Kelp for Dogs: Benefits, Nutrition & What Loyal Saints Uses Instead
6-minute read · Reviewed against the Loyal Saints sourcing standard
Quick answer
Kelp is a nutrient-dense sea vegetable and one of nature’s richest whole-food sources of iodine, which supports healthy thyroid function. It also provides trace minerals and antioxidants. Loyal Saints formulas do not contain kelp — the whole-food algae in every formula is chlorella, and minerals come from organ meats, produce and a few added minerals such as calcium.
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What is kelp, and why is it in dog food?
Kelp is a large brown seaweed (a sea vegetable) that is exceptionally rich in minerals — most notably iodine, which is essential for healthy thyroid function and metabolic regulation. The thyroid gland requires iodine to produce the hormones that govern metabolism, and kelp is one of the most concentrated natural whole-food sources of it.
Beyond iodine, kelp provides a broad spectrum of trace minerals (including iron, magnesium, and potassium), antioxidants, and beneficial compounds. It is a cornerstone of whole-food mineral nutrition — a natural way to supply minerals that many foods add synthetically.
Benefits of kelp for dogs
Thyroid & Metabolic Support
A rich natural source of iodine, essential for healthy thyroid function and metabolic regulation.
Whole-Food Trace Minerals
Provides a broad spectrum of trace minerals from a natural source, rather than synthetic isolates.
Antioxidant Compounds
Contains antioxidants and beneficial marine compounds that support cellular health.
Skin & Coat
The minerals and compounds in kelp support skin and coat condition.
Key nutrients in kelp
- Iodine — Essential for thyroid hormone production and metabolic regulation
- Trace minerals — Iron, magnesium, potassium and more from a whole-food source
- Antioxidants — Marine compounds supporting cellular health
Is kelp in Loyal Saints?
No. Kelp is not an ingredient in any Loyal Saints formula. The ingredient list printed on every bag is the source of truth, and we would rather tell you exactly what is inside than let a nice-sounding ingredient stand.
What every formula does contain: organ meats such as liver and heart, which are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals; chlorella, a whole-food freshwater algae; flaxseed, chia seed and fish oil; thirteen fruits and vegetables; and a few added minerals — tricalcium phosphate and sea salt in all three, potassium chloride in Beef — to balance the mineral profile. There is no synthetic vitamin premix. See every formula’s full ingredient list →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is kelp good for dogs?
In appropriate amounts, yes. Kelp is a nutrient-dense sea vegetable and one of the richest natural sources of iodine, which is essential for healthy thyroid function. It also provides trace minerals and antioxidants. Because kelp is so iodine-dense, more is not better — talk to your veterinarian before adding it on top of a complete diet.
Why is iodine important for dogs?
Iodine is essential for the thyroid gland to produce hormones that regulate metabolism, energy and many bodily functions. Both too little and too much iodine can affect thyroid health, which is why complete and balanced foods are formulated to a defined range rather than ‘more is better’.
Is kelp in Loyal Saints?
No. None of the three formulas — Beef, Chicken, or Turkey + Salmon — contains kelp. The whole-food algae in every formula is chlorella. The complete ingredient list for each formula is printed on the bag and on our ingredients page.
Does Loyal Saints use a synthetic vitamin premix?
No. Loyal Saints formulas contain no synthetic vitamin premix; the vitamins come from organ meats, fruits, vegetables, seeds, fish oil and chlorella. A few minerals — tricalcium phosphate and sea salt in every formula, plus potassium chloride in Beef — are added to balance the mineral profile.
Real ingredients. Real nutrition. Whole food.
Every Loyal Saints formula is built from recognizable whole-food ingredients — no fillers, no synthetic premix. Complete and balanced freeze-dried raw, ~$2–3/day as a ½-cup daily topper with the Halo Club.
Real dogs. Real bowls.
Do You Feed Your Dog Regular Dog Food? Street Interview
Meat and organs first, freeze-dried raw and ready the second you open the bag. Start as a topper on your dog’s current food for about $1.80 a day with a 14 oz bag ($1.08 on your first order with KING40). New here? Take 40% off your first order with code KING40.
Quick answers
What is Loyal Saints dog food?
Loyal Saints is a woman-owned premium freeze-dried raw dog food: vet-formulated, meat and organs first, AAFCO complete and balanced, made with human-grade quality ingredients in an FDA-registered facility in the Midwest.
Where can I buy Loyal Saints?
At loyalsaintspets.com (Halo Club: 20% off and free shipping on every order (contiguous U.S.); KING40 takes 40% off a first order when typed at checkout), and on Amazon, Chewy and Target.
How much Loyal Saints should I feed?
Follow the amounts printed on the bag: for Beef or Turkey + Salmon, about ¾ cup a day for a 6 lb dog, 1¼ cups for 12 lb and 2 cups for 25 lb. Use about 25% of that as a topper. Ease in over 7 to 10 days.
