Benefits of Spirulina : What Benefits for Animals? - Labo Demeter
Spirulina for dogs
Spirulina can be an ideal supplement for your dog. It should be noted that it presents no danger when consumed in the recommended dosage. In addition, it will sometimes be necessary to find little tips so that the animal can benefit from the properties of spirulina without being put off by the aroma and the special taste of this little blue algae ...
Why should I give my dog spirulina?
A dog needs a rich, but good quality diet. This is because it expends a lot of energy during its walks and it therefore needs an appropriate nutritional intake. Spirulina is actually very rich in vegetable proteins. This is one of its major assets.
It contains many vitamins as well as minerals and trace elements. For example, iron will have an impact on your animal's energy system while zinc will contribute to the beauty of its hair and claws. He will therefore benefit from all the benefits of spirulina!
How much to give him?
For a dog, it is advisable to give 50 mg of spirulina per kg and per day. In fact, you will therefore need to give ½ to 1 tablet of spirulina for a dog weighing less than 10 kg, if they are tablets of 500 mg. For a dog weighing between 10 to 20 kg, the dosage may increase to 1 or 2 tablets per day, for a weight of 20 to 30 kg, from 2 to 3 tablets / day, for a weight of 30 to 40 kg, from 3 at 4 tablets / day, etc.
Spirulina is generally given over a short period of time. A 21-day cure is ideal. You should know that spirulina offers long-term effects. Thus, it is quite possible to repeat the intake throughout the year, taking a week's break between each treatment.
How to get him to take spirulina?
Although there are spirulina dog food, the amount of spirulina in it is often less than the recommended dosage. You should know that spirulina, whether you choose it in powder form or in tablets, has a very affordable price. Of course, a product suitable for human consumption will be suitable for your pet. And yes, spirulina does not change its composition depending on how you use it!
The tablets or powder can be mixed directly with your dog's food. If this one is difficult by nature, try mixing it with a food that she particularly likes.
Spirulina for cats
Just like the dog, the cat can also benefit from the benefits of spirulina. This time too, it is for its nutritional composition that it is interesting. Humans are not the only ones to suffer from the loss of nutrients due to modern diet ... Spirulina is therefore a great supplement!
Why should I give my cat spirulina?
For a living cat, who is not used to hunting, nutrition is all the more important. It is not with his simple croquettes that he will be able to meet all the nutritional contributions he needs. Thus, many food supplements are available for pets, especially cats.
For a cat who goes out regularly and whose hunting is often successful, spirulina can of course also be beneficial. This is a supplement, not a complete meal. The properties offered by spirulina can therefore support a healthy diet, so that your cat also benefits from all the nutrients that compose it!
How much to give him?
As with a dog, the dosage of spirulina for a cat is based on the weight of the animal. Count 50 mg per kilo. Thus, a cat weighing less than 10 kg can be administered ½ to 1 tablet of 500 mg per day. When it comes to spirulina powder, you should know that one teaspoon is roughly equivalent to 2 grams.
Here too, the beneficial effects will be seen in the long term. This is why it is always advisable to take cures of at least 3 weeks, several times a year. Preferably choose quality spirulina, equivalent to that ingested by a human being. In this way, the well-being of your animal will be boosted.
How to get him to take spirulina?
Cat foods containing spirulina can be of very good quality. Unfortunately, the doses of spirulina that are integrated into it are often minimal. Few of the croquettes contain the recommended dosage for the day! This is why it is best to give your pet spirulina powder or tablets.
The tablets can be given as a medicine (3). They can be swallowed directly by the animal if the animal has no difficulty with it. They can also be ground in food. In this case, it may be better to choose powdered spirulina. Finally, it is possible to hide the tablet cut into small pieces in cat food.
Spirulina for horses
Truth be told, spirulina is commonly used by breeders of racehorses. Blue algae indeed offer considerable benefits for this noble animal (1). It is believed to affect endurance and muscle recovery. Either way, the horse can benefit from the virtues of spirulina throughout its life.
Why should I give my horse spirulina?
Whether it is a young horse or an old horse, spirulina is an ideal supplement for this animal. The opinions of many equestrian professionals are encouraging. Beneficial effects for the hair and on the physical performances, the properties are numerous. In addition, spirulina is both extremely bioavailable and 100% natural. Which is good news for competitions.
Spirulina is therefore ideal for all horses, whether they are a real athlete or are often in a stable. Oxidative stress is countered by the presence of zinc, vitamin E and vitamin B2, while iron may help maintain the immune system. As for the proteins contained in the microscopic algae, they are of undeniable quality!
How much to give him?
Whether you have an adult horse, a mare, a gelding or a stallion, all will benefit from a dosage of 15 grams of spirulina per day. 3 weeks of treatment can then be established, followed by a week break and so on, during a 3-month program. The cure can be done 2 to 3 times a year without any problem.
For a foal or a filly, 5 grams of spirulina will be sufficient. If you want to be sure that you are getting the correct dosage, count 50 mg per pound of your pet's body weight, again. To avoid possible gastrointestinal problems, give your horse a smaller dose of spirulina during the first week, then increase it to reach the correct dosage by the third week.
How to get him to take spirulina?
If your equine is sensitive to the smell of spirulina, decrease the dose to 5g / day to start. It is also possible to mix spirulina with apple juice, for the most repulsed mares and stallions.
Alternatively, spirulina can be mixed directly into the ration of a foal or an older horse. Spirulina powder is therefore ideal for equestrian consumption. Be careful, however, if your horse is already benefiting from a supply of vitamins and minerals, you will have to wait until you have finished your flaked ration before starting the spirulina treatment. Do not hesitate to take a look at the nutritional needs of your horses.
What you must remember
Essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, dogs, cats and horses will also be able to benefit from the virtues of spirulina!
The recommended dosage of spirulina for an animal is 50 mg per kilo per day, whether for a horse, a dog or a cat. The cure is generally done over 3 months, alternating 3 weeks of intake with 1 week break.
The consumption of spirulina in animals should be done gradually. As with any new food, seaweed should indeed be given in smaller quantities at the start of the intake. The quantity can then be increased to reach the recommended doses from the beginning of the third week.
Although side effects or allergies are rare, it can obviously occur in animals as well as in humans. Again, this is why it is best to give spirulina to an animal gradually. Unusual behavior can show some affectation.
If your pet is taking medication, you should definitely discuss this with your veterinarian before giving him spirulina. Interactions with certain treatments may take place. This is also the case if you are already giving your dog, cat or horse vitamin supplementation.