Yes. Walk into any pet store and you'll find it's a popular supplement for fish, birds and pets. In fact, much of the global spirulina production is consumed by aquaculture raised fish and prawns, tropical fish, ornamental birds, horses and even cats and dogs. In the 1970s, the first use was enhancing the beautiful colors in fancy koi carp. Then fish and prawn farmers discovered it increased growth rates, survival, color, and reduced medications. Today, spirulina is in most premium aquarium feeds.

Zoos feed their flamingos a spirulina diet, like the millions of pink flamingos living on it in East African lakes. Ornamental bird breeders use it to enhance color, health and fertility. Tiny amounts in diets of young turkeys and chickens builds disease resistance, reducing the need for antibiotics. In reptiles, it improves skin gloss and disease resistance. For thoroughbred racehorses, it improves speed and recovery.

If you give spirulina to your dog or cat, you'll notice healthier skin, lustrous coat and fresher breath. Older animals may regain their flexibility.

FOR DOGS AND CATS:

Spirulina is a natural growing herb that has been used for centuries. Spirulina is a 100% vegetable plankton. It is a good source of trace minerals, some vitamins, and bioflavonoid. Spirulina also has high digestibility and bioavailability of nutrients.
Spirulina provides organic phytonutrients not found in commercial dog food. A healthy alternative for dogs that like to eat grass. A number of animal studies support spirulina's stimulation and immune boosting function. Spirulina herbal supplements are frequently given to assist in eliminating heavy metals.
Spirulina contains 3 times the protein value of beef, without the saturated fat and cholesterols; as much vitamin E as wheat germ; 100 times more beta carotene than carrots. Spirulina is ideal for detoxification of dogs after antibiotic treatment.

For healthy skin and lustrous coat, spirulina is an excellent supplement for all cats and dogs, especially for nursing mothers and bottlefed kittens and puppies. Appetites of finicky cats have been known to perk up with a little sprinkled on their food. Owners report spirulina fed pets have a fresher breath odor.

Use a spoonful of powder in an empty salt shaker and sprinkle over soft moist food. It's very concentrated, so remember -- a little goes a long way. Use at about 1% of dry weight of daily food intake. Just a pinch each day for small cats and kittens; for large cats and nursing mothers use 1/4 teaspoon. For small dogs use 1/4 teaspoon each day; medium dogs use 1/2; large dogs use 1; giant dogs, 2 or more.

When dosing tablets: Use 1/4 or 1/2 tablet a day for small cats and kittens; large cats and nursing mothers use 1 tablet. For small dogs use 1/2 or 1 tablet; medium dogs use 2 tablets; large dogs 3-4 tablets; giant dogs, 4 or more.

FOR AQUARIUMS:

Champion fish will sell for tens of thousands of dollars each, so feeding them the right food is a good investment. Koi feeds include 5 to 20% spirulina for its rich carotene pigments that enhance the red and yellow patterns, while leaving a brilliant pure white. This clarity and color definition increases their value.

Japanese fish farmers discovered five key benefits to using feeds with spirulina: 1) better growth rates, 2) improved quality and coloration, 3) better survival rates, 4) reduced medication requirements, 5) and reduced waste in the effluent.

For many species of exotic tropical fish, algae are an essential part of the diet. Spirulina promises five benefits for healthy aquarium fish: 1) great profile of natural vitamins and minerals, 2) rich in muco-proteins for healthy skin, 3) phycocyanin for reduced obesity and better health, 4) essential fatty acids for proper organ development, 5) rich in natural coloring agents such as carotenoids. Feeding this algae will result in beautiful, healthy and longer lived tropical fish.

FOR BIRDS:

Zoos around the world feed flamingos and ibis a diet rich in spirulina, and report major improvement in health and color. Algae increases feather color and shine, healthy beaks and skin, and promotes good bacteria in the digestive tract. Birds appear healthier, without synthetic vitamins, drugs or chemicals.

For hobbyists, pet birds can be more beautiful, healthier and live longer.

Spirulina is very concentrated; use at 1% or 2% of total diet. Ailing birds may be fed more, not exceeding 5% of diet. Sprinkle powder over soft food or mix dry into baby hand feeding formula.

