STARWEST BOTANICALS Organic Kelp Granules,1 PoundUSDA Organic

This kelp is the same species as used in ProDen Plaque Off, which is a great product, just not in my (or many other) peoples budgets. Since vet offices are being bought up by private equity firms, prices are skyrocketing. More reason to focus on prevention for things like dental care. Also great for dogs that are up in age, where the risk of going under for dental care is higher.ProDen no longer lists the actual species name in their amazon listings, they call it A.N ProDen, likely to keep people form just searching for the kelp powder in a cheaper formNumerous studies have been done looking at this algae ( a kelp is a macro algae) and its benefits to oral health. It helps prevent the buildup of biofilm (that slimey stuff that grows on the sides on a dogs water dish or your teeth) in the mouth. This biofilm protects bacteria and allows them an easy way to share genes. Which is great for the bacteria, and not for your dog, or you. The biofilm can turn into plaque, which is the hard buildup on teeth. Plaque build up can lead to gum disease, including the teeth becoming loose in their sockets and needing removed. Not pleasant.It needs time to work, weeks, not days. Also, it can be working and the plaque that was on your dogs teeth before you started could still be there. I have been able to chip some off with my fingernail, as have others. So just bc you still see plaque, doesn't mean it isn't working. Best bet is ato get a cleaning, and then start this to prevent rebuild up.I have bought both the powder and the granules. Both are the same, really, and I mix it with some yogurt or cottage cheese for my dogs so it doesn't matter much.I store some in a little glass jar, spice jar size, and then the bag in the freeze. A 'scoop' is 1/12th of a teaspoon, roughly.This product will smell "fishy". Because it's from the ocean. With salt. and fish. and stuff. Really, it smells like the ocean, but fragrance companies have convinced people the ocean smells different than it does. The product is fine, it smells like it should.As a kelp, this is a natural source of iodine, a necessary nutrient. HOWEVER, iodine is one of those things were more is not better. Iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones. Too much can cause hyperthyroidism. So if you or your dog has this condition, or you suspect, this is likely not an ideal product for you. Consult with a vet before you start, a simple blood test can look at those levels.Something to be aware of and to research.

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of this brand of Kelp Granules because several of the reviewers complained bitterly about the "odor". Because of their emphasis on the "odor" of the product, I nearly did not purchase this brand. Well, Kelp comes from the Ocean, folks! And Kelp, like most sea vegetables, has an "odor" or "scent". I'd compare it to a mild fishy smell. I just sprinkle a generous amount on my food. If you notice a "crunch" from time-to-time when you're eating this Kelp, it's only compressed particles from the Ocean and not dirt. Kelp is loaded with Iodine and other important trace elements which is good for the body. Iodine is very important to support the Thyroid Gland. Great product and Great Value! I will purchase this brand again.

Perfectly granulated for shaking on food. Use instead of salt. Lots of iodine. Tastes great. Doesn’t clump.

this is super affordable compared to leading brands of this particular kelp. i use it for my pets as a dental health supplement, because this is the ingredient that is in a VOHC approved pet dental supplement. i really do think that this works and can soften the build up on my pets teeth. it’s not stinky at all and my pets love it! it’s also a great deal!

It came on time and is working for what we need.

This is a good source of Iron and Iodine. I recommend it to anyone who has an iron and iodine deficiency. How do you know if you are deficient in iron? Do you crave ice to eat? You are deficient in iron. How do you know if you need more Iodine in your diet? Purchase Iodine from your local store. Soak iodine in a cotton ball. Place the cotton on your skin and dye your skin with the iodine. Wait around 1-3 hours to check if the stain has disappeared, as this timeframe generally indicates whether the iodine has been absorbed by your skin; a stain that takes longer than 6 hours to fade could suggest adequate iodine levels in your body. The quicker the stain disappears, the more deficient in iodine you are. Iodine is essential for women and thyroid health.

You get a large package ! I mix mine in coffee or a cranberry smoothie . I take it for thyroid . It does swell when it get wet . And a little salty but think it is great for what I wanted !! Seaweed !!

I sprinkle this on my dogs food. It has really helped to get rid of the tartar on their teeth and keep their teeth clean.