The Benefits of Microalgae for Dogs

Microscopic view of vibrant green microalgae, with intricate details visible within their cellular structure. The algae are illuminated, casting a bright, luminescent glow that highlights their complex patterns and shapes, surrounded by tiny bubbles suggesting their aquatic environment.

Algal oil is a plant-based source of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, and safety studies in dogs support its use. The microalgae powders we sell, spirulina and chlorella, are a different thing. They are nutrient supplements, not oils, and neither is a rich source of DHA. This page explains how the three differ so you can choose what suits your dog.

Is algal oil good for dogs?

Algal oil comes from microalgae called Schizochytrium and is used as an alternative to fish oil. A safety study in beagles found that an algal oil containing EPA and DHA was safe through pregnancy, nursing and growth, at up to 3% of the diet. Fish oil is still the most common omega-3 source in dog food, so algal oil suits owners who want a plant-based option.

We do not sell algal oil. Ask your vet about the right dose for your dog, especially if your dog has a health condition.

What are microalgae?

Microalgae are microscopic organisms that live in water. They are not plants. Spirulina is a blue-green alga, technically a cyanobacterium, and chlorella is a green alga. Both are sold as dried powders that you mix into food.

joyful golden retriever lying on lush green grass, with its tongue out, looking healthy and playful. A tennis ball is prominently positioned in the foreground, suggesting the dog's recent activity and vitality.

Spirulina for dogs

Spirulina is about 60 to 70% protein by dry weight and contains vitamins and minerals. Its fats are mainly gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) rather than DHA or EPA.

One study of 30 adult dogs over 42 weeks, Satyaraj et al. (2021), found that dogs fed a diet supplemented with spirulina had a stronger response to a rabies vaccine, higher levels of gut IgA (an immune antibody) and a more stable gut microbiota than dogs on the same diet without it. It is a single, fairly small study, and the authors worked for a pet food company.

Our Borvo Nutrients Spirulina is an organic European Spirulina platensis powder.

Chlorella blend for dogs

Our microalgae blend for mature dogs combines Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis. Chlorella supplies protein and all nine essential amino acids, along with chlorophyll, vitamin C, beta-carotene and lutein. Nannochloropsis is rich in the omega-3 fatty acid EPA. The blend is a source of EPA, not DHA.

Dogs with an allergy to iodine or mould should avoid chlorella. If you feed spirulina and chlorella together, use half the suggested daily serving of each.

What microalgae will not do

Microalgae are supplements. They do not treat disease, and they do not replace a balanced diet or veterinary care.

How to feed microalgae to your dog

Mix the recommended amount of powder into your dog's regular food, whether that is kibble, wet food or a homemade meal. Mix it in thoroughly so your dog cannot pick it out. Start with a small amount and build up to the daily dose on the label. Giving it at the same time each day makes it easy to keep up. Once opened, use the powder within six months.

Watch for any sign of a reaction, and ask your vet before changing the dose.

A close-up image showing a person's hand holding a spoonful of vibrant green spirulina powder over an open jar labeled 'BORVO NUTRIENTS SPIRULINA - Spirulina platensis for Dogs.' In the background, there's a blue bowl with dog kibble, suggesting preparation of a nutrient-enriched meal for a dog

Before you start

  • This page is information only and is not veterinary advice. Ask your vet before adding any new supplement.
  • Follow the dose on the label for your dog's weight and size.
  • Allergic reactions are rare, but some dogs react to microalgae. Stop and speak to your vet if your dog shows any sign of a reaction.
  • Buy supplements from reputable, approved manufacturers.