Can dogs or cats eat spinach?
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Can dogs eat spinach?
Spinach is the vegetable of kings, or at least the vegetable of cartoon sailor-men in need of a quick energy boost. All that leafy goodness is healthy for dogs as well – but only in moderation.
Spinach contains vitamins A, C and K, as well as iron and antioxidants — all beneficial for canine health. But do be aware that feeding your dog too much spinach can lead to some unwanted side effects.
One potential issue is the high levels of oxalates found in spinach. Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds which can bind calcium in the body and form crystals or stones, causing urinary problems such as bladder infections or kidney stones if eaten excessively over time. So don't give your pup large quantities of raw spinach; instead, add small amounts to their regular food, and only do so occasionally.
As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult your veterinarian first. If your dog eats spinach (or any food) and shows signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, contact your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating any unsafe foods, dog insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.
Can dogs eat...
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Can cats eat spinach?
For humans, foods don't get much more nutritious than spinach. Cats can see some health benefits from spinach snacking as well, but they should only eat it occasionally and in small amounts.
Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. These nutrients help to support a cat’s immune system and promote overall good health. However, too much spinach can upset your cat's stomach or even cause kidney problems. That's because vegetable contains a large amount of oxalates — naturally occurring compounds which can bind calcium in the body and form crystals or stones.
Also, keep in mind that cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to get most of their nutrients from meat. Plant-based foods should never displace the meat in your cat's diet.
As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult your veterinarian first. If your cat eats spinach (or any food) and shows signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, contact your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating any unsafe foods, cat insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.
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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
Could be given almost daily without harm
Not toxic, but should not be given regularly
Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet