Just A Little Seaweed?

Graceful-Lily

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Would it be okay if I fed Felix some seaweed? I eat it all the time and it has a lot of benefits. I tried to give it to my dog but she doesn't like it which is surprising since she has pica.

Anyway, I know cats are different so would it be okay? Even as he's getting older, I think he could use it in his diet. Even if it's just once a week.

Let me know.
 

Neo_23

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I don't think your cat will benefit from seaweed the way a human would. Cats are obligate carnivores and need primarily meat-based protein. It may actually upset your cat's stomach more than it will benefit him.
 

Merlin77

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Well, pumpkin benefits cats and it's not meat. That's not to say it's fed as an entire meal, but it has... poop enhancing properties and can sooth problems like constipation and diarrhea.

I just did some research and found that seaweed does have benefits. Stuff like soothing tummies and even preventing cancer. That's just one website though, you should probably do more research first.

Here is a list of what you can feed:
IMG_9317.PNG


You can see the website name at the top of screenshot, so I'd punch that in and look at that webpage.

Of course some cats can be allergic to seaweed or just sensitive, so you'll have to also make a decision based on that.
 

kmsmith

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Try them with a little and be sure there aren't any allergic reactions or stomach problems, but you should be fine to feed them seaweed.

As Neo_23 pointed out, I doubt they'd receive the same benefits that humans do, but there are some reports that it can aid digestion and the like.
 

Neo_23

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The websites claiming that seaweed and pumpkin have benefits for cats are just that... websites. They are just taking what we know about humans and applying that info to cats. There’s no empirical evidence that they actually do have benefits. Instead, what we do know is that cats don’t need vegetable protein or fiber as they only get a small amount of this in the wild.

Yes, based on anecdotal evidence we know that pumpkin can sometimes help resolve bowel issues, but it’s not a necessary part of a diet and likely has no significant nutrition benefit if fed on a daily basis.

If you really want to benefit your cat, feed them some raw meat.
 
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Graceful-Lily

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I know about raw meat because that's what they all eat here. I was only curious about the seaweed but yeah... I remember now that they can't benefit much so it's cool.
 

LTS3

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I wouldn't give seaweed snacks. You know the small rectangular shaped ones in a little package?



These often contain extra ingredients like salt and flavorings.

An Asian market would have packages of dried seaweed, typically in large round or rectangular shape and possibly even different types of seaweed. You'd still need to read the label to see if salt or anything has been added. If the label isn't in English, you may need to ask a store employee although even that may not always be helpful.

I personally wouldn't give seaweed to a cat.
 

Merlin77

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I just found an actual study that proves the cancer-fighting properties of seaweed. On cats, humans, dogs and other animals. I would post pictures of the study but I don't want to be accused of stealing work... should have though of that with my earlier post (sorry!). Some of your own research will certainly result in you finding something similar. Very fascinating, I might even start eating seaweed myself.

Most seaweed is high in iodine, which can be bad in large doses. If you want to feed seaweed I would only have a 'seaweed day' were the cat gets one meal with a tiny bit of seaweed mixed in. Make sure it stays as a treat only, and if your cat gets diarrhea or starts vomiting I would discontinue the seaweed.

Raw meat is also a good idea.
 

Neo_23

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I just found an actual study that proves the cancer-fighting properties of seaweed. On cats, humans, dogs and other animals. I would post pictures of the study but I don't want to be accused of stealing work... should have though of that with my earlier post (sorry!). Some of your own research will certainly result in you finding something similar. Very fascinating, I might even start eating seaweed myself.

Most seaweed is high in iodine, which can be bad in large doses. If you want to feed seaweed I would only have a 'seaweed day' were the cat gets one meal with a tiny bit of seaweed mixed in. Make sure it stays as a treat only, and if your cat gets diarrhea or starts vomiting I would discontinue the seaweed.

Raw meat is also a good idea.
Can you post the authors, title, and journal? Or a link to the abstract if the journal is not open access?

A single study never "proves" anything, but it would nonetheless be interesting to read.
 

Merlin77

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Can you post the authors, title, and journal? Or a link to the abstract if the journal is not open access?

A single study never "proves" anything, but it would nonetheless be interesting to read.
On it! I'll try to find more than one.
 

Merlin77

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Thanks, that's interesting. I'll be looking into some of the original sources cited when I have some spare time.
Awesome. There were some more articles but they didn't contain sources or actual statistics. Grr.
 

xeenthequeen

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My cat is obsessed with seaweed snacks. I once caught her ripping into a pack of wasabi-flavoured ones! Anyways, I give her "Plaque off" daily, which is just the kelp species Ascophyllum nodosum. You can find cheaper bulk brands too. The daily amount for cats is tiny, less than 1/8 tsp per day.

Studies have shown that adding it to the diet can prevent plaque build up in humans. It's high in iodine, so not recommended for cats with hyperthyroidism - but interestingly, insufficient iodine may be a contributor to hyperthyroidism in cats.
 
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Graceful-Lily

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We don't have Smokey anymore. It's just Felix now. I tried to give him some but he just sniffed it and waited as if I was supposed to do something else haha! No one likes it, not my dog, cat, or parents. I guess more for me? I'll have to read the article but I'm always skeptical when those things make claims. You can never be too sure.
 
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