Can dog's eat... Celery?

Yes, dogs can eat celery in moderation. This crunchy, low-calorie veg is a staple for many pet parents, so it’s good to know you can safely share it with your dog. But before you do, there are a few things we need to cover. Too much of any vegetable or fruit could lead to dietary imbalances and digestive upset. Celery should therefore only be offered as an occasional snack.

We’re going to explore celery in more detail, including the safest ways to offer it to your pet and its potential health benefits.

#Can dogs eat celery raw?

Raw celery is fine to give to your pet, provided you prepare it correctly. Wash it first to remove any dirt, bacteria, or chemicals. Cut the celery into easy-to-manage, bite-sized pieces. This will reduce the risk of choking, especially for puppies, small breeds, and brachycephalic dogs.

##Can dogs eat cooked celery?

Cooked celery is safe for dogs provided it is served plain and unseasoned. While the celery itself is not toxic, this vegetable is often cooked in dishes alongside other ingredients that could be harmful, including salt, onion, and garlic.

##Can dogs eat celery seeds?

Dogs can eat celery seeds in moderation. They are not poisonous for our pets but could cause digestive upset if consumed in large amounts. Celery seeds have a strong flavour, and they are often used as a spice in various dishes. They are perhaps not a snack to proactively offer your pet, but celery seeds should be ok if your dog eats some by accident.

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#Health benefits of celery for dogs

Humans eat celery for its health benefits, as well as its taste and texture. These include -

• Low in calories – Can assist with weight management.
• Source of fibre – Helps to maintain healthy digestion and feelings of fullness. Read more about the importance of fibre for dogs.
• Vitamin A – Important for eye health, as well as supporting a good immune system
• Vitamin C – Humans rely on dietary sources of vitamin C to maintain a healthy immune system and skin. Dogs and many other animals actually synthesise their own vitamin C, so this is less important for them. Learn about the benefits of vitamin C for dogs.
• Vitamin K – Plays a key role in blood clotting.
• Minerals – Celery contains calcium, potassium, and iron, which are essential for things like bone health, nerve function, and red blood cells.
• High water content – Celery can help with hydration

While dogs could also benefit from some of the nutrients contained in celery, it's important to remember that their nutritional needs should be met by a good quality complete pet food. Most vets would advise sticking to your pet's normal diet as much as possible, because feeding too many extras, including vegetables and fruit, could lead to problems.

There shouldn’t be a need to supplement your pet’s diet with things like celery. However, it’s always good to know that the treat you are offering your pet is a healthy one!

It’s also worth noting that some sources say celery can help keep your pet’s teeth clean. While
chewing crunchy foods can help with oral health, nothing replaces regular teeth brushing. But again, it’s another reason that celery can be a good snack choice for dogs.

#How much celery can a dog eat?

Any treats or extras, including vegetables and fruit, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet. Eating too much celery over a period of time could lead to an unbalanced diet. The high fibre content can also cause digestive upset for some dogs.

Remember that not all dogs will enjoy celery; it can be an acquired taste! So always start by offering your dog a small amount to begin with and assess their response. New food items should always be introduced gradually anyway, to make sure there are no adverse effects.

##When is celery bad for dogs?

If you are offering your dog celery, then it must always be given plain and unseasoned. Celery can cause your pet problems if you offer it to them alongside other ingredients, such as dips, hummus, and salt. While we often like to have our celery with a little something, it’s not recommended for dogs. Salt is not good for pets and could lead to toxicity in large amounts, plus the onions or garlic found in many dips are also toxic.

As discussed earlier, celery can cause problems when too much celery is eaten. Remember also
that large pieces of celery can be a choking hazard and hard to digest. It is a tough and crunchy vegetable, so smaller dogs and brachycephalic dogs may struggle especially. Always serve it in bite-sized pieces.

#Summary – Can dogs eat celery?

Hopefully, we’ve covered all things celery, but let’s recap the key points for you here:

• Dogs can eat plain, unseasoned celery in moderation.
• Celery can be offered raw or cooked, provided it is plain and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
• Don’t give your pet any added ingredients alongside your celery; things like dips and hummus are not healthy for dogs.
• Celery is a low-calorie, healthy snack option for dogs, but should still only be given as an occasional treat.