How much spinach can you give a dog? Essential Tips

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How to Give Your Dog Spinach

Similar to any other new dog food, spinach is best added to your dog’s diet gradually over time. If you introduce spinach to your dog in large amounts at once, she may not adapt well to it. Even worse, she may fall ill due to digestive discomfort.When introducing spinach to your dog’s diet, start by incorporating it into familiar foods where it can be disguised. Watch your dog’s reaction to the new treat and if it is positive, you can increase the amount next time. If your dog is tolerating the incorporated spinach, consider giving it on its own to see if she will tolerate it as well. Again, start with small manageable amounts and work your way up slowly.

What Are the Side Effects of Giving My Dog Too Much Spinach?

Spinach contains high amounts of a substance known as oxalic acid. In small amounts, the kidneys can get rid of it. However, when you or your dog take in too much like you would if you ate spinach every day, it stays in the blood and results in negative health issues.

  • Decreased calcium absorption. The oxalic acid in spinach can react with the calcium in the gut to form calcium oxalate. Calcium oxalate is insoluble and cannot be absorbed into the bloodstream. Calcium is a very important element for body health aiding processes like bone and teeth formation.
  • Increased risk of kidney stones. In the kidneys, oxalic acid can also combine with calcium to form calcium oxalate which accumulates to cause kidney stones and other kidney problems

    • Spinach Nutrition Facts

    Below is the nutrition information for 100 grams of raw spinach according to the USDA:

  • 23 Calories
  • 2.86 grams protein
  • 0.39 grams fat
  • 3.63 grams carbohydrates
  • 2.2 grams dietary fiber
  • 9380 IU Vitamin A
  • 12200 mcg Lutein + zeaxanthin
  • 2.03 mg Vitamin E
  • 28.1 mg Vitamin C
  • 558 mg Potassium
  • 79 mg Magnesium

    • How much spinach can you give a dog?

    Spinach: good for you, good for your pet… right? With any vegetable, it’s important to consider all the aspects of how it will impact your dog.

    Dogs, naturally, are carnivorous – so even though dogs may not need vegetables in their diets, they can be used as a supplement to a meat-based diet.

    With many potential benefits, it’s up to you to decide whether or not you agree with feeding your dog spinach.