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2019 Update: While I continue to add phytoplankton to my dogs' diet for the chlorophyll, I no longer add it as an alternative to fish or fish oil. You can learn more in my blog post: Phytoplankton, an Expensive Alternative to Fish Oil.
In June 2017, phytoplankton was a hot topic in many raw feeding groups. I did some research and wasn't convinced that I needed to spend money on yet another supplement for my dogs. I also chose to be open to new information that may change my mind. Well, folks, I've changed my mind and had to rewrite this blog post. A reader reached out to me about a phytoplankton supplement that cured her dog's itching. Around the same time, Rodrigo had started licking his paws again, something that happens at the change of seasons (Spring and Fall) when the ground is wet. This year, he was obsessive with the licking, his paws were turning pink, and the white hair of his paws was a rust color. This was not good and I needed a solution fast, so I ordered the phytoplankton recommended.
Within 48 hours, I noticed that Rodrigo's paws were white again. I've been adding phytoplankton to my dogs' raw meals for a month and Rodrigo itchy paws have decreased dramatically. He still licks his paws on occasion, but it's not a daily thing for an hour. I'm blown away.
What is Phytoplankton?
Before I add something to my dogs' diet, I need to find out what it is…
“Phytoplankton are photosynthesizing microscopic organisms that inhabit the upper sunlit layer of almost all oceans and bodies of fresh water on Earth. They are agents for “primary production,” the creation of organic compounds from carbon dioxide dissolved in the water, a process that sustains the aquatic food web.” ~ Wikipedia
Is Phytoplankton the Same as Kelp/Seaweed?
At first, I thought phytoplankton was the same as kelp or seaweed. It's not. Then I wondered if they contained the same benefits. I give my dogs kelp for their metabolism health and as a natural source of iodine (also found in sardines). They don't have the same benefits.
Phytoplankton and seaweed are similar in that they aren't plants – they're algae; phytoplankton are also a type of plankton (kelp is not plankton) which are teeny tiny sea creatures that can't swim against the current (they're too small and weak) so they just float around in the ocean.
- I order Lifeline oceanic kelp for my dogs.
- Learn more about the similarities and differences between seaweed, kelp, and phytoplankton.
Benefits of Organic Kelp for Dogs
I add organic kelp to my dogs' diet because it's their main source of iodine and supports thyroid health. But that's not all. Organic kelp also…
- supports healthy teach and gums by reducing the build-up of plaque and tartar on teeth
- supports gut and digestive health while increasing metabolism
- supports skin and coat health while reducing shedding
What are the Benefits of Phytoplankton for Dogs?
- A source of essential fatty acids
- Acts as a natural detox
- Improves the immune system
- Boosts heart health
- Boosts liver health
- Encourages the system to regenerate cells and create healthy cells
- Cancer-fighting benefits
Is Phytoplankton the Same as Spirulina?
Because the colors are similar, I wondered if phytoplankton was the same as spirulina (or had similar benefits). Phytoplankton is a micro-algae and spirulina is blue-green algae and freshwater plant. While phytoplankton and spirulina aren't the same, they offer many of the same benefits. But they aren't exactly the same.
Benefits of Phytoplankton for Dogs
- essential fatty acids (great alternative for fish oil)
- natural detox
- improves immune system
- sparks cellular regeneration (healthy, new cells)
- boosts heart health
- boosts liver health
- supports eye health
- boosts cell regeneration
- cancer-fighting benefits
- a source of minerals
- a source of chlorophyll (reduces grass eating) and vitamins
- healthy protein source
Benefits of Spirulina for Dogs
- improves the digestive system
- natural detox
- improves immune system
- keeps eyes healthy
- a source of iron (which supports the liver)
- reduces inflammation
- superior source of antioxidants
- source of B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, E, K1 K2
- healthy protein source
I've been adding spirulina to my dogs' diet for several years. Earlier this year, I switched to Spirugreen by Mercola, because it contains the microalgae spirulina and astaxanthin (fights cancer) containing microalgae. When I was reading about it, it just sounded like spirulina on steroids and that sounded good to me.
