If you’re wondering whether dogs can eat nettles, the answer is yes! Nettles can be beneficial for dogs by preventing the progression of renal issues and aiding in digestion. However, it’s important to only feed young nettle leaves to dogs and avoid mature ones that contain cystoliths that can irritate their kidneys.
Nettles are a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that can help fight free radicals and prevent cell damage. They also have detoxifying properties that help cleanse the body of toxins and can aid in breaking down kidney stones. Dogs with chronic digestive disorders, urinary tract issues, and systemic toxicity can greatly benefit from eating nettles. Additionally, the high levels of iron found in nettles can help prevent anemia in dogs.
It’s crucial to only use young nettle leaves as mature leaves contain cystoliths that can irritate the kidneys and have a bitter taste that is unpalatable to dogs. Nettle leaves and stems have tiny hairs called trichomes that can inject histamine into the skin, causing redness, swelling, and intense itching. Ingesting large quantities of nettles can cause excessive salivation, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, labored breathing, twitching, and muscle incoordination.
To serve nettles to your dog, use only young leaves that 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.
