Hi does anyone fed their dogs chickweed, sometimes known as goosegrass in (UK). Two of my three dogs go mad for it eating it fresh from the hedgerow its young and tender at this time and they just love it!  i read young nettles (boiled) are a good source of iron and i have started feeding this in moderation in with food..they are looking their best at present and with the resent  conversion over to barf diet with no problems, i feel they can only get healthier.. no more prosesed food for them..good health to all..

just an  after thought, if you try any of above be careful of your source.. sprays etc ..

Hi Willow, :)
in the UK chickweed and goosegrass are 2 different plants.

Cleavers/goosegrass/sticky Willie      Galium aparine
Chickweed - common                      Stellaria media

There are some photos of them on here
http://www.countrylovers.co.uk/wildfoodjj/weedgall.htm

Chickweed is very low growing, I give it to my guinea pig, perhaps I ought to offer Bess some! :D  The goosegrass is that tall plant that sticks to everything like velcro, it's horrible to weed out of the garden. :( 

I quite often make nettle tea (for me) in spring, tastes yukky but hopefully does me good. :D

Kath.

thanks Kath. its the sticky one that they like, esp in its young state. sounds like the other form is non toxic too. they browse in the hedge on young grass also but have found its undigested unlike the others. thanks willow

Chickweed is edible as well, as we used to give it to our canaries.
Didnt realise Cleavers were liked by dogs, they are a long haired dogs bain of their life. How I do love it when you spend ages picking them out of the coat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lea :)

Clivers is included in Dorwest Herbs Keepers Mix.

Ooh bring them into my garden Willow, they can do my weeding :D I quickly get over run with it if I don't pick every bit out (which I never manage) The joys of a country garden!

Yes, they are both edible and both can be used as herbal remedies.

I know what you mean Lea, if I've been gardening just as they are seeding Bess and I are covered in them.

Kath.

My dogs love goosegrass, especially this time of year when it's young & tender. sometimes they vomit it back up immediately, but it doesn't seem to put them off.

My dogs love cleavers too. I have to wait while they graze like a pair of cows. I believe it is supposed to benefit arthritis. I believe that animals know what plants they need to eat for their ailments/well being
Kat