My dog was eating dandelion greens

United States
February 10, 2009 2:38pm CST
I caught my dog today outside eating dandelion greens. Do you think this would be harmful for him or good for him? Why would a dog even want to eat dandelion greens?
4 people like this
19 responses
• United States
10 Feb 09
its fine dandelion greens are safe for dogs to eat mine does all the time I guess they like the iron and protein found in dandelions
3 people like this
• Janesville, Wisconsin
10 Feb 09
The are high in Iron, Magnesium, and Potassium... As well as Lutens... Some dogs can not process those.. and the White milk inside of them is a blood thinner. So that can be dangerous.. to certain animals. Always be sure to call the vet, or an animal specialist. And Certain types of dandelions are toxic to people, so I would assume to animals too. The Giant dandelion is the common name for that kind here I do not know its scientific name. - DNatureofDTrain
1 person likes this
• United States
10 Feb 09
well I guess just watch the dog and see if it starts to act sick or if it loses its appetite or has any type of odd behavioral change I see what you are saying but the things you mentioned that are in dandelions can be found in most dog foods as well
2 people like this
@lynnemg (4529)
• United States
10 Feb 09
It is a safe and natural way for your dog to help with a stomach ache. From what I understand greens are full of fiber that help the digestive system.
2 people like this
@ElicBxn (63194)
• United States
11 Feb 09
weird, but not poisonous don't know why he'd be eating them, but... well, I know some cats love catalope
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Feb 09
Now I never heard of that before. A cat eating Catalope lol.
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63194)
• United States
11 Feb 09
Heard of several, known a couple
1 person likes this
@dvmurphy (326)
• United States
11 Feb 09
Dandelion greens are actually very good for the digestion. You can even eat them though they may taste a little bitter if they are very large.
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Feb 09
I might go out and pick some and try it and make a mixed green salad.
@swerdna (117)
• United States
11 Feb 09
Dandelion greens are no more dangerous than grass for your dog. Since you're a dog owner (or he owns you) you know what usually happens afterwards. Supposedly dogs eat plants because they need to throw up. I don't think this is true. I think dogs eat plants because they will eat anything that doesn't move (and a few things that do).
1 person likes this
• United States
10 Feb 09
dandelion green are good for you like someone else told you.it is one of the best thing for salad.But,there is one thing you have to watch out for.if you live in the city there is a lot of pollution from the cars.it is not as bad now that we don't use leaded gas but there is a lot still.if you live in the city try to find a place that does not have all the cars like a park or some place like that. you both will have a great time running around and if he needs some greens they are safer for him.
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Feb 09
great.i just want to make sure he was not making himself sick.we all have to look after each other.best wishes too all.
• United States
11 Feb 09
Where he was eating them there are no cars. So I think it was very clean.
1 person likes this
• Janesville, Wisconsin
10 Feb 09
Some dogs like to eat plant greens and veggies but most often they are after flax grass, and as state above its common to do with an upset stomach... I never had a dog or a cat that ate dandelion greens, you may have to call and ask your vet if that is safe I really am not sure... I do know for people it is one of the healthiest plants you can eat. But the white stuff is a blood thinner. So eating to much of that will lower blood pressure, and for some people the plant will give an upset stomach. There is a one type of dandelion not to eat its the giant one. You never eat the seeds, If you are thinking about trying a dandelion plants or greens please take a class, or go to someone who is familiar with preparing them.... I eat dandelions often in the spring summer and fall... But its hard to explain proper preparation online, as far as classification goes you should take a class, as your local area may have varieties of other flowers that look like dandelions that should no be eaten... Well, Take care, - DNatureofDTrain
• United States
10 Feb 09
My dogs eat grass, weeds anything green if they have an upset tummy. I found the following info for you. Even dogs who usually don't eat grass will head straight for the nearest patch when they're feeling sick. They'll gobble a few mouthfuls, retch, and then throw up, or at least try to. Veterinarians still aren't sure if dogs eat grass because their stomachs are upset or if their stomachs get upset after they eat grass. However, many vets suspect it's the former, because dogs who are energetic and perky seem to be able to eat grass without getting sick afterward. It seems likely that there's something in grass that does stimulate the urge to vomit. The stomach has all kinds of neuro-receptors that respond to what dogs ingest. They react to acidity, chemical content, and textures. The texture of the grass has something like a tickle effect on the stomach, which may induce vomiting. Watch Out What Grass Your Dog Is Eating Unless your dog is in the habit of regurgitating grass on the dining room floor, there's no reason to worry about it. Dogs have been eating grass for thousands or tens of thousands of years, and there's no evidence at all that it's bad for them. That isn't the case, however, when grass has been treated with insecticides, herbicides, or other chemicals. Most products say on the label whether they're dangerous for pets. In any event, you should certainly keep dogs away from grass soon after chemicals have been applied. Most products break down fairly quickly, but they can be quite dangerous if your dog eats them while they're fresh. http://www.petlibrary.co.uk/dog-care/why-do-dogs-eat-grass.html?Itemid=33
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
11 Feb 09
it want hurt him. mine eats grass all the time, go figure, lol.
