55% of dog owners give their dogs human food. But some foods we love can cause serious harm to your beloved pup. As a responsible dog owner, knowing what foods are safe for your furry friend to eat is essential.
If you're wondering, "is celery good for dogs?" you've come to the right place. This article discusses the potential benefits and risks of feeding celery to dogs.Â
Read on to learn whether your pet can have a taste the next time you're making ants on a log.
Different Digestive Systems
Dogs have different digestive systems than humans, affecting what they can eat. Knowing how your dog's digestion differs from yours can help you understand their dietary needs.
Shorter Digestive Tracts
Dogs have a shorter digestive tract and a more acidic stomach environment. This allows them to digest and break down raw meat and bones. But this also means that dogs may have difficulty digesting certain types of human food.
For example, dogs cannot digest lactose. Much like lactose intolerant people, your dog may experience gastrointestinal distress after eating dairy products. This can surface as tummy problems, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Also, dogs have difficulty digesting high-fat foods. Think of fried and greasy foods like chicken and pizza. Too much of this food could lead to similar gastro pain and even pancreatitis.
Different Metabolic System
Another significant difference between a dog's and human digestive systems is their metabolism. Dogs can't metabolize the same substances humans can.
The most well-known example of this is theobromine. This chemical occurs in chocolate and causes seizures, tremors, and other serious health issues in dogs. If dogs overeat theobromine, they could become so sick they pass away.
Similarly, dogs cannot metabolize xylitol. Xylitol is among the most common artificial sweeter used in candy. If you feed your dog food with xylitol, your dog may experience rapid insulin release and hypoglycemia.
Distinct Nutrition Needs
In addition to these specific examples, dogs have different nutrition needs than humans, which may impact their diet. For instance, humans can thrive on a vegetarian or vegan diet.
However, dogs need animal protein to meet their nutritional requirements. Feeding your dog a diet that does not include enough protein or other essential nutrients can lead to malnutrition.
What Can Dogs Eat?
In the wild, canines' main diets consist of meat. But they are opportunistic eaters who also seek out and consume plant foods. In addition to celery, some people food for dogs includes well-balanced omnivore offering such as:
- Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and beef
- Fruits such as apples, bananas, and watermelon (in moderation)
- Vegetables such as carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes
- Cooked rice and pasta
- Dairy products such as plain yogurt and cottage cheese (in moderation)
Keep in mind that you should always introduce a new food into your dog's diet in small amounts over an extended period. This is the best method to avoid digestive upset and a trip to the vet.
What Can't Dogs Eat?
Lots of human food for dogs is safe. But you must also avoid several foods for your dog's safety. Some foods that are toxic or dangerous to dogs include:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Avocado
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Xylitol
If you suspect your dog has ingested these foods, take the proper dog safety steps to avoid a health crisis.
What if My Dog Ate Food it Shouldn't?
Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn't, whether it's a sock, a toy, or even human food. Unfortunately, ingesting certain items can be harmful or even life-threatening to dogs. If your dog eats something it shouldn't, you must take action immediately.
Stay Calm
It's understandable to panic when you realize your dog has eaten something dangerous. But your dog can sense your emotions and may become stressed, which can make matters worse. Staying calm is the best first step in resolving the problem.
Identify the Substance
Identify what your dog has eaten and how much of it they ingested. If you have the packaging, check for instructions on what to do in case of accidental ingestion.
Call Your Vet
Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline right away. They can guide what steps to take and whether your dog needs to see a veterinarian.
Observe Your Dog
Keep a close eye on your dog and watch its behavior. Look for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or other symptoms that may indicate distress.
Follow Instructions
Follow any instructions your veterinarian or pet poison control hotline provides. Listening to professionals is the best method by which you can improve your dog's health. These instructions may include inducing vomiting or bringing your dog to an emergency vet.
Prevention is the best way to keep your dog safe from eating harmful substances. Keep dangerous items out of reach, supervise your dog at home, and ensure the human food you feed is safe for dogs.
Dogs Eating Celery: Nutritional Benefits
Celery is a crunchy green vegetable often praised for its human health benefits, which you can pass on to your dog.
Nutrition Support
Celery is a nutritional powerhouse for dogs. It is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals supporting dogs' well-being.
Celery has high amounts of vitamins A, C, and K and potassium, folate, and manganese. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining healthy bones, skin, and immune system function.
Furthermore, water comprises most of the celery plant. Food with high water content is low in calories, making celery a suitable snack for overweight dogs.
Celery also contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Antioxidants can help protect your dog against cellular damage. Anti-inflammatory flavonoids also help relieve symptoms caused by inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
Digestive Support
Besides its nutritional value, celery is also great for supporting digestive health in dogs. Aside from providing hydration, its high fiber content promotes healthy bowel movements. Fiber may also help regulate blood sugar levels, making it an excellent snack for diabetic dogs.
Dog Safety: The Risks of Dogs Eating Celery
While celery can offer many benefits to dogs, some risks should be considered when feeding it to your wet-nosed furbaby. Here are some potential risks to be aware of:
Choking Hazard
The fibers in celery make it a choking hazard. Dogs who gulp their food without chewing may choke on whole celery stalks.
