It’s peak summer, dandelions are everywhere, and your dog won’t stop eating them. You may be wondering, can dogs eat dandelions? Or are dandelions toxic for dogs? The answer may surprise you!
Dandelions always seem to pop out of nowhere. No matter how many times you weed them out, they come back with a wild passion. Although we can limit their populations, one thing’s for sure: dandelions are here to stay.
If your dog loves running around your dandelion-filled garden, you might be wondering: can dogs eat dandelions?
Dogs are curious creatures, so they might eat a dandelion or two just to see how they taste. We know of their many advantages to human health, but can the same be said for dogs?
So, Can Dogs Eat Dandelions?
Yes, it’s completely safe for dogs to eat dandelions. In fact, dandelions are quite beneficial to their health. They’re a great source of vitamins and minerals, including protein, potassium, iron, calcium, zinc, and more. They also contain high levels of polyphenols and antioxidants.
Additionally, dandelions can act as a mild liver and digestive stimulant, both of which support waste elimination and optimal digestion. This is why some pet food companies add dandelions into their products; they not only increase a dog’s appetite but also balance the good bacteria in their intestines.
Apart from the dandelion flower itself, all parts of the plant are edible. Dandelion roots, specifically, act as diuretics that help cleanse a dog’s kidneys by removing waste and excess water.
Should I Feed My Dog Dandelions?
Yes, but with extreme caution. Although they’re greatly beneficial for dogs, dandelions are unwanted wild plants and are often contaminated with herbicides and pesticides.
While dandelions are not toxic to dogs, weed killers are extremely toxic to dogs. They may induce vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, breathing problems, and even seizures.
If you’ve recently just applied a dose of weed killer in your garden and your dog suddenly begins showing symptoms of illness, call your veterinarian or the animal poison control center immediately.
Luckily, thanks to EPA and pesticide laws and regulations, manufacturers are legally bound to create non-toxic herbicides. Once the product applied has dried, the risk of toxicity is low. Even so, it’s always best to double-check the product’s label to make sure it’s safe around children and pets to reduce the risk of medical emergencies.
How Should I Feed My Dog Dandelions?
If you’re looking to add dandelion to your dog’s diet, make sure that the dandelion you’re using is free from chemical treatments.
Dandelions typically bloom in early spring and can flower again in the fall. During early spring, pluck out the dandelion leaves before the flowers bloom. Allow the leaves to dry by placing them under the sun before bagging them away. Then, do the same with the flowers.
You can also supplement their food with store-bought dried dandelion powder or dandelion tea. For every 20 pounds of your dog’s body weight, use one teaspoon of dried dandelion.
As for dandelion tea, infuse 10 to 30 grams of dandelion herb into 8 ounces of water for around 10 to 15 minutes. Use a third of a cup of tea for every 20 pounds of your dog’s body weight, up to 3 times a day.
Since dandelion is a diuretic, you’ll notice your dog peeing a lot more than usual. This is normal. Just don’t forget to let your dog out plenty of times during the day to pee!
Final Thoughts
Can dogs eat dandelions? Yes, they can. Dandelions are safe and healthy for dogs.
If you want to incorporate dandelions into your dog’s diet, make sure they’re free from external chemicals. You can also use store-bought dandelion powder and dandelion tea that don’t contain any preservatives and additives. Always go natural!