1 person likes this
@savypat (20216)
• United States
10 Feb 09
Dogs often eat greens when their diet is not giving them all the nutrition they need. Mine get a doggy vitamin just to make sure they are getting everything.
1 person likes this
@TnWoman (1895)
• United States
10 Feb 09
hello moneymommy i have seen my dog Doughnut eating dandelion greens like that before and i think that the reason that the dogs eat the dandelion greens and grass and stuff out of the yard like that is because in my opinion that the dogs have an upset stomach or something to that effect that make them want to eat the dandelion greens or the grass, then they will over half of the time throw the dandelion greens or the grass back up. that must be the way that dogs have their own way of settling their stomachs. whereas we would try to take some pepto bismol or something like that for an upset stomach whereas an animal like that will turn to nature to cure their problems. take care and have a beautiful afternoon.
@mmiceli (382)
10 Feb 09
I'm sure he will be fine! I have a feeling they can tell what's good for them to eat and what's bad for them just as we have that sense. Random but, Is that your dog in your profile picture? Because I have a schnauzer too! Her name is Belle. Schnauzers are great dogs! I really want another one.
• United States
11 Feb 09
Schanuzer are wonderful dogs. Hope you find one soon. Hes doing fine no adverse effects from the leaves.
23 Apr 10
My dogs seems to be addicted to eating the dandelion seeds. he looks like pac man going around and gobbling them up, but he never eats the flowers or the greens. can the seeds do him any harm?
• United States
25 May 12
You might want to join him in doing so. Dogs need a few greens in their diet. However, if I were you I'd send away for chickweed seed if you don't have them. Might be a tad easier on his tummy if you'd steam those dandelions for him. You need to look up the medicinal properties of the dandelion. He may actually be trying to cure himself of something that the packaged food diet has been lacking. Dandelions are packed with nutrients too. I can't keep my ambullterrier/border collie mix away from the chick weed. He'll pig out on the whole crop and leave none for me. (thank goodness it's a fast grower)
@debny711 (264)
• United States
11 Feb 09
I have had dogs all of my life, they eat grass and dandelions when they have an upset stomach. Its not harmful to them.
@TheCatLady (4691)
• Israel
12 Feb 09
Maybe he thinks they are yummy. Dandelion greens are very healthy. People eat them too. I wouldn't worry about it. My dog eats all kinds of weeds that grow in my yard. Mostly things that can be food, but I don't pick them and eat them because they might have been peed on.
• Canada
12 Feb 09
Dogs are really a great friend, they usually tel u things in strange ways.. By eating dandelion greens he/ she is saying to u that I have indigestion or telling tou that his/her diet isn't balanced.. My dogs eat all vegetables.. When they r outside the eat all types of greens , don't stop them..They know what they need..They usually won't eat something that will harm them, except puppies , they don't know what to eat so they will try anything..
@meganfan (21)
• China
12 Feb 09
I like dog very much. How to say? It is not harmful.You dog just is playing.He is interested in everything like a child. The photo is your dog? It is so cute and beautiful.I usually play with my dog.My dog looks like everything.Let your dog play them,and let him play everything he like,it is ok!
23 Apr 10
My dogs seems to be addicted to eating the dandelion seeds. he never eats the flowers or the greens. can the seeds do him any harm?