About the nettle

The common nettle or stinging nettle is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe, temperate parts of Asia and western North Africa. It’s a member of a botanical family which numbers more than two thousand plants. It has a long history of use, particularly as a traditional medicine. Now nettles for dogs are being used in canine medicine as well.

The bad side of nettles

Anyone familiar with the countryside is likely to be all too well acquainted with Urtica, aka the stinging nettle. I certainly am. As a child of around 10 or so I once fell into a clump of them while scrumping in a former orchard opposite my school. I don’t remember how I avoided getting stung on the way up the tree, but I certainly remember their spitefulness when I fell out of it. I was stung from head to toe!

Twenty minutes from home and on my own, I distinctly remember crying all the way home. Well, I was only ten. And I was wearing short trousers. Of course I had no idea at the time that so many years later I’d actually be raving about the benefits of nettles for dogs instead of crying over their meaner side.

Keen gardeners are no more fond of nettles either. They’re an invasive nuisance to say the least.

The good side of nettles

Nettle leaf was used as an infusion by ancient Egyptians to relieve the pain of arthritis. And, believe it or not, the plant was also used by ancient Roman soldiers who would beat themselves with fresh nettles in order to stimulate circulation on cold days.

And as if that is not hard enough to believe, how about this. There is actually a World Nettle Eating Championship held in Dorset every year. And, it attracts competitors from around the world. All that is absolutely true, by the way. Honest!

Nutrients in nettles

Nettles are rich in vitamins A, C, D and K. And they’re also rich iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. They’re packed with dietary fibre as well.

Benefits of nettles for dogs

Nettles could be considered a superherb for the various nutritional benefits they offer ourselves and most especially our dogs.

• Nettles are a good source of energy
• Made into a tea and used to bathe your dog, nettles can help improve your dog’s skin and coat condition
• The antibacterial, astringent and antihistamine properties in nettles make them useful for dogs who suffer with seasonal allergies
• Rich in fibre and the antioxidant chlorophyll, nettles are ideal for dogs who suffer from digestive disorders and urinary tract infections
• Nettles can also aid digestion and even help with the relief of arthritis. Something those ancient Egyptians taught us all those years ago

Not bad for a plant that most gardeners consider to be a nuisance in the extreme. Whether you give your dog nettle leaf as a long-term, health-maintaining, herbal tonic, for an occasional energy boost or simply to treat seasonal allergies, your dog’s homemade dog food pantry should always contain a stock of nettle leaf.

Best herbs for dogs

Nettle Leaf forms part of my daily plant-based multivitamin supplement for dogs. Hand-crafted by myself and my team here in rural Somerset, it’s a unique blend of natural vitamins and minerals for dogs. I consider it the best, most nutrient-rich and healthy daily supplement for dogs available anywhere. Made only with 100% natural herbs & spices, it’s simply bursting with goodness.

It’s a 100% natural herbal supplement for dogs without synthetic ingredients of any kind. It includes Alfalfa Herb Powder, Brewers Yeast, Burdock Root, Celery Seeds, Chicory Root, Dandelion Root, Kelp Powder, Nettle Leaf, Pumpkin Seeds and Turmeric.

Rich in natural goodness, it provides your dog with healthy nutrients just the way nature intended. What one might call nettle leaf for dogs with fringe benefits. As a canine nutritionist dedicated to improving dog nutrition, I thoroughly recommend the use of nettle leaf as a supplement for dogs. Providing it’s from a 100% natural source of course!