Kale appears in health foods, smoothies, and salads, and offers numerous health benefits. But is kale safe for dogs?
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Is Kale Safe for Dogs?
Kale can cause medical problems for dogs. The leafy green contains several potentially harmful natural compounds, including calcium oxalate and isothiocyanate.
Calcium oxalate can cause health issues such as kidney and bladder stones. Dogs prone to kidney or bladder stones should avoid foods high in calcium oxalate, including:
Isothiocyanates, which are also found in broccoli, pose another problem. Though they are linked to a lower risk for cancer in humans, in dogs, they can cause mild to potentially severe gastric irritation. Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinarian for the AKC, states, “Broccoli is considered safe for dogs if the total amount ingested is less than 10% of their daily intake. Over 25% may be considered toxic.”
Since broccoli and kale have similar levels of this compound and are from the same vegetable family, while kale could be safe in small quantities, it should not be a regular treat.
Kale can also interfere with thyroid function if fed regularly, especially in dogs with hypothyroidism, who may experience medication interactions. If you feed your dog table scraps, it’s worth discussing possible food-medication interactions with your veterinarian.
My Dog Ate Kale. What Do I Do?
If your dog eats kale, the best thing you can do is monitor them closely for signs of intestinal upset or kidney and bladder stones. Contact your veterinarian if you notice vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty urinating, or any change in urination habits.
A small amount of kale is probably harmless, but not all dogs react the same way. Your dog’s size also plays a role. For instance, the amount of kale your Labrador Retriever can safely eat without side effects is much larger than the amount your Yorkshire Terrier can consume.
Is It OK for My Dog to Eat Kale?
Occasional small amounts of kale are unlikely to cause harm in most dogs, but some veterinarians caution against it — particularly for dogs with underlying health conditions.
There are plenty of green alternatives for your dog to snack on that don’t pose any potential health problems in small quantities. For example, green beans and cucumbers are safe for most dogs, and your veterinarian can provide you with more information about healthy treats and homemade diets.