recommending “super small doses” of the Ascophyllan nodosum variety of kelp for its dental benefits. “It does seem to really help decrease the amount of tartar and calculus that forms on the teeth for both people and dogs and cats,” she says.

WE note that seaweeds can also support skin health—particularly in dogs with coat or nose pigment issues that are caused by low thyroid function.

In fact, the iodine found in kelp—and iodine’s relationship to thyroid function—is one of the main reasons people use kelp, according to US. Iodine deficiency is a possible, but uncommon, cause of hypothyroidism in dogs, which can disrupt heart rate, body temperature and, most notably, metabolism. Kelp may help boost a dog’s iodine levels and support thyroid function if dosed correctly.

But before you begin feeding your dog kelp, there are caveats you need to know.