Spirulina for Dogs: Benefits and Uses

Plant-based foods have had a serious boom in popularity in recent years. According to a 2021 report from the Good Food Institute, grocery sales of plant-based foods grew by 27 percent in the past year. And the plant-based foods trend has trickled down to pets as well, with major pet food brands now offering plant-based pet food options that include protein sourced from brown rice, barley, chickpeas, peas, potatoes, oats, lentils, and more.

Spirulina is another plant-based protein source that is growing in popularity. It’s actually been sold as a supplement and used by humans for lowering bad cholesterol, decreasing inflammation, reducing blood pressure, improving allergy symptoms, and more since the late 1970s, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. And now, an interest in spirulina for dogs has sparked.

But is spirulina good for dogs? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of spirulina and how you can safely implement this vegan protein into your pup’s diet.

What Is Spirulina?

Spirulina is actually just blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria (1).

“They are, and have been for centuries, used as both food sources and as supplements (2),” says Dr. Emily Luisana, veterinarian and Clinical Nutrition Fellow at BluePearl Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas.

Spirulina is loaded with macronutrients, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, and several vitamins and minerals. According to the USDA, one single tablespoon (7 grams) of dried spirulina powder contains (3):

Calories: 20
Protein: 4 grams
Fat: .54 grams

Spirulina is also noted for being rich in vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese.

Can Dogs Have Spirulina?

Yes, spirulina can be safe to give your dog if you purchase it from a reputable manufacturer and use it according to the label. The Food & Drug Administration has listed uncontaminated spirulina extract as GRAS (generally recognized as safe).

However, that doesn’t mean it’s totally risk-free.

“Risks related to contamination and/or drug interactions are real concerns,” Luisana says. “There are limited studies in dogs, however, I am not aware of any that have shown adverse reactions, unless related to contamination.” (More on that contamination risk to come.)

Is Spirulina Good for Dogs?

In humans, spirulina has been studied as an immune system stimulator, antihistamine, antioxidant, and pain reliever (4, 5, 6). It has also been shown to reduce high cholesterol and hypertension (high cholesterol) (7, 8).

Animal studies are lacking overall, but have shown some potential benefits in immune system function, as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergen, and as a protective cancer therapy for chemotherapy and radiation (9, 10, 11, 12).

How to Give Spirulina for Dogs

Spirulina comes in many forms, including powders, tablets, capsules, and mixed with other ingredients as a supplement or treat. According to Luisana, spirulina is found in many “immune support” products.

But exact safe dosing has yet to be determined for dogs.

“As we do not know the safest, effective dose in dogs, we have to extrapolate from the limited human and canine studies,” Luisana says. “If pet parents are interested in trialing this supplement, I recommend discussing the pros/cons with their veterinarian to see if this supplement fits with their pet’s health plan.”

For humans, doses up to 19 grams per day have been used safely for up to two months, and lower doses of 10 grams per day have been used safely for up to six months (1).

Spirulina for Dogs Side Effects

Unfortunately, blue-green algae can be contaminated with harmful algae (and/or cyanotoxins) (13), as well as heavy metals during growing, harvesting, or processing, Luisana notes.

And toxicity has also been reported in some blue-green algae supplements (14).

Spirulina supplements could also cause issues with some medications your dog may be taking.

“Spirulina is an inhibitor of certain cytochrome p450 enzymes (15), which are involved in metabolism of many medications and other supplements, which is another reason its use should always be discussed with your veterinarian,” Luisana adds.

And if your dog has any autoimmune issues, you should be extra cautious.

“And although spirulina may have immune-stimulating effects, special concern should also be given to pets with autoimmune disease and/or who are on immunomodulating medications (for example, many medications used for allergies) (16),” Luisana says.

How to Choose Spirulina for Dogs

Spirulina for dogs is available in many different forms ranging from supplements to treats and chews.

When Luisana makes recommendations for supplements or treats, she tells her clients to:

Choose a reputable brand that uses third-party verification
Read the label carefully for concentration
Look for and consider the implications of any additional ingredients, both active and inactive

“I prefer NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) certification for any supplements I recommend,” she says. “I also encourage consumers to not be afraid of calling the manufacturer and ask for more information, such as where they source their products, how they screen for toxins, etc.”

