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Seaweeds are considered the best of these green foods, as they do not require cellulose to encircle the cell wall, which is difficult for dogs to digest. Seaweeds average about 25% protein and 2% fat. They are one of the richest sources of minerals and amino acids found in a plant source. Their dense amounts of nutrients are thought to help produce energy, enhance the immune system, and darken coat color and skin pigment. Seaweeds are also rich in iodine and support the endocrine glands (thyroid functioning).
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Seaweeds have been a daily staple of the Japanese for years and have only recently become popular in the United States. It is shown that seaweeds provide many health benefits and promote longevity. While they were once considered only a specialty food, they are now offered in most supermarkets and many restaurants.
http://www.lef.org/newsarchive/aging/2001/05/21/FWST/0000-3439-KEYWORD.Missing.html |
Some studies have shown that seaweeds may be helpful in reducing breast cancer and are thought to contain anti-tumor properties. It is also believed they may fight heavy metal accumulations in the body by binding to them and may be helpful after cancer treatments. Seaweeds are also high in tryptophan, which is also helpful in fighting cancer.
http://www.healthandage.com/html/min/afar/content/chapter7_2.htm.
http://www.wabtusa.com/News.htm |
While seaweeds may taste salty, they are actually low in salt and are often used as a salt substitute for conditions requiring low sodium diets. There are also new studies showing seaweeds being helpful for diabetes, hypertension and heart conditions.
http://www.takara-bio.co.jp/english/news_e/1999/07/15.htm |
| Probably the best features of these foods for dogs is the high mineral content, phytonutrients, color enhancement for hair coats and pigment, energy builders, immune enhancers, ease of digestibility, thyroid support and potential cancer protection. Some more common sea vegetables include: |
Kelp
This is a brown marine plant that is high in minerals and contains vitamins A, B, E, D and K. It also contains sodium alginate (algin), which helps remove heavy metals from the dogs system. It has gels called carrageenan and agar that aids dogs with IBD and colitis by easing digestion. Kelp is a good source of iodine that helps promote good thyroid function. |
Blue Green Algae
This seaweed is very high in protein (60%). It contains a good source of chlorophyll, which is high in beta-carotene. It contains essential fatty acids, minerals, enzymes, vitamins and minerals. |
Spirulina
This alga is also 60% protein. It is high in GLA (gamma Linoleic acid), which is an essential fatty acid. GLA is an anti-inflammatory and can inhibit the growth of certain cancers. Spirulina contains vitamin C, B complex, and E, carotenoids, chlorophyll (which helps purify the blood), and phycocyanin. It is a highly digestible food and nutrient dense. |
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Irish Moss
This is an excellent aid for digestion problems such as gastritis and ulcers. It has also been used for bronchitis and other lung problems. It is high in calcium, magnesium and potassium. It helps to strengthen nails and hair and boost the immune system. Recent research has shown promise for Irish Moss in fighting certain viruses. |
Dulce
This is a red alga, which is rich in iron, iodine, potassium and trace minerals and is a very high source of vitamin B12. It is also low in salt, yet has a ‘salty’ taste. |
| Some common sea vegetables that are found in flat sheet forms at health food stores include nori, Kombu and wakeme. Do make sure if you are feeding these types of sea vegetables to your dogs, that you grind them or pulverize them first, as they make a ‘gel’ that can result in a blockage in the intestines of our canine friends if it is fed whole or in strips. |
| Another great green food that is not considered seaweed, but is well worth mentioning is Alfalfa. It is considered an herb and a whole food. The Arabians called it the “father of all foods” as they felt is added strength, speed and stamina to their horses. Alfalfa is rich in protein and contains eight amino acids. It contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, carotenes, chlorophyll and vitamins E and K. It also appears to have anti-inflammatory effects and ease arthritis pain. |
Fenugreek seed
Fenugreek is high in Vitamins A and D, and is excellent for digestion problems and stomach aches. It helps control blood sugar in diabetes and helps with lung and congestion problems. |
| B-Naturals has combined the best of the above ingredients into a product called Berte’s Green Blend. It contains kelp, spirulina, irish moss, blue green algae, dulce, alfalfa and ground fenugreek to offer all the good nutrients each of these green foods offer. It is a super food mix that contains a rich blend of minerals, trace minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients. It is designed to promote immunity, endurance and energy, and is excellent for coat and skin, useful for arthritis, senior dogs, gastric conditions, allergies and thyroid health. It is an excellent supplement for many ailments as well as maintaining health in normal dogs. And birds like it too! |
Contact Me
If you would like to ask me any questions about my products, I would love to hear from you. Please check your return address when you send me email from my web site and try to write me again if you have not heard back from me. |
To email: lew@k9nutritionwithlew.com
To order call toll free: 1-866-368-2728
To fax an order: 1-763-477-9588
Email orders are also accepted |
| (c) Copyright 2002 Lew Olson, All Rights Reserved |
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