As responsible pet owners, we want to make sure that our furry friends get the best nutrition possible. Just like us, dogs have particular nutritional needs which can be met by many natural foods like meat and vegetables.
Celery is one of the many options that dog owners can consider feeding their pets, and it has been discussed on many articles and websites that promote dog health. But, is celery safe for your dogs? People seem to think that what is healthy for them is also healthy for their pets, to the idea of feeding them fruits and vegetables has slowly been gaining popularity.
However, it’s worth noting that dogs don’t metabolize fruits and vegetables the same way humans do, so as long as they are being fed a balanced diet, there is no need to feed them extra plant-based food. For dogs struggling with obesity though, celery can provide a low-calorie treat that’s safe to eat in moderation.
This fact will likely not stop pet owners from feeling their dogs vegetables like celery, so we should at least make sure that celery is a safe thing for dogs to eat.
Is it safe for dogs?
According to various reputable sources, celery is one of the safest vegetables to feed dogs. It doesn’t pose any digestive problems and doesn’t inherently have any toxic substances that you need to worry about. In moderate quantities and with proper preparation, celery is a good option for a dog’s healthy treat. To further ensure safety, check that your celery is organically sourced and free of harmful chemicals before serving it raw to your dog.
Benefits of Celery for Your Dog
It’s no secret that celery is one of the most nutritious foods in the world. Because of its high fiber content and low-calorie count, it can be an effective way to help obese dogs lose some extra weight. It is also quite rich in nutritious, being rich in Vitamins A, C and K. It also contains potassium, folate, and magnesium.
Another benefit is celery’s high antioxidant content which can help prevent arthritis and osteoporosis. It is also known to lower blood pressure and regulate blood sugar. It can even help prevent your dog from getting cancer later on. Many dog owners also let their dogs chew on celery to freshen their breath.
Risks of Feeding Celery to Your Dog
Feeding your pets too many treats comes with its risks. In the case of celery, while it is full of health benefits, they can be outweighed by the risks if you are not careful with the quantity.
Just like with other plant-based foods, celery can be a choking hazard. Larger pieces can cause blockage, so chop your celery in manageable bite-sized pieces before feeding them to your dog. Also, when introducing it to your dog’s diet, don’t rush into it — slowly add it to their usual meals.
You should also bear in mind that dogs are primarily carnivores. Feeding them too much celery or any other vegetable instead of meat can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiency because they may end up eating less protein. Also, too much fiber can cause some digestive discomfort for your dog.
You may also find that your dog pees more when being fed more celery. Celery has a surprisingly high sodium content compared to other vegetables, which most dogs can handle just fine in the short term. But too much celery can contribute to urinary problems in the future if you don’t monitor the quantity. You don’t want your dog to have kidney problems because of too much sodium, which is all the more reason to watch the portion sizes.
Which Part of Celery Safe for Your Dogs
The part of the celery that you feed the dog is also worth considering. When we think of celery, we might assume that we are talking about the stalks, but some people might consider feeding the dogs the celery leaves as well. Because dogs tend to wolf down their food all at once, celery sticks or stalks should be cut into smaller parts to avoid choking. As for the leaves, its spicy flavor may cause some discomfort, so let your dog try a small amount first.
The fact that it is safe to feed your dog doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best option. For healthy dogs who aren’t suffering from obesity, smaller portion sizes may be best. Just like people, dogs have individual differences when it comes to food tolerance. When in doubt, you can always ask your vet about how much celery you can give your pet.
How to Feed Celery to Your Dog
The key to keeping celery safe for dogs is moderation and proper preparation. Celery is a stringy vegetable which can cause discomfort and choke if not chewed properly. You should always serve them in proper portion sizes, not only to avoid choking but also to leave space in their meal for protein rich meats. Generally, vegetables shouldn’t comprise more than 10% of your dog’s daily food consumption.
Another thing to consider when feeding your dog celery is the quality of the vegetables themselves. This is especially true since you will likely feed your dog raw celery, so make sure that you choose organic produce that is free from toxic chemicals and pesticides. At the same time, always check for worms or parasites which can cause digestive problems later on.
Conclusion
With all that being said, dog owners can safely conclude that it is okay to feed celery to their fur babies. Celery is not only safe to eat, but it also has many nutritional benefits which can improve your dog’s quality of life. This vegetable is especially beneficial to overweight dogs.
However, dog owners need to make sure that, just like any vegetable, the celery is sourced well. As part of a well-balanced diet, celery should be fed to dogs in the correct portion sizes. Overall, celery is an excellent choice for people who want an alternative treatment to the usual dog pebbles