Canary, finch, parrot, lovebird and other breeders use spirulina to increase coloration, accelerate growth and sexual maturity and improve fertility rates. It is used by ostrich and turkey breeders to increase fertility and reproduction rates. It enhances desirable yellow skin coloration in chickens and increases the deep yellow color of egg yolks. Studies with chickens suggest that adding a small percentage in the diet stimulates macrophage production, improving immune performance and disease resistance without side effects.

HORSES AND COWS:

Owners of highly valued racehorses use spirulina in their feed ration for faster times and recovery. Dairy farmers use it to keep cows healthy by improving intestinal flora that is so important in ruminants. As a tonic for horses and cows, 1/2 ounce may be used twice a day for each 100 pounds of body weight by mixing in slightly dampened feed. Reports have circulated that it increases the sperm count of breeding bulls and fertility in females, raising the reproduction rates of valued species.

ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS OF SPIRULINA:

Spirulina is considered a complete protein because it consists of all of the essential amino acids (isoleucine, phenylalanine, leucine, threonine, lysine, tryptophan, methionine, valine, alanine, glycine, arginine, histidine, aspartic acid, proline, cystine, serine, glutamic acid, tyrosine). It is a rich source of vitamins (vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, cobalamin, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, folate, vitamin K, biotin, pantothenic acid, beta carotene, inositol), and minerals (calcium, manganese, iron, chromium, phosphorus, molybdenum, iodine, chloride, magnesium, sodium, zinc, potassium, selenium, germanium, copper, boron). Other nutrients include chlorophyll, carotenoids, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), phycobilins (phycocyanin, allophycocyanin). High in nutrition but low in calories, spirulina is only 7 percent lipid, made up of linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic acids.

MEDICINAL USES AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPIRULINA:

Spirulina is a low fat, low calorie, cholesterol-free source of protein containing all the essential amino acids.

Spirulina has shown the ability to enhance immune function.

Spirulina promotes hematopoiesis (formation and development of red blood cells) due to the high levels of iron present in this food supplement.

Spirulina has been shown to protect against allergic reactions by blocking the release of histamines in some cases--particularly in dogs. By blocking histamine release, spirulina may prevent or lessen histamine's effects, which include blood vessel expansion, muscle contraction, and stomach acid production.

Spirulina contains beta carotene, zeaxanthin and phycocyanin which have powerful antioxidant activity.

It scavenges peroxyl radicals.

Antioxidants are thought to protect body cells from damage caused by a chemical process called oxidation. Both the antioxidant and immune-enhancing effects of spirulina may give it some anticancer properties.

Spirulina increases production of antibodies, cytokines (infection fighting proteins), and other cells that improve immunity and help ward off infection and chronic illnesses such as cancer.

Spirulina may help protect against liver damage and cirrhosis (liver failure) in those with chronic hepatitis.

Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) in spirulina is anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative. It is potentially useful for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and diabetic neuropathy.

It may also play a role in lowering plasma triglycerides and increasing HDL cholesterol.

I, myself, have taken it regularly as 500mg per day, and have experienced noticeably more resistance to illness or infections, as well as a complete dissappearance of my psorriasis symptoms.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION OF SPIRULINA IN HUMANS:

Spirulina is available in capsules, tablets, flakes and powders. Typical doses of spirulina range from 250 mg to 5 grams daily per day. A dose of one gram (in capsules/tablets) twice daily with meals has been taken by mouth has been used to fight diabetes. For weight loss, a dose of 200 mg has been taken three times daily by mouth just before meals.

SIDE EFFECTS, PRECAUTIONS, INTERACTIONS:

Spirulina is considered generally safe. Possible side effects due to allergic reaction may include headache, muscle pain, flushing and sweating. People with allergies to spirulina should avoid products containing spirulina. No interactions of spirulina with foods, medications, or herbs are documented.

4 oz. bottle of powder. Suggested Retail Price........$ 11.49 Our Retail Price........$ 8.99

Back to top

Home Page Breeder Supplies Health Guarantee Current Price List Baby Pictures Perches, Swings & Bells Toy Parts Info & Policies BIG Toys $ 5 Toys Q & A Site Map Recommended Links