Mary Allen
Many types of dog food contain spinach. These green leafy vegetables are considered particularly healthy, at least for us humans.
And what about our four-legged friends? Can dogs eat spinach at all?
In general, there is nothing wrong with your dog occasionally eating spinach. The healthy ingredients also benefit our four-legged friends.
Do not give large amounts of spinach
Due to the high oxalic acid content, a healthy dog should only eat small amounts of spinach. The same notes apply to beetroot.
Puppies and dogs with kidney problems should not be given spinach at all because of the oxalic acid it contains.
Spinach is supposedly healthy
Even children have to eat a lot of spinach because it is said to be so healthy. Many also know the cartoon series Popeye, who only gets his incredible powers from spinach.
The vegetable has a good reputation due to its allegedly very high iron content. Today we know that spinach does not contain nearly as much iron as was once thought.
Although the miscalculation with spinach has now been corrected, the vegetable still contains more iron than many other types of vegetables.
However, spinach also contains oxalic acid. And this substance inhibits both iron and calcium absorption.
Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron
Spinach should therefore be combined with foods containing vitamin C to improve iron absorption.
Potatoes are ideal for this. Brief blanching also improves iron absorption.
Spinach has always been combined with dairy products. The reason for this is the extra calcium intake because absorption is inhibited by oxalic acid. More calcium, in turn, improves iron absorption.
Spinach should be used quickly
In addition to iron, spinach contains a high amount of beta carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body.
Spinach is also rich in potassium and magnesium. In this way, spinach contributes to healthy cardiovascular activity.
Spinach promotes blood formation and the secretion of gastric mucosa and bile.
However, leaf spinach contains nitrate, which is converted into harmful nitrite if it is kept warm for a long time or if it is frequently reheated. Bacteria are responsible for this.
Now you know the chemical reason behind our grandparents’ wisdom. Spinach should always be eaten quickly and only reheated once, if at all.
Cooked is better than raw spinach
All of the healthy ingredients also benefit our four-legged friends. Dogs are therefore welcome to eat spinach.
However, you should consider a few points.
- When buying spinach, you should make sure that it is fresh. The leaves must not be wilted and must look crisp.
- So that the dog can absorb the nutrients contained in spinach well, it should not be given raw. Steam or blanch the spinach.
Another option is to puree the leaves. Raw and unchopped spinach leaves are very difficult for dogs to digest.
As a practical alternative, there are portions of frozen spinach that are already pureed.
However, avoid creamed spinach, which your children may prefer to eat.
Lots of oxalic acid in spinach
Due to the oxalic acid content, however, spinach may only be fed in small quantities and only occasionally.
A healthy dog can easily excrete a normal amount of oxalic acid.
If he gets too much of it, it can lead to symptoms of poisoning. These include nausea, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. In some cases, seizures can even occur.
You can mix cottage cheese or quark with the food so that the dog tolerates the spinach better and can also use it well.
However, if your dog has kidney problems or is prone to kidney stones, you should avoid feeding spinach.
Vegetables should not be missing in a balanced dog meal. They provide the carbohydrates the dog needs.
When choosing vegetables, however, you should pay attention to a few things. Because some varieties are not only unhealthy for the dog but even dangerous.
Frequently Asked Question
How much spinach can a dog eat?
Fed now and then and in small amounts, spinach is not harmful at all. Healthy dogs easily excrete oxalic acid. Care should be taken with dogs prone to kidney stone formation. Spinach should be avoided in the feed.
Is cooked spinach good for dogs?
Spinach should be served cooked and should only be reheated once, as harmful nitrite forms when reheated. Please only use fresh spinach and no wilted leaves. Raw spinach is difficult for a dog to digest.
Can dogs eat creamed spinach?
The vegetables contain many vitamins and are a great source of iron. It’s also full of fiber, which is great for nutrition and digestion. Therefore, the question of whether dogs can eat spinach should generally be answered with a “yes”.
Can a dog eat broccoli?
Broccoli is very nutritious. It contains the minerals potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and sodium. vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, E.
Can a dog eat mashed potatoes?
In principle, dogs are allowed to eat mashed potatoes, as these consist of boiled potatoes. Note, however, that dogs are lactose intolerant and milk often causes them digestive problems.
Can a dog eat tomatoes?
Your dog can eat tomatoes when they are cooked and ideally the skin has been removed. So feel free to feed your dog tomatoes if you cook them.
Why can’t dogs eat peppers?
Are peppers poisonous to dogs? Peppers come in a variety of flavors, from mild to hot. The vegetable belongs to the nightshade family and contains the chemical compound solanine, as do tomatoes and raw potatoes. Solanine is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Are carrots good for dogs?
Carrots are undoubtedly healthy and not harmful to dogs. There is no evidence that dogs cannot tolerate carrots. Due to their rich content of nutrients and vitamins, carrots can make a significant contribution to the health of our dogs.