Nettle

Nettle (Urtica dioica) – a nutrient-rich and mineral-rich plant as part of the diet for horses and dogs

Nettle is a traditionally used and exceptionally nutrient-rich plant that naturally contains abundant vitamins, minerals and compounds naturally found in plants. It is suitable for use as part of a varied natural diet for horses and dogs, especially when you want to supplement the diet with natural minerals, vitamins and dietary fibre.

Nettle is known for its high mineral content – no other Finnish wild plant contains a comparable amount of natural mineral salts. This is why nettle is a valued part of animal feeding across different seasons.

Minerals and nutritional profile

Nettle naturally contains several minerals important for the nutrition of horses and dogs, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, silicon, manganese and zinc.

These minerals are involved in the body's normal physiological functions, such as:

• the structure of bones and teeth

• normal function of muscles and the nervous system

• structural maintenance of skin, coat and keratinous tissue

In particular, the natural silicon content of nettle makes it an interesting part of the diet where the nutritional needs of connective tissue, skin, coat and hoof tissue are taken into account.

Vitamins, naturally occurring plant compounds and dietary fibre

Nettle naturally contains vitamins such as C, K and B-group vitamins, as well as vitamin A precursors (carotenoids). In addition, nettle contains flavonoids, chlorophyll and phenolic compounds, which are part of the plant's own structure and occur naturally together with other nutrients.

Nettle also contains significant amounts of dietary fibre, which affects the structure of intestinal contents and supports the normal function of digestion as part of a fibre-rich diet.

Iron as part of the diet

In situations where there is a need to pay attention to the iron content of the diet, nettle provides a stomach-friendly, well-absorbed and natural supplement as part of a balanced diet. Nettle naturally contains iron as well as vitamin C and folate, which work effectively together in a complementary manner.

Dietary use

Nettle is particularly suitable for:

• winter and transitional season feeding

• diversifying the diet

• supplementing with natural plant-based mineral and fibre sources

• as part of a varied herbal and plant-based diet

Dosage:

Horses (approx. 500 kg):
1 tbsp – 0,5 dl per day as part of the diet

Dogs:
1/2 tsp – 1 tbsp per day depending on the dog's size

Measuring info:
1 dl ≈ 20 g

Start with a small dose and increase gradually if needed according to individual tolerance.

Nutrients (naturally occurring, approximate values)

Dried nettle naturally contains (approx. per 100 g): protein approx. 20–30 g, dietary fibre approx. 29–40 g, fat approx. 2–5 g, calcium approx. 1 000–1 700 mg, magnesium approx. 300–450 mg, potassium approx. 600–2 500 mg, phosphorus approx. 250–300 mg, iron approx. 5–30 mg, zinc approx. 1–5 mg, manganese approx. 3–8 mg, silicon approx. 100–300 mg

In addition, nettle naturally contains C, K and B-group vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids and chlorophyll. Vitamin C approx. 10–30 mg, vitamin K approx. 200–400 µg as well as B-group vitamins such as riboflavin (B2) approx. 0,2–0,4 mg, niacin (B3) approx. 1–3 mg and pantothenic acid (B5) approx. 0,5–1,5 mg, carotenoids (approx. 4 000–6 000 µg/100 g)

Natural variation in content typical of natural products is possible depending on the growing location, harvest, plant parts and drying method.

Composition

100 % dried and crushed nettle (Urtica dioica).
No additives.

Usage notes

Not recommended for pregnant animals.
Always ensure adequate water intake as part of a fibre-rich diet.