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Can Dogs Eat Spinach?

Can Dogs Eat Spinach?

Updated on July 18, 2024
Reviewer Profile Photo
Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care
Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

Yes. But while dogs can eat plain spinach in small quantities on rare occasions, it’s not a great snack for them. How it’s prepared makes a difference, and your vet should be consulted before you add any new food to your dog’s diet. Also remember that treats—and spinach falls into this category—should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s total daily calories.

It’s a natural tendency to want to share bits and pieces of your delicious meal with your dog, but doing so isn’t always a great idea. A number of human foods are perfectly fine for your pup to snack on, while others are unhealthy and even unsafe.

Health benefits of spinach for dogs

Benefits of this leafy green:

  • Excellent source of vitamins A, B, C and K
  • Excellent source of fiber
  • Excellent source of iron 
  • Helps boost the immune system
  • Helps maintain proper energy levels
  • Supports a healthy heart

The preferred food of a certain sailor (Popeye), spinach can be a fantastic source of vitamins, potassium and fiber. Some people, however, may be concerned about the oxalates that naturally occur in spinach because they can bind to minerals, including calcium, and lead to kidney problems. Since your pet’s commercially available food is formulated to meet all of their nutritional needs, spinach is not a necessary addition to the canine diet. If you choose to give plain spinach to your dog, offer it in small portions and only on occasion.

» MORE: Learn about fruits and vegetables that dogs can and cannot eat.

Can dogs eat canned spinach?

Yes, dogs can eat canned spinach. Make sure the canned spinach doesn’t have any added ingredients, spices or excess salt. And only serve your dog canned spinach in moderation as an occasional snack or added to their food. 

Can dogs eat cooked spinach?

Yes, dogs can eat cooked spinach. Plainly cooked spinach is easier than raw spinach for dogs to digest and can be a healthy addition to their diet when served in moderation and without any added oils, butter, spices or salt.  

How to feed spinach toyour dog

If your vet says it is okay to treat your dog with spinach, follow these preparation tips. Chop it into bite-size chunks and steam it thoroughly without butter, salt, garlic, onions or any other ingredient. Garlic and onions are both toxic to dogs, and raw spinach can be difficult for dogs to digest.

Spinach shouldn’t be part of every one of your dog’s meals, but a little chopped-up steamed spinach sprinkled into their food on rare occasions isn’t likely to be a problem.

FAQs about feeding your dog spinach

If you’re wondering, “Can dogs eat spinach cooked?” the answer is a complicated yes. Boiling removes most of its nutrients, so steaming is recommended. Prepare it plainly without herbs, spices, salt, oil, garlic, onion or any other ingredient that might be unhealthy for your pet. Because your pup’s digestive system can’t break down vegetables as effectively as your own can, chop spinach into bite-size chunks before serving. Only feed spinach to your dog in small amounts every now and then. Because your pet’s commercially available, vet-recommended dog food is formulated to meet all of their nutritional needs, spinach is not a necessary addition to their diet nor is it an appropriate substitute or addition to their daily meals. Spinach offered in large quantities, frequently, over a long period of time, has the potential to cause calcium malabsorption and even kidney damage.

Raw spinach isn’t recommended because it can be difficult for dogs to digest. Steam plainly without oil or additional ingredients until thoroughly wilted, then chop into bite-size chunks.

Yes. Baby spinach is just young spinach, so it can be offered to your dog if steamed until thoroughly wilted, then chopped into bite-size chunks. Do not add oil, salt, onions, garlic or any other ingredient.

No. In most cases, canned spinach is high in sodium, which can dehydrate your dog and even lead to salt toxicity. It’s best to stick to commercially available dog treats or a small amount of plain steamed spinach if you want to feed this leafy green to your dog.

Yes, dogs can eat fresh spinach as long as it has been steamed first, chopped up and prepared plainly with no oils or other ingredients. Dogs should not eat raw spinach because it is difficult for them to digest./p>

Yes, dogs can eat spinach stems if they have been steamed. Raw spinach stems are unhealthy and hard to digest.

Dogs cannot eat spinach that has wilted due to spoilage. They can eat fresh, thoroughly steamed spinach, however, as long as it’s prepared without the use of herbs, spices, oils, salt, garlic, onion or any other ingredient.

Your pet’s vet-recommended, commercially available dog food is formulated to meet all of their nutritional needs, so vegetables do not need to be added to their diet for any reason. Dogs who consume too many fruits and veggies are likely to develop gastrointestinal discomfort, gas, diarrhea or constipation. If you are simply looking for low-calorie treat options, there are a number of vegetables that are generally considered safe for dogs in small amounts. Remember to always cut vegetables into bite-size pieces to reduce the chance of choking and never add extra ingredients that may be harmful or add unnecessary calories. If you want to add an occasional vegetable to your dog’s treat menu, some of the best ones to consider include:

  • Broccoli It’s an excellent source of fiber, calcium, and vitamins A and B. It can be consumed raw as long as your pet doesn’t have trouble digesting tougher foods. Otherwise, steam until soft before serving
  • CucumberCucumbers are very low in calories and contain little to no carbohydrates, fats or oils. They are packed with electrolytes as well as vitamins K, C and B1. If your dog has a sensitive digestive system, remove the seeds and skin
  • Brussels Sprouts These little green sprouts carry a bunch of essential nutrients and antioxidants. However, like other Brassica vegetables, they can make your dog a little gassy, so moderation is key
  • Green Beans This vegetable can be served uncooked in bite-size pieces. Green beans are an excellent low-calorie source of fiber.

While many healthy dogs can safely eat a small amount of spinach without any negative effects, some may develop issues such as diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset and flatulence. Before you treat your dog to any new food, consult your veterinarian.

An occasional small portion of steamed spinach prepared without oil, salt, garlic, onions or any other ingredient isn’t likely to hurt your dog, but it doesn’t offer much of a nutritional benefit. Too much spinach in one serving can cause issues like gastrointestinal upset, flatulence and diarrhea, which is no fun for either of you.

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