Maybe you have a huge bunch of spinach in the fridge just waiting to be eaten, but there are only so many grilled paninis you can eat in a week. So you ask yourself, can dogs eat spinach?
Not only can dogs eat this versatile green, but there are plenty of health benefits that your dog can enjoy from spinach! Of course, as with any “human food,” you might be wondering how to portion spinach, and how to convince your dog to enjoy it in the first place.
You don’t have to let that spinach wilt away in your fridge because we’ve got the answers to all your leafy green questions!
Can dogs eat spinach?
There’s a reason why the old cartoon sailor, Popeye, ate all that spinach. This nutrient dense veggie is what made him so strong! Here are a few of the main health benefits of spinach for dogs:
- Vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. Spinach is filled with a range of vitamins that aid in everything from vision to immune health to endurance and more
- Antioxidants. The phytochemicals present in leafy greens like spinach act as antioxidants in the body, eliminating free radicals and reducing the risk of cancer. They can also work to reduce inflammation
- Fibre. The right amount of fibre can help your dog achieve digestive regularity
- Omega 3 fatty acids. You might think of salmon and chia seeds as the go-to foods for Omega 3s but spinach is a surprising source of this brilliant compound! Your dog will benefit from healthier skin, fur, and nails
- Minerals. The minerals found in spinach include potassium, calcium, and iron and can help with your dog’s nervous system, cardiovascular system and other foundational functions
- Chlorophyll. As a Dog Owner, you may love doggy kisses. But that doesn’t mean that you love doggy breath. The chlorophyll found in leafy greens can help to freshen your dog’s breath by neutralising odours
How much spinach is too much for your dog?
While there are many health benefits to spinach for your dog, you’ll still want to be careful about giving your dog their leafy greens in moderation.
One thing that you might hear about spinach for dogs is that too much of it can lead to kidney failure. That’s because spinach contains oxalic acid, which can make it harder for your dog to absorb calcium. Over time, this could culminate in problems with the kidneys and other organs. But, while that certainly sounds concerning, the truth is, your dog would need to eat a lot of spinach to experience the negative health outcomes of oxalic acid. Unless your dog already has an underlying health condition, they should be able to eat spinach without a problem.
That said, when it comes to highly fibrous ingredients, you still want to limit how much spinach your dog consumes in one sitting. If your dog has a low tolerance to leafy greens or they’re simply not accustomed to eating veggies, eating too much spinach could lead to digestive upset.
Every dog has a unique tolerance to foods like spinach, but most can enjoy a daily portion of a few leaves to a small handful of leaves without a problem.
How can dogs eat spinach as part of their regular diet?
If you want your dog to enjoy this nutritious veggie regularly, here are a few tips to incorporate spinach into their daily diet:
- Blend up a dog-friendly smoothie. You probably include spinach in your own tasty smoothies, but it also makes a brilliant addition to your dog’s blended treat! Take a look at our Summer Green Smoothie recipe, and consider pouring the leftovers into an ice tray for a cooling summer pup-sicle!
- Make some DIY dog treats with spinach. No matter what your dog’s favourite DIY dog treats are, you can make them even healthier by adding in some chopped spinach. This leafy green does bring some moisture to the table, so make sure to adjust your recipe accordingly
- Opt for dog food with spinach as an ingredient. One of the best ways to add spinach to your dog’s diet is to allow the pros to do it for you. With the help of a certified nutritionist who knows exactly how much spinach should make up a healthy doggy diet, your pup can enjoy the maximum benefits of this leafy green. Mad Paws Dinner Bowl offers an array of different kinds of dog food, from raw to gently cooked to kibble, so that you can cater to your pupper’s paw-ference. This is also a great option for doggos who may not immediately enjoy the taste of spinach. When blended with other all-natural flavours, your dog will definitely change their mind about eating spinach!
Overall, can dogs eat spinach?
Even though there have been some warnings about spinach causing kidney problems, the general consensus is that your pup would have to gorge themselves on this leafy green to experience any negative health outcomes. When served in reasonable portions, your pup can enjoy a range of health benefits from a stronger immune system to better stamina to fresher breath.
Giving your dog a couple of leaves of spinach per day can keep them in good shape. But if you’re not sure how to convince your pup to eat their greens, it’s a good idea to rely on a delicious dog food with spinach as an ingredient.
At the end of the day: can dogs eat spinach? The answer is a resounding yes!