- I order Spirugreen for dogs from Mercola on Amazon.com.
Phytoplankton or Bonnie & Clyde Fish Oil
So, what about fish oil? When I started to feed my dogs a raw diet, the importance of fish oil was drummed into me. But over the past year, I've seen more discussions warning against the use of fish oil due to overfishing and the toxins in the water. Toxins are stored in the fat and skin of the fish our dogs consume (and are used to make fish oil). This is why I feed my dogs sardines, mackerel, and carp burgers. And it's also why I alternate between two fish oil brands that I trust:
I chose brands that make oil from sustainably sourced fish, offer a superior source of EHA and DHA, and have fewer heavy metals. Based on my research, phytoplankton isn't just an alternative to fish oil; it's better.
Is Phytoplankton Sustainable?
One of the reasons I was interested in phytoplankton was the environmental impact. We're overfishing our oceans, maybe phytoplankton can serve as an alternative source of essential fatty acids while also providing us with many more benefits. But it looks like some believe that global warming is decreasing the population of phytoplankton.
“A 2010 study published in Nature reported that marine phytoplankton had declined substantially in the world's oceans over the past century. Phytoplankton concentrations in surface waters were estimated to have decreased by about 40% since 1950, at a rate of around 1% per year, possibly in response to ocean warming.[24][25] The study generated debate among scientists and led to several communications and criticisms, also published in Nature.[26][27][27][28] In a 2014 follow-up study, the authors used a larger database of measurements and revised their analysis methods to account for several of the published criticisms, but ultimately reached similar conclusions to the original Nature study.[29] These studies and the need to understand the phytoplankton in the ocean led to the creation of the Secchi Disk Citizen Science study in 2013.[30]“
While I don't doubt the reduction in phytoplankton in our oceans, I don't think that it relates to my dogs and their diet because the phytoplankton I'm currently sourcing for my dogs isn't sourced from the open ocean to avoid the pollution; it's cultured and grown under controlled/purified conditions.
Dangers of Phytoplankton Supplements
And like with everything, I'm certain too much of a good thing can go array. With the popularity of phytoplankton supplements, some companies are growing it in manmade ponds and lakes – while this is done in an attempt to reduce or remove the toxins we're finding in polluted oceans, these bodies of water are still subject to toxins. There are many quality sources for phytoplankton, it's important to check the brand out before buying.
How Often I Add Phytoplankton
If you order the Mr. Ros Marine Phytoplankton for Dogs and Cats, you may be surprised by the size of the bag that arrives. If didn't buy this product based on a recommendation, I would have felt cheated. It's small! But reading the instructions, I saw that I only add 1/4 teaspoon to my dogs' meals. And because I feed my dogs sardines, carp, oysters, and spirulina, I don't add phytoplankton every day. I've had the bag for a month and I've barely made a dent in it.
I add phytoplankton three days per week, but even if I added it five days per week, I would still be working my way slowly through the bag. It's a great deal!
Why I Still Feed Fish
As stated above, I like to alternate ingredients in my dogs' diet. I do this because I don't like to eat the same thing daily and I tell myself that my dogs love to alternate too. I'm beginning to study the nutrients my dogs need in their diet and believe that alternating ingredients makes it easier for me to meet their nutritional needs. But this is a learning process so this may change. For now, phytoplankton is a valuable supplement that I feed to my dogs a few days a week and I can see the difference in Rodrigo so I'll continue.
Rodrigo’s itchiness is primarily due to environmental triggers. I can’t tell you if phytoplankton will help your dog; I can tell you that this is what I did to help Rodrigo:
1) Add phytoplankton to his diet 5 days a week.
2) Add kefir (from Answers Pet Food) to his diet a few days a week.
