Dandelion Greens

Dandelion greens contain oxalate, which is worth keeping in mind for cats that have had calcium oxalate stones.

Dandelion greens are the leaves of the common dandelion plant, used dried in small amounts in some cat foods. They contain beta-carotene and vitamin K. We found no FDA or Merck guidance specific to dandelion in cat food, and cat studies are lacking. If your cat has a medical condition, especially kidney or urinary disease, ask your veterinarian about herbal ingredients.

Dandelion greens are added as a leafy plant ingredient with fiber and some vitamins, and because dandelion has a long history in herbal tradition. In cat food the amount is small. Cats cannot convert beta-carotene to vitamin A, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual, so the greens do not cover a cat's vitamin A need.

Source: merckvetmanual.com

Dandelion has a traditional reputation as a diuretic, meaning it may increase urine output, but we found no controlled study confirming this in cats. Any effect from the small amount in dry cat food is unproven. A cat that drinks or urinates more than usual should see a veterinarian, since that can point to kidney disease or diabetes.

A cat nibbling a little plain dandelion is common, but yard plants can carry lawn chemicals or fertilizer. Dandelion in commercial cat food is grown and processed as a food ingredient. If your cat eats a plant treated with herbicide, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control line.

Pettings gives dandelion greens 3 out of 5 and lists it as a fruit or vegetable ingredient. It appears on 8 of the 149 dry cat foods we list. The page describes them as a leafy plant that contains beta-carotene and potassium. Each food's page shows how it scores overall.