Dandelions - An Essential Food Crop!

Dandelions grow freely throughout England, and are considered by many gardeners as an invasive weed. But in the wild animal world, dandelions are an essential food. Dandelions are completely safe and non-toxic. They are also very nutritious since they are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K and calcium. 

They also provide, per 100g -

1. Water 85.6 g 
2. Energy 45 Kcal 
3. Protein 2.7 g 
4. Total lipid (fat) 0.7 g 
5. Carbohydrate, by difference 9.2 g 
6. Fibre 3.5 g 
7. Sugars 0.71 g 
8. Calcium, Ca 187 mg 
9. Iron 3.1 mg 
10. Phosphorus, P 66 mg 
11. Sodium, Na 75 mg 
12. Vitamin C 35 mg 
13. Vitamin D (D2+3) 0 µg 
14. Vitamin B6 0.251 mg 
15. Vitamin A RAE 508 µg 
16. Vitamin A IU 10161 µg 
17. Beta Carotene 5854 µg 
18. Vitamin E 3.44 mg 
19. Vitamin K 778.4 µg.

Dandelions are high in Calcium and relatively low in phosphorus, which is a good thing as phosphorus can bind to calcium and high levels prevent the calcium being absorbed by the animals. Dandelions have a well-balanced ratio of 3:1 calcium to phosphorus, which means that the animals can absorb much of the calcium and reap the benefits to their health, such as preventing bowed legs in tortoises and bearded dragons, and increasing skeletal strength for all. 

 

Dandelions also contain Vitamin A, which supports bone health and helps with growth & reproduction and Vitamin K, which also supports bone health, but also helps with wound healing.

 

The flowers, leaves and roots are all edible and are safe to feed to Rabbits and Guinea Pigs, and the leaves and flowers are safe to feed to Tortoises and Bearded Dragons. As far as sustainability is concerned, dandelions are a "cut-and-come-again" crop, so we can harvest flowers and leaves from dandelion plants and they simply grow new ones!