Can Dogs Eat Celery?

The delight of crunching into a fresh stalk of celery! No doubt your dog is looking at your celery envisioning a juicy steak. Before you share food from your plate with your dog, it is always wise to make sure it is safe and not toxic for your dog.

The digestive system of your canine is much different than your digestive system. What is nutritious for our bodies might be harmful to their bodies. On a daily basis, humans can also have a much greater percentage of fruits and vegetables then canines.

Can dogs eat celery? Yes, celery is considered a safe food for dogs. As with most food given to dogs, it must be done with the right serving size. When adding vegetables to your dog’s diet, stick to the guidelines of not exceeding 10% of your dog’s daily food intake.

In this article, Can Dogs Eat Celery, you will read about nutrition, appropriate serving size and a few precautions when giving your dog a bite of celery.

Nutritional Value of Celery for Canines
Best Way to Serve Celery

How Much Can My Dog Eat?
Precautions When Giving Celery to Dogs
Celery Alternatives

The celery being referred to in this article is the celery stalks not the celery leaves. The leaves of celery often have a stronger flavor. They are known to retain pesticides and chemicals used while the plant is growing. Although the leaves are not toxic, it is best to not feed them to your dog.

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Can Dogs Eat Celery? Nutritional Value of Celery for Canines

Can dogs eat celery and benefit from its nutritious stalks? Certainly, in small quantities. Vegetables can complement your dog’s meal or be served as a healthy treat. Celery is a low fat (less then 1 gram) and cholesterol free food.

It is also low in calories making it a good choice for dogs that need to lose a few pounds. One 8” stalk of celery contains approximately 6 calories. Celery is hydrating, containing approximately 95% water, which is one reason it makes a great treat for your dog.

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Can Dogs Eat Celery? Benefits of Consuming Celery:

Excellent source of fiber: aids in digestion, promotes regular elimination, and sates the appetite.
High in vitamin A: necessary for healthy coat, skin, and eyes. It is needed for building muscles.
Vitamin C: lowers inflammation in the body and builds immunity

Vitamin K: essential vitamin as it supports the body’s natural ability for the blood to clot.
Folate: aids in amino acid metabolism and red blood cell production
Magnesium: an essential mineral for energy production, digestion, and muscles.

Potassium: an electrolyte that prevents muscles from cramping, healthy blood pressure and heart health.
Manganese: necessary for bone grown, thyroid function, and slowing the aging process.
Good for healthy gums and teeth of dogs

Freshen your dog’s breath

Can dogs eat celery? A canine’s digestive system does not utilize raw vegetables very well, in fact, many dogs have a hard time processing raw vegetables. Learn the best way to serve celery for your dog.

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Can Dogs Eat Celery? Best Way to Serve Celery

The way you prepare and serve celery depends on your reasons for giving it to your dog. Can dogs eat celery? Dogs can eat celery both raw and steamed. Senior dogs might prefer the celery steamed, as it is easier to eat and gentler on the digestive system.

Raw Preparation: When choosing celery for a crunchy treat, wash the celery, and cut the appropriate size for your dog. Some dogs enjoy a smidge of peanut butter added to their celery just like humans. (Natural peanut butter without added sugars and oils is best.)

Choose to serve raw if your purpose is to use celery to freshen your dog’s breath. When you want to ensure that your dog reaps greater benefits from eating celery, toss it in the food processor, juice it, or blend it up for them. You will still need to follow the guidelines for serving celery in small quantities.

Steam Preparation. Steamed celery makes chewing, swallowing, and digesting much easier for your dog. It softens the vegetables and breaks down the cell walls making the nutrients available right away for your dog.

If it is possible, purchase organic celery for your dog to avoid unnecessary chemicals on this wonderful vegetable. Wash the stalks, cut into pieces and place in a stainless-steel cooking pot. If using a steaming basket, place the washed celery stalks into the basket.

Add enough water to cover the bottom of the pot. On medium heat, bring the water to a boil. Steam for a maximum of three minutes. Remove from the heat.

You can steam vegetables without a basket as well. You will want to make sure the vegetables are barely covered in water. After you have steamed the celery for three minutes, remove from the heat. Some of the nutrients will now be in water that the vegetables were sitting in; let the water cool and use it to moisten your dog’s kibble.

Can Dogs Eat Celery? How Much Can My Dog Eat?

It is important to follow up the answer to, can dogs eat celery? Dogs can eat celery in the appropriate quantity for your dog’s size and weight. Always keep in mind, that vegetables should be kept to 10% of your dog’s daily food intake.

Due to the high fiber content of celery, it is best consumed once or twice a week not on a daily basis. Below are basic guidelines for treating your dog with celery:

Small dogs: 3” – 4” stalk
Medium dogs: 4” – 5” stalk

Large dogs: 5” – 8” stalk

As with any new food that you give your dog, watch them closely for any signs of discomfort. Introduce new foods slowly, meaning give your dog a small amount of celery to start and gradually add a large stalk (for larger dogs). If you suspect that your dog is having an adverse effect from eating celery, call your professional veterinarian.

Can Dogs Eat Celery? Precautions When Giving Dog’s Celery

As with any new food that you introduce to your dog, be aware if your dog exhibits any unusual discomfort. It is advised to never give your dog celery and leave the area or room.

Celery can be a potential choking hazard. If your dog does not chew their food well, then consider chopping or blending the celery before offering it to your dog.
One possible effect of eating too much celery is gastrointestinal upset. Your dog might experience bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
Celery is a diuretic, meaning it stimulates the body to get rid of water. If your dog eats too much celery, they could have frequent urination.

Alternative to Celery

Another vegetable that is safe for dogs to eat is carrots. Carrot stalks are a good alternative if your dog does not like celery or it causes any digestion issues.

Carrots still need to be eaten in appropriate quantities by your dog. Raw carrots are fibrous which can benefit elimination.

Can dogs eat celery? Celery is a dog-friendly food when fed in the appropriate amounts. The nutrients contained in a stalk of celery makes it a great food topper or occasional snack you can share with your dog. Serve celery in a way that your dog can enjoy it and benefit. Fresh vegetables are a great contribution to your dog’s diet.

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