Good For All

May 7, 2018
by Ariel Zhang

As committed pet parents we want what is best for our pets as they’re part of our family. I can say my beloved pets challenge me lot less than any one person ever had.  Pets provide us with unfiltered, unconditional love, and in turn we should commit to nurturing and caring for that kind love and loyalty.

 

We do our best to offer them the best food possible, whether it be raw or dry foods. Despite our best efforts though, even the very best of pet foods do not necessarily have all the required vitamins, and minerals needed by your pet.  How many people believe that eating a cereal that provides you with all your daily vitamin requirements is life sustaining?  This is the same in pet nutrition.  We don’t start off with the intention of depriving our beloved 4-legged family members appropriate nutrition… yet, are we sure they’re getting the right vitamins and minerals long term.

 

 

Here is where Spirulina comes in. A number of studies on a wide variety of animals and humans show that Spirulina strengthens the immune system. In dogs and cats have been shown to have improved immune system which also translate into better quality skin and coat. Animals with fleas and subsequent itching skin are helped significantly with Spirulina supplements. Spirulina helps the immune system to bring allergic skin reaction caused by ticks and fleas under control. There are scientific studies on specific conditions which may benefit from Spriulina ingestion. 

 

Studies (Mice Studies.) done on mice shows an increase in immunity enhancement, as well as inhibited the anemia- and leucopenia-induced lead and cadmium leukemia. Similar studies have already been done on humans yielding similar results.

 

A 2013 study on the effects of spirulina on Canine Demodicosis (CD), a non-contagious but parasitic skin disease causing painful inflammation and caused by excessive proliferation in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, involved two groups of dogs: the control group which received no spirulina, and the second group which was treated with spirulina.  The study found that “The dogs of the Spirulina group (100%) had complete remission of clinical signs in an average of 52 days and parasitological cure obtained at 70±5 days, with no history of relapses over a year. In the control group dogs had only three parasitological cure within described in method (80±5 days) while healing was clinically observed in 80% of the dogs at an average time of 64 days.”

 

What Spirulina can do:

  • Improves the immune system and healing, preventing and speeding recovery from illness and injury. It can promote greater activity in essential components of the immune system, including bone marrow stem cells, T-cells, macrophages, the spleen, the thymus gland and new blood cell production.
  • High nutritional value
  • Detoxifying the digestive tract, liver, and body as a whole
  • Treating gastrointestinal disorders and discomfort; it stimulates the good bacteria in your pet’s gut and suppresses the bad (such as e-coli and candida).
  • Reducing allergic responses and conditions
  • Freshening breath
  • Enhancing coat appearance and health and treating certain dermatological issues
  • Improving blood sugar regulation to help manage canine diabetes
  • Delivering nutritional support for liver, kidney, and skin disorders
  • Preventing and treating certain types of cancer
  • Slowing the effects of aging

 

Giving Your Dog or Cat Spirulina

To avoid temporary but unpleasant digestive side effects when starting your pet(s) on a new spirulina supplementation regimen, begin by giving your pet a small amount once daily and gradually build up to the full dose.  You should also always provide unrestricted access to fresh water. Spirulina can be very concentrated so a little goes a long way and you may want to add it only every other day to your pet’s food.  Begin by add ¼ teaspoon of powdered spirulina per pound of food and follow the instructions on the package for other forms of supplementation.  Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before adding spirulina to your pet’s diet.

 

For birds, spirulina promotes healthy feathers and beaks. Good for giving Bearded Dragon lizard’s more vibrant coloring when sprinkled on their meal.

 

Spirulina’s distinctive color results from its high levels of chlorophyll and phycocyanin, which are the contributing factors of its cancer prevention qualities. When purchasing it for your pet, be certain to read the label, as you would for any nutritional supplement you are introducing to your pet.  Be sure the product is organic and free from pesticides or artificial fertilizers.

 

 

I also speak from personal experience with using Spirulina.  My first dog, in the picture was diagnosed with an aggressive form of intestinal cancer.  It was inoperable as it was wrapped around her intestines.  The vet told us she had 3 months to live before we had to help her cross the Rainbow bridge.  We could only do our best to make sure she was comfortable, eating well and not in pain.  We completely changed her diet after the diagnosis. She was fed only organic turkey or chicken grounded up with organic greens (a little bit of kale, romaine, dandelions) all mixed with Omega oils, Floressence Tea and Spirulina.  She lived comfortably and pain free for another 9 months before we had to let her go.  During that time her coat gleamed, her teeth was white and she didn’t have doggy breath that could peel paint off the wall.  It broke our heart to say our final good bye to her 9 months later.  But we counted our blessings that we had her for 6 more months then the initial diagnosis. 

 

 

Recently our seven-year-old house rabbit was diagnosed with Encephalitozoon Cuniculi or E.C.  This is a microscopic parasite that most rabbits are born with.  E.C. happens when something unbalances a rabbit’s internal system.  Within hours my bunny went from a lively, energetic loving bunny to a lethargic, head tilted bunny who was not eating, not drinking water and barely moving.  Rabbits decline rapidly.  Their internal system so fragile you can lose your rabbit within 24 hours.  He was rushed to the emergency and then to our vet for daily monitoring.  He was giving multiple drugs, his head tilt so bad he couldn’t even sit up on his own.  It was heartbreaking to witness.  I was syringe feeding him water and mashed food.  I had read that horses had been given Spirulina to support their immunity and had eaten Spirulina to positive affect.  I was desperate.  I couldn’t bear to see my rabbit suffer, so I started to add a little bit of Spirulina to his food.  I started small, a pinch and gradually moved it up to 1/8 tsp twice a day.  Within 24 hours he appeared to have perked up, showed more interest in his hay and was eating treats from my hand.  He is still not clear of E.C. but I’ve given him a better fighting chance combined with his meds.  His vets think he’ll make a full recovery within 31 days.