Can dogs eat dandelion? Yes, dogs can have dandelions and they’re actually quite beneficial. You can’t ignore this weed because it has a big list of advantages for your dog. It works as a liver tonic, antimicrobial, and digestive aid. It has even been linked to improved diabetic management.
Healing with the Dandelion
This prolific miracle plant wasn’t always present in North America. Taraxacum officinale, the dandelion, is a native of Eurasia. It accidentally traveled to South America, India, Australia, and New Zealand, among other places.
Dandelion can currently be found wherever there is a mild climate. When dandelion seeds germinate, they spread by their fluff. It’s not uncommon to see their clouds of seeds spreading around through the air.
With the expansion of the pharmaceutical industry’s prominence and wealth, dandelion became a weed. Herbalists, however, have always seen weeds very differently from how most people do. Most weeds are actually herbs known for their therapeutic benefits.
Throughout history, herbalists embraced the dandelion as a plant with a list of healing properties. And it’s always been free. Even the USDA’s Federal Noxious Weed List doesn’t classify dandelion as a weed.
Dandelion is grown in India as a liver issue treatment. But let’s examine that afterwards. Here are some reasons why you should adore this magnificent plant with the vivid yellow flower right away.:
Can Dogs Eat Dandelions?
Yes, dogs can eat all parts of the dandelion. And, they should, actually.
A practically ideal whole food source of vitamins and minerals is dandelion. It’s a fantastic addition to any dog’s regular food because it’s also readily absorbed by the body. Furthermore, there aren’t really any alternatives. To replace the advantages your dog gets from dandelion alone, it would take a variety of herbs rather than one or two alone.
The bright yellow part of the flower contains:
- Lecithin
- High levels of polyphenols
- Antioxidants
Dandelion leaves are rich in:
- Vitamins A, C, K, D and B complex
- Zinc, iron, calcium, manganese
- Protein, double the amount spinach provides
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Many other trace minerals
- Antioxidants
Help with Digestion
The best option for dogs with persistent indigestion or those that have gas is dandelion leaves. Before his dinner, give your dog some dandelion. Dandelion stimulates both the appetite and the digestive fluids to help with overall digestion.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Dandelions have long been used in herbal therapy to ease pain and reduce inflammation. This is as a result of the polyphenols’ potent anti-inflammatory properties. They also include terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids, all of which are useful as anti-inflammatories.
Research indicates that all sections of the dandelion plant contain these inherently anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances, though the bright yellow blossom is particularly advantageous. Using dandelion reduces the consequences of inflammatory bowel illness, according to both research and folklore.
Dandelion as an Antioxidant
Diseases and disorders become common when there are too many free radicals for the body to manage. Free radicals cause chronic health problems including:
In order to stop these diseases, antioxidants combat free radicals. Additionally, dandelion blossoms and leaves are rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene. Therefore, by giving your dog dandelion, you’ll strengthen his immune system and help him fend off free radical damage. Additionally, antioxidants reduce the aging process.
Use as a Liver Tonic
It’s crucial to maintain the liver’s health because it serves as the body’s filter for eliminating pollutants. As a liver tonic, dandelion root helps to promote bile synthesis and improve liver circulation. This aids in detoxifying the body by passing waste through the kidneys. Gallbladder inflammation and gallstones can both be treated with dandelion root.
If you see these signs of toxicity you’ll want to give your dog dandelion:
- Skin disease
- Dandruff
- Chronic constipation
Use as a Diuretic
In cases where your dog’s body is retaining too much fluid, dandelion leaves work as a diuretic. Fluid retention is a side effect of conditions such renal and gallbladder disease, heart failure, and enlarged tissues. Also rich in potassium, dandelion helps replenish potassium lost through frequent urination.
Dandelion is Anti-Microbial
When made into a tea, dandelion has infection-fighting abilities. Just soak a cloth in it and apply it to the area you want to treat.
