Can dogs or cats eat celery?

14 July 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat celery?

While celery may not be the first food that comes to mind when you're thinking about what to feed your dog, it does offer some nutritional benefits, and should generally be safe for your dog to eat in moderation.

One of the main benefits of feeding your dog celery is the vegetable's high fibre content. Fibre plays an essential role in maintaining digestive health and promoting regular bowel movements, which can help prevent constipation and other gastrointestinal issues. That said, like many human foods offered as treats or supplements for dogs (including carrots), too much of a good thing may cause problems. Feeding your dog a large amount of celery could lead to loose stools or even diarrhoea due to its high fibre content.

Serve it plain or steamed, with no salt or other seasonings.

As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult with your veterinarian first! If your dog eats celery (or any food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, dog insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat celery?

Celery can be a healthy and safe treat for cats when given in moderation (that is, if they're even interested in this vegetable). It contains essential vitamins and minerals that can contribute to their overall health, such as Vitamin K, folate, and potassium. As an added bonus, celery is low in calories and carbohydrates, which makes it a good snack for overweight or diabetic cats.

However, while some cats may enjoy the taste of celery, others may not like its texture or flavour. In addition, overconsumption of celery by a cat can lead to digestive issues such as vomiting or diarrhoea due to its high fibre content. Plus, as obligate carnivores, cats need to get the vast majority of their nutrients from meat-based foods.

If you do give your cat celery, give them small amounts at a time (raw or cooked, but plain) and take note of how well your cat's stomach tolerates it.

As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult with your veterinarian first! If your cat eats celery (or any food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, cat insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Information purposes only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet poison emergency protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the Animal Poison Line (01202 50 9000).

Food safety statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet