When considering a homemade diet for our pets, it is essential to know which foods can compose it and how to offer them to the animal. For instance, can dogs eat celery? We will discuss if this vegetable is appropriate for dogs.
Vegetables for dogs
Vegetables are one of the components to include in a canine diet. Depending on which ones you choose, your pet may like them more or less, but they should always be present on their plate if you want to offer them a truly balanced diet. However, they should be included in moderation and not as the main food.
Vegetables are a great source of vitamins and fiber, as well as being beneficial for the digestive system. The most beneficial vegetables for dogs include:
Can dogs eat celery?
The answer is yes, dogs can eat celery. In fact, they can receive the same benefits from it as humans.
However, the consumption of plant-based foods, whether fruit (bananas) or vegetables, should comprise only 10-15% of the pet's total daily intake. These foods should not be the main focus of their plate. Meat should be the predominant ingredient.
What benefits does celery provide for dogs?
To understand why celery is a very healthy and beneficial vegetable for your pet, we must analyze its nutritional content.
In addition to containing fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and being rich in water, celery has other very healthy components.
Among the vitamins it contains are vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, and K. It also contains minerals as important as iron, magnesium, calcium, manganese, potassium, sodium, zinc, and phosphorus.
How to give celery to a dog
The first thing to consider when giving celery to your dog is that it must be in good condition. You should never give vegetables that are in poor condition and that humans would not eat to an animal, as it will cause the same harm to them as it would to us.
Inspect the celery and check that the stems and leaves have a bright green color. Discard any parts that do not.
Proceed to wash the celery very well to remove any external dirt. Wash it thoroughly because the next step will be to cut it and offer it to the dog.
Yes, dogs can eat raw celery. To do this, in addition to washing it well, you must cut it into small pieces and place them on top of their food. In fact, if you see that your furry friend likes it very much, you can use it as a treat or snack.
On the other hand, you should know that dogs can also eat cooked celery. To do this, remember that you should not season it, not even with salt or any other additives.
When cutting celery, consider the size of the animal's jaw to avoid making pieces that are too large and may cause choking.
Remember not to exceed the total daily vegetable amount. Also, if you are offering celery to the dog for the first time, you can start with a smaller amount to verify that the animal does not feel unwell.
It is not very common, but like some people, dogs may not tolerate celery well.
Celery benefits for dogs
Now that we know that dogs can eat celery, it's important to clarify the benefits this vegetable can provide for dogs.
- It can be used as a healthy snack to satisfy the appetite of dogs who are very eager eaters.
- It helps purify the body by promoting urine production. Therefore, it helps eliminate harmful liquids and toxins.
- It has certain relaxing properties due to the alkaline minerals it contains. It's a very natural option against canine stress and anxiety problems.
- It helps regulate the digestive system, relieves constipation, and prevents indigestion.
- It contains a lot of fiber, making it ideal for promoting intestinal transit.
- It purifies the kidneys, making it perfect for preventing urinary tract infections and cleaning the kidneys.
- Celery contains antioxidants. This means that it's ideal for elderly dogs and for preventing certain diseases derived from oxidative damage, such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.
What happens if my dog eats too much celery?
Excessive consumption of celery in dogs can cause:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Nausea
- General discomfort
When a dog has diarrhea or vomits, they tend to become dehydrated, which should be avoided. Don't wait more than 24 hours if you detect these signs without going to a veterinary center.