Vegetable
Can cats eat seaweed?
A small piece of plain nori is safe for cats and many enjoy it.
Why Salt in seasoned snacks; swelling of dried beach seaweed; high iodine in some supplements
By Maya HartIf your cat ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
- If your dog ate dried seaweed on the beach, call your vet — it can swell and cause a blockage.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Swollen belly and straining (blockage)
- Excessive thirst after salted snacks
How much, how often
A small strip, occasionally.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Plain, unseasoned nori only
- Avoid salted, spicy or wasabi snacks
- Keep dogs from eating beach seaweed
- Use kelp supplements only on your vet’s advice
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
Plain dried seaweed from the shop, such as nori, is safe in small amounts. Seaweed from the beach can be dangerous: dried strands swell in the gut, and it may be mixed with sand and toxins.
How much: A small piece of plain nori.
Can dogs eat seaweed?Cats In moderation
A small piece of plain nori is safe for cats and many enjoy it.
How much: A small strip, occasionally.
The details
Dried seaweed washed up on beaches is one of the less obvious seaside dangers. It soaks up water in the stomach and can swell to many times its size, causing a blockage, and dogs that gorge on it often swallow sand too. Beaches can also carry dead marine animals and, in warm weather, toxic algae.
Shop-bought nori is a different thing: a small strip is a safe treat. Kelp supplements are very high in iodine, which can affect the thyroid if overused.
Safer treats your cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat seaweed?
A small piece of plain nori is safe for cats and many enjoy it.
How much seaweed can a cat have?
A small strip, occasionally.
What makes seaweed risky for cats?
Salt in seasoned snacks; swelling of dried beach seaweed; high iodine in some supplements.
What are the signs to watch for in cats?
vomiting, swollen belly and straining (blockage), excessive thirst after salted snacks.
What should I do if my cat ate seaweed?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell. If your dog ate dried seaweed on the beach, call your vet — it can swell and cause a blockage.
Is seaweed safe for dogs too?
Plain dried seaweed from the shop, such as nori, is safe in small amounts. Seaweed from the beach can be dangerous: dried strands swell in the gut, and it may be mixed with sand and toxins.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
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