From ancient Aztec and Mesoamerican civilizations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), spirulina has been prized for its nutritious benefits in humans and animals. Learn how this superfood can help support your dog's health.
What Is Spirulina for Dogs?
Blue Spirulina for dogs is derived from the phycocyanin in the blue-green algae species, Arthrospira platensis. It is known as spirulina because of its spiral or helical nature.
One of the oldest life forms on Earth, blue-green spirulina was used as a food source by Aztecs, who harvested it from Mexico's Lake Texcoco and made it into cakes called tecuitlati.
In the mid 20th century, scientists began exploring its use as a supplement for humans due to its immune-enhancing benefits. Spirulina has earned endorsements from NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) as a food suitable for long space missions. Today, spirulina is included in EverRoot dog supplements, as well as spirulina supplements for people, pets, and livestock.
Do Dogs Need Spirulina?
Is spirulina good for dogs? Yes, blue-green spirulina is good for dogs that need support for immune and digestive issues because it's packed with macronutrients such as:
- Protein
- Healthy fats
- Vitamins B1, B2 and B3 for energy
- Vitamins A, C, D, and K
- Essential minerals potassium and magnesium
What Are the Benefits of Spirulina for Dogs?
Supplementation with blue-green spirulina has the potential to help dogs in a variety of ways by:
- Enhancing immune system function
- Improving gastrointestinal health
- Aiding in detoxification
- Reducing allergic reactions
- Preventing and treating cancer
- Helping moderate inflammation
To demonstrate spirulina's benefits for dogs in immune and intestinal health, Purina conducted a study of dogs fed a diet supplemented with spirulina. The 30 dogs, which were Huskies and Husky mix-breeds, were all fed the same high-protein Purina dog food. Half of the subjects also received a blue-green spirulina dog supplement.
During the 42-week trial, blood and fecal samples were taken every four weeks. The results showed the dogs fed the diet with the spirulina supplement demonstrated enhanced immune status with high antibody response and a significant increase in gut microbiota stability after just nine weeks of supplementation. The benefits continued throughout the trial and even extended beyond the trial period.
Signs Your Dog May Benefit from Spirulina
There are several signs your dog could benefit from the immune- and microflora-supporting benefits of a spirulina dog supplement, such as:
- Tiring easily
- Fatigue
- Occasional diarrhea
- Itchy, dry skin
Can spirulina help your dog's allergies? Yes! Allergies are the result of an overactive immune system. Spirulina for dogs may help reduce allergic reactions due to its role in supporting your dog's gut microflora and immune health.
What Is a Good Source of Spirulina for Dogs?
Spirulina grows all over the world, so you want to make sure the spirulina in your dog's supplement is grown in clean, unpolluted waters and is not contaminated with harmful algae or heavy metals.
The NASC certification is your assurance that the spirulina used in EverRoot dog supplements is sustainably sourced from clean, unpolluted waters.
How Much Spirulina Should You Give Your Dog?
Spirulina is safe for dogs, but don't overdo it. Even though spirulina is a food not a medicine, it is still possible to give your dog too much, which may cause digestive upsets.
To be sure of the correct spirulina dosage for your dog, choose EverRoot dog supplements. Developed by expert Purina animal nutritionists, EverRoot ingredients are carefully balanced to give your dog just what they need and nothing that they don't.
The labels on each EverRoot supplement provides the number of daily recommended servings based on the dog's weight. Keep in mind, EverRoot supplements are not treats. Don't give more than the amount recommended on the package for your dog's size.
Side Effects of Spirulina for Dogs
Before starting any supplement, talk to your vet about possible benefits, interactions, or side effects. When too much is given, the negative side effects of spirulina for dogs may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Thirst
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Rapid heartbeat
Only serve your dog the quantity of spirulina supplements indicated on the package for your dog's weight.
EverRoot supplements are for use in dogs only. If your dog's condition worsens or does not improve, or your dog shows signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, stop using the product and contact your vet.
Choosing a Spirulina Supplement for Dogs
To choose the ideal spirulina supplement for your dog, consider how your dog could benefit. Does your pup need support for overall immune health? Or help with occasional loose stools? Are you looking for a 3-in-1 multi-benefit supplement with spirulina?
EverRoot dog supplements offer several products in different formulations that contain beneficial blue-green spirulina.
For digestive health:
For immune health:
For multiple health benefits:
At EverRoot, every ingredient is carefully chosen for a purpose to provide what dogs need and nothing that they don't. Learn more about the ingredients in EverRoot dog supplements on our Ingredients page.