Spirulina – The powers of a superfood now available for your pets

Spirulina is a biomass of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) with a specific spiral shape which gives it its name.
It is considered a superfood and in recent years it has gained wide popularity in human consumption, especially among athletes, due to its innumerable qualities and features.

So what exactly makes it so super?
Here are just some of its exceptional features:

• Contains 9 times the iron in spinach.
• 4 times the potassium of bananas.
• Same amount of calcium than milk.

And if this is not enough:

• It’s high in protein
• It’s an excellent source of fiber, amino acids and omega 3 fatty acids, well-known for their anti-inflammatory effects.
• Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, iron and magnesium

Given the above, it’s easy to understand on why it’s so popular in the sport’s world.

Why suggest a food with spirulina to pets?
As for humans Spirulina is an ideal supplement for pets too.
Many scientific studies attest to its effectiveness and since the well-being of pets is our top priorities, for us it was natural to follow this route.

Let’s see in detail all the benefits Spirulina can be bring to your dog or cat.

Health Benefits of Spirulina
1.    Digestion Benefits = thanks to its high fiber content it positively influences immune and gut functions. (1)(2)
2.    Promotes skin regeneration and healing = naturally rich in antioxidants it has positive and noticeable effects in maintaining healthy skin and fur. (3)
3.    Supports the immune system thanks to its richness of vitamins, antioxidants, and magnesium. (1)(4)

The effects on physical exercise
As mentioned Spirulina is a particularly popular among athletes and sports enthusiasts as it:

1.    Improves exercise endurance by preventing oxidative stress and inflammation (5)
2.    Promotes the maintenance of lean body mass thanks to its action in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. (6)(7) 

This makes N&D Spirulina a specific diet to support adequate physical activity in active dogs and cats.

Discover the N&D Spirulina recipe for your active pet
Choose among 6 tasty recipes with Lamb or Herring for active puppies, kittens and adults.

CANINE RECIPES   FELINE RECIPES


Bibliography

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(1) Satyaraj E, Reynolds A, Engler R, Labuda J, Sun P. Supplementation of Diets With Spirulina Influences Immune and Gut Function in Dogs. Front Nutr. 2021 May 28;8:667072.

(2) Yu T, Wang Y, Chen X, Xiong W, Tang Y, Lin L. Spirulina platensis alleviates chronic inflammation with modulation of gut microbiota and intestinal permeability in rats fed a high-fat diet. J Cell Mol Med. 2020 Aug;24(15):8603-8613.

(3) Ping Liu Jeong‑Wook Choi Min‑Kyeong Lee Youn Hee Choi Taek‑Jeong Nam - Spirulina protein promotes skin wound repair in a mouse model of full-thickness dermal excisional wound - April 8, 2020 (p.351-359)
https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/ijmm.2020.4571

(4) Zhang HQ, Lin AP, Sun Y, Deng YM. Chemo - and radio-protective effects of polysaccharide of Spirulina platensis on hemopoietic system of mice and dogs. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2001 Dec;22(12):1121-4.

(5) Brito AF, Silva AS, de Oliveira CVC, de Souza AA, Ferreira PB, de Souza ILL, da Cunha Araujo LC, da Silva Félix G, de Souza Sampaio R, Tavares RL, de Andrade Pereira R, Neto MM, da Silva BA. Spirulina platensis prevents oxidative stress and inflammation promoted by strength training in rats: dose-response relation study. Sci Rep. 2020 Apr 14;10(1):6382.

(6) Seo Y-J, Kim K-J, Jia Choi J et al (2018). Spirulina maxima Extract Reduces Obesity through Suppression of Adipogenesis and Activation of Browning in 3T3-L1 Cells and High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice. Nutrients 10(6):712.

(7) Diniz AFA, de Oliveira Claudino BF, Duvirgens MV, da Silva Souza PP, Ferreira PB, Júnior FFL, Alves AF, da Silva BA. Spirulina platensis Consumption Prevents Obesity and Improves the Deleterious Effects on Intestinal Reactivity in Rats Fed a Hypercaloric Diet. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2021 Jul 27;2021:3260789.