And of course, you can give your vet a call to make sure he or she supports your dog starting a spirulina supplement.

Spirulina dog treats may be an ideal starting place if you’re interested in supplementing your dog’s diet with this ingredient. These treats usually have a lower concentration of spirulina and manufacturers bake in amounts that are safe for dogs. Just remember to follow label instructions to avoid feeding your dog too many spirulina dog treats. And if you have any concerns, consult your veterinarian.

Our Favorite Spirulina Products for Dogs

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Great Pet Care may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Ready to try supplementing your dog with spirulina? Here are our picks for some of the best spirulina supplements, treats,and chews on the market.

Best Spirulina Dog Treat

Our pick: Chippin Spirulina Dailies

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These vegan dog treats are made with natural, simple ingredients including oat, kale, flaxseed, carrot, parsley, sunflower oil, molasses, spirulina, and rosemary. That’s it. The vegan spirulina protein is also a prebiotic (which means it’s good for gut health), and loaded with omega-3 and B12. The treats are also baked in small batches right here in the USA.

Highlights

Made of human-grade, natural ingredients
Made and packaged in the USA
No wheat, corn, or soy
No pesticides
Low-calorie (20 calories per treat)
Formulated by vets and animal nutritionists
Supports joint and bone health, as well as anti-inflammatory benefits
Packaging is sustainable and environmentally friendly

Things to Consider

Servings are: 1-2 pieces for small breed dogs, 3-4 for medium breed, and 5-6 for large breeds

Best Spirulina Powder for Dogs

Our pick: Wholistic Pet Organics Spirulina Powder

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This spirulina powder for dogs contains one ingredient: organic spirulina. You can add it into your pup’s dry or wet food for an extra boost of protein, beta-carotene, vitamins A and B12, and iron.

Highlights

Organic
Raw, natural whole-food ingredients
Made and packaged in the USA
NASC Quality Seal
Supports immune system, skin and coat health, and overall health

Things to Consider

One scoop = ¼ teaspoon, which contains 1,000 mg spirulina
For dogs 2-30 pounds, servings size is 1 scoop (¼ teaspoon)
For dogs 31-60 pounds, serving size is 2 scoops (½ teaspoon)
For dogs over 61 pounds, serving size is 4 scoops (1 teaspoon)

Best Spirulina Tablet for Dogs

Our pick: Good Natured Chlorella Spirulina Chewable Tablets

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These chewable tablets from Good Natured are made with 50 percent cracked cell wall chlorella pyrenoidosa and 50 percent spirulina arthrospira platensis. Each tablet also contains 13 different vitamins, 10 minerals, eight essential amino acids, 10 non-essential amino acids, and three phytonutrients. Each package comes with 1,250 tablets that are vacuum sealed for freshness.

Highlights

Made of human-grade ingredients
Made and packaged in the USA
Gluten free
Vegan
No pesticides
Low-calorie (10 calories per tablet)
Supports digestion and coat health

Things to Consider

Doesn’t carry the NASC Quality Seal
Servings are 3-6 tablets for small breed dogs, 6-10 for medium breeds, and 10-15 for large breeds
Store in a cool, dry place

Best Spirulina Biscuit

Our pick: Hearty Puppy Vegan Superfood Dog Treats

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You and your pup will fall in love with these heart-shaped spirulina and apple dog biscuits. Plus, they were created by a veterinarian and a French pastry chef. Other ingredients include whole wheat flour, water, coconut oil, rye flour, and wheat bran.

Highlights

Made of human-grade ingredients
Vegan
Free of artificial colors and flavors
No pesticides
Non-GMO
27 calories per treat
Supports immune and digestive health

Things to Consider

Hearty Puppy does not offer serving size recommendations
Contains wheat, rye, and nuts (coconuts)

Best Spirulina Dental Treat for Dogs

Our pick: Purina DentaLife ActivFresh Daily Oral Care Large Dental Dog Treats

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Buy at Chewy

Spirulina can also be used to ward off bad breath, and these DentaLife ActivFresh dental dog treats contain 547 mg of spirulina each. It has a chicken flavor that your pooch will love and that will also help keep his breath fresh.

Highlights