Dandelion Poisonous to Dogs?

Dandelion is an underrated plant. All too often it is destroyed as a weed.

But hardly any other meadow plant is of such great importance as a medicinal plant. This applies to both us humans and dogs as our pets.

Can dogs eat dandelions?

I always have to remind myself of that when I want to get rid of dandelions everywhere in the garden. This task is more like a Sisyphean task.

If you’re growing a similar amount of dandelions, you don’t have to worry about your dog. Dogs can eat all parts of the dandelion, both fresh and dried.

Dog eats dandelions

However, very few dogs will be happy to eat it fresh. Because dandelion contains a lot of bitter substances.

It is better to dry dandelions. Collect flowers, leaves, and roots in a suitable place. Maybe from your garden. However, as far as possible from busy roads.

April and May are the best months to collect the young leaves of the plant. Leaves with a length of around six to seven centimeters are ideal. As soon as the flowers open in spring, you can collect them too.

However, never pluck all the leaves from a plant to allow it to regenerate. Except in my in-laws’ garden. You could pick a year’s supply of dandelions there at any time.

You can let the individual parts of the dandelion dry and then chop them up.

Also known as dandelion

Dandelion is unmistakable when the meadows and pastures bloom golden yellow in May. The leaves of the plant are also striking. You can easily recognize them by their deep serrations and incisions. The leaves are somewhat reminiscent of large rocket leaves.

The plant grows to around 30 centimeters. It develops a very strong taproot that survives the winter.

Dandelion is popular with children as a dandelion. With the help of the wind, the seeds are widely distributed. Not to forget the television series of the same name with Peter Lustig or his successor Fritz Fuchs and his dog Biscuit.

Dandelion is very hardy

The dandelion is a very flexible and robust plant. If dandelions are mowed in the meadow, their flowers will easily adapt. After that, the plant won’t grow as tall. The flowers then start just above the ground.

In any case, the dandelion will survive as long as the rest of the roots remain in the ground. The taproot extends deep into the earth.  The dandelion stores all the nutrients in it so that they can be released again in spring.

That is why dandelions can be found almost everywhere in northern Europe.

Are dandelions good for dogs?

Above all, dandelion contains important bitter substances, tannins, and minerals. In principle, all parts of the plant are edible for the dog.

The bitter substances it contains make dandelion a real blessing, especially for digestion. Dandelion can promote digestion and support the liver in detoxification. The metabolism is stimulated and the pancreas is relieved.

Dandelion also has diuretic and laxative effects. The blood-cleansing effect is important for skin diseases and rheumatism.

Dried dandelion for dogs

The fresh or dried parts of the plant are an excellent addition to a BARF meal. You can also mix the herbs with any ready meal.

If the dog is acutely ill, you can prepare dandelion tea or use ready-made preparations from the pharmacy. In traditional Chinese medicine, the plant is also used as a remedy.

However, be sure to discuss treatment with your veterinarian. Because dandelion can only offer help and support. Dandelion tea does not replace conventional medical care that may be necessary.

Herbs like dandelion for dogs

What do meadow herbs like dandelion do in dog food? After all, dogs need a lot of meat, which is vital for the dog as a source of protein.

And yet, in addition to high-quality meat, modern dog food also contains vegetables and often special herbs.

The answer is simple:

• The vegetables provide carbohydrates and are therefore used for rapid energy production.
• Herbs improve the taste of the dog’s meal. Plus, they offer health benefits for dogs.

Dandelion is one of these healthy herbs for dogs.