The ocean is home to the greatest diversity of life on Earth. From awe-inspiring plants to dangerously interesting animals, most of what comes from the ocean seems alien in appearance. What’s more, many of these are also called superfoods, packed with various vitamins and nutrients. One such seafood is: seaweedis an algae that is a delicacy around the world. Can cats eat seaweed, which humans use for many purposes?
Is seaweed safe for cats?
In general, seaweed is safe for cats to eat in moderation. As a major group of “plants,” there are many different types of seaweed that cats can and cannot eat. Some of the most common types of seaweed that are safe for cats include:
Fresh or rehydrated seaweed is the safest option for most cats.
How to feed seaweed to cats
It may come as a surprise, but cats tend to be very interested in seaweed. Check out this adorable TikTok video of two cats chasing seaweed together.
Before you start introducing seaweed into your cat’s diet, it’s always best to get your vet’s opinion – they will be the most knowledgeable about what’s best for your cat and can advise you on finding the best seaweed product for your cat.
Most store-bought seaweed is sold dried, making it ideal for preserving or for use in human foods. Unfortunately, dried seaweed can be dangerous to cats if ingested frequently or in large quantities.
When choosing seaweed, make sure it’s free of additives, as certain additives, such as sesame and garlic, can be irritating or even toxic to cats.
That’s why most people recommend soaking the seaweed in water to rehydrate it before feeding it to your cat, and then you can start giving it to your cat in small amounts, starting slowly.
So there you have it, feeding your cat seaweed is as easy as that.
There are a few important points to keep in mind when feeding seaweed to your cat. Below we have summarised the most important points to remember:
- Stick to plain seaweed products: Products with additives may be toxic or irritating to your cat’s digestive system.
- Rehydrate the seaweed: Dried seaweed can cause problems with your cat’s normal digestion.
- Let’s start small: Start giving your cat seaweed in small amounts and if she enjoys it you can increase the amount and make it a regular part of her diet.
- Use seaweed sparingly. Everyone loves treats, but giving too many treats every day can have negative health effects, and the same goes for cats, so offer seaweed as an occasional treat rather than as a daily staple in their diet.
Is it dangerous to feed seaweed to cats?
Now that we’ve covered some of the dangers that seaweed can pose to cats, let’s take a look at some of the main risks to keep in mind.
Bloating
One of the major risks associated with seaweed is expansion. Dried seaweed has a tendency to expand when it comes into contact with the moisture and humidity in your cat’s stomach. Too much dried seaweed can expand more than your cat can handle, causing bloating, indigestion and intestinal blockages.
For this reason, it is recommended to soak the seaweed in water (Stay hydrated) before giving it to your cat.
salt
As you can imagine, seaweed is quite high in salt. Introducing too much salt into your pet’s diet can cause nutritional and digestive issues. By keeping seaweed hydrated and limiting the amount you give to your cat, you can help prevent them from overdoing it on salt.
Toxins and metals
Seaweed is also Absorbs heavy metals and toxins Seaweed harvested from the natural environment can be detrimental to your cat’s health, so we recommend getting your seaweed from a reputable source rather than harvesting it in the wild or buying it cheaply.
The benefits of feeding seaweed to cats
In addition to the small risks, there are also some big benefits to feeding seaweed to your cat. First, seaweed is an excellent source of natural omega fats that are beneficial for your feline friend. Since there are few sources of such fats, seaweed can be a great addition to your cat’s diet.
Seaweed too Very rich in vitamins, protein and relatively easily digestible nutrientsA small amount of seaweed can add a superfood boost to your cat’s diet, complementing the nutritional value of their regular food.
