Phytoplankton are tiny, microscopic plants that are the base of the food chain in the ocean. All ocean life depends on phytoplankton.
And it’s one of the most valuable sources of nutrition on earth. It’s incredibly high in nutrition and health benefits. And when it comes to our dog’s health, phytoplankton isn’t just any old seaweed … this stuff is seriously potent.
Because phytoplankton are single-celled organisms that contain nearly every nutrient your dog needs. Its whole nutrition fuels the entire ocean and it can fuel your dog with:
- Essential fatty acids
- Trace minerals
- Chlorophyll
- Antioxidants
- Essential amino acids
- Protein
- Carotenoids
- Vitamins
However, giving your dog even the tiniest amounts of phytoplankton can boost his health. And as researchers are finding out, it fights cancer and other diseases too.
6 Reasons To Feed Your Dog Phytoplankton
Here are just some of the reasons you should add phytoplankton to your dog’s diet.
#1 Helps Dogs With Digestive Issues
Phytoplankton is a whole food. It delivers a highly concentrated source of balanced nutrition. This means your dog can absorb this nutrition without having to digest it first.
Usually, your dog’s digestive system has to break down food before the body can use it for energy. But phytoplankton is made up of tiny nanoparticles. So the body’s mucous membranes can absorb it.
So this means phytoplankton delivers energy directly to the body’s cells.
For example, dogs with leaky gut syndrome, EPI, digestive upset and bowel disease can benefit. Because they have trouble getting proper nutrition from their food.
#2 Can Replace Toxic Fish Oils
Fish aren’t born with high levels of omega-3 fats. Just like your dog, they need to get omega-3 in their diet. And they get it from phytoplankton.
Phytoplankton contains Omega-3 essential fatty acids DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). And it contains nearly double the amount of omega-3 fats by weight as fish oil.
Omega-3 fatty acids support the immune system and cognitive function. They’re also good for heart, skin and joint health. Omega-3s also help reduce inflammation in the body, minimizing the risk of chronic disease.
But fish oils oxidize when exposed to oxygen. This actually increases inflammation in your dog. And fish contain mercury and other heavy metals, PCBs and other toxins.
And Pacific fish are suffering from the effects of radiation. These toxins get passed to your dog and outweigh any benefits from the omega-3 fats. And fish oil is not sustainable and creates dead zones in our oceans.
[RELATED: Fish Oil For Dogs: 5 Reasons You Should Dump It]
#3 Adds Important Minerals To Your Dog’s Diet
Most dogs (as well as people) are deficient in trace minerals. One important reason for this deficiency is the widely used pesticide glyphosate (Roundup). Glyphosate chelates (binds to) trace minerals such as copper, iron, cobalt and manganese.
Trace minerals are essential to good health as they support critical biological functions. This includes digestion, growth and hormone regulation, enzyme function and thyroid health.
Manganese-deficient dogs are much more likely to develop joint disease and cruciate tears.
Trace minerals can prevent and reverse serious disease:
- Selenium has been shown to prevent cancer tumors
- Magnesium supports heart, joint and neurological health
- Iodine regulates thyroid function
#4 Fights Cancer And Disease
The body naturally produces free radicals through metabolism. Environmental factors like pollution also play a huge role.
Because these are unstable atoms that can damage cells and cause some to die. Free radicals build up in the body like rust. And they are the cause of all disease and premature aging.
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. National Cancer Institute tests and studies show phytoplankton has cancer-killing potential. And that’s because of its antioxidant properties.
It contains what’s known as the king of antioxidants, 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.
And researchers found that the longest-lived animals, sea turtles, contain large amounts of SOD. Shorter-lived animals, like mice, contain only small amounts. So SOD can be an important addition to your dog’s diet!
SOD uses a process called dismutation to deactivate a free radical called superoxide. This turns the free radical into hydrogen peroxide. It then breaks down into harmless oxygen and water. SOD is said to be 3,500 times more potent than vitamin C.
Phytoplankton is considered the best bioavailable source of SOD, making it a powerful antioxidant and detoxification agent.
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#5 Supports The Liver
Phytoplankton is absorbed on the cellular level, giving the liver a digestion break.
The liver is the master organ for detoxification in the body. It’s vital for the absorption of nutrients.
And as your dog ages or experiences health problems, the liver can fatigue. This makes it harder to absorb vital nutrients.
Phytoplankton delivers nutrients that restore liver health without making it work for them.
#6 Supports Healthy Aging
By now I hope this supplement is at the top of your list if you have any older dog. But if it’s not yet let’s discuss further why phytoplankton needs to be part of your dog’s diet befor and during those golde years.
Not only is it readily absorbed into your dog’s body, Phytoplankton is also a superfood for healthy aging because it can:
- Support mobility and joint health
- Manage skin issues and allergies
- Improve cellular function
- Maintain healthy organ function
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve digestion
- Increase energy and stamina
- Reduce hyperactivity and anxiety
- Help with detoxification
And these are key to your dog living his best life and having the energy and stamina he needs as he ages. Which means he’ll be able to:
- Enjoy more runs in the park
- Have a healthy skin and coat as his first line of defense against environmental toxins
- Have a strong and healthy mind
- Digest nutrients better and have proper organ function for detoxing naturally
Choosing The Best Phytoplankton To Feed Your Dog
Ok so now you know why your dog needs phytoplankton but where do you find it?
There are a few commercial products currently available for dogs and there are many popping up for humans. You can use either but you want to ensure it’s what it says it is.
So check the product labels. A good quality phytoplankton source should be:
- Sustainably grown on land with sunlight
- Free of radiation, heavy metals or other toxins
- Watered with filtered ocean water
- Non-genetically modified (GMO), vegan and without fillers
How Much Phytoplankton To Give Dogs
The bonus of phytoplankton being easily absorbed by your dog is that he’ll only need a small amount.
If you are feeding a product without any fillers, which I hope you can … you can give 1/16 teaspoon a day for any sized dog.
So you can see now why Phytoplankton is being researched for its health and nutrition benefits. It truly is the king of antioxidants and quite possibly the “king of all supplements.”
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