If the question “can dogs eat fennel?” keeps you and your dog awake at night, it’s high time we congratulate you because, YES! Dogs can eat this human food as it is not only safe but super nutritious.
In this 5-minute read, you will learn everything you need to know about fennels and dogs, including the things you should keep in mind before tossing this veggie to your pooch.
Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Fennel
Below are all the reasons why this crunchy veggie fennel is an excellent addition to your dog’s meals. So when we say it has high nutritional value, we mean this:
1. Gassy dog? No more!
Fennel is famous for its digestive properties and how it can really do magic if your dog often suffers from gas issues. It has the goodies as in compounds that can reduce bloating and alleviate such problems.
2. Fresh breath
If the “no more gas” reason was not convincing enough to feed your dog fennel, how about this one? Fennel is a crunchy veggie that can help to combat bad breath and remove plaque. It is because of its antimicrobial properties that fennel helps neutralize odors and promote better oral hygiene.
3. Vitamins and minerals
Another reason why fennel is good for dogs is because it is packed with nutrients like vitamins and minerals that are essential for your dog’s well-being. It includes vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, which is great for immune function.
4. No gain, no pain!
We are sure you are convinced by now, but here is an extra! Fennel is a low-calorie snack, which means that it does not add much to your dog’s weight. So throw away all those unhealthy, oily snacks and switch to feeding your dog fennels.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Giving Your Dog Fennel
When it comes to fennels, there is not much that you need to keep in mind, except for:
- Moderation is the key! No matter how tasty, crunchy, or healthy fennel is, it would be best if you only fed it to your dog in moderation.
- Watch for allergies, as some dogs might be sensitive to fennels. For this, you should start with small portions and then increase gradually as you observe no signs of allergies.
- Lastly, only serve your dog fennels plain and unseasoned. Seasonings and spices are a massive NO for dogs as they cannot tolerate them, and spices might as well be toxic.
Conclusion
Our final thoughts on fennels and dogs are positive! These two can be friends, and you can add fennel to your dog’s meal or serve it as a snack occasionally. The key in this whole case is to maintain a balanced diet! You see, even though fennels are great for health, they lack a lot of nutrients like protein, healthy fats, carbs, etc, which are equally essential for your dog’s development. Hence, you should add other human foods like chicken, pork, turkey, fish, broccoli, lettuce, and also fruits like apples, avocados, bananas, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
The amount of fennel a dog can have depends on their size and nutritional needs. You should note that the diet for small, medium, and medium-large-sized dogs will differ, meaning that small dogs can have about a teaspoon, while large dogs can eat a tablespoon as an occasional treat.
Fennel seeds are safe for dogs in moderation, as feeding excessive amounts of them can cause choking or digestive hazards. Hence, you should crush the seeds before feeding them to your dog.
You can feed your dog raw fennel in moderation in small portions as it is nutritious and safe for them. The only catch is to wash and chop it thoroughly to prevent choking or bacterial contamination.
Fennel stalks are safe for dogs, but the only catch is feeding them chopped and in smaller pieces. Especially if you have a small dog, the stalks can cause choking hazards if not chewed properly.
Yes, some dogs may be allergic to fennel. Every dog has individual sensitivities and tolerances that should be kept in mind before introducing any new food to them. As a responsible dog owner, please consult your veterinarian immediately if there is an allergic reaction.
