Spirulina – nutrient-rich algae powder for horses and dogs

Green super algae powder spirulina is an exceptionally protein-rich and nutrient-dense feed ingredient!

Spirulina is an exceptionally nutrient-rich blue-green algae used for horses and dogs as part of a balanced diet. It is particularly known for its naturally high protein content and its exceptionally broad vitamin and mineral composition.

Natural composition – why is spirulina so interesting and effective?

Spirulina is one of the most nutrient-rich algae species in the world. Its composition is dense and diverse:

• Protein: naturally approx. 60–70 %

• Amino acids: contains all essential amino acids

• Fatty acids: contains e.g. gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)

• Vitamins: B-group vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin K

• Minerals and trace elements: e.g. iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium and sulphur

• Plant pigments: phycocyanin, which gives spirulina its characteristic blue-green colour

Protein and amino acids as part of the diet

Spirulina's high protein content makes it one of the most concentrated plant-based protein sources. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which the body uses as part of normal tissue structures. In particular, the sulphur-containing amino acids (methionine and cysteine) found in spirulina are nutritionally interesting, as sulphur is part of the body's structural proteins.

Minerals and vitamins – in natural form

Spirulina naturally contains several minerals and trace elements that are bound within the algae's plant matrix. Spirulina contains e.g.:

• iron

• magnesium

• calcium and phosphorus

• zinc and selenium

• sulphur

In addition, spirulina contains beta-carotene, B-group vitamins and vitamin K. Content levels naturally vary between raw material batches.

GLA and phycocyanin – special characteristics of spirulina

Spirulina is one of the best-known plant-based sources of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid that occurs naturally in only a limited number of plant sources. Spirulina belongs to the plant kingdom where GLA occurs naturally and in relatively abundant amounts.

From a nutritional perspective, GLA is interesting because:

• it is an intermediate in fatty acid metabolism

• it is part of the body's fat structures, such as cell membranes

• fatty acids are generally part of normal energy and structural metabolism

Spirulina's blue-green colour is due to phycocyanin, a pigment characteristic of the algae. Phycocyanin is a compound unique to spirulina that is not found in significant amounts in other plant sources. It is related to the algae's light utilisation and metabolism in its own biology.

Nutritional values (indicative / 100 g):

Energy: 384 kcal, Fat: 7,3 g, Carbohydrates: 11,2 g, Protein: 64,4 g, Sodium: 0,65 g, Iron: 217 mg, Magnesium: 500 mg, Potassium: 2000 mg, Selenium: 30 µg, GLA: 762 mg, Vitamin K: 2000 µg, Beta-carotene: 375 mg, Iodine: approx. 0,14 mg

As is typical of natural products, values are indicative.

Dosage:

Horse (approx. 500 kg):
1–2 tbsp, up to 2 times per day as part of the diet

Dogs:
approx. 1/8 tsp / 10 kg body weight

• 1 tbsp ≈ 8 g

• 1 tsp ≈ 3 g

Background information

Spirulina is a blue-green algae classified in the Cyanophyta group.

Chia de Gracia's spirulina is grown in controlled pools, and the raw material is analysed and monitored for potential algae-derived contaminants. No unnecessary gimmicks – just a pure and carefully selected raw material.