Phytoplankton, What Is It?
Today, I would like to introduce something to you that may sound unusual, but if you reach the end of this article, I am sure this little-known addition will become one of the favourite features in your dog’s meals…
What Are Phytoplankton
- Phytoplankton are tiny bunches of algae and bacteria that sustain the entire ocean.
- They are the foundational source of nutrition for the ocean life and fish: little creatures called zooplankton eat the phytoplankton, in their turn they will then be eaten by small fish and so on: this helps to pass the Omega-3 up the ocean food chain.
Is Phytoplankton Good for Dogs?
- This simple marine organism is probably the healthiest broad-spectrum green supplement for any pet.
- Mix it with their food, and you will see immediate benefits to their skin and fur, the shine in their eyes, and even the freshness of their breath.
Let’s go in more detail on how Phytoplankton can help our dogs :
How can Phytoplankton Benefit Dogs
1. Best Source Of Omega-3 (healthier alternative to toxic fish oil)
- Many people know that their pets need Omega-3 fatty acids in their diet.
- According to the National Institute of Health[1], research has shown benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids for heart health, neurodevelopment, cancer prevention, joint issues, allergies and more. Unfortunately, many dog owners supplement Omega-3 fatty acids through fish oil, but it can be rather harmful to pets.
- You should avoid fish oil because:
Fatty acids in fish oil are prone to oxidization which can cause inflammation.
Fish (especially larger fish, like salmon) can contain a considerable amount of mercury, other heavy metals, and toxins.
Fish oil, in general, is a controversial topic because of the overfishing and the harm that the fishing industry does to the environment.
- Fish are not born with high levels of Omega-3. They get Omega-3 from their diet, more precisely from eating small creatures who previously fed on Phytoplankton.
- Half of Phytoplankton composition is, by weight, Omega-3 fats, which is about double the amount found in fish; they are a perfect source of Omega-3 and fatty acids DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).
- There are plant-based sources of Omega-3 fats that you can feed to your dog, but he will not be able to convert them as well and receive all the health benefits. That is why Phytoplankton is a great alternative source for Omega-3 fats.
2. Helps Dogs With Digestive Problems
Your dog’s digestive system must break down food to able to use it for energy. But Phytoplankton is made up of small nanoparticles that the body’s mucous membranes can absorb directly. Phytoplankton’s molecules are so small that they do not even need to be digested, they travel right to your dog’s cells, nourishing them and delivering energy directly.
Because of that, dogs with “Increased Intestinal Permeability Syndrome”, EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency), digestive upset and bowel disease, who have trouble getting proper nutrition from their food, can benefit from the direct nutrition that Phytoplankton can deliver.
3. Aids Liver Function
- The liver is the main organ for detoxification in the body and it is essential for the absorption of nutrients. As your dog ages or he goes through some health problems, the liver can deteriorate, making it harder to process the nutrients absorbed from the small intestine.
- Phytoplankton, thanks to its tiny particles is absorbed directly by the body, delivering nutrients (that improve liver health too), without stressing the liver, that can take a well-deserved rest.
4. Delivers Important Minerals
- Most dogs are deficient in trace minerals.
- Trace minerals are essential to good health as they support essential biological functions, this includes digestion, growth, hormone regulation, enzyme function and thyroid health. They can prevent and improve symptoms of serious diseases.
“Phytoplankton is rich in trace minerals, antioxidants, carotenoids, essential amino acids, beta-carotene, chlorophyll, macronutrients, proteins, fatty acids, including Omega-3 and Omega-6 with a concentration of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C and E.“
5. Fights Cancer And Other Diseases
- Free radicals are naturally produced by the body, although environmental factors (like pollution) also play an important role.
Free radicals build up in the body and they are the cause of diseases and premature aging. - Per contrast, antioxidants are molecules that can prevent cell damage. They help prevent cancer, heart disease, eye problems, and immune system issues. They also have anti-aging effects. The National Cancer Institute research[2] shows that Phytoplankton has cancer-killing properties, thanks to its antioxidant compounds.
