From solo stalk munching to slicing floppy celery sticks into crudité platters and salads, this crisp, water-rich veggie plays a regular role in many human diets. So when prepping your own stalk bunch or reaching for that jarred peanut butter and celery combo snack, it’s natural to wonder: is celery good for dogs too?
Luckily the answer is a definitive yes – not only is celery safe for dogs to eat, it offers several health upsides as well. Celery makes a nutritious snack, mixing addition or broth topper. Read on to learn the benefits and best ways to serve celery treats to your pup.
Is Celery Healthy for Dogs?
Crisp, green stalks aren’t just fun vessels for scooping almond butter and ranch dressing. Celery contains beneficial vitamins, minerals and compounds that boost dogs’ wellbeing in a number of ways.
Celery Health Perks for Dogs
- Hydrating – 95% water content
- Rich in Vitamin K, A, B and C
- High fiber supports digestion
- Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
- Freshens doggie breath!
- Low calorie snack option
Just introduce judiciously and monitor reactions.
Do Dogs Like Celery?
Many pups take to crunching celery right away thanks to its mild flavor profile and satisfying crunch factor. The fibrous strands and moisture also help clean teeth and massage gums.
Dogs who hesitate may come around when celery gets mixed into a wet food gravy or broth topper. The small addition helps moisten kibble so picky pups associates celery with yummy mealtimes.
Can Dogs Eat Celery Leaves?
In addition to munchable stalks, celery leaves offer similar nutritional value – possibly even more! But again, proper prep comes into play with the leafy bits to avoid issues.
Before mixing any celery leaves into your pup’s bowl, be sure to:
- Chop leaves and thin parts finely
- Lightly cook leaves to soften texture
- Cool fully before mixing small amounts with their meals
When prepped properly, both celery stalks and leaves make healthy low cal additions.
Can Puppies Eat Celery?
Owners wondering “can dogs eat celery” often specifically ask about puppies. The answer is yes: celery makes an appropriate addition to weaned puppy meal plans too.
Guidelines for Feeding Celery to Puppies
- Start minimal pieces with wet food once fully weaned around 8 weeks old
- Begin with small thin 1⁄2 inch diced bits softened in broth
- Slowly increase quantity and size provided no diarrhea occurs
- Always supervise chewing and avoid leaves for puppies
Following these tips allows your pup to gain great benefits from celery.
What Parts of Celery Can Dogs Eat?
Wondering what parts of the humble celery stalk makes the cut for canine consumption? Consider the following when preparing Fido-friendly stalk snacks:
Celery Stalks – Rinsed thoroughly, dried and chopped
– Chopped widthwise for less stringy strands
– Good for all adult dogs and some supervised puppies
Celery Leaves – Finely chopped
– Lightly cooked to soften
– Only for adult dogs, too risky for puppies
Celery Seeds – Remove from stalks
– Only very occasional treats in tiny amounts if no history of kidney issues
How to Prepare Celery for Dogs
Follow this simple celery prep checklist before serving to your four-legged friend:
✅ Rinse and dry stalks well
✅ Trim both ends
✅ Slice width-wise into small pieces ✅ Soften pieces for puppies as needed ✅ Mix with wet food or broth for interest
✅ Gradually increase amounts if well tolerated
Easy! Proper prep unlocks celery’s great nutritional potential for your BFF.
How Much Celery Can Dogs Eat?
When initially introducing any new food, petite portions help pups’ digestive systems adjust. Use this celery serving size guide:
- Small dogs: Start with 1-2 small sticks – gradually increase to 1⁄4 cup chopped
- Medium dogs: 1-2 stalks to start – working up to 1⁄3 cup chopped
- Large dogs: 2-3 stalks initially – increase to 1⁄2 cup chopped
- Puppies: Sprinkle just a few tiny soaked pieces with meals
Is Celery Bad for Dogs?
The biggest risk posed by celery stems from its stringy nature. Eating too much too fast before properly chewing can present a choking hazard or lead to intestinal blockages.
Ensure adequate chewing and supervision with all initial celery treat sessions. Pay close attention to any coughing or gagging.
Outside of choking concerns, celery offers very little downsides for dogs. Its high water content actually helps promote healthy urinary tract function.
The Verdict: Is Celery Good for Dogs?
So after reviewing all the pros and cons, what’s the final word on whether celery deserves a spot in dog bowls?
✅ Yes – celery makes a very healthy, low calorie snack for dogs!
When introduced properly, celery delivers a hearty crunch and valuable nutrition boost, making it a win-win. Just remember careful prep and petite portions to start.
Celery FAQs
Still have questions before letting your pooch munch mini celery sticks? See below:
Q: Can diabetic dogs eat celery?
**A: **Yes, celery makes a great low-calorie, low-sugar veggie option for diabetic pups too. Just introduce slowly and account for carb counts.
Q: Does celery help dog arthritis?
A: Yes, celery has compounds that help reduce inflammation that contributes to arthritis pain and stiffness. It provides a nice natural arthritis boost.
Q: Can dogs have celery salt?
A: No. Skip any seasonings, salts or toppings on celery for dogs. The sodium and other additions could cause serious reactions.
Now that you know the scoop on this marshland branching wonder, let your dog join in munching celery today!
