Happy New Year to my friends and readers, I am looking forward to a great year ahead, after what many described as an Annus Horribilus — 2016! One of the comments I’ve received a lot, about this blog, in email and on my Facebook group, is that my entries are “amazingly informative” (blush) but sometimes a lot to take in, and that shorter, more frequent offerings would be appreciated. Ok, then – I can do that! Something that comes up a lot on my radar is this idea of “Superfoods” – and like many trendy, popular-nutrition concepts, Superfoods have both merit and drawbacks. Most of the popular trends you will read about, from turmeric to coconut oil to goat’s milk, are based on some really good, factual ideas – but then become sensationalized, in order to be more widely marketed, and sometimes to the point of nonsense. This happens within the herbal world – as a clinical herbalist, of course I know that all the “Herbs of Commerce” are wonderful, useful and important to know and work with – but they can all be misused – underdosed, used as panaceas when other herbs would have been preferable, given in a form that is not well absorbed, or a formulation that is not energetically balanced…they are great allies, but not panaceas. Most Herbs of Commerce – think Milk thistle, Slippery elm, Chamomile, Echinacea – offer applications well beyond that one condition they’re marketed for – and all have limitations when used in an allopathic fashion, in other words as a more natural replacement for a veterinary drug. My hope is that by taking a well-rounded look at all of these foods and supplements, as well as my ongoing herbal monographs and articles, readers will grow more aware of the true range of options available to them, and think of both so-called Superfoods and Herbs of Commerce as having pros and cons – thus offering a much wider spectrum of possibility when looking at support for all kinds of health challenges.
I’m going to be posting, over the winter, about bone broth, goat’s milk/kefir, coconut oil, turmeric, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar and more. I feel I can offer a little more insight and balance to the material already posted everywhere, about these helpful, but not panacea, foods, herbs and supplements.
Today, after reading a recent post recommending that people give kelp to dogs just… across the board, claiming benefits for it that vastly exceed what it actually offers, and omitting information about iodine content, thyroid health and more – I decided to start with kelp.
Adding kelp to the canine diet has been around for a while now. When I started my research in this work, back in the 90s, it was common to see kelp (along with flaxseed, Vitamin C and assorted other goodies not quite so popular these days) added to all home made diets, irrespective of the content of the recipes. More recently, astute home feeders have come to realize this is not the best practise, and I hear about adding kelp to kibble (a big no-no) much less frequently. But the idea still pops up here and there…so let’s take a look at the facts about adding kelp to a canine diet.
First; please bear in mind, sites that list great litanies of amazing claims about ANY supplement really are questionable. Kelp doesn’t work as a panacea for a million health issues and it can actually create some, if unthinkingly added. What kelp will do, and yes I make use of it in many home made diets, is contribute iodine to the diet.
(Note that if you feed a quality commercial food, the iodine will be factored in already, so to add more can lead to hypothyroidism, which we will get to in a moment).
Now, what does iodine do, and what foods is it found in?
Iodine is a non-metallic trace element , which is essential in the diet for the health and correct function of the thyroid gland. Commercial foods will have added adequate levels to meet requirements, I’m saying it again – more is not better! Seafood is the best dietary source, and many foods we humans consume are supplemented with iodine, but these (milk, bread) are not regularly fed to dogs as part of their home made diet and basing a whole canine diet around seafood is not a good idea either.. So, home made diets can be quite low in iodine, and over time, this can contribute to the development of thyroid dysfunction. HOWEVER – adding too much kelp can also backfire badly and contribute to the development of hypothyroidism in dogs – yep, this is one of those nutrients we want to do our best to get just right, in the diet. Here’s Dr. Jean Dodds, world renowned thyroid specialist, on the importance of correct iodine intake:
“….excessive iodine supplementation can result in the overproduction of the T4 and T3 in dogs and cats, which triggers unintended cascading effects: in dogs, the immune system may wind up attacking the thyroid gland (producing excessive amounts of thyroglobulin autoantibody) which end up suppressing thyroid levels and causing the very hypothyroidism it was meant to prevent; whereas in cats, the overdosing can result in overt hyperthyroidism.”