3) Give him Green Honey Allergy Support a few days a week.
Was your dogs itching based on a seasonal allergy? We are currently going through a trial and error phase for our 1 yr. old mutt who has an “unknown source of itching.” We have started mixing in some raw feeding and want to supplement with Fish Oil until i heard about Phytoplankton. Was just wondering if this is something that will help with his itchiness.
Some dogs go through a detox period and one of the symptoms is increased shedding. The detox period can last from a week to a couple of months.
Thank you for the research, I’m here because my Golden is shedding like crazy. I narrowed it down to her food. I started to switch her to a raw diet with a cup of kibble a day. It’s going on 3 or so weeks and she’s sheding like she has never before! So I called the vet and they want me to stop the raw feeding. I’m so discouraged on this issue. I want to raw feed but I have no one in the area to support me. So I jump online and my head spins! I have a bottle of fish oil that someone had givin me a year ago, I was all set on giving it to her until I read about the oxidation issue. That lead me to photoplankton! I have no clue on how much to give her or how often being she’s Raw and kibble feed. Thank you for any advice
I use MP by SuperFoods on Amazon for my dogs and my itchy fosters. It has worked every time, but it takes time to get in their system, so don’t give up too quickly. MP by SuperFoods is also for human consumption. One of my Adopters couldn’t find MP by SuperFoods on Amazon and ordered a brand that was made specifically for dogs. She was happy with that brand. No difference in cost or how it worked. Hope it works for all itch pups.
Will you share the brands that are working? Thanks! I found one on Amazon that I plan to order hoping that it’ll help with my dog’s itchy paws.
My dogs had allergies for years. Every June & October they would itch themselves bald. A lady on a health site recommended Marine Phytoplankton. I poo-pood it at first but I decided to add it to their raw food. I’ve researched the issue, found a company I trust & after 6 months of use they are allergy free. It’s been going on 5 years now. I give them an oil but not a fish oil. We all do the best we see fit for our pets.
Thank you so much for the link. I’ll add it to my Wish List and plan a review soon. Thanks!!!
Thnx for this article! I do give my dog (labradoodle called Yantra) Marine Phytoplankton daily and his skin looks much better since i give this: https://www.amazon.com/Phytoplankton-Vegetarian-Superfood-Healthy-Overall/dp/B075MMKT3N/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1534253660&sr=8-4&keywords=phyto+synergy
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 the 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, as well as heart, skin and joint health. Omega-3s can also help reduce inflammation in the body, minimizing the risk chronic disease.
“But fish oils oxidize when exposed to oxygen and this actually increases inflammation in your dog. And fish contain mercury and other heavy metals, PDBs and other toxins, and Pacific fish are suffering from the effects of radiation. These toxins all 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.”
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/5-reasons-your-dog-needs-phytoplankton/
For those of you in Canada it’s Dr. Dobias not Tobias,,,he is on facebook,,,,he has a whole food not synthetic vitamin product for dogs plus something called Green min. He’s also a real nice guy.
Insanely priced at $125 for 180 capsules. 12 a day. Too rich for my pocket
Thank you for your comment.. I don’t agree that we can definitively tell others that they’re giving their dogs rancid oil unless we live with that person and review the fish oil they use on a daily basis. While phytoplankton is said to be safer, I don’t agree that all fish oil is bad. I have yet to find a quality source of phytoplankton that I trust in my area, therefore, I go with the next best thing – a quality fish oil from a source that I trust (thankfully, I have two available) and fresh sardines from a source I trust.
I think it’s important that I not be so black and white on issues because we’re always learning. There may come a time when phytoplankton is more common and I’ll add that to my rotation, for now, I’m happy with the research I’ve done to find what works best for my four dogs.
Your fish oil is WAY MORE polluted and wayyyyy more risky to give a dog than phytoplankton. Get phytoplankton grown in bioreactors. Every time you open the bottle of fish oil it oxidizes more and more so you’re basically giving your dog rancid oil. Not good.
