We’re all encouraged to eat plenty of spinach, as this leafy green vegetable is packed full of nutritional benefits to humans. But while we’re piling spinach onto our plates, you may consider sharing some with your dog. But can dogs eat spinach, or is spinach toxic to dogs?
Can dogs eat spinach?
Dogs can eat spinach, but only in limited amounts. There are also some situations where you should never feed spinach to a dog.
Spinach 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.
If served to your dog correctly and safely, spinach is a healthy treat that many dogs will enjoy on an occasional basis.
What are the health benefits of spinach?
Spinach has the same health benefits in dogs as it does in humans – it is a great source of vitamins, iron, and immune-boosting antioxidants.
It contains high levels of vitamins A, B, C, and K, as well as beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A.
This leafy green vegetable is also packed full of fiber, which helps to keep your dog’s digestive system healthy and functioning normally.
And finally, spinach is very low in sugar and calories, making it the perfect snack for dogs that are prone to weight gain.
What should I be aware of when offering spinach to my dog?
OK, so now to the downsides of feeding spinach to dogs! Spinach contains high levels of oxalic acid, which can lead to kidney damage. It also hinders the body’s ability to absorb calcium.
Veterinary nutritionists agree that a dog would need to eat a very large portion of spinach to cause kidney damage, but if the dog already has kidney disease or bladder stones then spinach could make this much worse.
Stick to a small portion of spinach just once or twice a week and your dog should be able to enjoy this nutritious vegetable without any problems. If your dog has any existing health problems, including kidney disease, check with your veterinarian first.
The best way to feed spinach to dogs is lightly steamed, without any seasoning or dressing. Steamed spinach is easier for dogs to digest than raw spinach leaves, and it still retains most of its nutritional benefits.
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