Dogs · Guide
Can Dogs Eat Spinach?
Yes, a little plain spinach is okay for most healthy dogs, but not for dogs with kidney or bladder stones. Here’s why, how to serve it, and how often.
Yes, most healthy dogs can eat a small amount of plain spinach once in a while. It is not a poison for dogs. But spinach has a lot of oxalic acid, which can harm the kidneys over time. Dogs that get kidney or bladder stones should not eat it.
Why is spinach a problem for some dogs?
Spinach is high in oxalic acid (also called oxalate). The AKC explains that it binds to minerals like calcium in the body. That can make it harder for the body to use calcium, and it can lead to kidney damage.
Healthy kidneys can deal with small amounts. The AKC says that eating spinach for a long time can cause kidney stress, weak muscles, an uneven heartbeat, and even trouble breathing. These problems come from too much, for too long. A leaf or two is a different story.
Stones are the bigger worry for some dogs. The Merck Veterinary Manual says calcium oxalate stones are one kind of urinary stone. They can’t be dissolved with medicine, and they often come back. Small breeds such as Miniature Schnauzers, Chihuahuas, Bichon Frises, Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Lhasa Apsos are more likely to get them. The Merck manual says food is one of several causes. It does not name spinach as a cause.
How do I serve spinach safely?
The AKC suggests these steps:
- Steam it. Raw spinach is hard for dogs to digest, and boiling washes away nutrients.
- Chop it up. Dogs don’t break down whole vegetables well.
- Keep it plain. No salt, oil, spices, herbs, onions, or garlic.
- Keep it small and rare. The AKC says “small amounts infrequently” and gives no exact amount. Ask your vet what is right for your dog’s size.
Treats of any kind should stay under about 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
Other ways spinach shows up
Is raw spinach okay for dogs?
It’s not the best choice. The AKC says raw spinach is hard to digest. Steamed and chopped is the better way to go.
Is cooked spinach okay for dogs?
Yes, if it’s plain and steamed, and only a little. Dishes made for people, like creamed spinach or spinach dip, often have salt, butter, onion, or garlic. The AKC says to leave those out. The ASPCA says onion and garlic can upset the gut and damage red blood cells, which can lead to anemia.
What about kale and other leafy greens?
The AKC says kale also has oxalates, and it lists spinach as another vegetable dogs prone to stones should avoid. Dogs with that problem should skip both.
What if my dog ate spinach?
A few leaves are unlikely to hurt a healthy dog. Merck lists soluble oxalates as a risk with large amounts of certain plants. Signs listed there include vomiting, tiredness, shaky movements, and seizures. Merck’s list is about oxalate plants in general, and it does not mention spinach. Still, if your dog ate a large amount, or has stone problems, call your vet.
What should I give my dog instead?
Plain, small pieces of other foods are an easy swap. For ideas, see our guides on apples and bananas. To see what to keep away from your dog, read our list of foods that are toxic to dogs.
Common questions
Can puppies eat spinach?
The sources we read do not give advice for puppies. Ask your vet before adding spinach to a puppy's diet, since the AKC says to check with your vet before feeding spinach, even as a snack.
Is spinach good for dogs?
Spinach is not a needed food. The AKC says dogs with healthy kidneys can handle small amounts, but spinach has oxalic acid, which can get in the way of calcium and may harm the kidneys over time.
Can dogs eat creamed spinach or spinach with garlic?
No. The AKC says to skip salt, oil, spices, onions, and garlic. The ASPCA says onions and garlic can upset the gut and damage red blood cells.
What if my dog has kidney or bladder stones?
Skip spinach. The AKC says dogs that tend to get kidney or bladder stones should avoid it. Ask your vet what your dog should eat instead.