Oftentimes, we hear about how healthy it is to feed dogs fresh vegetables. However, not all vegetables are a good, healthy choice for your pup. For example, sweet potatoes are a healthy option for your dog, but regular potatoes are not. We know from Popeye that spinach is high in protein and other nutrients that help keep us strong, but can dogs eat spinach? And even if they physically can have it, is spinach good, bad or just OK for your dog to eat?
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Spinach For Dogs
Dogs don’t need any vegetables in their diets, but they do need many of the nutrients that can be found in vegetables. Just because dogs don’t need vegetables to provide them with these nutrients, it doesn’t mean that you can’t incorporate a variety of vegetables, including spinach, into your dog’s diet. Spinach isn’t something that dogs should have in large amounts daily, but incorporating it a few times weekly into your dog’s diet may be a healthy choice.
It’s important to remember that spinach should be thought of as a healthy treat and not a regular part of your dog’s diet. This is a food that is high in oxalic acid, which may lower the body’s ability to absorb calcium, and it can, in large doses, cause kidney damage. Spinach can also lead to muscle stress as well as an irregular heartbeat. However, your dog would have to eat an excessive amount of spinach to develop these types of health problems. In moderation, spinach is a healthy and perfectly safe treat for your dog.
Benefits of Dogs Eating Spinach
Spinach is jam-packed with a lot of the nutrients that are necessary for a healthy dog. It is rich in vitamins A, B, C, and K, full of antioxidants, high in beta-carotene, and a good source of roughage that is necessary for a healthy digestive system. Spinach is also iron-rich, which may help keep your dog’s blood healthy. To ensure your dog gets the most health benefits from these treats, make sure to steam spinach rather than boiling it to help maintain its nutritional value. Do not give your dog raw spinach, as it may be difficult for them to digest.
Adding Spinach to Your Dog’s Diet
In addition to making sure that the spinach you give to your dog is cooked, it should also be finely chopped into small, bite-size pieces, especially if you have a smaller dog. Larger pieces can be tough for your pet to eat and digest properly. When it is cut into small pieces and properly cooked, your dog will be able to easily and safely enjoy the health benefits of spinach.
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Spinach in Moderation
Your dog’s diet should be primarily meat-based, but the right vegetables can ensure that he or she is getting the right nutrients to remain healthy. Spinach is rich in many of the nutrients and it’s a tasty treat that most dogs tend to love. Cook some up today — without any salt or butter — and share a bit with your furry friend.