http://drjeandoddspethealthresource.tumblr.com/post/90858101671/kelp-thyroid#.WG2ahVz9nps
So, when home feeding a dog, how do we get it right? A dogs’ requirement for iodine is easy to calculate; by using the method described elsewhere on this blog, take the dog’s weight in kilograms to the power 0.75 and you will have what we think of as the Metabolic Weight. To find your dog’s iodine requirement, or more correctly his recommended Allowance, you multiply the Metabolic Weight by 29.6.
So, a quick example. My dog Danny weighs 85 pounds.
That’s 38.55 kgs.
Taken then to the power of 0.75, we get the number 15.47, which is his metabolic weight, or MW.
Multiply 15.47 by 29.6, we get 458 mcgs, which can be rounded up to between 460 and 500 mcgs – daily. That’s our goal, and we need to meet it on a consistent basis. The next step is to assess what’s actually in the food, so we don’t oversupplement.
Now, it’s not the easiest thing, to calculate the actual amount of iodine in the diet, mostly because most software/the USDA database don’t actually provide levels in foods. We have to use a general idea of which foods contain how much (there’s a link at the bottom of this entry) and make a calculation. I’m going into this much more deeply in the E-booklet, but trust me when I say that most recipes come up low. Simply put, they need some iodine. And while not the only way to provide it – some sensitive dogs do better with non-kelp sources – many dogs do well with kelp added to bring the iodine up to desired levels. But – and here’s the rub – it’s not as simple as adding a “teaspoon of kelp for a medium dog and two teaspoons for larger ones” etc. There are a couple of things to take into consideration, and they are super important….you’ve stuck with me this far, so here’s the takeaway message.
If you use kelp to supplement iodine in the diet, which in my opinion is the ONLY reason to use it, make good and sure that the product you add identifies the actual iodine content of the capsules or loose powder, on the label. In putting this entry together I evaluated 16 products, and found a huge range of iodine content – from as low as 225 mcgs per capsule to as high as 780 (!) and many that were completely lacking in nutritional information of any kind. If you are going to add kelp, you need to know the iodine content! This is foundational – and then, we have to consider the potential for seaweed in this day and age to be contaminated. Heavy metals in particular, can accumulate in sea weeds, so you need a pure source, or you are better off using iodine drops. I’ll be going into this in more detail in the Supplements E-booklet later this year.
Iodine must be supplied in the diet, whether cooked or raw, if you are making your own food. While kelp contains very, very small amounts of other vitamins and minerals, none are present in amounts high enough to make a meaningful contribution to a diet (and it certainly doesn’t provide VitaminD3, as one site actually claimed) And some, such as iron, are in a very poorly absorbed form (non-heme). Don’t rely on kelp for significant nutrient value outside of iodine, and make sure you get that one right. Note that kelp itself can promote itching in some dogs and you may need to work with a pure source of iodine, too.
Any questions? I’ll be happy to clarify. 🙂
Iodine content of some foods: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-HealthProfessional/#h3
This makes the assumption that all dogs regardless of breed, age or health have the nutritional requirements. Which they do not. I am curious of how you manage, measure and chart your “clinical” nutraceutical therapeutic advice? And if you ever share these clinical studies/results?
Hi Daryll – not sure how you came to the conclusion I’m saying all dogs have the same requirements – the actual requirements for all nutrients, Vitamin A to zinc, are based on MW (metabolic weight) and calculated individually. Macronutrient content can vary widely, whereas micronutrients – vitamins and minerals – are consistent according to metabolic weight. Growth requirements, of course are different. I work with the National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements of Dogs, as my manual of information regarding the science of basic nutrition – and various other texts as well as clinical experience inform my therapeutic approach to nutritionally responsive illness.