- Phytoplankton contain a very important antioxidant, called Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). SOD is the body’s most powerful antioxidant enzyme. It protects cells and helps remove toxins, including heavy metals from the body.
SOD is said to be 3,500 times more potent than vitamin C and Phytoplankton is considered the best bio-available source of SOD.
6. Strengthen Immune System
Packed with SOD, minerals, vitamins, carotenoids and essential fatty acids, this green powder offers amazing immune system boosting benefits.
7. Supports Dogs With Allergies
Perhaps because of its positive effects on the immune system, Phytoplankton seems to aid dogs with allergies, boosting overall heath, reducing inflammation, and restoring wellness.
8. Improves Eyesight
Phytoplankton has a remarkable effect on eyesight, sharpening and clarifying vision, especially in cases where vision is being affected by an overloaded liver.
9. Supports Healthy Aging
Not only is it promptly absorbed into your dog’s body, but Phytoplankton is also a superfood for healthy aging because it can:
Support joint health
Maintain healthy skin
Improve allergies
Improve digestion
Preserve healthy organ function
Reduce inflammation
Increase energy and endurance
Reduce agitation and anxiety
Aid with detoxification
10. Supports Joint Health
The high levels of long chain EPA (Omega-3s) make Phytoplankton a great supplement for joint health, especially for senior dogs.
11. Supports Cardiovascular Health
With the poor quality of many commercial foods and lack of exercise, many dogs have developed heart issues of various sorts. Again, Phytoplankton is a brilliant addition, offering easily absorbable micronutrients which, combined with the power of EPA, can improve and strengthen cardiovascular function.
12. Helps Dogs With Diabetes
More and more pet owners have reported that Phytoplankton has really helped their dog’s diabetes. Phytoplankton can show off general immune boosting properties, pancreas / liver detoxifying properties and blood-sugar balancing properties too, all of which are extremely helpful for a diabetic dog. Phytoplankton helps to take dogs back to a healthier state, offering a wide range of minerals, and helping restore normal glucose levels over time. There is lot of evidence that essential fatty acids play a role in alleviating diabetes too.
What is the Dosage of Phytoplankton for Dogs?
Listed below are some guidelines but feel free to adjust the amounts based on your dog’s taste, health condition, and response to the supplement.
Small Dog = 1/4 teaspoon per day
Medium Dog = 1/2 teaspoon per day
- Large Dog = 3/4 teaspoon per day
Remember though, to not feed excess Omega-3 (EPA and DHA) generally, of any supplement, as this can counterbalance the benefits.
Are There Side Effects To Feed Phytoplankton To Your Dog?
- In some cases, dogs with a poor immune system may feel a bit overwhelmed for a few days as the body is suddenly flooded with nutrients.
- In rare cases some dogs’ stools may become slightly looser (or even green if you are feeding a large amount) but this will improve within a few days.
- Overall, this natural wholefood product really has minimal side-effects, and many positive body responses and benefits.
“Plus… Phytoplankton is An Environmentally Sustainable Product, NOT Taken From The Oceans“
- People may be concerned that Phytoplankton might be detracted from the oceans, impacting other organisms. Phytoplankton can be grown in filtered water in farms, in ecologically sustainable conditions and you do not have to worry about heavy metals, radiation, and toxins, or its impact on the oceans.
Can Dogs Take Phytoplankton For Humans?
- You can certainly feed to your dog any Phytoplankton supplement you might be taking for your own health. Just remember to adjust the daily doses.
A good quality Phytoplankton source should be:
- Sustainably grown with sunlight
Free of radiation, heavy metals, or other toxins
Watered with filtered ocean water
Non-genetically modified and without fillers
- Without any doubt, Phytoplankton should be a part of any dog health regime, especially for seniors… Give it a try!
- This amazing blog written Certified Dog Nutritionists Micaela Caltran Based in London, Uk ( Italy).
- Checkout her website www.naturalistichound.com and
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