While looking over the ingredient list for my dog’s favorite Zukes Mean Greenz treats, I was shocked to see kelp included in the recipe. What are the benefits of kelp for dogs?

Marge, you are certainly spot-on with your curiosity of why you find kelp in dog treats. Kelp, more commonly known as seaweed or algae, is present in your pet’s food because of its vast health and nutritional value. Due to its many healing and holistic properties, kelp is considered a “super food”, much like pumpkin and blueberries. Digestion and natural detoxification are often listed as benefits of this plant. In addition to internal benefits, kelp is believed to improve dull coats, heal dry and flaky skin, and diminish doggie breath.

While it is probably a stretch to think an omnivore such as a dog would seek out kelp, the same could be said about the peas, cabbage and asparagus also found in your dog’s favorite Mean Greenz. Zukes formulated these biscuits with your pet’s health in mind and cleverly created a treat that is loaded with the vitamins and minerals present in green fruits and vegetables. Think of these treats almost like a vitamin for your dog, if you will.

The benefits of kelp seem to be catching on as other manufacturers have begun formulating dog food and treats featuring this ingredient. For example, Northern Biscuits has introduced a Green Tripe with Atlantic kelp treat recipe. While Zukes is angling for more of a plant derived "green" treat, Northern has chosen more of a meat derived approach in selecting tripe. The common denominator in both treats is chlorophyll which is closely associated with everything from healthy digestion to breath improvement (Greenies have built an empire on this premise.) Green plants are rich in chlorophyll as is green tripe. Kelp is also prevalent in dehydrated dog food recipes from The Honest Kitchen. Although all the aforementioned products have slightly different takes on the use of kelp they are all trying to deliver the same health benefits to your pooch. I hope this helps shed some light on this issue for you!

-Matt

Learn more about Zukes Mean Greenz Organic Bakes

Take a closer look at Northern Biscuits Green Beef Tripe Treats with Atlantic Kelp

Browse dog food and treats from The Honest Kitchen