Can Dogs Eat Celery?
If you're a dog owner who loves to snack on celery, you may be wondering if your furry friend can join in the crunchy fun.
The good news is that celery is generally considered safe for dogs to eat, but as with any food, there are some things to keep in mind.
Can Dogs Eat Celery Safely?
Yes, dogs can safely eat celery. In fact, celery is a healthy snack for your pup, as it's low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. Celery also contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium, folate, and fiber.
However, as with any new food you introduce to your dog's diet, start by feeding small and monitor him closely for any signs of digestive upset. If your dog experiences vomiting, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal issues after eating celery, it's best to avoid giving it to him in the future.
How Much Celery Can Dogs Eat?
While celery is safe for dogs to eat, it should still be given in moderation. Too much celery can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea or stomach upset. As a general rule, you should limit your dog's celery intake to no more than 5% of his daily food intake. In general, vegetables should total around 10% of your dog's diet.
Risks Of Celery For Dogs
Overall, celery is a safe and healthy treat for your dog. But remember that humans tend to add things to their celery that may not be great for dogs.
For example: ranch dressing and veggie dips should be avoided because they often contain sugar, seed oils, and other potentially dangerous fats. Some people also like to salt their celery. Most dogs can handle a saltier snack in moderation, but if your dog is already consuming a lot of sodium or has other metabolic issues, it’s best to avoid any extra salt. Too much of it can cause salt poisoning or salt toxicosis in dogs.
We also recommend avoiding feeding your dog celery with hummus … as well as peanut butter, ast peanut butter is toxic to dogs.
5 Celery Benefits For Dogs
As long as you avoid the risks above, celery is full of nutrients for your pup. In addition to being a low-calorie snack, celery has several health benefits for dogs:
Promotes Healthy Digestion
The fiber in celery can help regulate your dog's digestive system and promote healthy bowel movements. This makes celery a great snack for dogs with digestive issues or constipation.
Some people call celery the “toothbrush” or “dental floss” for the intestines. It’s a bit of a strange image, but it makes more sense when you picture those fibrous strings found in celery and how cleansing they can be for the gut, intestines, and colon.
May Support Joint Health
Celery may be a useful food for dogs with arthritis or other joint-related issues. Celery contains compounds like luteolin and polyacetylenes, which may help maintain a normal inflammatory response.
May Help Immune Health
Celery is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, which can help provide natural nutrients to support your dog’s overall health.
Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy skin and vision, while vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and can help prevent cellular damage. Potassium helps maintain proper muscle and nerve function.
Freshens Breath
Chewing celery stimulates saliva production, which can help wash away food particles and bacteria in your dog's mouth.
Promotes Hydration
Thanks to its high water content, celery can help keep your dog's body hydrated and prevent dehydration. This makes it a great snack during hot summer months or after intense exercise when your dog may need the extra fluid.
How To Feed Your Dog Celery
If you’re ready to feed your dog celery, the most important thing to remember is to feed plain, washed, organic celery. Don’t feed your dog celery with dips, dressings, peanut butter, hummus, or extra salt.
Lastly, here's how to prepare celery for your dog. After you’ve washed it thoroughly, cut the celery into bite-sized pieces and remove any large strings that are poking out to prevent choking.
You can feed your dog celery as a standalone snack, or mix it in with his regular food. If you're using it as part of his diet and not just as a snack or treat, it may be better to purée or steam celery for easier digestibility and nutrient absorption.
Just remember celery is a snack… not a meal. It can also be quite filling. That’s why celery is best fed in moderation. You don’t want it to interfere with your dog’s intake of other essential foods like proteins and healthy fats.
Can Dogs Eat Celery Sticks?
Yes, dogs can eat celery sticks. Just make sure to wash them first and cut them into small, manageable pieces to prevent them from being a choking hazard.
Can Dogs Eat Celery Leaves?
Celery leaves are safe for dogs to eat, but some argue they are not as nutritious as the stalks. If you want to give your dog celery leaves, just make sure to remove any tough stems. You can also chop the leaves into smaller pieces and add them to your dog’s food to make them easier to digest.