I hope that helps! Please don’t hesitate to ask anything that wasn’t clear. 🙂
I have a 12-year-old lab who has hyperthyroidism because of a mass. We are transitioning to a raw diet to see if this can assist him. He is considered terminal however. I have a springer spaniel who is hypothyroidism and so based on your article he would not need any kelp. Would it be beneficial and in calculating weight to add kelp to the lab’s diet?
Hi Mary,
I believe that calculating the nutrient requirements is an essential aspect of any home made diet…and all the more important in a therapeutic situation. Think of your dog’s iodine requirement, and calculate what is in the diet(can be tricky) then add ONLY enough kelp to bring the iodine to the RA. If you need any help an email consultation might be a good idea, I offer a range of services as shown on the main page.But with thyroid disease of any type, make sure the iodine is very precise in your home made diet. And selenium…well, all nutrients! I hope that helps a little, and good luck.
Cat
Hi Daryll,
I have a F German Sheperd pup 13 wks. Im feeding her raw Kangaroo st present as she has been itching on beef and chichen. Im concerned with so mych of the dos and donts, kelp, raw bones bone meal l want the best for her but dont eant to harm her. I tried to work out your MW for her but of course its varying quickly atm shes 12kgs plz could you tell me how much that wld be in a daily dose of kelp.
Thank you Debbie
Hi,
Thank you for providing this valuable info.
Reading the webpage linked at the bottom of your article, I get iodine RDA of 150mcg for adult humans. For a 70 pound dog, using the formula in your article I get just under 400mcg iodine RDA. Using 45 mcg of iodine per gram of iodized salt, I get an RDA of 8.89gms of iodized salt, which is 1.5 tsp, whereas for human it is just over 0.5tsp. In light of the low amount for heavier human adults, I wonder if the amounts for a 70 pound dog and 85 pound dog are correct. Can you please share your thoughts on this?
Thanks very much.
Sue.
Hi Sue,
Students of mine who are new to formulation, and believe that all canine needs can be met via rotation/variety, are often shocked to see how much more of each nutrient, per unit of body weight, dogs actually require.My large breed dog requires almost twice the amount of calcium I do, daily, and I need 1200 a day. The first thing I would say is, when calculating iodine needs, yes they seem pretty high. Again using my own dog, his RA (Recommended allowance) comes to just over 500 mcgs daily! But, I don’t attempt to reach that using table salt, or his sodium would be higher than I’d like. So, the first step is to calculate how much iodine is in the food – and then add only the balance, what is missing..This is tricky, since we don’t have the values for iodine content of foods right at our fingertips as we do with other nutrients, but I can achieve a good estimate by using various sources, and then add kelp to cover the balance. Does that help at all?
I use a different method to formulate recipes, starting with the dog’s metabolic weight and then calculating each nutrient requirement, as a goal to be met through food as much as possible and then via supplements as indicated. A good quality kelp is my preferred source of iodine, which is almost always low in home made diets, but I add only the amount needed to fill the gap between my nutritional goal, and what is already provided by diet.
Let me know if that helps,
Cat
Hi Cat,
Thank you for replying. Your article had convinced me NOT to use Kelp. The problems you outlined, make logical sense to me. Have you now started using Kelp?
My friend’s dog, Ruby, has allergies on dry food, so I have suggested that he switch her to 80/10/10 Prey model raw until things settle. He can start adding fruits, veggies and nuts. I do not know how much iodine the food would provide. Is there a comprehensive database of iodine in each food item?
Ruby is 70lbs. Her RDA of iodine is almost 400mcg. Can you please suggest which Kelp or iodine drops to use?
Thanks,
Sue.
Hi Cat,
Thank you for replying. I am grateful for your help. Can you please let me know –
(1) which Kelp and Iodine drops you use/recommend (hopefully available in Canada). Ruby (my friend’s dog) is 70lbs. Her Iodine RDA is almost 400mcg.
(2) a webpage link for a database showing iodine in each food item.
Thanks for your immense caring.
Sue.
