By You work hard to protect your dog from the toxins, chemicals, and heavy metals that beset him every day.
But the world is turning into an increasingly polluted environment. Sometimes just going out and breathing puts your dog’s health at risk. So what to do?
Luckily, nature offers its own solutions… including detoxifying herbs like chlorella for dogs.
The benefits of chlorella for dogs
Chlorella is unicellular green freshwater microalgae that develop with the help of sunlight.
Chlorella is getting a lot of attention in the health industry…some even classify it as a superfood. This is because chlorella is associated with a number of potential health benefits.
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1: enhances natural detoxification
One of the biggest benefits of chlorella is that it is a natural detoxifier. Binds and removes toxins from the dog’s body.
Among these are heavy metals. Heavy metals are commonly found…
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Medicines
- Processed pet food
- Prevention against fleas, ticks, and heartworms
- Pollution
Traces of some heavy metals, such as iron and zinc, are important for your dog’s health. But this is not true for everyone. Heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, and lead are all toxic to dogs. And even healthy metals can be dangerous in large quantities.
The good news is that algae (like chlorella) can reduce the toxicity of cadmium and lead in animal organs. In one study, chlorella reduced blood lead levels by up to 66.03% . It was found to be most effective when used during exposure. When used after exposure, the researchers found a reduction in the lead of only 13.5% to 17%.
Another study showed that regular chlorella supplementation helped improve methylmercury removal in mice. And it’s not just heavy metals… Studies show that chlorella can be effective for other toxins…
- Dioxins – highly toxic environmental pollutants. It is commonly found in fish, dairy products, and the air we breathe.
- Neurotoxins – toxins that attack the nervous system. Dogs are often exposed to neurotoxins. These include fluoride in water and mycotoxins in processed foods. Pesticides also contain insecticides.
- Radioactive particles – are present in the environment and are a by-product of radiation treatments.
While steps can be taken to reduce the toxins your dog is exposed to, not much can be done. Therefore, you need to help your dog detox naturally. This way you can get rid of toxins you can’t control… like those in the air you and your dog breathe.
2: Strengthens the immune system
Chlorella helps prevent chronic disease and detoxifies your dog’s system, both of which are great ways to boost your dog’s immune system. It keeps it healthy so it’s ready to defend itself against potential invaders.
Researchers also looked at CGF and the immune system in a 2016 study. They demonstrated that CGF enhanced the humoral immune response. The humoral immune response ensures the production of antibodies that fight bacteria and viruses.
In another study, chlorella increased the production of interferons. Interferons send an alert when a virus is present. Also, it boosted natural killer cells. They are an integral part of the immune system and fight viruses and tumors.
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3: Helps digestive health
Chlorella has antimicrobial properties. These can help fight harmful bacteria in your dog’s intestines. But that’s not all… Chlorella is rich in fiber, which regulates the dog’s bowel movements, and is also a prebiotic.
Prebiotics are indigestible fibers that enter the dog’s large intestine. Once in the colon, they feed the bacteria that live there. This includes beneficial bacteria that help keep your dog healthy. Prebiotics are best used in conjunction with probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that colonize your dog’s large intestine. Together, prebiotics and probiotics can help build, restore and maintain healthy intestinal flora.
As an added benefit, research shows that chlorella can enhance the viability of probiotics. In a Japanese study, chlorella tripled the concentration of probiotic bacteria.
4: Relieves the pain of arthritis
Chlorella can be an effective remedy for relieving arthritis and joint pain for 3 main reasons…
Joint diseases are often caused by chronic inflammation. One study showed that chlorella can prevent inflammation in arthritic rats when taken regularly. This may be due to lycopene. Lycopene is a plant nutrient and an antioxidant. While it’s most commonly associated with pink and red produce like watermelon and tomatoes, it’s also found in chlorella.
In 2013, some researchers studied lycopene in chlorella. They concluded that chlorella is a better natural alternative for inflammatory diseases. And best of all, it has no known side effects.
Finally, chlorella contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are also anti-inflammatory. Just 3 grams of chlorella contains 100 mg of omega-3s.
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5: helps prevent chronic disease.
Your dog’s body contains damaged cells, called free radicals, that are missing an important molecule. To restore integrity, free radicals try to steal molecules from healthy cells. When this happens, the dog’s DNA can be damaged and damaged DNA can lead to premature aging, cancer, and chronic disease.
To stabilize these free radicals and prevent them from damaging other cells, dogs need antioxidants. Normally, the dog produces enough antioxidants to keep free radicals in check. But if the amount of free radicals is more than your dog’s system can handle, he may need a nutritional boost.
Chlorella is packed with powerful antioxidants…
- Beta-carotene
- C vitamin
- Chlorophyll
- lycopene
- Lutein
In a 2019 study, researchers supplemented the diet of rabbits with chlorella. Rabbits who ate chlorella had less oxidative stress (an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants) than those who didn’t.
6: slows down aging
In Martin Zucker’s The Veterinarians’ Guide to Natural Remedies for Dogs, Dr. Clarence Hardin DVM recommends chlorella for long-term use. He explains that it helps slow down the aging process and promotes the health of older dogs.
The anti-aging effects of chlorella are in part due to the antioxidants it contains. They help prevent premature aging and cognitive decline. But chlorella also contains chlorella growth factor (CGF).
CGF is rich in nucleic acid. Every dog cell contains nucleic acid in the form of RNA and DNA (ribonucleic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid). RNA and DNA store and transmit genetic information and help make proteins. Chlorella Growth Factor for Dogs is beneficial because foods rich in nucleic acids promote cell repair and regeneration.
