Can Dogs Eat Spinach?

Dogs can eat spinach, and it’s perfectly safe for them in moderation. Spinach is very healthy and full of vitamins and antioxidants, which dogs usually get from their dog food. However, it’s good to know that you can add extra nutrients to their diet by giving them some spinach from time to time.

While spinach is healthy and we eat it all the time—in pies, smoothies, and dips—it’s not essential for your dog’s health. This is especially important to remember if you have a dog with kidney issues (more about that later in the article).

My favorite way of eating spinach is cooking it with milk and garlic, but obviously, I don’t share that with my dog since garlic is bad for dogs. However, I also love making chicken with spinach and mushrooms, and that’s something he eats! Mushrooms are also safe for dogs, so it’s a special treat for him. So, while spinach itself is okay, we rarely eat it plain, so please be mindful of other ingredients!

Can dogs eat raw spinach?

Dogs can eat raw spinach, as there’s nothing toxic in it when it’s raw, but it’s important not to overdo it. I personally don’t eat raw spinach, as I find it very hard to digest, chew, and generally enjoy, so I can imagine how it feels for dogs as well. The main problem is that raw spinach has a lot of fiber, which is very difficult for dogs to handle. Too much fiber can lead to bloating, gas, and sometimes diarrhea.

Additionally, raw spinach can be tough to chew, especially for small dogs. It’s important to chop it into manageable pieces, as spinach can be a bit stringy and hard for dogs to handle.

So, is cooked spinach better for dogs?

Definitely! Cooked spinach is a better option for dogs, as cooking breaks down the fiber and makes it easier to digest.

Just be careful how you cook your spinach. To keep it safe for your dog, avoid adding salt, butter, oils, or cream. If your dog happens to eat some of your cooked spinach, it’s not the end of the world, but unless you’re preparing sautéed or boiled spinach just for them, it’s really best to skip the spinach altogether.

Myth busting – oxalates in spinach and how it affects dog’s health

There’s a lot of information about how oxalates in spinach can damage a dog’s kidneys, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Whether or not spinach is a concern depends on your dog’s health history, particularly if they have kidney issues.

Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds found in certain plants, including spinach. These compounds can bind to calcium in the body and potentially form calcium oxalate crystals, which are associated with kidney stones. Spinach contains a relatively high amount of oxalates compared to other vegetables, with about 970 milligrams of oxalates per 100 grams of raw spinach.

If your dog has these issues, it’s best to talk to your vet. But I can assure you, it takes a huge amount of spinach to cause problems in healthy dogs. We’re talking about several cups of spinach per day, every day, for a prolonged period to experience any negative effects from oxalates. No one eats that much spinach!

How much spinach is safe for dogs?

A handful of raw spinach or a couple of spoons of cooked spinach is perfectly safe for dogs. For smaller dogs and puppies, I would limit this even more, as their sensitive stomachs can’t handle fiber that well.

Spinach is really not something your dog needs in their diet, even though it has lots of antioxidants and vitamins A, B, C, and K. Remember, your dog gets these nutrients from their dog food, so they don’t need an extra boost—especially not from something so full of fiber that can upset their stomach!

All parts and types of spinach and whether they are safe for dogs

The good news is that all parts of spinach are safe for dogs! Dogs can eat spinach leaves, as they are the most common part of spinach that we eat. Dogs can also eat spinach stems, even though they are tough and stringy. This makes them harder to digest, but if your dog eats some, don’t worry—spinach stems are safe for dogs, just like spinach leaves.

Now, how you eat and cook spinach is really important. While all types of spinach are safe for dogs, some, like baby spinach, are milder and have a softer texture. This makes baby spinach a bit easier to digest, but if you give your dog raw spinach, they still may find it hard to handle.

Can dogs eat canned spinach?

Sometimes, they can, as canned spinach is not toxic to dogs, but it often contains added salt in significant amounts! Some canned spinach is also pre-seasoned with additional ingredients, so always read the label before sharing it with your dog. I would avoid it!

Can dogs eat frozen spinach?

Dogs can eat frozen spinach, and it’s a convenient option. However, you need to make sure to cook the frozen spinach before giving it to your dog. Since most people add salt and cream while cooking, I think it’s best to skip spinach altogether—whether it’s cooked, canned, or fresh—if you can’t prepare it plain.

Vegetables similar to spinach that are safe for dogs

• Kale: Dogs can eat kale, but only cooked kale, as raw kale is really hard to digest, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• Collard Greens: Dogs can eat collard greens, but again, it’s better to give them cooked rather than raw and only in small amounts.
• Bok Choy: Bok choy is rich in vitamin C and fiber, but dogs don’t really need these in their diet! However, dogs can still eat bok choy, especially if it’s steamed or cooked.
• Lettuce: Dogs can eat lettuce, and it’s a good crunchy snack for them! It’s easier to digest than kale or spinach, so it’s safe to share in small amounts.
• Beets: I put beets here on the list because they also have oxalates like spinach! But dogs can eat beets, especially cooked ones.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs eat spinach artichoke dip?

If your dog steals some spinach artichoke dip, don’t worry—there’s not enough garlic in it to reach toxicity levels. However, dogs shouldn’t eat spinach artichoke dip, so don’t give it to them on purpose. While artichokes are safe for dogs, this dip contains cream cheese and sour cream, which are high in fat and can upset your dog’s stomach. It also often contains mayonnaise, which is similarly high in fat, as well as onions and garlic, which are toxic in large amounts.

Can dogs eat creamed spinach?

No, creamed spinach isn’t good for dogs. While it’s not toxic, even if it contains garlic (since it would take a significant amount of garlic to be harmful), the heavy cream, butter, and cheese in creamed spinach are high in fat and not dog-friendly.