Can Dogs Eat Celery?

Yes, dogs can eat celery. The American Kennel Club (AKC) calls it a healthy, low-fat treat. The main risk is choking, especially for small dogs, so cut it into small, bite-size pieces. Keep treats of any kind to a small part of your dog’s day.

Is celery good for dogs?

Celery is a fine treat, but dogs do not need it. The AKC says celery has fiber and vitamins A, C, and K. It also has potassium and manganese, and it is low in fat and cholesterol.

Because it is low in fat and has fiber, the AKC says vets often suggest celery as a treat for dogs that need to lose weight. The AKC also says the crunch might help freshen your dog’s breath.

There is one catch. The AKC points out that dogs eating a balanced diet do not need extra vegetables for nutrition. So think of celery as a fun extra, not something your dog must have.

How do I serve celery to my dog?

Cut it into small pieces first. The AKC warns that celery can be a choking risk, mostly for smaller dogs. Bite-size chunks make it much easier and safer to chew.

A few simple tips:

• Keep it plain. The AKC’s vegetable guide says many dogs can safely eat raw vegetables, including celery, and its advice for other vegetables is to serve them plain.
• Start with a small piece. The AKC says to add new foods slowly.
• Watch your dog chew. Stay close the first time.

How much celery can a dog eat?

The sources do not give a set amount of celery for each dog size. What the AKC does say is that treats should be no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet. Celery counts toward that total, along with any other treats.

If you are not sure what is right for your dog, ask your vet. This matters most if your dog has a health condition or eats a special diet.

Can puppies eat celery?

The sources we read do not say anything specific about puppies and celery. If you want to share it with a puppy, ask your vet first. Make sure the pieces are very small, since a puppy is small and may gulp food.

Is celery toxic to dogs?

We did not find any source that lists celery as a poison for dogs. The ASPCA has a list of people foods to avoid feeding pets, and celery is not on it. That list does include onion, garlic, chives, and salt.

That matters for cooked dishes. Soup, stew, or stuffing made with celery often has onion or garlic in it too. Share plain celery, not food from your plate.

What if my dog eats too much celery?

None of our sources describe what happens when a dog eats a lot of celery. In general, a big change in food can upset a dog’s stomach. If your dog eats a large amount and seems sick, throws up, or has diarrhea that does not stop, call your vet.

If your dog ate a celery dish that also had onion or garlic, call your vet or a poison hotline right away. Both hotlines may charge a fee.

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Other treats to try

Celery is not the only vegetable you can share. The AKC says many dogs can eat raw vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and green beans. Always check that a food is safe before sharing it.

For fruit, our guide to apples for dogs explains how to serve them. For a treat dogs go wild for, see peanut butter for dogs, and read the label first.

You can also check our list of foods that are toxic to dogs to know what to keep away from your dog.