Can Dogs Eat Kale?

Kale, a popular superfood in smoothies and salads for humans, offers benefits like improved vision and disease prevention. However, pet owners question if these benefits apply to their dogs.

Is Kale Safe for Dogs?

While kale’s health benefits for humans are well-known, its effects on dogs are not fully understood. Kale contains calcium oxalate and isothiocyanates, which can harm dogs.

Calcium oxalate can cause kidney and bladder stones. Dogs prone to these issues should avoid kale and other calcium oxalate-rich foods like spinach and beet greens.

Kale, broccoli, and other leafy greens contain isothiocyanates, compounds that can harm dogs. Although they are cancer fighters in humans, they can cause gastric irritation in dogs.

Broccoli and kale are safe for dogs only if they make up less than 10% of their daily intake. Over 25% can be toxic, especially for small breeds.

Kale may impair a dog’s thyroid function if fed regularly. Dogs with hypothyroidism could experience medication issues with frequent kale consumption.

Offering small kale amounts occasionally is likely safe, but veterinarians may advise against using kale as a treat, especially for dogs with health issues.

Can Eating Kale Benefit Dogs?

Although kale’s benefits for dogs are unclear, it is rich in vitamins, fiber, and low in calories. It contains vitamins A, K, C, and nutrients like iron and potassium.

Dogs may benefit from occasional kale, but pet owners should consult a veterinarian to weigh potential risks against benefits.

If you feed kale to your dog, wash it well to remove pesticides. Serve it cooked or steamed, without seasonings, and in bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Kale

A small kale amount is typically harmless, but reactions can vary by dog. Dog size affects how they process human foods like kale.

Each dog is unique; what’s safe for one might upset another. Always consult your veterinarian before feeding kale and observe your dog’s response.

If a dog eats significant kale, monitor for intestinal upset signs like vomiting or diarrhea, and watch for urination changes indicating kidney stones. Contact a vet if symptoms appear.