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.
Celery is listed among the vegetables that are safe for dogs by multiple sources and is often recommended as a weight-loss treat. Celery is very low in fat and cholesterol and is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, folate, potassium, and manganese.
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 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.
Can Dogs Have Celery for Weight Loss?
If your dog is overweight, make sure to consult your veterinarian about a proper diet, portion sizes, exercise, and any other changes to your dog’s diet or routine.
Celery is a low-calorie snack, with only about 10 calories per stick. But keep in mind that celery and any other snacks should only make up 10% of your dog’s diet. The other 90% of their overall diet should come from well-balanced dog food.
If your dog is on a diet prescribed by your veterinarian to help them lose weight and they keep begging you for more food, you can give your pup some pieces of celery as long as your veterinarian says it’s OK.
It’s a great way to feed them a fun, crunchy treat that won’t negatively affect their diet goals. Plus, the fiber found in celery will help your dog feel full, as well as help their digestive health.
The Nutritional Benefits of Celery for Dogs
Now that you know that dogs can eat celery, you may be wondering whether there are any benefits to feeding it to your dog. After all, a particular food can be safe without being particularly health-promoting.
The good news is that celery is a low-calorie vegetable that boasts several nutritional benefits which can also apply to our canine companions. The benefits of feeding celery for dogs include the following:
Low-Calorie
Humans often snack on celery when they’re trying to lose weight because it’s low in calories. This is the same reason why celery can make an excellent treat for dogs.
If you have a dog that needs to shed a few pounds, or if you worry about their weight for any reason, giving them some celery as a snack is a great option. They get to have something crunchy and satisfying, but they’re not consuming tons of extra calories.
Vitamins
Celery is packed with lots of beneficial vitamins. This includes vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A.
Vitamin K plays a key role in proper blood clotting, as well as keeping your dog’s bones strong and healthy. Vitamin C is good for their immune system. Vitamin A is great for your dog’s eyesight, as well as the health of their skin, muscles, and nervous system.
Minerals
In addition to being a great source of vitamins, celery contains some important minerals, too.
It provides your dog with some much-needed zinc, for example. Zinc helps to strengthen your dog’s immune system. It promotes proper digestion and can help with their cognitive function as well.
Celery also contains the mineral manganese. Manganese helps to maintain proper blood sugar balance, reduces inflammation, and promotes good bone health.
Antioxidants
Celery contains lots of antioxidants, including vitamin E (found mainly in the leaves). Antioxidants play an important role in minimizing inflammation and helping your dog to fight off disease.
When they consume an antioxidant-rich diet, dogs are less prone to oxidative stress and may be protected from chronic health conditions such as cancer and arthritis.
Fiber
Feeding your dog celery is also an easy way for you to make sure they’re consuming enough fiber. Fiber is essential for promoting good digestion and helping your dog avoid gastrointestinal issues.
Fiber can also help your dog to feel fuller longer. This can be great for overweight dogs or if you’re trying to help your pooch shed a few extra pounds. You can give them celery as a snack so they feel satisfied without having to worry about them going over their calorie intake for the day.
Because of celery’s fiber content, though, it’s best to give your dog just a small amount at a time. If they eat too much at once, they may experience gastrointestinal issues.
High Water Content
Not only does celery contain electrolytes that help to keep your dog hydrated, but it’s also a vegetable with naturally very high-water content. This means that it can help your dog get some extra water without having to make another trip to the water bowl.
Giving your dog some celery regularly, especially during the hot summer months, will help you ensure they stay hydrated and feel their best even after running around outside in the heat.
Potential risks of a dog eating celery
Choking hazard
Feeding dogs an entire celery stick is not recommended. This veggie is difficult to chew due to its fibrous consistency. If your dog is small or tends to scarf down their food without chewing, large celery sticks could be a choking hazard. It’s better to cut the celery into bite-sized chunks that your dog can munch on without worrying about choking.
High sodium
Celery does contain relatively high amounts of sodium, so it’s important to give this veggie to your pup in small amounts. Too much sodium in a dog’s diet can affect kidney function and elevate blood pressure.
Upset stomach
Because of its high fiber content, eating too much celery can cause digestive issues in your dog, including diarrhea, gas, or vomiting. It’s best to offer only a few bites of celery to your dog to be on the safe side.
Pesticides
Celery leaves can harbor pesticides, so you may want to avoid offering the leaves to your dog unless you wash them thoroughly first. Or choose organic celery, which is grown without harmful chemicals.
Best ways to offer celery to your dog
Hand-fed bits: The easiest and cleanest way to offer celery to your dog is by feeding them bite-sized pieces. This is especially important for puppies and small dogs!
Protein snack: Add a small dollop of peanut butter to chopped celery for a healthy snack that has protein, healthy fats, and hydration all in one. Just make sure the peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol, which is very toxic to dogs.
Popsicle dog treats: Mix celery with cut-up fruits and veggies like apples, blueberries, bananas, green beans, or broccoli with plain Greek yogurt and freeze the mixture to make a popsicle!
What Other Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?
Out of the whole wide world of fresh vegetables, there’s a chance your favorite canine won’t go for celery. But there are other human foods you can safely share with your dog. And here are some vegetable options that might cut if your dog turns her nose up at celery:
- Broccoli
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Green beans
- Mushrooms (only the ones from your fridge, not the ones from your yard)
- Potatoes
- Squash
- Sweet potatoes
- Pumpkin
- Asparagus
- Carrots
If these don’t work, keep experimenting with healthy choices,
