Can Dogs Have Celery?

It's a scene most pet parents can relate to: You're sitting down to eat dinner after a long day, just about to munch on some celery sticks when you feel a set of eyes watching you. You look down, and there's the sweet face of your beloved furry friend, silently begging for a snack from the table.

What's the prognosis on dogs and celery? Can dogs have celery? And if they can, how much would be recommended? Does celery offer any nutritional value to dogs? Here's an overview on dogs and celery so that you have all the facts before offering this crunchy treat to your pet.

Dogs and Human Foods: Can They Ever Mix?

In many cases, feeding "human food" to dogs can be unhealthy, and outright toxic. For example, many dog parents are familiar with chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic as dangerous foods to keep away from their pets.

However, some human foods can be beneficial for dogs. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), cucumbers, pineapple, watermelon, carrots, peas and spinach are some of the many fruits and vegetables that are not only safe, but healthy for our four-legged friends.

Can Dogs Eat Celery?

So, what about celery? It turns out, in moderate amounts, celery is a safe and even healthy food for dogs. Per the AKC, celery is a great source of fibre and potassium. It provides a ton of vitamins including, A, C and K, and it's low in cholesterol and fat. This veggie has even been used to help doggie breath.

If your dog likes celery, consider substituting some of their daily treats for pieces of the crunchy, refreshing veggie. If you have a pet that is working on shedding a few extra pounds, celery can be a particularly good treat option since it's low in calories. Just be sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure this is appropriate for your dog and to determine how many calories are allowed to come from treats each day.

Potential Risks of Eating Celery

Although celery is safe for dogs, there is always a chance it might not agree with your pet. Be sure to introduce celery slowly into your dog's diet, just as you would any other food. Make sure that the celery you've provided isn't flavoured with onions or garlic, and that it's free from other toxic foods as well. Ants on a log, for example, would be a dangerous food for your pet.

Celery may also present a choking hazard; therefore, it's critical that you prepare celery by cutting it into bite-sized chunks that your dog can easily chew and swallow.

Can dogs have celery? In short, yes — most of the time. If you're feeling uncertain about giving your dog celery as a treat, the best thing you can do is consult your vet. They can help you get a sense of the healthiest foods to give your pet, as well as safe ways to prepare them.

Contributor Bio

Erin Ollila

Erin Ollila is a pet enthusiast who believes in the power of words and how a message can inform—and even transform—its intended audience. Her writing can be found all over the internet and in print, and includes interviews, ghost writing, blog posts, and creative nonfiction. Erin is a geek for SEO and all things social media. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. Reach out to her on Instagram @ErinOllila or learn more about her at http://erinollila.com.