To avoid feeding your dog a choking hazard, use a potato peeler to remove the long fibers from the stalk. You can reduce the chances of choking by cutting the celery into small pieces and feeding them to your dog one at a time.
Digestive Upset
Celery is high in fiber, which is often great for dogs on kibble diets that might not get enough of it. But it can cause digestive upset in some dogs.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, feeding too much celery can lead to diarrhea, bloating, or other digestive issues. It's always best to introduce celery in small amounts over time to ensure your dog can tolerate it.
Harmful Chemicals
Most people know to wash produce before they feed it to someone else or eat it themselves. No one wants to ingest chemicals or pesticides alongside their daily dose of veggies. The same goes for your dog.
Because of their different metabolisms, some dogs may be more sensitive to these chemicals. So, treat your dog like you would another person. Wash the celery completely before feeding it to your furbaby.
Or, try buying organic celery. Farmers grow organic food without the aid of harmful chemicals. You should still wash organic food before feeding it to your dog, but it can guarantee no chemical residue, unlike other types of produce.
Causes Frequent Urination
Celery is a diuretic for dogs, meaning it can increase urine output. This isn't always negative. Diuretics like celery can help dogs flush out bacteria from a urinary tract infection.
But urinating more can make your dog dehydrated. To counteract this effect, ensure your dog has access to fresh water while eating celery. Also, feed celery to your dog in careful moderation.
Can Dogs Eat Celery? Dos and Don'ts
Feeding celery to dogs can be a healthy and nutritious addition to their diet, but following some dos and don'ts is essential to ensure their safety and well-being.
Dos
Introduce celery gradually and in small amounts to avoid any gastrointestinal upset. Start with a small piece or two and observe your dog's reaction before increasing the dose.
Also, decrease the risk of choking when feeding your dog celery. Cut celery into small, bite-sized pieces and remove tough, stringy parts.
Moreover, ensure you wash celery before feeding it to your dog. This process will remove any dirt or pesticides.
Finally, consider adding celery to your dog's meals as a healthy snack or supplement to their regular diet. Offer celery as a low-calorie treat option, especially for overweight dogs.
Don'ts
Never feed dogs celery leaves. The leafy part of the celery plant may be more flavorful, but it's also more porous. That makes getting rid of all the pesticides more difficult, so they could cause digestive upset even if you wash them first.
You should also avoid giving celery to your dog if you don't know their medical history. The oxalates in celery can exacerbate conditions in certain dogs with a history of kidney stones or urinary tract problems.
Also, don't give dogs celery with dips or seasonings. While celery is a dog-safe food, dips can contain harmful ingredients, such as garlic or onion.
Furthermore, don't make a dog who doesn't like celery eat it. There are plenty of other healthy snack options to try. Carrots, green beans, and cucumbers are all low-calorie vegetables that can provide similar nutritional benefits.
While celery can be a healthy addition to your dog's diet, you should also follow these dos and don'ts to ensure their safety and well-being. Knowing your dog's medical history and monitoring them while they eat celery can help keep your dog safe while he enjoys this crispy treat.
Is Celery Good For Dogs? The Final Verdict
After considering the nutritional benefits, risks, and proper ways to feed celery to dogs, answering the question "is celery good for dogs" has a single conclusion. The verdict is that celery can be a healthy addition to a dog's diet when fed in moderation and prepared properly.
The high water and fiber content can support digestive health, while the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can provide additional health benefits and help puppies grow.
However, it would be best to introduce celery gradually and in small amounts to avoid digestive upset and to avoid feeding celery to dogs with a history of urinary tract problems or kidney stones. Celery leaves should also be avoided, as they can be challenging to digest and may cause choking.
Additionally, celery should not replace a balanced diet that includes protein, carbohydrates, fat, and essential vitamins and minerals. It's always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before significantly changing your dog's diet.
Celery For Dogs: Adding Celery to Fido's Diet
If you've decided to add celery to your dog's diet, there are several ways to incorporate it for optimal nutrition. One easy way is to mix small pieces of celery into your dog's regular food. Start with a small amount and gradually increase the quantity as your dog gets used to it.
Another option is to use celery as a low-calorie training treats for your dog. Try chopping it into small pieces and offering it as a reward during training sessions.
If your dog enjoys crunchier textures, try dehydrating celery to create a healthy snack. Slice the celery into thin pieces and place them on a baking sheet in a low-heat oven (170°F) until dry and crispy.
Keep in mind that while celery can be a healthy addition to your dog's diet, it should not replace their regular food. Dogs require a balanced diet with protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals.
Better Potty Solutions Delivered to You
So, is celery good for dogs? The answer is yes; feeding celery to your dog gives them extra nutrition and supports their well-being. If you want to incorporate more celery into your dog's diet but frequent urination is a concern, Gotta Go Grass has the solution for you.
We offer indoor natural grass patches so your pet always has a safe, comfortable place to relieve themselves. Plus, we operate online, so you can avoid the hassle of going to the store. For more convenience, subscribe to our potty system with refills delivered straight to your door each month!
