Yep, it’s A-OK to give your dog moderate amounts of this green veggie, either raw or cooked. In fact, celery is a low-calorie source of vitamins, fiber and minerals that can support your dog’s health.
However, just because celery is safe for dogs doesn’t mean pet parents can give their canine companions unlimited amounts. We spoke with a vet expert to learn how much celery you can give your pooch, the health benefits of celery for dogs and how to include this veggie in your pup’s diet.
Before serving any new foods to your pet, consult with your veterinarian first.
Expert input provided by Dr. Alex Schechter, DVM, co-founder of Burrwood Veterinary in Royal Oak, Michigan.
How Much Celery Can My Dog Eat?
A general rule of thumb when giving your dog treats or human food, including celery, is the 10 percent rule: No more than 10 percent of your dog's daily calories should come from these items. The other 90 percent should come from well-balanced dog food.
Celery is very low in calories, with each medium-sized stalk containing about 6 calories. So, technically you could feed your dog quite a bit of celery, but it’s best to stick to the following guidelines:
Very small dogs (2-20 pounds)
1–2 pieces (1/2-inch long x 1/4-inch thick)
Small dogs (21-30 pounds)
2–3 pieces (1-inch long x 1/4-inch thick)
Medium dogs (31-50 pounds)
2–3 pieces (1-inch long x 1/4-inch thick)
Large dogs (51-90 pounds)
small handful of pieces (1-inch long x 1/4-inch thick)
Very large dogs (91+ pounds)
handful of pieces (1-inch long x 1/4-inch thick)
Feeding Your Dog Celery:
7 Ways to Serve the Crunchy Veggie
1Serve Raw as a Healthy Snack
Cut celery into bite-sized pieces and offer them to your dog as-is for a crunchy snack.
This can be a refreshing, healthy treat any time of year—but especially during warmer months.
2Mix with Their Regular Food
Like mothers sneak veggies into their children’s meals, you can chop or puree raw or cooked celery and mix it in with your dog's regular food.
This can add flavor and nutritional value to their meal.
3Make "Ants on a Log" Frozen Treat
Tasty and nutritious, "Ants on a Log" for dogs is a frozen treat that stores well, so they’ll be ready to go whenever you want to give your pup a little something special.
To make "Ants on a Log" for dogs, follow these steps:
- Thoroughly rinse the celery to remove any dirt or residue. Trim off the rough ends of each stalk. Then, slice each stalk horizontally into two equal halves.
- Take a butter knife and spread a small amount of peanut butter into the crevice of each celery piece.
- Add toppings, like blueberries or kibble pieces. (Don’t go overboard! Remember the "10 percent" treat rule.)
- Place the treats on a plate in a single layer and place in the freezer. Once frozen, store them in a freezer-safe container.
- Before serving a frozen celery treat to your dog, cut the half-stalks into 1-inch pieces (or 1/2-inch pieces for very small dogs).
Note: Check the ingredients of your peanut butter. Xylitol, a common sweetener used in many products, is harmful to dogs. Choose a brand that is xylitol-free.
4Stuff Celery in Toys
If your dog enjoys interactive toys like KONG Classic Dog Toy, you can stuff them with a mixture of celery and other dog-friendly ingredients, like xylitol-free peanut butter or mashed sweet potato.
This not only provides your dog with a nutritious snack but also keeps them entertained and stimulated as they work to get the food out of the toy.
5Add to Homemade Dog Treats
There are many quick and easy homemade dog treat recipes out there; and even if they don’t call for celery, you can add some in for an extra nutritional boost.
For example, adding pieces of celery to these Pumpkin Pie Dog Treats would work well!
6Make Celery Juice or a Smoothie
Think celery juice and green smoothies are just for humans? Think again! Your dog can get in on these health trends, too.
- For celery juice: Simply run washed celery through a juicer and serve 1/4 to 1 cup of juice to your dog (depending on their size).
- For a dog-friendly smoothie: Blend celery with other dog-safe fruits and vegetables, like blueberries and pumpkin, then serve the smoothie in small amounts as a special treat.
7Seek Out Store-Bought Dog Treats and Food
Because celery is safe and healthy for dogs, many store-bought dog treats and dog food contain celery. A few good options include:
Temporarily out of stock
The Benefits of Celery for Dogs
Celery is packed with beneficial nutrients that can contribute positively to your dog's overall health.
Here are some potential benefits of incorporating celery into your dog's diet:
- It’s a low-calorie snack. Celery is extremely low in calories, making it a great weight-friendly treat for dogs, especially those with obesity. This means you can offer it to your pup in moderation without hindering their weight loss goals.
- It’s rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Celery is rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C and K. It also contains potassium, folate and manganese. These nutrients support your dog's immune system, contribute to healthy skin and coat and aid in their overall well-being.
- It’s high in fiber. Celery has a high fiber content, which can contribute to a healthy digestive system and help regulate bowel movements. This can be especially beneficial for dogs with constipation issues.
- It’s hydrating. Because celery has a high water content, it can help keep your dog hydrated, especially during the hot summer months.
- It supports oral health. The crunchy texture of celery can help clean your dog's teeth and contribute to better oral health (and improved dog breath!).
The Risks of Feeding Celery to Dogs
While celery is generally safe for dogs to eat, as with any human food, there are some potential risks to consider:
- Digestive upset: If your dog eats too much celery, especially if it’s a new food, they might experience an upset stomach. This could manifest as loose stools or even vomiting. It's best to introduce celery slowly into their diet and in small amounts to reduce the risk of digestive upset.
- Choking hazard: Eating celery can pose a choking hazard, especially if given to your dog in large pieces. This risk increases for small dogs. Never give your dog whole celery stalks. Always cut the celery into bite-sized pieces appropriate for your dog's size to reduce this risk.
- Celery leaves can have pesticides: Dogs can digest celery leaves, which contain the most calcium, potassium and vitamin C in the plant. However, the leaves are also the part of the plant with the most pesticides. Unless you buy organic celery, removing and disposing of the leaves before feeding the celery to your dog is recommended.
Exploring Other Dog-Friendly Human Foods
More veggies dogs can eat:
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