Spirulina

Spirulina is an excellent supplement for humans AND dogs! It’s proven to be a superfood that helps dogs enjoy life more fully. It also helps dogs heal from injuries more quickly and keeps them healthy year-round.

What is spirulina?

Spirulina is a blue-green algae (those plants you find in the ocean) that grows naturally in warm, fresh waterbodies around the world. It is considered a superfood due to its powerful health benefits for humans and dogs. It is often sold in powder or pill form as a nutritional supplement and many people add it to smoothies and green drinks. It is especially ideal for a vegan or vegetarian diet due to its high protein content.

Why should your dog eat spirulina?

Spirulina has several amazing health benefits which is why it’s become a popular superfood. Some of the best health benefits for dogs include:

• Very high protein content: Spirulina is 60% protein, so it contains more protein ounce-for-ounce than meat. It’s an excellent source of protein for both carnivorous and vegetarian’s diets.
• Contains natural anti-inflammatory properties.
• Essential fatty acids are good for healthy skin and a health coat.
• Antioxidants

• What’s the recommended dosage?
• Spirulina is safe to use every day, but you’ll want to make sure you don’t add too much spirulina to your dog’s diet. It’s very nutrient dense and may cause diarrhea.
• According to knowledge pet herbalist, Greg Tilford, it’s safe to give your dog a daily amount of 1/4 teaspoon per pound of food.
• By giving your dog spirulina every day, you’ll likely see a more energetic dog with a shiner coat!

Daily Dose Chart

General guideline:
- 50–100 mg per kg body weight
(or roughly ¼ tsp per 20–25 lbs for powder)

Assuming standard spirulina powder (~2 grams per tsp)

 Therapeutic / Short-Term Use

For immune challenges or detox support:

• Use higher end of dose range

• 4–6 weeks, then reassess

 Precautions

 Avoid or Use Caution If:

• Autoimmune disease (can stimulate immune system)

• On immunosuppressive medications

• Hyperthyroid conditions

• Severe histamine instability

• Kidney disease (monitor protein load)

 Quality Matters

Must be:

• Third-party tested

• Free of heavy metals

• Free of microcystins (toxin contamination risk in poor-quality algae)

 Sensitive Dogs

• Start at ¼ dose

• Increase slowly over 5–7 days

• Can cause mild detox symptoms (loose stool, darker stool)

 When I Use It Clinically

I like spirulina for:

• Allergy dogs (when immune modulation is needed)

• Yeast-prone dogs

• Dogs with environmental toxin exposure

• Seniors needing antioxidant support

I avoid it early in severe autoimmune flares unless inflammation is first stabilized.