Emma scott 
Can dogs eat spinach? Spinach can be a good healthy addition to your puppy’s diet. However, there are a few things that pet parents need to be aware of before sharing this nutrient-dense veggie with their dog.
Spinach is one such superfood that provides many nutrients to humans. But can our pets eat it too? After all, feeding spinach to dogs is a somewhat controversial topic. While dogs are generally safe to eat, owners should know a few things before serving this leafy green to pets.
With so many potential benefits, it is up to you to decide whether or not you agree to feed spinach to your dog.
Can dogs have spinach?
Adding a few leaves to your pet’s diet from time to time will provide many nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. We have listed some fantastic health benefits of spinach for dogs.
Health benefits
- Rich in minerals
- Suitable for the eyes.
- Cancer prevention.
- Packed with vitamins.
- Better digestive health.
- Provides many antioxidants.
How to prepare spinach for dogs
Suppose you are interested in adding spinach to your dog’s diet. So some things should be kept in mind. Because dogs’ digestive systems are different from people’s, they may not always eat things prepared this way.
There are a few ways to prepare spinach for your dog. Steam it, blanching or puree it to make it easier to digest. And, as with any new food: Introduce it slowly.
Can puppies eat spinach?
Dog owners should be conscientious when fostering puppies because their kidney is still developing. This means that puppies may have trouble eliminating calcium oxalate properly, leading to urinary health problems.
How to include spinach in a dog’s diet
Consider pureeing, steaming, or blanching it first to make spinach easier to digest. Burning is the best way to cook spinach, as boiling destroys most nutrients.
If you are serving cooked spinach, make sure it does not contain any additives such as onions, garlic, herbs, butter, oil, salt, or spices because some can be toxic to dogs. Or it could result in GI problems.
Avoid giving spinach to pups with kidney disease or other conditions, as they may be.
Whenever possible, buy organic spinach. If you buy non-organic, make sure to always wash the leaves thoroughly before preparing food for your pup.
Ensure the pet drinks plenty of water to help flush out the oxalic acid present in spinach and help with the high sodium levels.
Like all new foods, introduce spinach into your pet’s diet gradually. Too much spinach can cause diarrhea, stomach upset, and vomiting.
How much spinach should a dog give?
You should also follow the 90/10 rule for your dog’s daily diet and dog treats. 90% of your dog’s daily calories should come from their regular balanced dog food. At the same time, the remaining 10% can come from healthy behaviors. Please give them a more significant proportion of treatments, and you run the risk of weight gain or obesity.
It’s ok to feed your dog a small amount of spinach. Common ways to serve it to your dog are:
Dogs eat Raw Spinach: This can be difficult for your dog to digest. Cut it into bite-sized pieces so that it doesn’t pose a choking hazard.
Boiled Spinach: Boiling spinach makes it softer and easier to digest, but you lose out on many of its nutrients.
Dogs eat Steamed Spinach: It is soft enough to pose any choking hazard, and the nutrients are still present in the plant.
Whenever you want to feed spinach to your dog in salads or dinner, make sure it doesn’t contain any extra ingredients. Onions, garlic, fats, and spices are toxic to your dog. (Onions and garlic are the most dangerous.) The compounds in these vegetables can damage your dog’s blood cells.
Can dogs eat spinach? when is it wrong for dogs?
Like all human foods, they should be fed as a treat and small amounts. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, meaning that 75% to 85% of their diet should be meat. It is low in protein, so feeding it in excess can lead to nutritional deficiencies, especially amino acids.
Spinach is also very high in oxalic acid, a compound that inhibits calcium absorption in the body. And can damage the kidneys. Calcium is essential for many body functions. These include increased bone density and growth, regulating blood pressure, regulating insulin secretion, triggering blood clotting, etc.
Risks associated with fostering dogs
Spinach can be a healthy treat for the dog. But there may be some risk involved if they overeat. Some dogs can be allergic to spinach, so you must know if your puppy has any sensitivities before feeding them this vegetable.
Fiber from vegetables can cause stomach upset or diarrhea in many cases, especially with breeds that do not tolerate these types of foods well. If you want to give spinach to your child, make sure that they get the amount of spinach they need because too much can cause problems like flatulence or gas formation.
Remember: Always consult your vet.
The most important thing to remember is to do your research and always consult with your nearby vet before adding new foods to your dog’s diet. Even though they’re good for you, that may not always be the case for your four-legged friend.
Final thoughts, Can dog eat spinach?
Our blog has a collection of articles on safe or dangerous foods for dogs, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, spices, nuts, and more. Much human food is safe and healthy for your little friend, but some of them can be dangerous or even toxic.
We created these articles to help you make an informed decision about your dog’s diet. Still, your vet is always the best person to consult about your unique pet.