You are 100 correct,
So squid or calamari are a better Source than omegas for this reason Dr Tobias has stated and made a very good claim to why he’s a holistic vet in Canada
Hi Jackie
I suggest joining The Dog Cancer Series Facebook group. You can learn more about the series and the group here: https://www.keepthetailwagging.com/cancer. There are a lot of people there talking about treating cancer in their dogs through diet and supplements.
I wish you the best.
Hi there..Ive been reading all your info & all the comments you lovely people have written & I would like some help if anyone can..I have a 12yr Female Boxer named Jazzy (Jasmine) she has always suffered Itching, biting herself, ear infections etc..I never knew until this last month, what I’ve done to my fur baby & I’m gutted to say the least..Shes always been Kibble fed, this probably being the source if her irritations, even though it’s always been high end kibble I’ve fed her..Shes now been diagnosed with Tcell Lymphoma, they gave her 6 weeks 9 weeks ago..I refused Chemo for obvious reasons, but because I’ve no idea what to do (my heads a mess) I’ve accepted the steroids for her 20mg per day (prednisone) just to help her feel ok till I can find alternatives as I know these will probably kill her quicker than the cancer! At the moment she’s doing ok all her blood work is normal (now the calcium levels are ok) Can anyone tell me the best supplements in their opinion I should be giving her to prolong what life she has left, i would appreciate any help I can get as I don’t have an Holistic Vet near to me & I can’t travel far as I’m disabled & traveling us extremely painful for me (I could benefit from an Holistic Vet to me thinks lol) I’m not asking for miracle cures I appreciate it’s just advice, but can anyone just help… I am researching all I can, but for her im running out of time to learn quick enough to help her..I have 2 other dogs 7yrs & 1yr so hopefully all I’m learning will benefit those two more, now I know where I went so wrong with all my other dogs ?? Ps..Sorry post is so long & also I live in England (just thought I would say ?) Thank you Jackie x
Angie, my yeasty dog doesn’t do well with fish oils either and anything with salmon is a complete no no for her so I’ve been looking at phytoplankton too. Yeast problems are tough. My young dog had terrible yeast problems, the smell, scratching, painful hot spots, fur falling out, the whole bit, it was terrible and vaccinations made it worse. I took her off kibble completely, she now eats raw and some lightly cooked food, added digestive enzymes to her food as well as organic goats milk kefir,coconut oil and a colostrum capsule twice a day. I also used Glacier Peak Gold when she had a flare up and it worked well. It’s been a long road, it took months, but she has slowly improved. I think what helped most was the kefir and the colostrum. She now has a full, shiny coat, her skin is clear and soft, no scratching at all. Good luck, hope you are able to find what works for your boy.
I have a miniature Schnauzer that I rescued about 10 years ago. She has had the same Yeast problem, and I have spent countless hours researching it. My heart goes out to your dog, but this is what I found.
First of all, all carbohydrates should be limited. I feed my dog raw meat and green leafy vegetables. Fish oil should be limited. This is because the particular yeast that causes infection, (malasssezia) can survive both on carbohydrates and fats. I have also noticed that over the years, repeated vaccinations play havoc with immune system and the infections get worse. But I have seen the doing this maintains quality of life. I was researching phytoplankton myself, when I came across this blog and I thought of replying. Hope this helps.
I do not give my dogs phytoplankton. Given the seriousness of your dog’s symptoms, I recommend a strong probiotic and prebiotic. I give him FullBucket Daily Canine Powder (https://www.keepthetailwagging.com/fullbucket) and InClover Optagest (http://www.inclover.com – use KTTW10 for 10% off).
The FullBucket provides a healthy probiotic and digestive enzymes while the Optagest feeds the probiotics, helping to create that healthy gut biome mentioned in the video I did with Rodney and Karen: https://youtu.be/CrLD1NXIa5U.
