What is Nori?

You can easily define nori as the dark/black wrapping paper around maki sushi rolls since this is the most common application of nori. It was originally the Japanese who termed it for edible seaweeds. This paste is usually very salty and is commonly used to cover rice or as a medicinal dressing. Although safe for dogs, nori should still be taken moderately because it is a processed seaweed hence not good for large consumption.

What does Nori contain that is good for my dogs?

Seaweed is particularly nutritious because it contains protein and is rich in iron, iodine, magnesium, and omega 3 fatty acids. And since nori is a type of seaweed, it is perfectly safe to include it in your dog’s diet especially that it is also a good source of vitamin B12. Further, commercially produced supplements and seaweed snacks such as nori that are safe for humans to consume can also be shared with your dog. However, the recommended way on sharing seaweed with your canines is to add only a pinch of seaweed supplement to his/her food in order to regulate your four-legged friend’s intake because excessive consumption may lead to an upset stomach. 

Are seaweeds poisonous to dogs?

Seaweed is actually used in many seaweed supplements for pet foods since it has a lot of nutritional value that can benefit your dog. It is rich in iron, iodine, magnesium, and omega 3 fatty acids that can boost your dog’s immune system. Nevertheless, the only exception to seaweed consumption is those found along the coast because these breeds can absorb pollutants, making it unhealthy for any dog that consumes it.

How much nori should I give to my dog?

Since nori is a type of seaweed that can be safely consumed by your furry pets, you can actually add it to their diet. But please note that because it is a processed seaweed, your dogs may experience symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Therefore, it is really important to regulate your pooch consumption in order to keep him/her safe from seaweed poisoning. Dogs that are smaller than 30 pounds must only have not more than ½ teaspoon of nori while those over 90 pounds can be given up to 2 teaspoons.

Are there any hazards in making Nori a treat for my dog?

Providing safe seaweed snacks like nori will make your dog become interested in seaweeds which can, however, be dangerous once you take him/her to the beach. Always remember that it is important to not let your dog eat any seaweed found on the beach because the wild algae common on summer beaches are very dangerous for your dog. Due to the hot temperature, the wild algae will dry up and shrivels. Once your dog eats wild algae, it will absorb water and expand in the digestive system, causing a potentially fatal blockage. In addition, the seaweed found on the beach may contain pollutants and organisms that are toxic to your puppies. Therefore, when exploring the beach, it is best to keep him/her on the leash to prevent him/her from swallowing seaweeds. However, if your dog accidentally ate seaweed, please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for proper treatment. 

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