Used for centuries in herbal medicine, cleavers (Galium aparine) is a sticky, scrambling plant known for its gentle detoxifying effects. While often overlooked as a common weed, cleavers offers a host of potential benefits for dogs — especially when included in naturally balanced diets like Poppy’s Picnic’s RAW POWER, MIGHTY MINCE and POWER BALLS. These complete, FEDIAF-compliant meals harness the goodness of whole foods, including herbs like cleavers, to support your dog’s health from the inside out.
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What Is Cleavers?
Cleavers is a wild plant found in hedgerows, fields and gardens across the UK. Its small hooked hairs help it cling to clothing and animal fur. In traditional herbalism, it’s prized for its cooling, cleansing qualities, especially its effect on the lymphatic system and kidneys.
Benefits of Cleavers for Dogs
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Supports lymphatic drainage – helps reduce swelling and inflammation, especially after infections or vaccinations.
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Promotes healthy kidneys and urinary tract – gentle diuretic effect encourages natural detoxification.
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Skin health support – may help dogs prone to allergies, itchiness or hot spots, especially when paired with a fresh, raw diet.
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Anti-inflammatory properties – traditionally used to reduce internal heat and inflammation.
Why We Include Cleavers in Our Food
Cleavers is part of our Enhanced Herbs and Botanicals Blend used across all three of our complete dog food ranges — RAW POWER, MIGHTY MINCE and POWER BALLS. It’s one of the many carefully selected natural ingredients that allow us to offer meals that are naturally balanced to FEDIAF standards — the first raw meals in the world to achieve this without synthetic additives.
What the Experts Say
“Cleavers is a fantastic herb for supporting the lymphatic system. It’s especially useful in cases of skin disorders or immune dysfunction,” says UK herbalist and canine nutrition specialist Catherine Edwards.
Dr Barbara Fougere, a holistic vet and author of *Veterinary Herbal Medicine*, notes that cleavers may assist in the management of chronic skin conditions and as part of detox protocols in dogs recovering from illness or long-term medication.
According to the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies, cleavers has shown promise in supporting healthy immune responses and is often combined with other herbs like dandelion, milk thistle and nettles — many of which are also found in our recipes.
Conclusion
Cleavers may be humble, but it’s a herb with powerful effects. When used correctly as part of a balanced recipe, it can support detox, skin health and overall resilience in your dog. At Poppy’s Picnic, we believe food should do more than fill a bowl — it should help your dog thrive.
