Natural Teas for Dogs: Green Lipped Mussels, Nettle, Dandelion & Cleavers

A Nutritional Guide to Herbal Teas for Dogs

Herbal teas can be a gentle, natural way to add hydration, plant compounds, and dietary variety to your dog’s routine. When prepared safely and used in small amounts, certain herbs provide naturally occurring nutrients, polyphenols, and aromatic compounds that complement a whole‑food diet.

1. Green‑Lipped Mussel Tea (Frozen Treat Version)

Green‑lipped mussels are naturally rich in omega‑3 fatty acids, chondroitin, glycosaminoglycans, and marine minerals. When blended with cooled chamomile tea and berries, they create a nutrient‑dense frozen treat.

Nutritional Highlights

• Naturally contains over 90 fatty acids, including EPA & DHA

• Provides chondroitin and glycosaminoglycans

• Chamomile contributes apigenin, antioxidants, and gentle aromatic compounds

• Mint adds natural volatile oils

• Berries provide polyphenols and vitamin C

  
  

Ingredients

• 1 bag high‑quality green‑lipped mussels

• 1 litre cooled chamomile tea (2 teabags)

• Handful of chopped mint leaves

• 4 teaspoons kelp seaweed powder

• 4 handfuls mixed frozen berries

  
  

Directions

1. Use cooked and de‑shelled mussels (or pre‑cooked frozen).

2. Brew chamomile tea and allow to cool completely.

3. Defrost mussels if needed.

4. Add berries, mint, and kelp.

5. Blend carefully.

6. Pour into silicone moulds and freeze.

7. Feed one portion every few days.

   
   

Feeding Frequency

• Every 3 days is a common routine for general dietary variety.

  
  

2. Nettle Tea

Nettle leaves contain chlorophyll, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, magnesium, and plant polyphenols. When brewed into a tea, nettle offers a gentle way to add these naturally occurring compounds to your dog’s diet.

Nutritional Characteristics

• Naturally rich in minerals

• Contains plant polyphenols

• Provides chlorophyll

• Can also be used as a coat rinse due to its natural plant compounds

  
  

How to Make Nettle Tea

1. Pick fresh nettles (wear gloves).

2. Place in a saucepan and cover with water.

3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.

4. Turn off heat and steep for 30 minutes.

5. Strain well.

   
   

Storage

• Refrigerate for up to 7 days

• Freeze in small portions for longer storage

  
  

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs (up to 10 kg): ½ teaspoon

• Medium dogs (up to 20 kg): 1 teaspoon

• Large dogs (up to 40 kg): 1–1.5 teaspoons

• Giant dogs (40 kg+): 2 teaspoons

  
  

3. Dandelion Tea

Dandelion is a nutrient‑dense plant containing vitamins A, C, K, D, B‑complex vitamins, iron, zinc, calcium, and polyphenols. Both the leaves and flowers contribute different plant compounds.

Nutritional Characteristics

• Leaves contain vitamins A, C, K, B‑complex, and minerals

• Flowers contain lecithin, polyphenols, and antioxidants

• Roots contain inulin‑type fibres

  
  

How to Make Dandelion Tea

1. Use 5–30 g dried or fresh dandelion herb.

2. Place in a saucepan and cover with water.

3. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10–15 minutes.

4. Turn off heat and steep for 30 minutes.

5. Strain and store.

   
   

Storage

• Refrigerate for up to 7 days

• Freeze in small portions

  
  

4. Cleavers Tea

Cleavers (also called goosegrass) contain chlorophyll, plant polysaccharides, and natural aromatic compounds. They are often used to add botanical variety to a dog’s diet.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs (up to 10 kg): ½ teaspoon

• Medium dogs (up to 20 kg): 1 teaspoon

• Large dogs (up to 40 kg): 1–1.5 teaspoons

• Giant dogs (40 kg+): 2 teaspoons

  
  

Cold Infusion Method

1. Add fresh, chopped cleavers to a jar.

2. Cover with filtered water.

3. Leave for 8–12 hours.

4. Strain.

5. Optional: a tiny amount of honey for palatability (not for puppies under 12 months).

   
   

Hot Method

1. Steep 1–3 teaspoons per cup of hot water.

2. Allow to sit for 5–15 minutes.

3. Cool before serving.

   
   

Safety Notes

• Always introduce herbal teas gradually.

• Avoid sweetened, flavoured, or blended teas.

• Never use herbs sprayed with pesticides.

• Do not exceed suggested amounts.

• Puppies, pregnant dogs, or dogs on medication may require additional caution.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Herbal teas can be a gentle, natural way to add hydration, plant compounds, and dietary variety to your dog’s routine. When prepared safely and fed in small amounts, they complement a whole‑food diet beautifully.

For more recipes check out our section here