Whether it’s the base of a tasty salad or as a delicious side dish, spinach is a healthy addition to our diets, but can you share this leafy green with your dog? The answer is yes, dogs can eat spinach. Spinach contains vitamins A, B, C and K along with other nutrients.
However, if you overdo it, your dog might get an upset stomach. “You might see vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive gas, or decreased appetite,” explains Rhiannon Koehler, DVM, a veterinary advisor for PetLab Co.
Learn more about adding spinach to your dog’s diet, including health benefits, expert-approved serving sizes, and what kinds of spinach are best.
Is Spinach Nutritious for Dogs?
Spinach is packed full of nutrients, making it one of the healthiest leafy green veggies out there. Karen Shaw Becker, DVM and author of The Forever Dog Life, notes that some of the specific nutrients that spinach contains include:
- antioxidants from flavonols
- beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A), which has antioxidant properties and is essential for eyesight, immune health, and healthy cell division
- B vitamins and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a powerful compound that helps reduce cell damage
Per 100 grams, raw or cooked spinach contains:
- calories: 23
- protein: 2.9 grams
- fibre: 2.4 grams
- carbohydrates: 3.6 grams
- iron: 2.7 milligrams
Despite the similar nutrition levels, cooked spinach might be a better option for your pup. Additionally, Dr Becker says cooked spinach is easier to digest.
How Much Spinach Should Dogs Eat?
Generally, pet parents should feed their dog small amounts of spinach,” says Jessica Apted, DVM, regional medical director at Sploot Veterinary Care. She recommends a tablespoon per day for smaller dogs. Meanwhile, larger dogs can have a little more.
As with other human foods, ask your vet before adding new foods to your dog’s diet. “When offering spinach as a treat, limit its serving to 10% of your pet’s daily caloric intake,” Dr Becker says.
When feeding your dog spinach, always ensure it’s plain, without any seasonings or oils. Dr Becker recommends adding spinach to your dog’s meal as a topper, putting a few cooked leaves in their food, or pureeing it for a lick mat.
Lastly, she says to choose organic spinach, if possible, to avoid pesticides.
What Are the Risks of Dogs Eating Spinach?
Spinach contains oxalates, a natural compound found in fruits and vegetables. Some experts say oxalates can cause kidney damage and bladder stones if fed in excess. However, Dr Koehler reassures pet parents that “a healthy dog would have to eat a LOT of spinach for this to be a problem.”
Even so, if your dog has kidney disease, Dr Koehler recommends checking with your vet before adding spinach to your dog’s diet.
If you do feed your dog too much spinach, the other risks can include:
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- excessive gas
- decreased appetite
What Other Fruits & Veggies Are Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Fruits and vegetables are a great way to add new flavours and textures to your dog’s diet while providing extra nutrition.
But not all fruits and veggies are safe for your dog. For example, you’ll want to steer clear of grapes and onions. Try these options instead:
| Fruit/Veggie | Benefit | Serving Idea |
| Watermelons | Vitamins A, B12, E, K Magnesium Potassium |
Watermelon jerky (dehydrated) Frozen or turned into dog-friendly ice cream |
| Pumpkins | Fibre Antioxidants Vitamin C and B6 |
Food topper on regular meals Turned into dog-friendly ice cream |
| Apples | Fibre Antioxidants Vitamins A and C |
Chopped as a treat |
| Kale | Beta-carotene Vitamins A, B6, and K |
Steamed as a topper on your dog’s regular meals |
