Seaweed Meal
Our ingredient score: 2 / 5 · Herb or plant extract · How We Score
Kelp and seaweed meal contain natural iodine and many trace minerals. The iodine content of seaweed varies a lot by species and harvest, so the iodine level in a food may be less tightly controlled. Changes in dietary iodine have been discussed as a possible factor in thyroid disease, which is common in older cats, but this link has not been proven.
Seaweed Meal also appears on labels as Dehydrated Seaweed Meal.
Common Questions
Is seaweed meal safe for cats?
Seaweed meal is dried, ground seaweed used in small amounts as a source of iodine and trace minerals. Cornell's Feline Health Center says the cause of feline hyperthyroidism is not known and lists dietary excesses or deficiencies among possible contributors. If your cat has a thyroid or other medical condition, ask your veterinarian about iodine sources in its food.
Source: vet.cornell.edu
Why is seaweed meal in cat food?
Seaweed meal is added as a natural source of iodine and other trace minerals. Iodine is needed to make thyroid hormones. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that iodine deficiency is rare in cats fed complete and balanced diets, though it may be seen with high-meat diets or diets containing saltwater fish. Most complete foods also list a measured iodine source among their minerals.
Source: merckvetmanual.com
What is the difference between seaweed meal and kelp?
Seaweed meal is a general term for dried, ground seaweed and may come from one or several species, while kelp refers to a group of large brown seaweeds. The iodine content of seaweed varies by species and harvest. Pettings lists seaweed meal and dried kelp as separate ingredients and gives them the same score.
Can too much iodine affect cats?
Yes, both too little and too much iodine can affect thyroid function. Cornell's Feline Health Center names deficiencies or excesses of dietary compounds as possible factors in feline hyperthyroidism, though the cause remains unknown. A 2010 paper in cats noted that iodine levels in commercial cat foods vary widely.
Source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
How does Pettings score seaweed meal?
Pettings gives seaweed meal 2 out of 5 and lists it as an herb or plant extract. It appears on 2 of the 149 dry cat foods we list. The page notes seaweed iodine varies by species and harvest, so levels in foods may be less tightly controlled. Each food's page shows how it scores overall.
How Foods With Seaweed Meal Compare
Seaweed Meal is on the label of 2 of the 149 dry cat foods we list.