I am at such a loss for my chocolate lab, he has skin allergies, did a blood test when he was 1 1/2 and highly allergic to brewers yeast, 3 of 6 mites. I switched to grain free limited ingredient dry food, but he constantly has yeast over production. I gave fish oil to him and he started getting red all over again. I am now giving him raw food diet and i know he will go through a detox but my poor pup is raw, flaky and red mostly on his underside. I read about phytoplankton and want to try it. Any suggestions??
Hi Jennifer – I no longer give out my phone number. You can thank another Kim for that rule. You’re more than welcome to send an email through my contact page.
Hi, would it be possible to speak to you on the phone
Seaweed and phytoplankton aren’t the same. They both offer benefits to our dogs’ diet, but we can’t substitute one for the other. Here is an article that explains their similarities and differences: https://www.activationproducts.com/blog/seaweed-kelp-phytoplankton-differences/
Does ground roasted seaweed provide the same benefits that Phytoplankton does?
Should Phytoplankton be given daily and how much?
Thank you
For those people that give their furry children fish oil (I was one of them), here are some news: The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are extremely vulnerable to oxidative damage. When these fat particles are exposed to oxygen (this is called oxidation), they break down into smaller compounds, like malondialdehyde (MDA), and they create oxygen-containing molecules called free radicals. Both MDA and free radicals cause premature aging and disease because they damage proteins, DNA, and other important cellular structures. This damage is called oxidative stress and it leads to health problems, including gene mutations and cancer, and inflammatory conditions (which is ironic because you were giving your dog fish oil to fight against inflammation, not create inflammation)!
Hi Erin – I alternate whenever I think about it. Sometimes it’s daily, sometimes weekly. My dogs enjoy Bonnie & Clyde fish oil (https://www.keepthetailwagging.com/bncpet), oysters (boiled in water, canned, not smoked), raw sardines, canned sardines (in water, no salt added), and fermented fish stock. As a treat, they also get cooked salmon if someone I know has gone fishing and has salmon to spare.
Afternoon! I have an 80 Boxer with knee issues (torn CCL’s in both knees but runs around like a mad man…go figure). Anyway, vet recommended Fish Oil from Nurimax. I ordered it have started giving it to him…day two. Problem is I started to research fish oil for dogs after I ordered it! I’m considering Squid oil from Dr. Dobias…but I see that you say you alternate your oils…how often? A different everyday, once a week, once the bottle is empty?
Hi Kathy – I have never heard of ubiquinol. I’m sorry that I can’t be more helpful with that supplement. I’m keeping my eye on phytoplankton and if a US company that I trust begins carrying it, I’ll reconsider it for my dogs. At the moment, I can’t afford it for four big dogs so I’m going with alternatives until we have more options. Fingers crossed.
The world of supplements is so overwhelming! I do my research, but I still find I get confused about what is best for my pups. They are raw fed, and currently I supplement with Dr. Dobias Feel Good Omegas (calamari oil), Mercola’s ubiquinol, and joint supplements (Green Lipped Mussel for one pup and Cetyl-M for the other). I have heard great things about Adored Beast Phytosynergy but want to be sure it offers enough omegas to replace the calamari oil (not getting the most direct answer from the company), and I’m also wondering if I need to continue with ubiquinol if I move to the phytoplankton. Ubiquinol is the one that I go back and forth on – Dr. Becker says it’s really important but Julie Anne from Adored Beast says it’s better to use short term. I’d love to hear your thoughts – thanks!
We have 2 pyrenees and our female has Degenerative Myelopathy. As well as suspected thyroid issues. Suffers from anxiety. They are both rescues. We live in Washington state as well. Just trying to find the best combination supplement for our dollar, holistic in nature. Nupro isn’t going to be a viable option as we think Our male pyr may be allergic to pork. He has a lot of allergies!!! I read that the kelp can help with that. Was looking to see if we could find a supplement that has vitamins minerals, digestive enzymes, pre and Probiotics all in one rather than having to buy several different supplements, as it gets to be pricey! Thanks for your help and suggestions! I’ve been following your blog for a while now!
