Can Dogs Eat Spinach?

You may be surprised to learn that some dogs like spinach the same way dogs like lettuce. They are happy to munch on some greens. But is spinach good for your dog?

Is Spinach Good or Bad for Dogs?

In moderation, spinach is good for dogs to eat. However, too much spinach can cause problems. Spinach is high in molecules called oxalates that can combine with calcium to form kidney and bladder stones. One serving of spinach would not make your dog develop kidney stones. However, eating a diet heavy in oxalates over an extended period could have an affect. Here’s a site with a list of foods high in oxalates.

Are there any health benefits?

Spinach is a good source of vitamin K, vitamin A, C, E, and several B vitamins. It’s also a good source of calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, potassium, and it’s a very good source of dietary fiber. It’s really packed with nutrients. A serving of spinach is even 30 percent protein. So, Popeye was right about eating his spinach.

Spinach Dog Treats:

Fresh spinach is nothing like frozen spinach or spinach that has been cooked until it’s mush. It’s a green with a nice taste and texture. It’s not surprising that dogs often like it. What is surprising is that there are quite a few dog treat recipes that include spinach. It’s good if you are using a recipe for liver, for example. If you cook homemade meals for your dog, you can often add spinach to the meal. If you are scrambling some eggs for your dog, just add some cheese and spinach and you have a nice meal.

Here’s a treat recipe from the DogAware.com site that we like.

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