Can Dogs Eat Seaweed? When it is or isn’t an Emergency

Yes, dogs can eat certain types of seaweeds as long as it’s in moderation. Dog owners, however, will need to be extra cautious when feeding seaweeds to dogs as a lot can go wrong from letting dogs eat the wrong type.

Can dogs eat dried seaweed sheets?

Yes, dogs can eat dried processed seaweeds like seaweed snacks and nori seaweed sheets as long as they don’t contain any additives that are harmful to pets. It’s important to check the product label. Many varieties of seaweed snacks, for example, contain ingredients that are harmful to pets, such as garlic and onion powder. Some nori sheets may also be unhealthy for dogs if they contain too much sodium.

How much seaweed can I give my dog?

You should give no more than a small piece of seaweed snack or seaweed sheet to a dog (as long as it doesn’t come with harmful additives). Seaweed isn’t something you should feed your dog too regularly. The dog may build up an appetite for it and may try to eat wild seaweed. This can be unsafe for dogs that are regularly taken to the beach.

Can dogs eat kelp or seaweed at the beach?

Under no circumstances should you let your dog eat wild kelp or seaweed lying around on a beach. There are several health risks associated with wild seaweed, even if the seaweed itself isn’t considered toxic to dogs. First, wild seaweed and kelp may contain a harmful level of pollutants. Second, wild seaweed (dry or wet) can introduce choking and intestinal blockage risks once ingested.

What to do if your dog ate wild seaweed at the beach

Wild seaweed ingestion can lead to a number of concerning symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Don’t wait until these symptoms start to show. Consult with the vet immediately if you dog managed to eat some wild seaweed at the beach. You can visit our food safety page to learn about other human foods that could be dangerous to dogs.