Can dogs eat seaweed?

Updated 24/04/2024

Central to many Asian cuisines and growing in popularity in kitchens around the world, we wouldn't be surprised if seaweed is either a staple in your kitchen or has made its way into at least a few of your dishes. Along with its savory flavor, seaweed is packed with nutrients, and its alphabet of vitamins have an array of health benefits for us humans. And with a curious canine pal by your side, we wouldn't blame you for wondering - can dogs eat seaweed? Luckily for your pup, seaweed is perfectly safe for dogs, just as long as it's prepared completely plain, with no added seasonings or aromatics. For more on safely sharing the odd seaweed sheet with your furry pal, take a look below as we crack a few questions on the topic.

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Is seaweed poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat seaweed of any kind, or is there a chance that some seaweeds are toxic to our canine companions? Luckily for your snack-curious furry pal, seaweed isn't toxic to dogs - it doesn't contain any compounds dangerous to our canine friends. Like with many 'people foods' though, you'll need to take a few precautions when it comes to feeding your pup seaweed. Why? Well in terms of toxicity, seaweed can often be seasoned or paired with ingredients dangerous to dogs, like onion and garlic which are harmful for canines. Plus, products commonly found with seaweed like soy sauce are incredibly high in salt, which means they're not recommended for canine consumption. So, if you were wondering - is seaweed safe for dogs - it's a yes, just as long as it's served in moderation and without any added ingredients or seasonings.

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Is seaweed good for dogs?

Now we've cleared up your query - can dogs eat seaweed - you might be wondering - should dogs be eating the stuff, or is seaweed bad for dogs in any way? Well as we mentioned, seaweed is packed with nutrients which we'll explore in more detail below, but that doesn't mean your pup needs it in their diet. Why? Well the dog food you opt for will be especially formulated so that it contains all the vitamins, minerals and macronutrients your doggo needs to stay healthy. So, while seaweed certainly contains nutrients that are great for dogs, there's no reason why they can't simply get those from the dog food you choose for them.

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Health benefits of eating seaweed for dogs

Seaweed (and other sea plants like kelp) have grown in popularity recently, spreading from Asia into the health food scene around the world, and for good reason. Seaweed is jam-packed with an alphabet of vitamins including A, B2, B5 and C, helping to support your pup's eye health, immune system and their body's ability to convert food into energy. There are also multiple minerals found in seaweed, including iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc, which support your pup's heart, bones, teeth, metabolism, kidney health, and thyroid. Seaweed also has anti-inflammatory effects which can even help to reduce the symptoms of arthritis, while the omega-3 fatty acids help to maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin.

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Feeding your dog seaweed

If you're a long-seasoned pet parent, you might be aware of the 10% guideline when it comes to treating your doggo. Following the rule, your pooch should only be getting 10% of their calories from treats, while the other 90% is made up by dog food formulated for their age and size. So, when it comes to portion sizes, seaweed should fall into the treat category for your pup, having a try every now and then, never allowing it (alongside other treats) to make up more than 10% of your pup's daily calories. Another rule of thumb that’ll ensure your doggo is consuming seaweed safely is to make sure it’s always served plain, so be sure to check the packet before treating. 

We recommend avoiding wild or natural seaweed, the type most commonly found along the seashore as it’s incredibly high in salt and when eaten, the water from the digestive tract causes the seaweed to swell to more than double in size. This sudden swelling can easily cause an obstruction to your pup’s GI tract, requiring emergency surgery to correct. 

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Other sea plants 

And can dogs have seaweed alongside other sea plants, like kelp? Well kelp is certainly safe for dogs, and should be served following the same guidelines as seaweed - plain and in small quantities. As for other sea plants - are they safe for dogs? Can dogs eat processed sheets of nori? Well nori is simply the Japanese way of referring to seaweed, and directly translates to 'ocean moss', so we can confirm that it's safe for canine consumption as long as it's served plain, and in small amounts, such as the processed sheets you can buy in supermarkets. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

Now you're all clued-up on the question - can dogs have seaweed - and you know that dogs and seaweed are a pretty great match when it comes to snacking, why not check out the other foods dogs can eat?

• Brussels sprouts
• Sunflower seeds
• Beets