So, can dogs eat Kale? These days, Kale is everywhere. Leafy green is a common ingredient in many dishes, from smoothies to pizzas, but should it be in your dog’s food? As a child, you may have been told to eat your vegetables.
Now that you have a pet, you may wonder if it’s your job to get your pet to eat these garden treats. Then again, what could be healthier than Kale? But even though our dogs and we have many things in common, our dietary needs are very different. Also, things that are safe for us can sometimes be dangerous for our dogs. Let’s learn more about it.
Can Dogs Have Kale?
So, can dog eat Kale? Kale can cause medical problems for dogs. Some natural chemicals in the leafy green could be harmful, like calcium oxalate and isothiocyanates. You should always remember this when your dog eats Kale.
Similarly, can dogs eat spinach and Kale? Calcium oxalate can cause kidney and bladder stones and other health problems. Most of the time, a vet can fix these problems, but it’s still a good reason not to give kale ribs to dogs as a tasty treat. Dogs who tend to get kidney or bladder stones should avoid foods high in calcium oxalate. These include spinach, beet greens, beetroots, Swiss chard, collards, parsley, leeks, quinoa, okra, and Kale.
Isothiocyanates, which can also be found in broccoli, are another problem. Isothiocyanates have been linked to a lower risk of cancer in humans, but they can upset a dog’s stomach in mild to severe ways. Broccoli is safe for dogs to eat as long as they don’t get more than 10% of their daily calories from it.
Over 25 percent could be dangerous. Since broccoli and Kale both have about the same amount of this compound and come from the same family of vegetables, we can assume that Kale could be safe in small amounts but shouldn’t be a regular treat.
If a dog eats Kale often, it can also affect the way the thyroid works. This is especially true for dogs with hypothyroidism, whose medications might not work as well. Before you give your dog table scraps, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about other possible drug interactions with foods people eat.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Kale?
If your dog eats Kale, the best thing you can do is watch them closely for signs of stomach problems or kidney and bladder stones. Vomiting, diarrhea, trouble urinating, or a change in how often your dog urinates are all signs that your dog might have a condition like bladder stones that need to be treated by a vet.
A small amount of Kale probably won’t hurt your dog, but not every dog will have the same reaction. The size of your dog is also important. For example, your Labrador Retriever can eat a lot more Kale without getting sick than your Yorkshire Terrier can. You can always call your vet if you are worried about something.
Related: CAN DOGS EAT HONEYDEW?
Is It Okay for Your Dog to Eat Kale?
Most of the time, giving dogs small to moderate amounts of Kale once in a while won’t hurt them. However, some vets may tell you not to give your dog Kale as a treat or as part of a homemade diet, especially if there are health issues or concerns.
There are a lot of other green things that your dog can snack on that won’t hurt his or her health in small amounts. Green beans and cucumbers, for example, are safe for most dogs. Your vet can tell you more about your dog’s healthy treats and home-cooked meals.
FAQs: Can Dogs Eat Kale?
Is Kale Toxic To Dogs?
Even though Kale has many health benefits for humans, it should never be fed to a dog. Many dog owners now give their canine companions kale ribs as a treat, despite the fact that Kale’s high calcium oxalate content can lead to kidney and bladder stones.
How Much Kale Is Safe For Dogs?
If given to a dog in large enough quantities, it could be fatal to its digestive tract. Kale and other cruciferous vegetables should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet.
Can Dogs Eat Kale Raw Or Cooked?
So, can dogs eat raw Kale? Or can dogs eat Kale raw? Whatever your dog chooses, you can give it to him cooked, steamed, or uncooked. Eat healthily and exercise regularly! You should always serve Kale and other leafy greens with a protein, such as chicken or beef.
Does Kale Give Dogs Diarrhea?
Natural chemicals called isothiocyanate can be found in crops like Kale and broccoli, and they may be harmful to dogs. In humans, they have been demonstrated to reduce cancer risk; in dogs, they can produce gas, stomach pains, or diarrhea of varying severity.
Parvaiz Yousuf is a senior SEO writer and editor with an experience of over 6 years, who also doubles up as a researcher. With an MSc zoology degree under his belt and possessing complete Search Engine Optimization (SEO) knowledge, he works as a science journalist for a US-based website and Asian Scientist (A Singapore-based magazine). He also works as Director of Wetland Research Centre, Wildlife Conservation Fund YPJK since 2018. Besides, he has several publications to his name on cancer biology and biochemistry in some reputed journals such as Nature & International Journal of Molecular Sciences, & magazines such as Science Reporter, BUCEROS BNHS, and has an abiding interest in ornithology. He also worked as a Research Associate for JK Policy Institute.
