The Seaweed Secret for Mako’s Tummy Troubles
So, I gave Mako a bite of my food. One not so spicy bite so I thought.
Huge mistake.
He looked at me. Ears down, appetite gone, mood fully sunken. I felt awful.
I had no idea what might help, but I wasn’t ready to hit the vet’s office yet. I started poking around online. I was hoping for something herbal, gentle, maybe natural and weirdly enough, that led me straight to seaweed. I wasn’t sure it would help, but it sparked a little research spiral. Turns out, seaweed might actually have some game when it comes to mild tummy troubles.
What I Learned
Here are four seaweeds that popped up as possibilities, none of which I knew were even a thing for dogs and easily found at a Japanese grocery store:
Nori – Basic, pantry-level seaweed. It's light, rich in iodine and B12, and can be crumbled into warm water for a mellow herbal-style sip. Make sure it’s not the salty kind.
Kombu – The heavyweight champ. Thick, chewy, full of minerals, and famous for its soothing broth powers. It's like the grandpa of gut-calming seaweed, but I didn’t have it.
Wakame – Soft, sweet, and apparently easier on digestion. It shows up in miso soup, but could also work in a pet-friendly broth if you rehydrate it first. Didn’t have this either.
Dulse – The wild card. Red, smoky, and full of minerals. Some say it tastes like bacon when fried. (Still need to test that one.) Also, not in my kitchen. Make sure its unseasoned.
Local Foraging?
Here’s where things got cooler than expected: most of these seaweeds? They actually grow wild right here in California.
I stumbled onto sites like ForageSF and Healing Tide, where they lead actual seaweed field trips along the coast. Like real ones. With tide pools, ID guides, and ramen made from your own kombu haul. Suddenly, this wasn’t just a kitchen fix; it was a whole lifestyle.
Should You Give Seaweed to Your Dog?
Short answer: maybe, sometimes, carefully. Holistic vets are the ones who really get into this stuff especially when it comes to seaweed’s vitamins, anti-inflammatory stuff, or thyroid support. But that’s a rabbit hole for another post.
If you want to nerd out responsibly, Dogs Naturally Magazine gives a solid starter pack.
Mako’s doing better now. His appetite's creeping back. Seaweed might not be magic, but it’s way cooler than I gave it credit for.
