Is Sea Buckthorn Poisonous to Dogs?

Sea buckthorn is considered the lemon of the north because the bright berries of the shrub growing on the coast contain more vitamin C than most citrus fruits. The little vitamin bombs are very healthy for dogs because they support the immune system and help against inflammation and stomach problems. Here you can find out what makes sea buckthorn so healthy and how to properly prepare sea buckthorn for your dog.

What is Sea Buckthorn and Where Does It Grow?

The sea buckthorn is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the olive family and occurs particularly in coastal regions. It grows in sandy areas, for example on sand dunes on the North and Baltic Seas, and is therefore native to Germany. Because of its bright yellow-orange berries and the high vitamin C content of the sea buckthorn berries, the plant is also known by the nickname “Lemon of the North”. The ripe fruits are harvested in autumn and either eaten pure or processed into sea buckthorn juice, sea buckthorn oil, or dried sea buckthorn.

Is Sea Buckthorn Poisonous to Dogs?

No, dogs are allowed to eat sea buckthorn berries.

Sea buckthorn is not poisonous for dogs and is therefore considered harmless. However, it is rare that dogs eat wild sea buckthorn directly from the bush: the berries taste very sour when used and the four-legged friends usually do not like them. Dried sea buckthorn berries or sea buckthorn oil, which are also suitable for dogs, are tastier.

Is Sea Buckthorn Healthy for the Dog?

Sea buckthorn has long been discovered as a popular supplementary feed for dogs because the fur noses also benefit from numerous healthy ingredients. Above all, the high vitamin C content makes sea buckthorn berries a local vitamin bomb that protects against infections and strengthens the immune system, especially in the cold season. Sea buckthorn also supports the dog’s circulation, metabolism, and general well-being. The orange berry is also said to have an anti-inflammatory effect: sea buckthorn can have a soothing effect on inflammatory diseases of the stomach as well as on cardiovascular diseases, loss of appetite, or osteoarthritis. These nutrients make sea buckthorn berries so healthy for dogs:

• The vitamin C content is higher than that of oranges and lemons. Vitamin C strengthens the dog’s immune system.
• Vitamin E is important for the eyes, skin, and coat.
• Beta-carotene is required for the immune system and for healthy skin.
• The B vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12 ensure healthy digestion, hormone formation, and metabolism.
• Minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium are essential for a balanced diet.

How Do You Prepare Sea Buckthorn for Dogs?

Sea buckthorn berries have a tart and sometimes bitter taste that often turns dogs off. To increase acceptance, you can boil down fresh sea buckthorn berries instead of mixing them purely into dog food. Dried sea buckthorn berries, which are simply added to the feed, have a milder taste. The rule of thumb for the dosage is a maximum of half a teaspoon of dried sea buckthorn berries per day. Alternatively, sea buckthorn oil can also be used, as the oil obtained from the pulp is particularly gentle on the stomach. It contains all the important vitamins and minerals of the sea buckthorn berries and is easy to dose. In the case of stomach problems or to support the immune system, one to four teaspoons of sea buckthorn oil are mixed into dog food or barf food.