Can dog's eat... Spinach?

Yes, dogs can eat spinach in moderation, but there are a few things you need to know. This leafy green plant is a nutrient-dense superfood, popular among many health-conscious people. However, dogs do need to go steady with fruits and veggies, including spinach.

We’ll explore the safest ways to offer spinach to your dog, including how much they can safely eat. We’ll also look at whether there are any health benefits of spinach for dogs - read on to find out more!

Spinach is not considered toxic to dogs. However, it is worth noting that spinach is very high in oxalic acid, a compound that blocks the body’s ability to absorb calcium. The soluble oxalates found in spinach bind with magnesium and calcium, preventing them from becoming readily available to the body. This can lead to a drop in blood calcium levels, which could have serious consequences on many of the metabolic processes in your dog’s body. The calcium oxalate that is formed during this process is excreted through the kidneys, and in large enough amounts, this could lead to serious kidney damage.

This is usually a theoretical risk, though, as most dogs don’t eat large enough quantities of spinach for this to be an issue. But it helps to explain why it is important to stay sensible and make sure that spinach is only fed occasionally.

Let’s look at some of the ways spinach might be served to your dog…

#Can dogs eat spinach raw?

Yes, raw spinach is fine for dogs to eat every now and then. Not all dogs will be that interested in leafy greens, though, so never force your pet to eat them. It’s sensible to give the leaves a wash first to remove any dirt or chemicals.

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##Can dogs eat cooked spinach?

You can feed cooked spinach to dogs, provided it is served plain and unseasoned. Cooked spinach is often easier to digest than raw spinach, but its nutrient content can be affected. To help preserve nutrients, you should gently steam your spinach rather than boiling it.

Never give your dog spinach that has been cooked with ingredients like garlic or onions. These ingredients are toxic to dogs.

Other things found in cooked spinach dishes, like creamy sauces, pastry, or cheese, are also not recommended. They could cause digestive upsets and lead to weight gain over time.

##Can dogs eat canned spinach?

For dogs, fresh spinach is usually preferable to canned spinach. Some canned varieties contain high levels of preservatives like salt, which is not that healthy for animals.

##Can dogs have spinach smoothies?

While spinach smoothies can be a great way for people to get their greens, it’s not recommended for dogs. Smoothies are often high in natural sugars from all the fruit they contain. This can lead to digestive upset and weight gain. Plus, if your smoothie contains grape juice, it will be toxic to your dog. Grapes can cause kidney failure and death. Stick to water instead; your dog will find it much more refreshing.

#Benefits of spinach for dogs

Spinach is packed full of essential nutrients. These include:

• Fibre – this helps to keep digestive tracts healthy and increases feelings of fullness, which can be useful for weight management. Read about the benefits of fibre for dogs.
• Low in calories and fat - this healthy snack helps to bulk out meals without adding calories.
• Antioxidants – often classed as a superfood, spinach is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect against inflammation and cell damage
• Carotenoids – Spinach contains two pigments called carotenoids, which protect eye health and vision
• A variety of vitamins – Spinach contains vitamin A which supports eye health, vitamin C which supports the immune system, B vitamins which help with various metabolic processes, and vitamin K which is essential for blood clotting and brain health
• Iron – Dark leafy green vegetables are a good source of plant-based iron, which is essential for red blood cell health.

While the health benefits in people are proven, more research is needed into the role of spinach
in canine diets. It’s important to remember that your dog should already be getting all the nutrition they need from a good quality complete pet food. There shouldn’t be a need to supplement your dog with other ingredients like spinach, and most vets would advise sticking to this as much as possible. But it’s always good to know whether the extra snacks you offer your pets are healthy ones or not!

#How much spinach can dogs eat?

Spinach should only make up a small proportion of your pet’s diet, and it must not be fed every day. Fruits and vegetables should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily food intake. Too much could lead to digestive upset, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and increased gas, as well as dietary imbalances. Plus, don’t forget that spinach is high in oxalic acid, which could cause health consequences if consumed in large amounts.

Pets that are new to spinach should be offered a very small amount to begin with to check their response, before offering any more.

If your dog has dietary sensitivities or a health condition like kidney disease, it is always best to consult your vet before introducing new food items.

#Summary

Let’s recap the key points on spinach and dogs:

• Spinach is not toxic, but should be fed in careful moderation.
• Spinach contains high levels of oxalic acid, which have the potential to cause health issues if consumed in large amounts.
• Only offer plain spinach, which can be served raw or cooked.
• Remember that spinach should only make up a small proportion of your pet’s diet, and stick to their normal pet food as much as possible.