Can I feed my dog celery?

Unlike cats, which are obligate carnivores, dogs are omnivores which means they can eat a mix of meats along with vegetables and fruits. Maybe you’re already feeding your dog some vegetables but wonder if you can try some more. Have you ever considered feeding your dog celery? This vegetable is loaded with health benefits and is extremely low on calories, making it perfect for us humans. But is celery good for dogs too? Let’s find out.

Benefits of celery for dogs

Celery is the perfect food if you’re looking for healthy treat options for your dog. This delicious vegetable is packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium, manganese, and folate, all of which are necessary for your dog’s overall wellbeing. Additionally, this vegetable scores high on fiber, while being low in fat, calories, and cholesterol. If your dog is even slightly overweight or on a weight-loss diet, this is the ideal treat, since celery helps dogs feel full while eating less.

Here are a bunch of other wholesome health benefits of celery for dogs:

• Fresher breath – If you’ve ever fed your dog parsley then you already know how amazing your dog’s breath is after that. Celery brings the same levels of freshness to your dog’s breath
• Reduced blood pressure – Celery has been known to reduce blood pressure. The vegetable contains phthalides, which helps relax the muscles around the arteries, leading to lower blood pressure. Magnesium, calcium, and potassium present in celery also help regulate blood pressure.
• Improved immune system – The high levels of vitamin C present in celery help keep your dog’s immune system in top shape.
• Lowers cholesterol – The phthalides mentioned earlier also help increase the secretion of bile acid which helps lower cholesterol levels
• Increases urine production – Celery is a natural diuretic that helps the body get rid of excess fluids and encourages better kidney health
• Stronger bones – Celery is rich in vitamin K, which helps in making your dog’s bones strong and healthy.
• Hydrates – Since celery is 95% water, it is a great way to hydrate a pup that hasn’t had much water that day.

Dangers of celery for dogs

Dogs are omnivores but they can’t digest fruits and vegetables as well as we do, and that could lead to an upset stomach. Also, the high levels of water that it contains could lead to excessive urination or even diarrhoea. Feed your dog celery, but like all things, do it in moderation and give it as an occasional treat. Do not add it to the dog’s meal as a regular part of the food. Another danger with celery is that it could pose a choking hazard, especially true for smaller dogs. Cut the vegetable into small, bite-sized pieces that can be eaten and swallowed comfortably without a likelihood of choking.

So, how much celery can my dog eat?

However healthy celery is it cannot be the biggest part of your dog’s diet. As long as you’re feeding your dog good quality food they don’t really need the extra nutrients found in celery. However, when it comes to treats and rewards, why not go in for something that’s natural and rich in nutrients. Remember, your dog’s diet should mainly be dog food, and treats should only make up 10% of the nutritional intake. Talking of treats, how can you make treats from celery for your dog?

Making celery treats for your dog

Are you also fond of eating celery sticks dipped in peanut butter? If your dog is already crazy about peanut butter, he will love this treat. Other than feeding plain raw celery, here are a few quick and easy celery treats to give to your dogs.

• Celery and peanut butter – Dogs love peanut butter and they cannot resist this healthy food. Smear the celery sticks with peanut butter and watch your dog drool in anticipation.
• Celery and cheese – Just make sure your dog isn’t lactose intolerant before you offer him this yummy treat. Slice cheddar cheese and put the strips in the middle of the celery. If you’re concerned about the unhealthy effects of cheese, you can swap it for cottage cheese.
• Celery and meat – Cook up your dog’s favorite meat without using any seasonings, and boil rice without salt. Mix the two and make a fine paste using a low-sodium broth. Dip the celery stick in the paste or add a dollop of it on the stick for a tasty doggy treat.

Conclusion So the verdict is that yes, dogs can eat celery. There are several human foods that dogs can eat without any fear, and celery is one of them. This is a healthy food option that is going to add more nutrients to their diet, making it the perfect treat option.