Spirulina is all over the human health food scene and now you can get spirulina for cats too!
What is Spirulina?
Spirulina (Latin Arthrospira platensis) is a blue-green, spiral-shaped microalga, which belongs to the cyanobacteria cluster. In fact, Spirulina is one of the oldest microorganisms on Earth, there is evidence that it appeared on the surface of our planet around 3.5 billion years ago.
It has been a human food ingredient for centuries. Aztecs and native people of what is currently central Mexico and Central America used algae as a food source right up to the 16th century. The Aztecs called Spirulinatecuitlatl. It is believed that the drying of lakes and changes in agriculture led to the disappearance of Spirulina as a source of everyday food.
Reports of algae are found throughout history. In Africa, the Kanembu tribe harvested algae from Lake Chad and the ponds in its vicinity. Named dihe, was used to make broths for meals and sold at markets. Spirulina is now still harvested from small lakes and ponds aroundLake Chad. In 1960, French researchers found large areas of spirulina at Lake Taxoco in the southern part of México.
The first systematic and detailed study of the growth requirements and physiology of spirulina was performed by botanist Jean Leonardas. This was the base for the first large-scale production in the 1970s.
In the 21st century, Spirulina is considered one of the most highly effective food supplements with a nourishing and prophylactic effect and speeding up healing. Spirulina biomass belongs to the group of high-quality nutritional products with a proven pro-health effect. It contains high-quality protein, minerals essential for health – Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc and Sodium, vitamins (B12, E), valuable fatty acids (including GLA) and biologically active phenolic acids. Noteworthy is the high content of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll, phycocyanin and carotenoids) which have a strong antioxidant effect.
Why it is so healthy and is it good for your cat?
The superpowers of spirulina for your cat include:
Immune system booster
Spirulina boosts the immune system to help your cat fight diseases and infections. It contains unique phytonutrients like phycocyanin, polysaccharides and sulfolipids that enhance the immune system, possibly reducing the risk of infection, cancer and autoimmune disease. Spirulina also increases the production of antibodies and white blood cells making your cat more resistant when encountering illnesses or injuries.
Healthy digestive system
Spirulina supports your cat’s digestive system. Its cells do not have tough fibrous walls, making them easy to break down and not have negative effects on gut bacteria. A healthy digestive system is critical for your cat to have a healthy immune system.
Getting rid of toxins
Spirulina has cleansing chlorophyll which helps detoxify a cats body system and helps keep our pets toxin-free.
Support while fighting allergies
Spirulina helps your cat manage allergies and prevents the symptoms from recurring. As we all know very well, our cats are exposed to allergens on daily basis, whether in their food or the wider environment. Spirulina is a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory agent so it gives your cat a natural remedy and cure for those problems.
Tartar control
Controlling tartar begins with controlling plaque, the sticky film that develops on teeth. Spirulina may possibly protect a cat against infection associated with tartar buildup and reduce it by 33%.
Cancer treatment and prevention
Spirulina has been shown to have anticancer activity in animal studies. It stimulates natural killer cells and the immune system to fight cancer cells. Laboratory studies also show that spirulina polysaccharides can work to repair genetic material that has been damaged from toxins or from radiation. While further research is conducted to quantify the benefits of spirulina for cats with cancer, it is clear it can help and will definitely not hurt.
There is ongoing research for benefits to humans and their pets. So far promising results have been found for reducing cholesterol, managing diabetes, reducing blood pressure, preventing heart disease and supporting mental health. More research is needed in order to confirm whether all these benefits also apply to cats.
Naturally
All vitamins and minerals in Spirulina are present as natural, organically bound complexes. There is nothing synthetic in Spirulina, it is as natural a product as it can be. This means that all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are easily recognised by the cats’ body are easily absorbed which gives your cat all the benefits of this natural superfood.
Spirulina has a high protein concentration (60%-70% of its dry weight) and provides superior nutrition. This is why we decided to create new products enriched with Spirulina. It has a relatively high provitamin A concentration and is a very rich source of vitamin B12.
In addition, Spirulina contains the essential fatty acids linoleic acid (LA) and g-linolenic acid (GLA).
It is also important that the iron in Spirulina can be better absorbed by 60% than ferrous sulfate and other complements. Consequently, it could represent an adequate source of iron for humans and cats.
Super green, superpower
In its usual form as a dark green Spirulina powder, it is already known by some breeders as a secret ingredient to improve and maintain a cat’s coat and breath. Some cats need to be introduced to Spirulina slowly, starting with smaller portions. At 3coty®, our own cats have been loving this green superpower (superpowder) and it shows, as their coat is thicker, improved and shinier. This is why, after months of testing, we have decided to introduce a new line of products with Spirulina. Our food is natural, complete and balanced and the recommended daily dose of Spirulina for cats is now inside 3coty® food. The green power obviously changes the colour of food slightly, but we assure you – your cat does not see the colour difference, but sure it can smell the power of Spirulina!
