Seaweed! Your Dogs Superfood

Do you eat seaweed?  Does your dog?

While seaweed may not seem an obvious choice for your dogs diet, it’s actually the ultimate health complement.

Most of us are familiar with seaweed in our sushi, and the accompanying miso soup. But beyond the delicious taste, have you ever wondered about the health benefits of seaweed for you and your furry friend?

Note: Despite dogs being able to thrive on a mixed diet, there is still a fierce debate over whether dogs are carnivores (meat-only) or omnivores (both meat and plants). My blogs are just my opinion, and from a trained Chefs point of view. 

First off, what is seaweed? Seaweed, or algae, belongs to a group of plant-like organisms that grow in the sea.  Most of the seaweed that we consume as food have many cells. Sea vegetables are full of nutrients. Coming in a multitude of colours, textures, shapes and sizes, all types contain a rich supply of minerals. 

So, here are the 3 reasons your dog should be eating seaweed...

1. Good Source of Vitamins & Minerals

Seaweed is a low calorie way for your dog to receive nutrients. "Sea Lettuce"comes jam packed with vitamins and minerals, all seaweeds contain Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Fiber, Magnesium, Iron, Vitamin B12 and Omega 3 Fatty Acids.  Many of these nutrients are just as important for dogs as they are for humans. The exact amount of each nutrient varies depending on the type of seaweed, but eating small portions of seaweed may help give your dog a healthy, glossy coat. Chef Cristi recommends Vitamin Sea seaweed supplement from the pristine waters of Maine. 

2. High in Protein

Many types of seaweed have as much protein and as many amino acids per gram as beef.  I am not saying to eat the equivalent of seaweed as you would beef.  But, to many animals who don't receive as many protein options as we do.  Seaweed is a simple way to add some protein to your dogs diet.  BWC's Vegan Slim Jim  is a delicious way to introduce seaweed to your furry friend.  

3. Let me Put it Like This

Seaweed is antiviral, antibacterial & antiparasitic.  More Vitamin C than oranges, 10x the Calcium in milk and 25x the Iron in beef.  Chef Cristi of Bow Wow Chews uses different forms of seaweed in a variety of her products.  Check out these Japanese inspired Sesame Togarashi Heart using seaweed flakes, perfect for the dog foodie in your life.    

In today's blog, we gave some great ideas to add seaweed into your dogs life.  Here are some recipes from Chef Cristi to introduce seaweed into YOUR life..(Humans Only)

For Beginners: If you are skeptical of seaweed or a lite foot in the kitchen. Seaweed chips are a easy great way to introduce seaweed into your diet.  Make sure to read the label and get some seaweed chips with olive oil or grapeseed oil to enhance the flavor.  Or, be brave and go RAW and add a dash of seaweed flakes to every meal.

For Intermediate: Snack on Nori with These Seaweed Breakfast Wraps

1 Sheet Nori

2 Organic Farm Eggs + Coconut Oil for Scrambling

1/2 an Avocado

Salt & Pepper to Taste

• To prepare, scoop 1/2 an avocado into a bowl, add salt & pepper.  Roughly smash until chunky.  Prepare a medium heat skillet, add 1T of coconut oil.  In a separate bowl whisk eggs until frothy, add salt & pepper.  Add frothy egg to skillet and cook until desired doneness.  Meanwhile, place nori onto a plate, add seasoned avocado, then egg.  Roll like a taco or burrito and enjoy. This is just my base ingredients to my Breakfast Seaweed Wraps.  Feel free to add cheese, tomato, spinach or any other fun spices.  

For Advanced: Toss Together a Seaweed Salad

3/4 ounce dried wakame seaweed.  Honestly, nori would work for this too.

3T rice vinegar

3T soy sauce

1T sesame oil

1t sugar, granulated

Desired red pepper flakes

1t finely grated ginger or paste

1t minced garlic

2 scallions thinly sliced

1/4c shredded carrot

2T fresh cilantro, chopped

1t sesame seeds, toasted 

• Soak seaweed in warm water to cover, 5 minutes. Drain, rinse then squeeze out excess water. If wakame is uncut, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips.
• Stir together vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, pepper flakes, ginger, and garlic in a bowl until sugar is dissolved. Add the seaweed, scallions, carrots, and cilantro, tossing to combine well. Sprinkle salad with sesame seeds.
•  You can also incorporate other veggies like cucumbers, carrots, or radishes. Experiment to find your favorite combination.  

I hope this blog was helpful.  Leave comments below on ways you add seaweed into your life, I'd love to hear about it.  Cheers!