Of all the discussions about which human foods are safe or unsafe for dogs, spinach may be one of the most controversial treats. Let’s start by remembering that dogs in the wild are carnivorous. If meat sources are scarce, they may eat vegetation to supplement their diet.
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But dogs don’t need fruits or vegetables in their diets, and some can even be toxic. However, some vegetables have useful nutrients and can serve as low-calorie snacks. Here are the two sides of the spinach controversy.
Nutritional Benefits of Spinach
Spinach contains large amounts of vitamins A, B, C, and K. It also contains iron, antioxidants, beta-carotene, and roughage, which stimulate the digestive tract. Your dog’s food should be contain all the nutrients your dog needs, but small amounts of spinach can provide some benefits.
Health Risks to Consider
Spinach is very high in oxalic acid, which blocks the body’s ability to absorb calcium and can lead to kidney damage. Soluble oxalates, which contain oxalic acid, bind with magnesium and calcium in the blood, which limits the availability of these electrolytes. It leads to a low level of blood calcium, which can cause a sudden metabolic imbalance. Calcium oxalate is excreted through the kidneys and a large amount can cause kidney damage, or even kidney failure.
Many sources agree that a dog would have to eat very large quantities of spinach to cause damage. Dogs that have healthy kidneys can easily process small amounts of soluble oxalates. But long-term consumption can cause kidney stress, muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, and even respiratory paralysis. As a result, you may want to avoid giving your dog spinach if they’re prone to kidney or bladder stones.
How to Safely Prepare Spinach for Dogs
If you weigh this evidence and decide to feed your dog spinach, preparation is important. The best way to prepare it is by steaming it. Boiled spinach loses most of its nutrients, and raw spinach is difficult for a dog to digest.
Even steamed, don’t add any spices, herbs, salt, oil, onion, or garlic, since these substances can be toxic for dogs. You should also hop the spinach, since a dog’s digestive tract can’t break down vegetables the way ours does.
If your dog’s kidneys are healthy, and you choose to feed them spinach, give them only small amounts infrequently. This could lower the possibility of calcium malabsorption and kidney damage.
Always consult your vet before adding spinach to your dog’s diet, even as a snack. Your vet can help you decide if giving your dog vegetables is a good idea and whether spinach will help or harm your dog.