Can dogs eat spinach?

Updated 29/04/2024

Rich in a range of vitamins and minerals plus a whole host of health benefits like protection against certain diseases and the maintenance of good vision, it's no wonder spinach has found its way into the human diet. So with its 'superfood' status and culinary versatility, we wouldn't blame you for wondering - can dogs eat spinach like they can many of the other vegetables we humans enjoy? It's a yes and no on this one. On one hand, spinach is a seriously healthy snack choice for your pup - it's bursting with antioxidants and more nutritional good stuff which we'll explore below. On the other hand though, consuming too much spinach can result in interference of your pup's ability to absorb calcium, which can be pretty dangerous. So to make sense of whether your dog can eat spinach, take a look below as we unpick common questions from pet parents on the topic.

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Is spinach poisonous to dogs?

So most importantly, can dogs eat spinach and not experience any nasty reactions? And is spinach safe for dogs or does it contain compound toxic dogs, like members of the allium family? Well you'll be pleased to know that spinach isn't poisonous to dogs, but you should always be cautious when feeding your pup new foods as there's a slim chance of spinach intolerance. And when it comes to treating your pooch to a taste of spinach, you'll need to be careful of portion sizes and how the veg is prepared - more on that below. 

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Is spinach good for dogs?

Can dogs eat spinach and benefit from all of those lovely vitamins and minerals present? Or is spinach bad for dogs for some reason? It's a bit of both - you'd be right in thinking that spinach is a healthy treat for your furry friend, but you'll need to be careful with how it's prepared and how much you're treating your pup to.

Why? Well firstly, raw spinach can be pretty tough for our furry friends to digest, so always cook it first. For more on the safest ways to prepare spinach for dogs, take a look below. The next thing you'll need to be cautious of when sharing the leafy green with your pup is portion sizes. Why? Spinach is high in oxalic acid, which stops the body from being able to absorb calcium. This can lead to kidney damage, which is why it's widely agreed that spinach portion sizes should be kept under control for dogs. And if your pup has a known kidney problem, skip feeding them spinach at all. Plus if you're concerned about whether spinach is safe for your specific pooch, have a chat with your vet before going ahead.

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Health benefits of eating spinach for dogs

So, now we've settled the question - can dogs eat spinach - let's get into the health benefits your pooch could experience if fed small amounts of the leafy green as a treat. But before we get into it, just know that you don't need to add spinach to your doggo's bowl for them to thrive. In fact, dog foods are specifically formulated with all the nutrients your pup needs to stay healthy, so only add in extras that are safe for dogs as a treat if you're particularly curious. Now, for the health benefits of spinach for dogs.

• Vitamin A. Great for your pup's vision, coat and skin.
• Vitamin B. Supports their nervous system and brain functioning.
• Vitamin C. Bolsters the immune system and helps to fight off free radicals.
• Fiber. Supports your doggo's digestive system.
• Iron. Supports healthy organs, bones and muscles.
• Antioxidants. Helps to protect your pup from free radicals.

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Feeding your dog spinach

Now we've unpicked the question - can dogs have spinach - and you're all clued-up on the health benefits of spinach for dogs, it'll be helpful for you to know the safest ways to serve up the veg. So can dogs eat spinach cooked? Certainly - in fact, steaming spinach is recommended, as it'll help the leaves keep a lot of those lovely nutrients locked in. Steam until soft and allow to cool, then chop it up to avoid the risk of choking on any stringy bits. And when serving, don't be tempted to add any seasonings, fats or any other ingredients - these are often bad news health wise for dogs or even toxic.

Can dogs eat raw spinach?

The spinach you serve your pooch should always be cooked - raw spinach is hard for dogs to digest and could result in gastrointestinal irritation.

Can dogs eat canned spinach?

Stick to fresh spinach - canned is packed with salt which is seriously bad news for our furry friends.

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Other spinach products

So, now we know that dogs and spinach can be friends in moderation, you might be wondering - can dogs have spinach cooked into some of your favorite dishes like curries, pastas and even smoothies? Sadly it's a no. Our furry friends are far more sensitive than we humans are to the foods we consume, and extra ingredients mean extra risks to consider, so keep the spinach you serve up to your pup completely plain.

Meet our veterinary expert, Hannah

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCV.

Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and worked in mixed practice for a few years before focusing on small animal work. Clinically, she worked in a busy, multi-center hospital practice until 2018, where she underwent training in advanced canine and feline dentistry and began working towards a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. She then moved to a local independent practice to care for the pets nearby, allowing more time to focus on other career avenues, which include writing for a diverse range of pet websites, vet practices, drug companies, journals, and veterinary educators.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

After all of this spinach talk, you might be curious to know the other foods dogs can eat - take a look below to get started.

• Asparagus
• Pears
• Coconut