Goldenseal has stronger properties but it’s being mass harvested. Fortunately, dandelions are still in strong supply, as you can see if you look out of your diningroom window. And research shows that the entire plant has these properties, though the root and flower are most effective.
Help with Hypogycemia
Insufficient insulin production by the pancreas causes diabetes mellitus in dogs. Your dog’s body needs insulin to use carbohydrates, fats, and proteins effectively.
According to research, dandelion is a hypoglycemic herb that can assist in controlling diabetes. That’s as a result of it lowering sugar levels and raising insulin sensitivity. To control diabetes, you can use dandelion in a variety of forms, such as fresh or dried leaves, tincture, juice, or powder. Consult your holistic veterinarian about using dandelion.
What Parts Of The Dandelion Can You Use?
You can use all parts of the dandelion but certain parts of the plant are better for different purposes.
Stem: Avoid feeding the stem. It doesn’t taste very good. Plus, the latex in that sticky, white sludge has laxative properties.
Flower: Antioxidant qualities can be found in dandelion flowers. This indicates that it works well to combat chronic diseases brought on by inflammation and free radicals. The flower is also antimicrobial.
Root: Dandelion root is used in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine to treat ailments of the liver and stomach. The root has a built-in diuretic effect.
Leaves: Potassium and other vitamins and minerals are abundant in the leaves. They also function as a diuretic, aid with digestion, and enhance antioxidants.
When to Pick Dandelions for Optimal Benefit
If you’re fortunate, dandelions that bloom in the spring may blossom once more in the autumn. Do not be confused with other sunflower family members. The single taproot of the dandelion grows in rosettes directly into the earth.
Dandelions are incredibly beneficial, but the pesticides and herbicides that are sprayed on them could result in doing more harm than good. Pick them in an area that you know hasn’t been treated. They’re abundant in most areas, so this shouldn’t be too difficult to do.
Early in the spring, before the flowers blossom, gather leaves. The leaves start to taste more bitter once the flowers bloom. After gathering your leaves, let them dry before bagging them for later use. Or, to avoid having to purchase them during the off-season, loosely freeze them when they are still fresh. They can also be chopped up and dried in the sun. Do the same with the flowers. Pick and freeze loosely or dry.
Wait until late October if you’re utilizing dandelion root for dogs. Cut them up after you dig them up. Then, spread them out to dry on some newspaper.
How to Offer Dandelions for Dogs
You can use dandelion roots, leaves or flowers. They can be fresh, dried or brewed as a tea or tonic.
Fresh leaves: If you feed your dog dandelion, you may want to supplement his meal with blooms or a few torn leaves. For tiny dogs, one or two leaves; for larger dogs, more. Alternately, you might puree some leaves with some water and add them to his lunch.
Dried leaves or root: Crumble dried leaves or roots onto your dog’s meal. You’ll need 1 tsp per 20 pounds body weight.
Bitter tonic: You’ll need to encourage your dog to eat some of this before dinner because it will aid with digestion. To encourage your dog to drink, blend some leaves with some broth. You can simply add a teaspoon or two to his food if that doesn’t help.
Dandelion tea:
- Use 5g to 30g dried herb (leaves, root or flowers) infused in 8oz water for 10-15 minutes.
- You can use 1/3 of a cup of tea per 20 pounds of your dog’s body weight, up to 3 times a day.
Dandelion is a diuretic, so make sure your dog has plenty of opportunities to go outside during the day to relieve himself.
Can You Feed Too Much Dandelion?
Dandelion isn’t toxic to dogs but like most things, you should use it in moderation. Feeding too much can cause:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Increased heart rate
- Excessive peeing
- Increased potassium levels
And as already noted, avoid using the stems as the sticky latex can have a laxative effect.
There are now various justifications for not spraying the yard’s cheery dandelions. Instead of picking them for the compost bin, you’ll give them to your dog.
Read more:
Recognizing Dandelion’s Herbal Benefits to Dogs
How to Safely Add Dandelions to Your Dog’s Diet | Keep the Tail Wagging