Can Dogs Eat Raw Celery?
It’s no secret that dogs love to eat just about anything they can get their paws on. From table scraps to garbage, there’s not much that Fido won’t put in his mouth. So, it’s no surprise that many pet parents wonder if it’s okay to let their dog chow down on celery.
After all, celery is a healthy snack for humans, so surely it must be good for dogs too, right? Well, not necessarily. Read on to find out whether raw celery is safe for your furry friend.
Raw Celery And Dogs
Generally speaking, yes, raw celery is safe for dogs. Both the AKC[1]AKC: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-celery/ and veterinarians[2]Vetstreet: http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/5-sneaky-ways-to-keep-dogs-and-cats-slim?page=2 say celery is an allowable vegetable for dogs of most breeds.
Celery is non-toxic for dogs, it’s low in fat, it’s low in calories, the flavor is generally agreeable for dogs, and it has some vitamins and nutrients. So, in summary, dogs can eat raw celery and most will.
Because celery is a low-calorie food, it’s considered a weight loss treat for dogs. You can give a piece of celery instead of a cookie-like dog treat or additional food if your dog is on a weight loss program.
Should Dogs Eat Celery?
The answer to the question of whether dogs should eat raw celery is a bit complicated. While celery itself is not harmful to dogs, there are some potential hazards associated with feeding your dog this veggie in its raw form. The stringy texture of raw celery can be tough on a dog’s digestive system and may cause vomiting or diarrhea.
Make sure to wash the celery first. Celery is one of those vegetables that always seems to capture some dirt on the bottom.
Celery Sticks Are Better
The toughness of celery you should cut the celery into small pieces before serving — similar to a celery stick you’d pack into a lunch box. Also, don’t overdo it! If celery is used as a treat, a few pieces here or there will do the trick, instead of giving over full stalks or more. This will be a bigger issue with smaller dogs who may struggle with, or even choke on the stringy stalks.
One way to deal with the strings is to break the celery pieces in half, with the break going towards the string side. You can then peel the strings from the celery and discard them before giving the stalks to your pup.
Concluding Thoughts
In short, while celery itself is not harmful to dogs, there are some potential risks associated with feeding your pup this vegetable in its raw form. When used with care this can be a fun, healthy treat for most