Can dogs eat celery?

Updated 29/04/2024

As a nutrient-dense, water-packed addition to our salads, smoothies and soups, many a pet parent will have a few sticks of celery laying around in the fridge. And as such a healthy snack for us humans, it might get you thinking - can dogs eat celery? Or is celery strictly for us humans? Well luckily for your crunch-loving canine, celery is perfectly safe for dogs. In fact, you can add it to your list of healthy dog treats, as it's low calories and it's brimming with vitamins and minerals great for your pup's health. To find out more about dogs and celery, take a look below as we answer a few popular questions pet parents have on the topic.  

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Is celery poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat celery without any worries? And is celery safe for dogs, no matter how it's served? Well you'll be pleased to know that this low-calorie vegetable doesn't contain anything toxic to dogs, but you should always be cautious when trying your pooch with any new ingredients. Simply introduce one at a time (a few days apart) and keep an eye on their general health and behavior - this will help you know whether your pup is sensitive to anything new. Some dogs can get some vomiting or diarrhea when fed fruit and veg. 

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Is celery good for dogs?

So can dogs eat celery and get any health benefits out of it? And are there any precautions to take? First and foremost, you'll need to make sure it's cut into bite-size pieces. As you'll know, celery is incredibly fibrous which means if served in big chunks, it poses quite a serious choking hazard. Next, don't overdo it on the portion sizes. While celery is certainly healthy for both dogs and their humans, it should still be considered a snack for your furry friend, with only up to 10% of your pup's calories being made up with snacks. Plus, if you're worried about your  dog's nutrition and you're thinking about adding so-called 'human foods' into their diet, rest assured the dog food you pick for them will be perfectly balanced for their age, breed and specific health status (depending on which brand you choose, of course). You should always check with your vet before adding anything new to your dog’s food bowl.

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Health benefits of eating celery for dogs

So, now we've cracked the question - can dogs have celery - let's take a look at some of the health benefits that it could bring to your pup. And remember, you don't need to include additional veg in your pup's diet to keep them healthy - the dog food you choose is formulated specifically for this.

• Vitamin A. Supports your pup's vision, bone growth and immune response.
• Vitamin C. Helps to reduce inflammation and fights free radicals, which may prevent diseases.
• Vitamin K. Helps with healthy blood clotting.
• Manganese. Helps dogs to grow healthy bones and joints. 
• Folate. Aids with red blood cell production which carry oxygen around the body.
• Potassium. Helps maintain the electrical charges of the heart, muscles and nerves.

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Feeding your dog celery

So can dogs eat celery served in any way? Certainly not - many of the ingredients popular in the world of 'people food' are toxic to dogs, so the main things to keep in mind when serving up celery to your pup is to keep it plain, in moderation and of course, bite-size chunks.The best way to serve it is fresh, washed, and chopped into small pieces.

Can dogs eat celery leaves?

Celery leaves are packed with nutrients, so are perfectly safe for dogs so long as they're organic.

Can dogs eat raw celery?

Your pup might just love raw celery - it's crunchy and fresh, and goes unbelievably well with dog-safe peanut butter. In fact, raw celery can contribute to your dog's oral health, as the fibrous texture may have a sort of cleansing effect on your dog's mouth.

Can dogs eat cooked celery?

Cooked celery is fine for your pooch if you think the crispness of it raw might be tough on your pup's gums.

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Other celery products

And can dogs eat celery if it’s cooked into soups or blended with smoothies? And can dogs have celery juice? We recommend serving celery plain and simple to your pup. That way, you can rest assured there's no chance of toxicity, with many of the common ingredients in our cooking poisonous to dogs. 

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now we know that dogs and celery are a match made in pup snack heaven, get yourself clued-up on the other foods dogs can eat.

• Pork
• Cranberries
• Cinnamon

Meet our veterinary expert, Holly

This article has been checked by veterinarian Holly Anne Hills BVM BVS BVMedSci. After graduating from the University of Nottingham, Holly spent two years working as a farm animal vet. She then spent some time traveling and volunteering in India, working at neutering clinics and with injured street dogs. Holly now works in small animal practice, and balances this with writing, volunteering with the comms team at Vet Sustain, and she is also a marine mammal medic!