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Can dogs eat Nettles?

can dogs eat nettlesCaution

Overview

dog-food-safety-information

Can dogs eat nettles? Yes, nettles prevent the progression of renal issues in dogs by breaking down kidney stones. They also have a detoxifying effect to the body. But only feed young nettle leaves to dogs. Avoid mature ones since they contain cystoliths which can irritate their kidneys.

Benefits

health-benefits
  • Nettles are rich in fiber, which aids in digestion. They are also rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and prevent cell damage.
  • Nettles have detoxifying properties which help cleanse the body's toxins.
  • They can also help break down or dissolve kidney stones. Dogs with chronic digestive disorders, urinary tract issues, and systemic toxicity will greatly benefit from eating nettles.
  • Nettles contain high levels of iron which can help prevent anemia in dogs.

Risks

health-risks
  • Use only young nettle leaves, as mature leaves contain cystoliths that can irritate the kidneys.
  • Mature leaves also have a bitter taste which is not palatable to dogs.
  • Nettle leaves and stems have tiny hairs called trisomes. The tips of the hair can easily break and inject histamine into the skin, which can cause redness, swelling, and intense itching. When ingested in large quantities, it can cause excessive salivation, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, labored breathing, twitching, and muscle incoordination.
health-risks-dog

Servings

serving-suggestions
  • Use young nettle leaves, as mature leaves have a bitter taste that is not palatable to dogs.
  • The young leaves can be cooked or dried. Cooking the leaves in boiling water neutralizes the "sting" from the toxin.
  • Dried nettles can be sprinkled onto your dog's food.

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