In a 2009 study, researchers showed that chlorella can do just that. The researchers looked at DNA damage in cells affected by oxidative stress. Cells treated with chlorella were able to better protect and repair themselves.
CGF can also improve energy levels. Some believe this is because CGF reduces the amount of work the body has to do to make RNA and DNA. However, research shows that this may be because chlorella increases the amount of oxygen breathed in by test subjects.
7: Reduces bad breath
Chlorella contains a compound called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll, like carotenoids, is a plant pigment. It is responsible for the green color of most plants and algae. Chlorophyll has countless benefits, but one unique one is the prevention of bad breath. At least for our dogs. Veterinarian Liz Hanson says…
“One of the main ways our pets benefit from chlorophyll is that it treats and prevents bad breath from within. It also improves digestion, which is the most likely cause of bad breath, even in dogs with bad teeth. and healthy gums”.
8: Improve skin and coat
As already mentioned, the nucleic acid contained in CGF contributes to cell regeneration. This helps keep skin cells healthy. Chlorella also contains nutrients that directly promote healthy skin and coat. These include essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C.
These same nutrients can also stimulate collagen synthesis. Collagen is a protein that provides structure to the dog’s body. It plays a role in the healthy growth of bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. It is also a major component of skin and hair.
Including collagen-rich foods in your dog’s diet can help keep their skin and coat healthier. It can also be useful in the case of dermatitis (a skin disease).
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9: eye health benefits
Chlorella contains lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotenoids. These three antioxidants are all plant pigments known as carotenoids. And they all contribute to maintaining the dog’s eye health. In fact, lutein and zeaxanthin are the only two dietary carotenoids that accumulate in the retina. This means they can help protect it from oxidative stress.
Research shows that lutein and zeaxanthin may help protect against eye problems such as…
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Cataracts
- Diabetic retinopathy
How to use chlorella for dogs
Chlorella comes in powder form and is easy to mix into dog food. But it’s important to look for high-quality supplements. Quality can vary depending on the brand of chlorella, so be sure to do your research. Chlorella produced under non-standard conditions can accumulate toxins. This counteracts the benefits of detoxifying seaweed.
If possible, a product that contains Chlorella pyrenoidosa species should also be chosen. Chlorella pyrenoidosa contains more vitamins, amino acids, proteins, and (especially) CGF.
Dosage: To incorporate chlorella into your dog’s food, give 50 mg for every 25 pounds of body weight, once or twice daily. If your dog is being treated for a specific condition and needs a boost in their immune system, you can double the dose.
As with any new supplement for your dog, start small. Make sure your dog can tolerate it before slowly increasing the dosage to the desired amount. Consult your holistic vet when in doubt.
Bonus: Chlorella accelerates wound healing
Chlorella is also useful in compresses that help with skin infections and wounds. This is due to the antimicrobial properties of chlorella and some of the botanicals it contains…
Flavonoids: help control bleeding and inflammation.
Tannins: strengthen the bonds between the skin and mucous membranes and accelerate healing. They also help reduce and kill certain bacteria.
Saponins – Increase collagen to aid in tissue and skin cell repair.
Antioxidants – Boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Chlorella is a microalgae, but it has a big effect. It’s packed with nutrients that can provide a variety of health benefits for your dog.
Where can you find chlorella for dogs?
Chlorella and other algae are available in capsule or powder form. The right dose can be determined based on the strength and weight of the dog. As with other supplements, consult your veterinarian before adding chlorella to your pet’s diet. Toxicity from too much seaweed in your dog’s diet is rare, but it’s still important to exercise caution.
The use of algae is widespread in animal feed. Chlorella, spirulina, and Dunaliella are all marketed as supplements for animals… including dogs, cats, aquarium fish, pet birds, horses, cows, and breeding cows. On the market, there are often supplements that combine these types of algae in a single product.
For humans, these algae have the same benefits. Vegans and vegetarians often consume chlorella and other algae as a source of protein and vitamin B12, which is needed for food digestion.
The health benefits of chlorella for dogs and cats
- immunity
This growth factor in chlorella, coupled with its high nutrient content, results in its incredible ability to boost the immunity of dogs and cats. For example, some studies have shown that chlorella:
Increase natural killer cells.
These are white blood cells that are essential for protection against diseases such as cancers and viruses.
Increases the production of interferon
These proteins signal the presence of a virus in the dog or cat’s body, causing the immune system to activate.
Increase antibodies
Intake of chlorella has been found to lead to an increase in antibodies required for immune function. For example, one study found an increase in SigA. It is an antibody essential for mucosal immunity (the largest component of the immune system).
Another study showed that chlorella enhances the humoral immune response (another component of the immune system).
What are spirulina and chlorella good for?
Chlorella and Spirulina are forms of algae that are highly nutritious and safe for most people to consume. They are associated with many health benefits, including reducing risk factors for heart disease and better blood sugar management.
What is chlorella powder good for?
The antioxidants and other nutrients in chlorella have shown antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer properties. In clinical studies, chlorella increased the number of white blood cells, which can stimulate the immune system and help fight infection.
chlorella tablets benefits?
Chlorella also contains a variety of antioxidants such as omega-3 and vitamin C, as well as carotenoids such as beta-carotene and lutein. These nutrients fight cell damage in the body and help reduce the risk of diabetes, cognitive disorders, heart problems, and cancer.
Spirulina and Chlorella Benefits When Taken Together
The main benefits of spirulina and chlorella that you can enjoy when you take them together are the protein and potassium that spirulina is rich in, as well as the iron and omega-3 content of chlorella.