Celery goes well with just about anything. You can add it to your salad, smoothie or soup and enjoy the nutrients this vegetable is loved for. Many pet owners have it in the fridge more often than not, which means that our canine friends are bound to get interested in having a bite sooner or later. If you’re not sure how to react to your dog’s pleading eyes, here is what you need to know about feeding celery to dogs and whether celery is good for dogs.
Can dogs eat celery?
Yes, celery is generally considered to be a safe food for dogs. Although it’s not part of the usual dog food menu, celery can be fed in moderation as a snack if your dog seems particularly taken with this crunchy vegetable.
Is celery good for dogs?
Compared to other fruits and vegetables, celery is one of the better choices for a dog that has developed a taste for green stuff. It’s got a high water content and a low calorie count, plus it contains vitamins K, A and C, as well as iron, potassium and calcium. A vegetable that’s 95% water and contains beneficial nutrients can be added to the healthy dog treats list.
Although its nutritional content may suggest that celery is good for dogs, remember that a complete and balanced dog food should already give your four-legged friend all the nutrition they need for a happy and healthy life. So there’s no need to worry about adding celery to your dog’s dinner from a nutritional perspective.
Given its crunchy texture, celery may also help with cleaning your dog’s teeth and freshening up your pet’s breath.
What are the risks of feeding celery to your dog?
Although celery is considered to be safe for dogs, every pup is different. Some dogs will love munching on this green vegetable, while others won’t even care it exists. Similarly, certain dogs can eat it in moderation without any problems, while other pets will end up with an upset stomach. Make sure that if you’re feeding your dog celery for the first time, you only give a little bit and you look out for adverse reactions.
Feeding celery to your dog can also pose choking risks. The vegetable is hard and fibrous and some dogs, especially smaller ones, might struggle to eat it if it’s offered in big chunks. This means it’s really important to cut the celery into small bite-sized pieces.
Whether you choose the fresh or boiled version of the vegetable, here are a few tips to help you feed your dog celery in a safe way:
Washing fruits and vegetables helps get rid of harmful bacteria, pesticides and other chemicals that may pose health risks once ingested by your pet.
Due to the choking risks, it’s important to make sure you’re offering your dog celery in small bite-sized pieces that they can easily eat.
If your dog is having celery for the first time, you can start by offering them one or two bite-sized pieces and see how it affects them. If you don’t notice any adverse reactions, you can give celery in future as a treat, but always in moderation.
If you decide to add celery to your dog’s diet, it should only be as an occasional treat. And like with any other snack, don’t forget to follow the guideline: all treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calorie intake. The calorie content of celery is very low, so it would be difficult to feed too much from this perspective. But there’s a risk of stomach upset if you feed too much, so it’s best just to stick to a few small pieces at once.
How not to feed celery to your dog
Although the answer to the question ‘is celery good for my dog’ is oftentimes yes, there are a few caveats. Here is what to avoid when feeding celery to your dog:
Don’t add salt
It may be tempting for owners to make celery tastier for their dogs by adding salt. However, going overboard with this condiment can lead to health problems for your pet. The best way to offer celery to your dog is to wash it and chop it up in bite-sized pieces, without adding anything extra.
Be mindful of other ingredients
Celery is used in many different dishes, some of which might contain other ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as onions. To avoid an urgent trip to the vet, it’s a good idea to avoid giving your dog celery from stews, soups or other dishes. Instead, go for the simple vegetable, fresh or steamed, without any condiments and cut into pieces your dog will find easy to eat.
Want to find out more about what dogs can and cannot eat? Read our handy guides about what dogs eat, including Can Dogs Eat Broccoli and Can Dogs Eat Strawberries, next.
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