Seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) for horses and dogs

Seaweed, also known as knotted wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum), is a nutritional supplement used as part of a balanced diet when you want to add natural vitamins, minerals and trace elements as well as bioactive compounds naturally found in marine plants to the diet. Seaweed contains a wide range of different nutrients and is often used to balance the diet.

Natural composition

Seaweed naturally contains vitamins, minerals and trace elements, as well as fibre and bioactive compounds naturally found in marine plants. Dozens of different minerals and trace elements have been identified in Ascophyllum nodosum.

Seaweed is particularly rich in iodine and potassium, as well as several other minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and manganese. It also naturally contains amino acids and small amounts of fatty acids.

Iodine and minerals in nutrition

The iodine found in seaweed is associated with the normal formation of thyroid hormones in the body and the regulation of metabolism. Iodine is also linked to the normal function of the nervous system and skin structure.

Potassium contributes to the normal function of the nervous system and muscles, as well as the regulation of fluid balance.

The minerals and trace elements in seaweed are present in a natural plant-based matrix, where the nutrients complement each other as part of a balanced diet.

Fibre structures in seaweed

Seaweed contains alginic acid, a gel-like dietary fibre typical of seaweeds. Alginic fibre is associated with nutrient processing in the digestive tract and fibre-based feeding.

Seaweed as part of the overall diet

Seaweed functions in the diet primarily as a supplement for the mineral and trace element base. It is often used as part of the diet in situations where the basic feed consists mainly of forage or raw feeding, where mineral and trace element levels can vary.

Seaweed does not usually serve as the sole mineral source, but is used as part of a balanced overall diet.

Dietary use context

Seaweed is used as part of the horse's and dog's diet, for example in situations where:

• you want to add a natural mineral and trace element source to the diet
• the iodine content of the diet is being balanced
• you want to add fibre compounds typical of marine plants to the diet
• the diet is being changed
• coat change is underway
• you want to add marine-derived nutrients to the diet
• the nutrient base of a raw or simple diet is being supplemented
• the animal is active or works regularly

Iodine and dietary balance

Seaweed is a natural source of iodine. Because iodine is involved in the formation of thyroid hormones, the use of seaweed should be adjusted to the rest of the diet, especially if the animal receives other iodine-containing complementary feeds. Knotted wrack naturally contains approximately 600 µg/g (60 mg/kg) of iodine. The iodine content in seaweeds can vary naturally. Iodine requirements and intake vary depending on the overall diet.

Combining with other feeds:

Seaweed is suitable for use as part of the diet, for example together with:

• herbal-based products
• fibre-based digestive products
• mineral complementary feeds, when the total iodine amount is taken into account

Natural nutrient profile

Seaweed naturally contains vitamins A, B-group, C, D, E and K, as well as biotin, folic acid and pantothenic acid. It also contains minerals such as potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, manganese and iodine.

Dosage:

Horse (500 kg): 10–30 g / day.
Maximum dose: 50 g / day.

Dogs:
• ~10 kg: 0,5–1 g / day
• ~20–30 kg: 1–1,5 g / day
• ~30–55 kg: 1,5–2 g / day
• >55 kg: 2–3 g / day

Start with a small dose and increase if needed.

Measures: 1 tbsp ≈ 12 g, 1 dl ≈ 90 g.

Iodine intake per dose (estimate)

The iodine content of seaweed varies naturally. The values below are based on an iodine content of approximately 600 µg/g (0,6 mg/g).

Horse (500 kg):
10 g → approx. 6 mg iodine
20 g → approx. 12 mg iodine
30 g → approx. 18 mg iodine
50 g → approx. 30 mg iodine

Dogs:
1 g → approx. 0,6 mg iodine
2 g → approx. 1,2 mg iodine
3 g → approx. 1,8 mg iodine

Raw material origin and quality

Chia de Gracia seaweed is harvested from clean marine areas and analysed to verify nutrient content and heavy metals.
Country of origin: Ireland.

The nutrient content of seaweed can vary naturally depending on growing conditions and harvest time. This is typical of marine plants.

100 % Ascophyllum nodosum

Analytical constituents

Crude protein 6–12 %, Crude fat 1–3 %, Crude fibre 5–12 %, Ash 18–30 %, Moisture 8–15 %

Average nutritional values:

Potassium 1,5–3,5 %, Calcium 0,5–1,5 %, Magnesium 0,3–0,8 %, Sodium 1–4 %, Phosphorus 0,1–0,3 %, Chlorine 2–6 %

Trace elements (mg/kg)

Iodine 300–800 mg, Iron 150–600 mg, Zinc 20–80 mg, Manganese 5–50 mg, Copper 2–15 mg, Selenium 0,2–1 mg, Boron 5–40 mg, Strontium 100–500 mg