Hi Sue,
One of my favorite Kelps is this one: https://ca.iherb.com/pr/now-foods-kelp-150-mcg-200-tablets/685
NOW also has a loose powder and another product with higher iodine.
There is no single database fr iodine, I have copied ut and printed a number of the commonly used foods and I refer to thatsheet, but I’ve taken the data form a number of places.
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-HealthProfessional/#h3
https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/iodine
Hope this helps!
Hi Cat,
Can I use your formula to calculate the iodine RDA for my cat? If the weight is the same, is the iodine RDA the same for a dog and a cat?
I am currently adding iodized salt to my cat’s raw food. I have read that the iodine dissipates from salt, over time. Is that correct?
My cat is 10lbs and gets 1/8 tsp per day (added by 1/64 tsp per oz of food). He is 10 years old, so I would prefer to avoid the sodium.
Thanks very much.
Sue.
So if they are on hyperthyroid medication, is it best to not supplement kelp? We have just started her medication
Hi there,
I have a jack russel who weighs 7kg and based on your calculations he needs 130mcg of iodine a day. I have bought some kelp capsules which the nutritional chart says 12mg of iodine a capsule which is 1200mcg. That’s allot by what you said in your article. The brand is a NZ product called ocean green organics. If he only needs 130 mcg a day then he would only need one capsule every 9 days. Is this right? Is it to much to give him that much in one sitting? As it’s a capsule it’s hard to devide such a small dose. I am glad I came across this article as all other sites just say give 1/4 teaspoon for a small dog – that would be way way to much according to what you have said. Thank you
What are your thoughts on phyotoplankton for supplement for a dog on the Barf diet?
Thanks.
elizabeth
ahoy there,
may I ask your thoughts on kelp and its anti plaque benefits?
thanks
People give Kelp for the dogs teeth – its brilliant forr that – Ive give it to my dog who had previous teeth problems which have now cleared up – I think thats more the reason its given to them than its health benefits
In my experience, kelp doesn’t “clean teeth” but it DOES provide a whole lot of iodine (and can be contaminated). Did you have a chance to read the article? Giving kelp, especially with kibble, is not a safe practise and can contribute to the development of thyroid disease..
It has been recommended to me to give my 75lb female Belgium Malinois “Norwegian Kelp” for oral issues.
My rescue is just starting heartworm treatment (she was owned for 2 years and lived for a year on her own) and is making a wonderful come back.
Obviously any new meds/treatments will not be started until after the successful heartworm treatment.
What are your thoughts on a quality source, amount to give for oral treatment and reccommendations for L-carnitine and a good probiotic? I use two of these myself very guardedly because while I am only a spoiled rotten doctors brat, have most of my Biomedical BS from Texas A&M, I still am aware of how little I know.
Here’s a study that says it does make a difference in good dental health! “In conclusion, 90day
supplementation of dogs with kibbles containing A. nodosum seaweed resulted in significant
improvements in several dental health indices and was beneficial for the prevention of plaque and calculus formation after a prophylactic dental procedure. The resulting reduction of levels of VSCs suggests that A. nodosum supplementation may be effective for longterm prevention of halitosis as well as for maintenance of good oral health.” https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00168/full
Hi, how did you use the kelp for your dogs teeth?
Hello there,
Would I be able to use iodized salt to add iodine to my dogs diet?
Do not give salt to dogs! Human food is often heavily discouraged (among other reasons) because it contains quite a bit of salt.
Hi Seth..no, don’t use salt, but you can use iodine drops instead of kelp. Just be sure to calculate the gap between what your dog requires, and what he or she actually gets, and add only that amount.
I’m glad to see the recommendation of iodine drops. I was frustrated to know what to do when my 140 lb dog tested positive for kelp sensitivity! Almost off the chart, as with pork and peas. Any further info on drops you can give? Thanks so much!
how much kelp should i give my puppy a day? i worry about overdosing
I’m so sorry I missed these comments, did you find the right level for your pup?
