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Our canine companions will beg for literally anything off our plates, whether it’s food that’s tasty or not, healthy for them or not. But before you give your pet a bite of your food, you should always check to ensure it’s safe for your pup to eat. Many people foods are not only highly unhealthy for dogs but downright deadly.
You might be considering giving your dog a taste of celery (especially if your pet is giving you puppy dog eyes), but can dogs eat celery? The answer is yes! Celery is perfectly safe for your four-legged friend to have (though in moderation!) and is actually a healthy treat for pups. Here’s what to know.
Is Celery Good for Dogs?
Dogs don’t need to eat vegetables, not like we do, but there’s no denying that sometimes they enjoy the taste and texture of a veggie or two. And those vegetables, like celery, can provide your pet with some nutritional benefits. What exactly does celery offer your pet?
For one, celery is mostly water, so giving your dog this vegetable can aid with hydration. In fact, celery would make an excellent treat for those hot summer days, particularly if you aren’t sure if your pet is drinking enough water.
And despite being mostly water, celery still has plenty of minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins.
All of these are excellent for your dog. Calcium helps keep bones strong and healthy, while fiber aids in keeping the digestive system running smoothly. Vitamin C boosts the immune system, while Vitamin A supports eye health.
Plus, celery is a food that’s low in sugar, making it a fantastic alternative to dog treats (which can be surprisingly high in sugar). Low-sugar treats are better for our pets, as sugar simply adds empty calories to their diet, and empty calories can lead to obesity, which in turn results in health issues such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
One other possible benefit of celery? It might help freshen your dog’s breath!
Is Celery Bad for Dogs?
Almost everything has downsides, so what about celery? Are there risks of giving celery to your pup?
Really, the biggest risk of giving your pet some celery is it can pose a choking hazard (particularly for small-breed dogs). So, you need to be sure you cut up any celery into bite-size pieces before giving it to your pup. Too large pieces could also potentially lead to an intestinal blockage, so it’s doubly important you cut celery small enough for your dog to safely consume.
How Should I Feed Celery to My Dog?
Remember that celery should only be a treat for dogs; it shouldn’t replace whole meals. That said, the amount of celery you give to a pup will depend on the individual dog and its size. Toy breeds will do well with one or two small pieces of celery. Small-breed dogs should be fine with two to three small pieces. Medium-sized breeds can go up to five or six pieces, while large and extra-large breeds can handle a handful of celery pieces.
Be mindful of how much you’re giving your pup, though, as too much of any food (dog or human) can cause stomach upset. If you notice your pet having diarrhea, vomiting, or acting uncomfortable after eating celery, too much may have been given.
As for how you should give celery to your dog, there are a couple of ways to do so. You can go with raw, cooked, or frozen celery for your pet; however, whichever way you decide to go, you should always give them plain celery. That means no seasonings or oils used. The exception is if you want to put a bit of sugar-free (and xylitol-free) peanut butter on the celery for your pup (which we assure you they will love!). You can also use tiny chopped-up pieces of celery as a topper for your pet’s regular food.
Final Thoughts
Celery is a perfectly safe treat for your dog to eat! It isn’t something that should be eaten every day, but it’s a healthy, low-sugar alternative to dog treats. Just keep in mind that celery needs to be given in moderation, according to your dog’s size, and should always be given plain or with just a smidge of sugar-free peanut butter.
Remember, too, that for the most part, your dog will be best off with high-quality dog food, as that will provide all its nutritional needs!
Featured Image Credit: inewsfoto, Shutterstock
