Kale is a popular health food in America and around the world, so it’s natural to wonder if our dogs can eat kale too and get the same health benefits. The short answer is yes. Your dog can eat kale in small amounts, but there are some potential risks to consider as well. Join us while we take a closer look at kale to learn more about the benefits and risks of feeding it to your pet. We’ll also discuss the best way to feed it and how often to keep your pet healthy and happy.
Is Kale Bad For My Dog?
Thallium
Thallium is a heavy metal found in the soil that can accumulate in many greens, especially those of the Brassica family, including kale. If your dog eats too much, it can lead to thallium poisoning. Thallium poisoning can cause digestive distress, trembling, seizures, elevated body temperature, and even death. While most experts agree that a dog would need to ingest a lot of kale to lead to poisoning, thallium is a heavy metal similar to lead that stays in the body for a long time, so toxicity can build up. It is worth noting that most cases of Thallium poisoning in dogs are acute due to the ingestion of rodenticides, rather than chronic accumulation. You can prevent issues by feeding kale only sparingly, on occasion, and rotating it with other leafy greens.
Can Affect Thyroid
Raw Kale can prevent your dog’s thyroid gland from absorbing iodine, causing it to operate incorrectly. While it’s unlikely to be an issue for healthy dogs, those suffering from hypothyroidism will need to avoid foods like kale.
Calcium Oxalate
Kale contains calcium oxalates that can bind to other minerals, preventing their absorption, or can also clump together to form stones that might affect the urinary tract. A small amount of kale here and there is unlikely to be a problem, but dogs that have previously suffered from bladder stones should probably avoid this food.
Is Kale Good For My Dog?
Vitamins and Minerals
Kale has plenty of vitamins and minerals that are essential for a dog’s health. Kale provides your pet with a good amount of Vitamins A, C, and K, all of which help boost the immune system and help your pet heal faster. It also contains iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, copper, and other minerals that your pet needs to build strong bones and develop properly.
Low Calories
There are almost no calories in kale, so you will not need to worry about putting weight on your dog by giving them some as a treat. It’s also low in sugar and has no fat that might contribute to obesity.
Fiber
Kale is very high in fiber, which can help balance your pet’s digestive system by feeding the good bacteria in their gut and regulating the water in the intestines. A dog with a diet high in fiber is less likely to be constipated or have diarrhea. Fiber may also reduce the risk of colon cancer by expelling toxic waste faster.
Water
Kale is moisture-rich, so eating it will help your dog stay hydrated. It can be particularly beneficial if your pet hasn’t been drinking enough or is constipated.
How Should I Feed Kale to My Dog?
Final Thoughts
If your dog ate some kale when you weren’t looking, there is no reason to be concerned. It will be fine, and your pet will have gotten a few healthy nutrients. You can find kale listed in the ingredients of many dog foods. However, we recommend avoiding adding it to your pet’s diet every day because health problems can develop over time. The amount of kale in dog food is very small, and there are plenty of other healthy alternatives you can use to rotate feeding your pet, like peas, green beans, spinach, and cucumbers.
We hope you have enjoyed reading over our look into this human “superfood” and the safety of giving it to your dog. If we have helped answer your questions, please share this guide to feeding your dog kale on Facebook and Twitter.
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