Jamie
Hi Jamie
I never gave Nupro regularly enough to count on the kelp in the product and today I no longer give my dogs Nupro; instead, I give Sydney Canine System Saver and all of the dogs enjoy Connectin chews.
And glad that I can help!
Kimberly, do you give both the nupro silver and the lifeline oceanic kelp to your fur babies? I’m just asking because I know that nupro supplements contain 7500 of Norwegian kelp. Not sure how much the lifeline brand contains. My Great Pyrenees has what I believe to be an underactive thyroid and I believe she would benefit from the iodine in the kelp, I just didn’t know if giving her both supplements would be too much.
Also looking into the wholistic spirulina you use. Thanks for your help! We currently have both pyrs on a probiotic, digestive enzymes & green lipped mussel powder, and pumpkin supplement. Just looking into more options of combination supplements to help offset cost;)
Thank you Kimberly. My dogs are also on a raw diet and already incorporate all the supplements you’ve listed and I wanted to add the spirulina. Thank you again
Since my dogs are raw fed and I believe they get a lot of their nutrients from their diet, I only add 1/4 tsp to one meal daily, 4 days a week.
How much spirulina are you using per meal for a single dog?
I would love for you to take a look at our superfood supplements and homeopathic line as well. Our products are made with human grade, organic ingredients, responsibly sourced. http://www.wonderdogsuperfoods.com. We have had fabulous results. Would love your feedback.
I’m not familiar with the first product. The second product, green lipped mussels, is something I give to my dogs as a secondary supplement. I find that a quality joint supplement is all one of my dogs really need.
I recommend Nupro Joint & Immunity Support for Dogs: http://amzn.to/2vSS7n6 – I see a difference quickly with this supplement. If your dog is showing signs of pain, I suggest staying at the intro level instead of decreasing to the maintenance level (on the feeding instructions).
And I recommend adding fermented fish stock by Answers Pet Food – currently, this isn’t available online, however, if you have a small pet store that is pro-raw, they may carry it or will be able to order it for you. It smells terrible but works wonders.
Hi my dog is allergic to kelp and she is 9 chocolate lab and has recently started limping so I need to add in something for her arthritis which is what my vet thinks it is. I found this supplement but worry its in the kelp family….would love to hear your thoughts….
http://www.healthproductsforpets.ca/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1829&category_id=357&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37
http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/green-lipped-mussels-dog/
Another option which contains the micro algae spirulina grown in a pristine environment for both humans and animals is called f3 from a company called Bio Nutrition. I’m experimenting with it for myself and my dogs right now. It’s quite impressive. I have more energy. For my dogs, I’m looking to see if it help with Albie’s skin allergies. The jury’s still out for them but I’m loving it for me.
That’s a point that I didn’t even mention – so far, the cost of phytoplankton is very high and I think it’s because it’s the hot new supplement. I’m hesitant to buy a supplement for humans because I learned from turmeric that sometimes the supplement isn’t that great. I almost bought turmeric pills for my dogs that had hardly any turmeric in them. I belong to a raw food co-op and when they get phytoplankton as an option, then I’ll check it out. For now, I would rather stick to what I’m doing, knowing that it’s working.
I love this post so much because I respect that you don’t jump on every trend new supplement bandwagon without doing your research first and knowing whether it is right for your dogs. It’s why I read and trust your blog.
I’ve been considering phytoplankton for a while, but I have to spend my dog’s raw budget wisely and wondered if it is really worth the high cost.
I love this post so much because I appreciate that you don’t jump on every trendy new supplement bandwagon without doing your research and being certain that it is right for your dogs. It’s why I read and trust your blog.
I’ve wondered about whether phytoplankton is worth the high cost, and this post helped me consider the pros and cons.