The 3 Main Benefits of Chlorella for Dogs

Chlorella is a unicellular alga that is commonly used as a nutritional supplement for humans and pets. Learn more about the benefits of Chlorella for dogs in today's article.
The 3 Main Benefits of Chlorella for Dogs

Last update: 17 September, 2019

Chlorella is one of the many types of unicellular green algae commonly used as a nutritional supplement. It’s a microscopic alga with an intense green color, thanks to its photosynthetic pigments. Chlorella is not only beneficial to human beings. Today we’ll look at the 2 main benefits of Chlorella for dogs.

Chlorella comes in capsules as well as in powder form. This tiny alga contains a high proportion of protein, essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. It’s considered to be a superfood and its cleansing properties are becoming more and more renowned.

Below, then, are just some of the benefits of Chlorella for dogs:

1. Improves immune response

The components of this alga strengthen an organism’s immune system. In other words, it allows a dog’s body to better defend itself from viruses, bacterias, and fungi. What’s more, Chlorella is highly effective when it comes to the assimilation of nutrients and improved gastrointestinal health. Finally, thanks to its high natural antioxidant content, Chlorella also delays the aging of cells.

A dog in a field.

2. Healthier and shinier hair and skin

In order to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy, certain vitamins are necessary. This brings us to another one of the greatest benefits of Chlorella for dogs. This alga contains a hefty portion of vitamin A, vitamin C, and minerals that help hair and skin.

The species Chlorella Vulgaris helps synthesize collagen, which is fundamental in the production of new hair and the regeneration of skin. Therefore, Chlorella is especially beneficial in cases of dermatitis.

A dog with a healthy coat.

3. Cleansing effects: The elimination of toxins from the body

Among the benefits of Chlorella for dogs are its cleansing abilities. Chlorella eliminates toxins by removing heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury from the liver, intestines, and blood. It brings the metals together and then eliminates them from the body through a process known as the chelation of metals.

The chelating effect of Chlorella also makes it helpful against fertility. This is because toxicity from heavy metals in a dog’s diet can influence reproduction. For example, these toxins can affect sperm quality in male dogs.

A dog eating.

What does Chlorella contain?

Chlorella contains essential amino acids and a high proportion and variety of vitamins A, B, and C. It also contains minerals like iron, phosphorous, magnesium and potassium. Furthermore, Chlorella has a high chlorophyll content. In fact, the percentage is higher than with many other unicellular algae.

Chlorophyll also helps to cleanse the body and acts against bad breath. In fact, many different brands of toothpaste and dental snacks for dogs contain chlorophyll among their ingredients. We can also find it in fruits and vegetables.

All of these nutrients make Chlorella a rich source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals – ideal for completing your dog’s diet. Many nutritional dog snacks already contain this alga in their composition.

If you study the composition of your dog’s food, you can discover more about its quality. That way, you can determine whether or not you should add a nutritional supplement to keep your dog healthy during every stage of life.

Where can you find Chlorella for dogs?

Chlorella and other algae come in the form of capsules or powder. You can determine the correct dose according to its concentration and your dog’s weight. As with other supplements, you should check with your vet before adding Chlorella to your pet’s diet. Toxicity resulting from excess algae in a dog’s diets is infrequent, but it’s still important to be careful.

The use of algae is common in animal diets. Chlorella, Spirulina, and Dunaliella are all commercialized as nutritional supplements for animalsincluding dogs, cats, aquarium fish, ornamental birds, horses, cows, and reproductive cows. You can often find nutritional supplements on the market that combine these algae species in a single product.

For humans, these algae have the same benefits. Vegans and vegetarians commonly consume Chlorella and other algae as a source of protein and vitamin B12, which is necessary for the digestion of food.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Spolaore P, C Joannis-Cassan, E Duran & A Isambert. 2006. Commercial Applications of Microalgae. Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering 101(2): 87-96.

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.