Would you please post your sources so one may personally validate all this information. Its always helpful to have links to clinical studies available otherwise this is would all be speculation and assumptions which I’m hopeful it’s not.
Thanks –
None of this is speculation at all, my work is based on the science. In this case, it is the National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements of Dogs, that we draw the values from.
https://www.nap.edu/catalog/10668/nutrient-requirements-of-dogs-and-cats
Does that help at all? 🙂
Hi Cat, can you tell me exactly how much as in tea spoon size, for my Female Rottweiler, Sash is 15 months now, Very strong, I changed her diet from Royal Canine , to Raw, she was on the nuts from Birth to over 12 months, now, its all Real Quality Raw, which I get from Dublin. 80% Meat, 10% Bone & 10% Organ, its really great.. My friend told me to give her a 1/4 of a tiny tea spoon, it seems so small I don’t think it could be right?? She is 50Kg so after visiting vet today for her Injections, worming etc, he said drop her to 46 Kg, He said she is Super healthy, extremely well looking and an unbelievable temperament, so I need to get this Kelp thing correct.. It doesn’t give Iodine content on pack, which I will be asking the supplier tomorrow, Thank You Kindly for your help, Clive
Wow, I was giving my dog about 1 1/2 TBsp of Kelp powder every other week cause I read somewhere large breeds require a tsp of kelp every day. Glad I came across this article.
I have been using this product since it had good reviews, but they have no iodine content listed sadly. So I’m still clueless about how much kelp powder to give. I was thinking of assuming the worst that it has 780mcg per cap and going off that
https://www.amazon.com/Starwest-Botanicals-Organic-Powder-Pound/dp/B004XIS14M
Just wondering if you have a reference for the formula you provided to calculate iodine requirement based on a dog’s metabolic weight.
Hi Kelly,
Yes, the source I use professionally is the NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats.
https://www.nap.edu/catalog/10668/nutrient-requirements-of-dogs-and-cats
I hope that helps. 🙂
Thanks for clearing up the kelp thing–I read a pet blog that recommended it, so I looked on Amazon & saw all these reviews touting it as a definite “miracle”. But when I see any supplement that touts itself as “easily digestible”, “whole food”, “30% protein”, but only supposed to be taken in less than 1/4 tsp amounts, my BS detector goes off–I mean, really–it’s obviously NOT meant to be a significant source of protein/calories/etc.!
I am a first time dog owner, raw feeding a picky German Shepherd 6 month old puppy who appears to be in excellent health. Shiny coat, lots of energy/play drive, seems happy….but IS a very picky eater. What he loves on Monday he’s likely to refuse on Tuesday but will randomly want/eat enthusiastically a week later. Sometimes he loves whole RMB, then only wants pureed/ground food. It gets VERY FRUSTRATING, and there is a lot of food waste. I am an ICU Nurse and I research everything I can on nutrition.
I purchased some Marine Phytoplankton and gave him an 1/8 tsp yesterday. Supposedly best source for Omega 3s. We’ve done krill oil and the Cosequin “Welactin Omega Oil” in the past. I wonder if you have any opinion on the Phytoplankton? I imagine it also has high iodine content, but I’d think ok in tiny amounts?
I carefully balance his meals between muscle meat, bone, secreting organs/liver, veggies. I use the Perfectly Rawsome food calculators and weigh/measure everything. I also give a “Pet-Tab” multivitamin daily–made in GMP facility, so I feel it’s pretty safe–but really don’t know if the amounts of vitamins/minerals are appropriate, I just know the product is accurately labeled & tested for contaminants. My vet is kind of clueless re: canine nutrition. Doesn’t offer much guidance.
Back to “picky eating”–I recently “discovered” goat milk, goat kefir, and goat yogurt. He LOVES all of it!! Can I give a full cup in the morning & evening? Since it is supposedly so digestible, and good source of calcium, is it okay to give daily? He likes it even more than tripe, lol! And he DOES like green tripe!
