Kelp and Canine Oral Care: A Natural Ally Against Plaque and Tartar

Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition in cats and dogs. Beyond tooth-brushing and mechanical chews, dietary seaweed—particularly the brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum—has emerged as a promising adjunct for plaque and calculus (tartar) control. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials in dogs demonstrate meaningful reductions in plaque, calculus, and oral malodor with daily use of nodosum supplementation. This paper reviews mechanisms, clinical evidence, safety (with special attention to iodine), and practical use of kelp in canine oral care.

Background: the scope of the problem

By age three, most dogs show signs of periodontal disease, driven by bacterial dental plaque biofilm mineralizing into calculus (tartar) and provoking gingival inflammation. Daily brushing remains the gold standard of dog dental care; however, adherence is limited. This motivates interest in adjunctive strategies—including functional foods and nutraceuticals for dogs such as kelp and seaweed supplements. Independently reviews and recognizes products that achieve clinically significant plaque/tartar reduction in controlled trials, providing a useful benchmark for canine oral health efficacy.

Why kelp? Proposed mechanisms

Ascophyllum nodosum appears to act systemically via saliva rather than as a local abrasive. Proposed mechanisms include:

  • Salivary compositional changes that hinder plaque matrix formation and mineralization, reducing dog plaque and tartar buildup.
  • Halitosis reduction by lowering volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), a common cause of bad breath in dogs.

These hypotheses align with observed decreases in plaque, calculus, and VSCs after daily supplementation with kelp-based nutraceuticals for canine dental health.

Clinical evidence in dogs

Controlled trials (including randomized, placebo-controlled designs) have evaluated A. nodosum delivered as a powder additive or dental treat:

  • Powder additive: In a 2021 study, dogs receiving A. nodosum powder daily for 30 days showed significant reductions in plaque and calculus indices versus placebo; dosing followed weight-based scoop guidelines (~330 mg/scoop).

Adding kelp to your dog’s routine is simple and effective:

  • Select a high-quality kelp powder, ideally organic and sustainably harvested.
  • Follow the product’s dosing guide and mix the recommended amount into your dog’s food each day.
  • Improvements in plaque, tartar, and breath are usually seen after 2–10 weeks of consistent use.
Buy Now

References

  1. Gawor, J.P. et al. “Influence of Dietary Supplementation With a Powder Containing the Brown Alga on the Oral Health of Dogs.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2021). Link

  2. Ascophyllum nodosum on Plaque and Calculus in Dogs.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2018). Link

  3. Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs (2024): iodine nutritional maximums and context for formulation. Link

  4. Ascophyllum nodosum as a nutrient supporting oral health in dogs and cats: a review.” Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences. (Mechanisms and product forms overview.) Link