Ever since my amazing cat passed away last Spring, I’ve been haunted with information I learned afterward. Perhaps this will help some of you who have an ill pet at home. Back in 2021, my sweet friend developed what the vet said was thyroid and kidney disease. He had accelerated heart rate, increased hunger, and though he was eating constantly, he was losing weight and muscle mass– all the hallmarks of hyperthyroidism. The vet informed us that he must have medication and low iodine food. So that’s what I did, but none of this helped to make him better. His suffering was heartbreaking.

Meanwhile I was giving my dog a mixture of seaweed with his food to keep her weight normal. For my cat, I was trying everything under the sun with herbs and homemade foods and what not, getting special plants to make concoctions that were safe for my cat. Yet, it could’ve been much simpler. What I found out truly left me feeling sad and betrayed. I was trusting the vet to know best, but what I realized is that the very same thing I was giving my dog, Seaweed, could very well have saved my sweet kitty.

1970s: PET FOOD INDUSTRY LOWERS IODINE CONTENT CAUSING EPIDEMIC

Though he lived to 18 years old, I wish he could’ve lived longer. Maybe this will help some of you out there with an aging cat or dog. Please know this: In the late 1970s, the pet food industry lowered the iodine content in dog and cat food. First seen in 1979, thyroid disease in cats and dogs is now an epidemic. Is this just coincidence? Who knows how many cats and dogs have suffered because of this one change in pet food formulations. Seaweed is a natural source of iodine.

In cats, iodine deficiency eventually causes an overactive thyroid. All sorts of changes start happening to our precious animals: abnormal metabolism, kidney disease, increased appetite, increased heart rate, increased thirst, weight loss, unkempt coat, frequent urination, restlessness, loud crying at night–all the symptoms my cat exhibited. In dogs, poor thyroid health causes lethargy, weight gain, arthritis, and joint pain amongst other things. How many of our beloved pets are suffering and placed on medication or given surgeries in attempt to normalize their hormones and restore their health? There’s a much easier way.

As simple as it sounds, seaweed may be the one thing every dog and cat needs to have a healthy long life. Seaweed is a natural source of iodine. Without enough iodine in the diet, the thyroid can’t do its job and disease sets in. By adding a little seaweed to your dogs and cats diet, their thyroid can once again get the iodine it needs to prosper. Had I not been so scared to believe he had to be on a restricted iodine diet, I could have given him seaweed and who knows, maybe he’d still be here today thriving like he once was. I’d like to formally suggest that the Pet Food Industry restore iodine levels in pet food.

Happy Heavenly Valentines Day to my sweet Scrammy (aka Seabee, Seabiscuit)

For all the lovers and sweet animals out there, may you always prosper.

SOLUTIONS

• Find a good source of Pet Food that contains sufficient iodine, an essential mineral, or make your own homemade pet food
• Add seaweed to your pet’s diet

If you’re looking for seaweed to give your beloved, you can order a cute little Shake Hit Seaweed for Pets from my shop at Hippocrateas.

Hippocrateas.com