Nettles for Dogs: Health Benefits and Why We Use Them
At Poppy’s Picnic, we’re committed to making naturally balanced, FEDIAF-compliant raw meals. That’s why you’ll find herbs and botanicals in our recipes that serve a purpose — including nettles. Often considered a garden weed, nettles are a powerful, nutritious plant that can benefit your dog in many ways.
Contents
What Are Nettles?
Nettles, or *Urtica dioica*, are native to Europe and have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. They’re rich in chlorophyll and have a reputation for supporting both human and animal health.
Nutritional Profile
Nettles are packed with nutrients:
- Vitamin A, C, D, and K
- Calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium
- Amino acids and flavonoids
- Anti-inflammatory compounds
Health Benefits for Dogs
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Supports joint health: Nettles contain histamine and serotonin, which may help with inflammation and joint pain.
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Boosts skin condition: Its antihistamine properties can relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies and itchy skin.
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Improves urinary health: Nettles act as a gentle diuretic, helping to flush toxins through the kidneys and bladder.
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Natural antihistamine: Useful for dogs prone to allergies or reactions to environmental irritants.
How Nettles Feature in Our Food
We include nettles in our RAW POWER, MIGHTY MINCE, and POWER BALLS ranges. As part of our enhanced herbs and botanicals blend, they play a role in natural support for skin, joints and detox.
Our recipes are gently prepared with ingredients like nettles to ensure your dog receives real health benefits — not just filler.
Expert Quotes and Research
Dr Conor Brady, canine nutritionist and author of Feeding Dogs, notes:
“Nettle is one of my favourite herbs for dogs. It’s nutrient-dense and acts as a tonic, especially for dogs with allergies or poor coat condition.”
A study in *Veterinary Dermatology* (2019) also identified nettle as a promising natural aid in dogs with chronic skin inflammation. Researchers highlighted its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects as particularly valuable.
Herbalist Catherine Bird, in her book *A Healthy Dog*, describes nettle as “a brilliant all-round tonic for the coat, skin, joints and kidneys.”
We believe in the power of real food, and nettles are just one of the many ways we naturally support your dog’s health.
