If you own a dog, you know how crucial it is to ensure that they are fed the right food all the time. What might be delicious for you can be toxic to them? Take onion for example.
We eat onion daily but feeding that to your dog might not be the best idea. All that aside, there is always controversy when it comes to talking about feeding your dog spinach.
Before anything, let us clarify one thing. Dogs are carnivores. This means that leaves and vegetables are not a substantial need for them. In case they don’t have anything else to eat, that is the last thing that they resort to.
Coming back to the topic of spinach, yes, your dog can eat spinach. But, in moderation. It is extremely important that you don’t make it part of their daily diet or even force them to eat it if they are not eating it willingly.
But, much like the pros, there are cons of eating spinach as well that you probably didn’t know of. Let us discuss everything that you need to know.
Nutritional facts about Spinach
Spinach is an extremely healthy and nutrient-dense leafy green that is suited for human consumption and moderately for the dogs too. That aside, if you have been meaning to start feeding your dog some spinach here and there, knowing the nutritional benefits is important.
100 gms of spinach contain a whole lot of proteins, calories, carbs, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C, potassium and magnesium.
What are the benefits of spinach for your dog?
If the thought of feeding spinach to your dog struck your mind, you’d likely want to know of the benefits of the same.
To be fair, spinach is a superfood for humans and that is because of the amazing nutrient balance it has. A little portion of spinach for your dog every once in a while can help keep the risks of inflammation, cancer and the other cardiovascular diseases in check.
The same has also been found to have positive benefits in helping improve the energy levels of the dog and improve their overall immunity. Even if you are giving spinach to your dog, you want to ensure that your pup is eating a balanced diet with the necessary sources of meat as well.
In case of any query, make sure that you consult your vet and ask them about it.
Is spinach toxic for my dog?
While spinach might not be toxic for your dog when eaten in small quantities, the same does become toxic when the amount becomes way more than what is necessary for them. Just because you drink a green smoothie every morning and it is healthy for you, doesn’t mean that the same stands true for your pup.
Spinach has oxalic acid in them, which when comes in contact with calcium can form kidney stones. The same can prove harmful for your dog which is why it is always important to be careful with the portion size.
How to prepare?
If you are planning on giving spinach to your dog, make sure that you get the organic option. Aside from that, it is always best that you puree it instead of giving the whole leaf.
Since they are carnivores, they might not like the taste, so try and mix it up with some meat and introduce that to them gradually.
When it comes to feeding your dog’s spinach, it comes down to one thing – moderation. Don’t overdo the same because that is where the problems arise. If you need, always consult your vet before doing anything.
FAQs
1. Should I give spinach every day to my dog?
Try and avoid spinach every day in your dog’s meal as it can affect their kidney functions because of the oxalate present in the spinach. Let them try it and if they like it, give it to them every once in a while.
2. How much spinach is okay for dogs?
Dogs are not accustomed to eating vegetables and greens, which is why forcing them to eat more of that can affect their stomach and digestion. Give them 1-2 leaves to let them try and if they like it, give around 3-4 leaves every other day or 2-3 times a week.
3. Should I boil the spinach for my dog?
Spinach can be eaten raw, so if you don’t want to boil it, there is no compulsion that you need to do that. Just ensure that it is cleaned completely.
4. Should I add the spinach to the dry dog food?
Spinach doesn’t have to be part of the meal of your dog. Try and give it to them occasionally and if they don’t like it, adding it to their meal is a bad option. They might end up not eating their meals too.
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