Want to add something green to your dog’s diet? How about spinach? They are healthy, tasty, crunchy, and can be great as a treat, but wait – can dogs eat spinach? Or are there any risks?
You would be surprised to know that spinach is one of the human foods safe for dogs. Dogs can eat spinaches in moderation, and here is everything you need to know about spinaches and dogs.
Is Spinach Good For Dogs?
You can feed your dog spinach in moderation. In fact, this green veggie has high nutritional value, making spinach a great addition to your dog’s meals. Let’s explore all the health benefits of feeding your dog spinaches:
1. Vitamins and minerals
Spinach may look like simple leaves, but it is packed with several essential vitamins and minerals for your dog’s well-being. Nutrients such as:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin B
- Iron
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Zinc
- Magnesium
2. Clear vision
The vitamin A in spinach helps to promote vision and eye health in dogs. This vitamin directly impacts the retina of the eye and improves the quality of your dog’s vision (study). Also, having adequate vitamin A prevents the chances of dogs suffering from night blindness.
3. Antioxidants
Apart from being a super crunchy treat, spinach is filled with antioxidants. They help to improve the immune system so your dog can fight off the diseases without falling too sick.
4. Good poop
Last but not least, spinach’s fiber and water content make it a super delicious and healthy treat for your dog. Especially if your dog struggles with constipation, which is a common health problem in dogs, a good fibrous diet is all that they need for the best poop of their life!
Things to Keep in Mind When Feeding Spinach to Dogs
Now that you know spinaches and dogs are besties, here are some things you should keep in mind when feeding your dog spinach:
1. Moderation is the key
Even though spinach is an excellent source of so many nutrients, you should only feed it to your dog in moderation. Excessive spinach can lead to diarrhea or cause digestive problems in dogs. Hence, you add spinach to feed your dog as a treat or topping on their kibbles.
2. Prep well
It would be best to cook or steam the spinach well before you feed it to your dog. This is because raw kibbles can cause choking hazards in large amounts. Especially if your dog is toothless or an eager eater, you can steam the spinach; you should serve the cooked version only.
You can also be creative by steaming the spinach, blending it into a paste, and freezing it in the ice tray. You’ll be surprised to see your dog spending time licking and playing with spinach ice cubes.
3. Other food items
If your dog is super picky and does not like eating spinaches, you can also feed them:
Conclusion
Our final thoughts on “can dogs eat spinach?” is that dogs can eat spinach in moderation. They are a fantastic treat for your dog that is packed with the goodness of so many nutrients and crunchiness. Be it any dog breed, we are sure no one can deny the yummy taste of spinach.
The only catch is to keep the spinach plain and unseasoned when feeding your dog spinach.
Frequently Asked Questions
YES! Dogs can eat raw spinach, but it is not recommended as they can cause choking hazards. If you have a large-sized dog, they can digest a few raw spinach leaves, but for small and medium-sized dogs, it would be best to serve steamed or cooked spinach for easy digestion.
You should not feed your dog canned spinach or any canned food item. They are super unhealthy as the spinach is soaked in liquids like brine, oil, or seasoned water. This can lead to sodium poisoning in dogs and make your dog sick (study). Also, the preservatives can be a health hazard to dogs.
Nope! You should never feed your dog any dip, be it spinach or any other flavor. These contain spices and seasonings like garlic or onion extracts, which are poisonous to dogs. Also, if your dog is lactose intolerant, dips are a terrible choice.
If your dog overeats spinach, it can lead to diarrhea and upset stomachs in dogs. Your dog may also feel nauseous and vomit the spinach out. If they get sick, please consult your veterinarian and seek medical help.
