Is Kale good for dogs?

Kale has become a popular superfood for humans, known for being low in calories and high in nutrients. As more pet owners have become interested in fresh, whole foods for themselves, many have begun to wonder whether kale would be a healthy addition to their dog’s diet as well. Here’s a comprehensive look at the benefits and risks of feeding kale to dogs.

Table of Contents

The nutritional benefits of kale

Like other leafy greens, kale is high in fiber and low in fat. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that have been shown to promote health:

Vitamin A – This vitamin supports eye health and immune system function. The vitamin A in kale is in the form of beta-carotene, which the body converts into usable vitamin A.
Vitamin C – Kale is higher in vitamin C than most other leafy greens. Vitamin C boosts the immune system and acts as an antioxidant.
Vitamin K – This vitamin is needed for proper blood clotting. The form of vitamin K in kale is K1.

Calcium – This mineral is essential for bone health. Kale contains more absorbable calcium than dairy products.
Magnesium – Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, nerve function, and muscle function. Most people get enough magnesium, but dogs on a homemade diet may be deficient.
Potassium – This mineral reduces blood pressure and offsets some of the negative effects of sodium in the diet.

Lutein and zeaxanthin – These carotenoids support eye health and act as antioxidants. Kale contains more lutein and zeaxanthin than most other vegetables.
Indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane – These phytochemicals have potent antioxidant and anti-cancer effects.

Based on its nutritional profile, kale could potentially provide the following health benefits for dogs:

Support eye health
Boost immunity
Improve bone health

Provide antioxidants
Help regulate blood pressure
Promote heart health

Reduce risk of cancer

Kale is low in calories, so it can be a good choice for overweight dogs. The fiber and nutrients may also help regulate digestion. When included as part of a balanced homemade diet, kale can provide nutritional value without dramatically increasing calorie content.

Potential risks of feeding kale to dogs

While kale can be a healthy addition to a dog’s diet, there are also some potential risks to be aware of:

Calcium oxalate crystals – Kale contains oxalates, which can form crystals. Buildup of these crystals can lead to bladder stones in some dogs.
Calcium and vitamin K content – Kale is high in calcium and vitamin K. Excessive intake could interact with some medications like blood thinners.
Gastrointestinal irritation – The high fiber content may cause gas or loose stools, especially if introduced too quickly.

Pesticide residue – Kale tends to be heavily sprayed with pesticides. Be sure to thoroughly wash or buy organic.

Kale and other leafy greens contain so little protein that they cannot replace sources like meat, eggs, or legumes in a dog’s diet. Relying too heavily on produce could lead to protein deficiency.

Is kale safe for dogs to eat?

In general, yes – kale can be a safe part of a balanced canine diet. Here are some tips for feeding kale safely:

Introduce slowly along with other fresh produce like carrots, broccoli, and spinach.
Chop finely to avoid choking hazard from long, stringy leaves.
Feed in moderation, no more than 10% of daily calories.

Choose organic when possible to reduce pesticide exposure.
Consult your vet before feeding if your dog takes blood thinner medications.
Monitor for any digestive upset and discontinue use if it occurs.

Never feed your dog kale as a main meal or sole source of food.

Can dogs eat raw kale?

Yes, dogs can eat raw kale, but there are some precautions to take:

Wash thoroughly to remove any soil or debris that may be contaminated with harmful bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella.

Chop finely to make it easier to digest – do not feed whole leaves.
Introduce raw kale slowly at first along with other raw produce.
Be cautious with dogs with sensitive digestion or compromised immune systems.

Discontinue use if you observe symptoms of an upset stomach.

Cooking kale can make it easier to digest and diminish pesticide residues. However, some nutrients like vitamin C and enzymes are lost when cooked. Feed a combination of raw and cooked kale for best results.

Can puppies eat kale?

Kale can be fed to puppies in moderation once weaned, but there are some important guidelines to follow:

Start with small amounts like 1-2 leaves per day once pup is 12 weeks old.
Chop very small to avoid choking.
Cook thoroughly until soft to aid digestion.

Mix with moist food like canned puppy food or broth.
Monitor for diarrhea or stomach upset.
Do not replace balanced puppy food – use kale as a topper or snack only.

Puppies have developing digestive systems and higher calorie needs for growth. Introduce kale slowly and be cautious with raw kale for puppies. Consult your veterinarian with any concerns.

What parts of kale can dogs eat?

Dogs can eat all parts of the kale plant, including:

Leaves – The green leafy portion is what most people associate with kale. Chop leaves into small, bite-sized pieces before feeding.

