Easy methods to Safely Add Dandelions to a Canine’s Weight loss program

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Each spring al, I stroll round our property and gather dandelions earlier than I mow as a result of dandelions are an natural, non-gmo, wholesome complement for me and my canines.

What are Dandelions? And The place Can I Discover The

Dandelions are “weeds” which can be a member of the sunflower household, our first signal of spring and the beginning of the bee pollinating season. We do not spray our property with chemical compounds, making the dandelions protected to eat. And I go away lots behind for the bees.

It is best to select dandelion greens after they’re younger and the flower stalks have not shaped. These greens are much less bitter than greens picked in late spring or fall.

Not All Dandelions are Dandelions

Dandelions sprout within the spring and fall within the Pacific Northwest. Beginning in the summertime, one other flower seems to be like a dandelion, however they don’t seem to be the identical and should not be fed to our canines.

• Furry Cat’s Ear
• Carolina False Dandelion

Cat’s Ear Weeds have stiff hairs on the leaves; some name these flowers “furry dandelions.” Cat’s Ear Weeds and False Dandelions have a number of blooms, whereas a real Dandelion solely has one blossom per stem.

Advantages of Dandelions for Canine (and People)

Apart from being an important supply of fiber and different vitamins, dandelions additionally…

• stuffed with antioxidants
• act as an anti-inflammatory
• helps a wholesome intestine
• boosts the immune system
• helps to maintain the liver wholesome
• helps weight reduction
• slows the expansion of most cancers cells

And that is not all! Dandelions additionally hold blood sugar ranges in examine, decrease ldl cholesterol, and blood stress. When ready as a tea, dandelions can ease digestive upset, stop urinary tract infections, help in weight reduction, and forestall water weight achieve.

However earlier than you race out to your yard to seize a load of dandelions, which I used to be about to do, hold studying.

The Draw back to Feeding Dandelions

You probably have a ragweed allergy, then you definitely would possibly react to dandelions. Dandelions may negatively affect some drugs (so examine along with your veterinarian in case your canine is medicated). However do not let this get you down. Simply because you may’t choose dandelions from the yard and toss them in a salad or your canine’s dish doesn’t suggest you are precluded from profiting from the advantages.

And, for those who can not harvest your dandelions, you may go to a good friend’s yard or choose up the greens at some grocery shops.

Easy methods to Put together Dandelions for My Canine

I initially thought I may choose a handful of dandelions like I did after I was a child and add it to my canines’ dishes. I suppose you may do that, however I’ve discovered higher steps which may be extra useful.

Making Dandelion Tea

Dandelion tea will be made with the flower’s roots or leaves.

• Should you can, choose dandelions (try to get the roots, too) which can be younger and keep away from any areas that will have been handled. As an illustration, for those who’re strolling your canine in a neighborhood, it is most likely not a good suggestion to select dandelions within the yards or on a path as you go by as a result of these might have been handled with weed killer.
• Clear the flowers and leaves, then grind the roots.
• Pour sizzling water over the dandelion greens and roots, and permit to take a seat in sizzling water for 15-20 minutes.

Easy methods to Put together Dandelion Roots

• Wash the roots.
• Chop into positive items.
• Bake within the oven for two hours at 400 levels F (200 levels C)
• Pour 1-2 teaspoons of the baked roots in sizzling water for 10 minutes.

You may pour the dandelion tea over your canine’s meals and avoid wasting for your self.

Including Dandelion Greens to my Veggie Combine

I make a vegetable mix for my canines and add dandelion greens within the spring. That is a straightforward method so as to add it to their meal with out including one other step to meal prep when feeding the canines. I choose the greens and flowers within the spring, and soak them in water in a single day to scrub. And puree the greens with different dog-safe greens.

Dehydrating Dandelion Greens

An alternative choice is to dehydrate (or freeze-dry) the dandelion greens and mix them right into a powder. I choose the greens and flowers within the spring, soak them in water in a single day to scrub them, then lay them out to dry earlier than dehydrating them for six hours at 115 F (46 C). If I attempt to dehydrate them moist, it takes longer. I puree the dried greens right into a powder that I add to my canines’ meals or meal prep.

Different to Harvesting Dandelions

Should you do not wish to undergo all the difficulty of creating tea or you do not have entry to dandelions that have not been sprayed with chemical compounds, there are dietary supplements you can add to your canine’s food plan. One which I take myself is combined with milk thistle.

Some manufacturers additionally supply tinctures (liquid dietary supplements) for canines; nevertheless, these are my least favourite as a result of they’re typically very bitter, which is why I desire Dr. Harvey’s dietary supplements.

Sources:

It is a sponsored put up in sponsorship with Dr. Harvey’s. All ideas are my very own and are reflective of my expertise with my 4 canines and my analysis on this matter.