Also–he LOVES soft boiled eggs. That’s another “go-to” when he’s being super picky. Opinions on eggs & cholesterol/heart disease in humans have changed so much over the years–we understand endogenous cholesterol better than we used to, and all those extremely low cholesterol diets often seemed to exacerbate cholesterol levels in humans. DO HEALTHY, NON-OVERWEIGHT, YOUNG DOGS WITH GOOD MUSCLE MASS RUN MUCH RISK RE: CHOLESTEROL AND CHOLESTEROL-RELATED HEART DISEASE? I read it’s okay to give an egg 2-3× weekly, but is there any reason not to throw an egg in every meal? He likes them so much!! I understand there is a potential biotin issue with raw egg whites, but we only do soft boiled.
I really appreciate any insight you can offer re: eggs, phytoplankton, and giving goat milk products daily. I WAS considering adding a pinch of kelp daily as a “seasoning”–I DON’T season with human seasonings, but I do sprinkle a little cheese, low sodium bacon crumbles, etc., depending on how picky he’s being, but not daily. I imagine phytoplankton AND kelp on the same day would probably be a “NO” d/t iodine.
I’ve resorted to cheese or bacon less since “discovering” tripe. I’m hoping you will say “the sky’s the limit” on goat milk products and eggs, lol!! Obviously–not–but what is a safe upper limit?
By the way–a lot of my picky puppy’s issues appear to be psychological. We were raw feeding outside, until he started burying/caching. And then I found a pork rib in the house. Started feeding in kitchen on waterproof incontinence pads (cuz raw feeding’s just messy), and issues started with “his food” vs “my food”, who eats first, etc. Things he refuses I can often get him to happily eat off a spoon, for heaven’s sake. Or off a ceramic plate instead of his stainless steel bowl. Yesterday he refused his roasted yams and a dish of kidneys/liver/goat yogurt, until I brought outside and gave as “treats” for fetch. Last night, refused his Cornish hen. Threw it in blender, he continued to refuse, until I gave him a spoonful (it actually smelled & looked pretty good)– then he got curious enough to give a few licks to chicken in his bowl–and then gobbled it all once he got started!!
The tough thing is to get him interested/started. THEN he’ll eat. Unless he gets distracted. I’m trying to do whatever I have to, to get him started. Over last month, he’s only been eating 1/2-2/3 suggested food amounts per the Raw Feeding calculators I’ve been using. Yesterday was the first day he actually ate ENTIRE recommended daily amount, after coaxing w/ play, an egg, goat kefir, yogurt, AND goat milk, and finally blending/grinding the stuff (mostly the hen) he’d refused earlier.
Thanks Ms Lane!
Hi Katrina. Had 3 German Shepherds myself and one thing you should know… They are very smart and they will test you and play with your head. It’s all a game with them and mental stimulation. For example, if you show fear of them, many times they will play on that. Not necessarily vicious, but just mess with you. My male shepherd used to playfully nibble on my sister’s butt because he knew she was scared of him. I found it pretty funny too.
I have been giving my German Shepherd female Plaqueoff , a seaweed based supplement to prevent dental plaque now for about three years . I have noticed recently increased pigmentation on her abdomen ( no skin thickening ). She is otherwise well . I wonder if the increase in iodine in this product has increased her T3 and T4 levels like Dr Dodd said . Should I have her Thyroid function checked ? She is a 5 yr old intact female , otherwise healthy .
You’re welcome, if you ever need guidance with your dog’s diet, my services are all listed on the site here: https://thepossiblecanine.com/consultations
For indepth questions that would take longer than a few minutes to answer, I offer a Q&A service here: https://thepossiblecanine.com/product/email-consult-herbs-and-nutrition
In order to give complex questions the attention they deserve! There is also my unique Facebook group, we have vets, vet techs and other nutritionists on “staff” to help.
