Can cats eat seaweed?

Why

Seaweed itself is not toxic, but it is high in iodine which can upset a cat's thyroid if eaten too often. Many seaweed snacks are seasoned with salt, garlic, or onion powder, which are dangerous for cats.

If you do feed it

• Offer only a tiny pinch of plain, dried, unsalted seaweed as an occasional treat.
• Ensure the seaweed has no added salt, garlic, onion, or other seasonings.
• Do not feed seaweed daily; limit to once a week or less.
• Always consult your vet before introducing new foods to your cat's diet.

Watch out for

• Sweetened or flavored seaweed snacks
• Seaweed mixed with garlic, onion, or excessive salt
• Raw or dried seaweed that could cause a choking hazard
• Seaweed supplements with unknown dosages

Better choices