Purslane
You may have heard of purslane or even seen it in the garden or at the market. But did you know that this leafy vegetable is not only healthy for humans, but also for dogs? In this article, you will find out more about purslane and how you can give it to your dog.
What is purslane?
Purslane is a plant from the purslane family that originally comes from Asia. It is also known as postelein or winter purslane and often grows wild along roadsides or in fields. Its stems and leaves are fleshy, bright green and have a slightly sour taste. It also has small yellow flowers with five petals.
What are the benefits of purslane for dogs?
Purslane is rich in ingredients that are important for both humans and dogs. Among other things, it contains
- Vitamin C: strengthens the immune system and prevents infections
- Vitamin A: promotes vision and skin health
- Potassium: regulates water balance and blood pressure
- Magnesium: supports muscle function and the nervous system
- Iron: forms red blood cells and transports oxygen
- Omega-3 fatty acids: have an anti-inflammatory effect and protect the cardiovascular system
- Secondary plant substances: have antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties
Purslane can therefore help your dog to stay fit and healthy. It also has a disinfectant effect in the mouth and throat, relieves coughs and asthma and purifies the blood.
What are the disadvantages of purslane for dogs?
Although purslane is a healthy leafy vegetable, it should not be fed in excessive quantities. It also contains some substances that are less well tolerated by dogs. These include
- Nitrate: can lead to a lack of oxygen in the blood in high doses
- Oxalic acid: can inhibit calcium absorption and contribute to the formation of kidney stones
- Coumarin: can lead to liver damage or blood clotting disorders in sensitive dogs.
However, these substances are only contained in small amounts in purslane and do not pose a problem if it is only given occasionally as a supplement to normal food.
How do you give your dog purslane?
If you want to do something good for your dog, you can mix some fresh or dried purslane into his food from time to time. Make sure that the purslane is clean and does not contain any pesticides. If you grow or collect it yourself in the garden, you should wash it thoroughly beforehand.
You can feed purslane raw or briefly blanched.
- Raw purs lane contains more vitamins, but also more oxalic acid.
- Blanched purs lane contains less oxalic acid, but also fewer vitamins.
The amount of purslane depends on the size of the dog. The rule of thumb is
About one teaspoon per kilogram of body weight per day.
This means, for example
- A small dog (5 kg) gets about one tablespoon (15 g) of purslane per day.
- A medium-sized dog (20 kg) gets about four tablespoons (60 g) of purslane per day.
- A large dog (40 kg) gets about eight tablespoons (120 g) of purslane per day.
However, purslane should not be given daily, but only once or twice a week. This way you can benefit from the advantages and avoid the disadvantages.
Purslane is a healthy leafy vegetable that can provide your dog with many important nutrients. It has a slightly sour taste and can be fed raw or blanched. However, you should make sure that you only feed it in small quantities and not too often, as it also contains some substances that are not well tolerated by dogs. If you follow these tips, you can offer your dog a tasty and healthy change.
If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.
Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