Hope we can help!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/756709917722083/
I have a 3y 1m old female, spayed, Belgium Malinois, now 75lbs, who has had one litter, rescue, who had an owner for two years and “free roamer” for one year. Has just started her antibiotic treatment for heartworms. In spite of humane society warnings, after 3 weeks she has shown herself friendly to all friendly dogs reguardless of size or gender, loves female children under 5 and is cautious around similar aged boys. Very responsive to simple, calm no’s when she stuck her head into kitchen and dining room trash cans. She is cautiously friendly to all. Kelp had been reccomended for teeth issues along with L-carnitine and a good probiotic after her heart worms were successfully treated. I was surprised by what I read. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Now I question the other two reccomendations. May I have your thoughts, please?
Hi Chris – sorry for the late reply, remember you can always email me (catlane@thepossiblecanine.com) or check out my Page and group on FB, if I don’t see questions here – I’m trying to remember to check in here more regularly.
I would say that adding a probiotic is a good move,, but I wouldn’t supplement with L-carnitine at all. Feeding a fresh food, NRC balanced diet will supply the nutrients needed for cardiovascular health, if cooked I add taurine, and there’s an article on heart health on the blog(just run a search). I would support the liver and kidney, especially – milk thistle is the popular go-to herb, and I like cordyceps mushrooms for renal support.
Those are very quick and generic answers – feel free to post on my group or email me, or even look at a consult if you have a lot of questions that require some detail. 🙂
I have a 3y 1m old female, spayed, Belgium Malinois, now 75lbs, who has had one litter, rescue, who had an owner for two years and “free roamer” for one year. Has just started her antibiotic treatment for heartworms. In spite of humane society warnings, after 3 weeks she has shown herself friendly to all friendly dogs reguardless of size or gender, loves female children under 5 and is cautious around similar aged boys. Very responsive to simple, calm no’s when she stuck her head into kitchen and dining room trash cans. She is cautiously friendly to all. Kelp had been reccomended for teeth issues along with L-carnitine and a good probiotic after her heart worms were successfully treated. I was surprised by what I read. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Now I question the other two reccomendations. May I have your thoughts, please?
I have a very large breed german shepard 6 mos. now who we believe has panosteitis. I also have 2 other large pups, 1 1/2 gsd and a iyr. lab cross. they are very ruff players. have to keep pup quiet and less active due to his pain and limping. started curcumin. boswellia and turmeric with MSM three times daily. fish oil twice daily. eats several smaller meals three to four times daily. turkey/rice nutra source with small amount of largebreed puppy nutra source added. also gets basmati rice cooked lean groung beef and full fat cottage cheese throughout the day. He seems to be walking way better. heard sea kelp can help stave off pano and or less duration. do you know anything about pano? vet seems to think what we are giving for pain and inflamation of bones is fine, alternative is pain meds. do you think seakelp in this case might be benificial or no.
Hi Erin,
While pano usually will pass on its own, it is awful to see them in pain. I would highly recommend getting onto an NRC balanced puppy diet asap, of you plan to feed home made(I offer this service although it is not listed yet on my consult page) or else move to a really good commercial diet. This is not a balanced diet (I can see at a glance after many years in this work) please feel free to contact me for more direction and help, either casual or professional. A large breed pup needs very precise nutrition, I encourage you to move on this quickly.
catlane@thepossiblecanine.com
Hi, I started giving my dog a couple of weeks ago The Missing Link Pet Kelp probiotic formula and now he has this really fishy smell to him. Is this normal?
So I have racked my brain at your calculations and based on those my 60 pound lab would need approx. 400mcgs a day.
The kelp I get is 500 mg per kg, that is 0.05%.
A tsp is 5 ml, meaning that 0.0025 ml of it is Iodine. Which means my dog needs 16 tsps??? The label on my kelp suggests 1/4tsp/25 pounds
I haven’t given him any since I’m kind of confused :O
Please help!
Thanks,
Kim
Why is adding kelp to kibble a bad thing?
This should be covered in the article – because kibble will already provide the dietary requirement for iodine, and kelp is very high in iodine – hence you can end up with an excess, which in turn can contribute to thyroid disease.