Stems – The thick stems running through the leaves are edible for dogs. They can be a choking hazard whole, so chop them as well.
Flowers – Kale flowers are entirely edible. Chop the small yellow flowers into pieces to serve.

Avoid feeding the tough, woody lower portion of the kale stem which can splinter and poses a significant choking risk. Chop all parts of the kale plant into small pieces to minimize choking and make it easier for dogs to digest.

How much kale can I feed my dog?

When feeding produce like kale, a good rule of thumb is the 10% rule:

Dogs can eat up to 10% of their daily calorie needs from fruits and vegetables like kale.
For an average 35 lb dog eating 700 calories per day, that equates to 70 calories from produce like kale

Since kale only contains about 50 calories per cup, you can safely feed a 35 lb dog up to 1-2 cups chopped kale per day.

Of course, every dog is different based on size, age, and activity level. Consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice on integrating kale into your dog’s diet.

Can I feed my dog kale every day?

You can feed your dog small amounts of kale daily, but you should also rotate with other leafy greens and produce. Variety is important to provide a range of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

Rotate kale with other healthy options like:

Spinach
Carrots

Broccoli
Cucumber
Squash

Berries
Green beans

Aim to feed produce like kale with one meal per day, rather than every single meal. Feed a variety of fruits and veggies weekly for maximum nutritional benefit.

Are there any alternatives to kale for dogs?

If your dog does not enjoy kale or you want to feed a variety of leafy greens, some alternatives to try include:

Spinach – Lower in oxalates than kale. Higher in vitamin K.
Swiss Chard – Contains vitamins A, K, C plus magnesium and potassium.

Romaine Lettuce – Rich source of vitamins A and C, folate, and fiber.
Collard Greens – Excellent source of calcium, manganese, and vitamin K.
Cabbage – Good source of vitamin C and K, biotin, and folate.

For even more variety, you can try leafy greens like bok choy, mustard greens, turnip greens, beet greens, dandelion greens, kohlrabi greens, and rapini.

Can I feed my dog boiled kale?

Yes, boiling kale can make it easier for some dogs to digest. To prepare boiled kale for dogs:

Separate kale leaves from stems. Dice stems.

Bring a pot of water to boil. Add stems and boil for 2-3 minutes.
Add chopped kale leaves and boil for an additional 3-5 minutes until leaves are tender.
Drain kale thoroughly then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Allow to cool before serving to your dog. Chop into bite-sized pieces if necessary.

Save the nutrient-rich cooking water to add to your dog’s food as well. You can refrigerate boiled kale for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Can I feed my dog frozen or freeze-dried kale?

Freezing and freeze-drying both preserve kale very well for dogs. To feed:

Frozen kale – Thaw frozen kale leaves or stems before feeding. You can boil from frozen as well.
Freeze-dried kale – Rehydrate with water before feeding according to package directions. Use within a few days after opening.

Freezing helps retain nutrients like vitamin C better than freeze-drying. But freeze-dried kale is more portable for travel or convenience. Both make good options for adding kale to your dog’s meals.

Kale FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about feeding kale to dogs:

Does kale cause gas in dogs?

The high fiber content in kale can cause some digestive gas, especially if introduced too quickly. Transition slowly and be sure to chop kale finely to break down the cell walls that can cause gas buildup.

Will kale help or hurt a dog with kidney disease?

Kale contains oxalates that can contribute to kidney stones in those prone to them. Dogs with kidney issues should avoid high-oxalate greens like kale. Opt for low-oxalate choices like carrots or spinach instead.

Can dogs eat kale chips or roasted kale?

Plain baked kale chips are fine for dogs in moderation. Avoid seasoning with excessive salt or spices. Be sure kale is baked thoroughly until crisp – undercooked kale can be a choking risk.

Can dogs eat baby kale?

Yes, baby kale can be fed to dogs safely. It may be more tender and easier to digest than mature kale. Introduce slowly and chop finely to prevent choking.

Is kale good for diabetic dogs?

The fiber in kale helps regulate blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for diabetic dogs. But kale is high in vitamin K which can interfere with insulin regulation. Discuss with your vet before feeding to diabetic dogs.

Conclusion

When included as part of a balanced homemade diet, kale can provide nutritional benefits for dogs. It is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. However, kale also contains some naturally-occurring compounds that may cause issues for some dogs. Introduce kale slowly and in moderation, limiting to 10% of daily calories from all fruits and veggies combined.

Monitor your dog closely when first adding kale to watch for any digestive upset. Consult with your veterinarian for advice about integrating kale into your particular dog’s diet. Rotate kale with other leafy greens and produce for maximum nutritional benefit.