At The Old Dog Cookie Company, we believe treats should do more than just make tails wag. Dog treats should support your dog’s health in meaningful ways.
That’s why we carefully select each ingredient used in our all-natural, healthy treats to ensure they provide real nutrition value to help dogs at every stage of life.
One of those ingredients is kelp. It is used in both our diabetic-friendly and arthritis-support treats. Kelp is a quiet powerhouse when it comes to supporting your dog’s overall well-being.
Kelp is a type of seaweed that’s naturally rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and iodine. As it grows, kelp absorbs minerals from the sea, making it one of the most nutrient-rich edible plants. It’s been used for thousands of years as a natural way to support health and it turns out, dogs can benefit from it too.
We use kelp in our dog treats because it's all natural and it provides real, functional benefits without unnecessary sugars, fillers, or artificial ingredients. It fits perfectly with our goal of simple ingredients that actually support your dog’s health.
One of the most important benefits of kelp for dogs is its role in supporting thyroid health.
The thyroid helps regulate your dog’s metabolism - how their body uses energy, maintains a healthy weight, and stays balanced overall. To function properly, the thyroid requires iodine, which dogs must get through their diet. If your dog has an iodine deficiency, this can cause weight gain, lethargy, and a dull coat.
When thyroid function is supported, it can help promote more stable energy levels and better overall canine health. This is especially important for dogs managing weight or metabolic conditions, like diabetes. By including kelp in our treats, we’re adding a natural ingredient that helps support this critical system without complicating your dog’s diet.
Kelp is also known for supporting skin and coat health in dogs. If your dog struggles with dry skin, excessive shedding, or dull fur, nutrition often plays a key role. The nutrients in kelp help support skin health from the inside out, contributing to:
For older dogs especially, these small improvements can make a noticeable difference in comfort and appearance over time.
For dogs with arthritis, comfort and mobility are everything. While kelp isn’t a joint supplement on its own, it supports overall wellness in ways that directly impact how your dog feels.
Kelp is a low-calorie ingredient rich in essential nutrients, including Vitamin K, which helps support calcium balance and maintain strong, healthy bones. It also contributes to healthy metabolism and nutrient absorption—both important for aging dogs.
When combined with other functional ingredients in our arthritis relief dog treats, kelp becomes part of a more complete, thoughtful approach to supporting your dog’s joints and mobility as they age.
For diabetic dogs, every ingredient matters. That’s why we focus not just on what we leave out, but what we intentionally include in our Diabetic Dog Treats.
Kelp is one of those ingredients. It adds real nutritional value without added sugars or fillers. As a natural prebiotic fiber, kelp supports digestion, helps promote healthy gut bacteria, and contributes to overall gut health and metabolic balance. The result is more consistent energy throughout the day.
Kelp also contains a trace mineral called vanadium, which has shown insulin-like effects, helping lower blood sugar levels. Studies in both animals and humans suggest it may play a role in supporting healthy blood sugar regulation.
Kelp might not be the star of the ingredient list, but it plays an important role behind the scenes. At The Old Dog Cookie Company, we believe every ingredient should have a purpose. From supporting thyroid function and metabolism to improving skin, coat, and digestive health, kelp helps us create dog treats that go beyond taste.
Because when it comes to your dog’s health, the small things add up in a big way.
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