We’re all encouraged to eat plenty of leafy greens such as kale, as they are packed full of nutritional benefits to humans. But while you’re preparing kale for dinner, you may consider sharing some with your dog. But can dogs eat kale, or is kale toxic to dogs?
Can dogs eat kale?
Although kale is a very tasty nutritious vegetable, in most situations it is not safe for dogs to eat kale.
Kale is somewhat controversial when it comes to finding healthy treats for dogs. It is packed full of nutritional benefits but also comes with some risks.
The problem with kale is that it contains several natural compounds that are potentially harmful to dogs, including calcium oxalate and isothiocyanates.
Isothiocyanates are known to cause digestive problems in dogs. In most cases, this is relatively mild and the dog should recover without any problems. However, if a dog ingests a very large quantity of kale, the side effects can be quite severe.
The calcium oxalate in kale can cause crystals to develop in the urinary tract, leading to kidney and bladder stones.
And finally, kale can also lower thyroid activity in dogs. This can be very detrimental to dogs that suffer from hypothyroidism and may counteract the effects of their regular medication.
What are the signs of toxicity?
The symptom of kale toxicity in dogs will depend on which of the body systems have been affected by the harmful natural compounds in kale:
- Isothiocyanates cause gastric irritation, and symptoms will include vomiting and diarrhea
- Calcium oxalate affects the urinary system, and you may notice that the dog has difficulty urinating or starts passing blood in the urine
- Symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, lethargy, and hair loss
What to do if my dog ate kale?
If your dog ate a small amount of kale, it is unlikely to cause any problems. However, this does depend on the size of the dog and the amount of kale eaten.
The effects of eating kale are cumulative, meaning that issues are more likely to appear if this vegetable is fed to dogs regularly. A one-off meal containing excessive amounts of kale may also cause problems if the dog has any other health conditions.
Dogs with medical disorders such as hypothyroidism, kidney disease, bladder stones, or gastrointestinal problems are at a higher risk of experiencing difficulties if they eat kale. In this situation, contact your veterinary clinic immediately for advice.
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