Nettles
veg · base score 1 · also listed as nettles, nettle, nettle leaves, stinging nettle, urtica dioica
What is it?
Nettles is a vegetable ingredient. Graded good: a real, recognisable ingredient that adds nutritional value, so it lifts a product’s score.
At a glance
- Category
- veg
- Grade
- good
- Base score
- 1 (from −1 to 1; higher is better)
- Found in
- 425 products
- Also listed as
- nettles, nettle, nettle leaves, stinging nettle, urtica dioica
Common questions about nettles
Is Nettles good for dogs?
Yes, we grade it as a good ingredient: recognisable and nutritionally useful, so it lifts a product’s score. Bear in mind that no single ingredient decides quality; the whole recipe and its balance matter more.
How many UK dog foods contain nettles?
425 UK products list nettles as an ingredient in our database. The full list is shown below, sorted by rating.
What else is nettles called on labels?
Manufacturers list it under several names: nettles, nettle, nettle leaves, stinging nettle, urtica dioica. We match all of these to the same glossary entry when we read a label.
How does Open Dog Food grade nettles?
We grade it good, our highest grade, reserved for recognisable ingredients that add real nutritional value. Every ingredient is converted to its dry-matter share and scored from our glossary before a recipe gets its 1-100 rating; the full method is on our methodology page.
Why are nettles in my dog's food?
Nettles are a leafy plant ingredient that can contribute vitamins, minerals and some fibre to a recipe. They may be listed as 'nettles', 'nettle leaves', 'stinging nettle' or 'urtica dioica' on UK labels.
Are nettles safe for dogs?
Nettles are safe once processed and are used in small quantities in dog food. Some dogs may be sensitive to plant ingredients, so speak to your vet if you notice any reaction.











