Can dogs eat Kale?

Overview

Yes, dogs can eat kale; kale offers bundles of nutrients to dogs, but serve it with caution. Excessive consumption can lead to various health issues for dogs, such as gastric irritation. In addition, consuming kale might worsen the illness for dogs with kidney stones or bladder stones.

Benefits

Kale is full of antioxidants, which help reduce the risk of cancer.
Kale contains thiamin, riboflavin, fiber, potassium, iron, vitamin K, manganese, copper, and folate.
High levels of vitamin A, which support eye health, and vitamin C that strengthens the immune system, are also found in kale.

Risks

Kale is a hyperaccumulator of heavy metals, such as thallium and cesium.
Kale contains calcium oxalate; excessive consumption can cause kidney or bladder stones, gastric irritation, or other complications in dogs.

Servings

Opt for organic to reduce the risk of having heavy metals in the vegetable.
Remove the kale’s ribs and serve only the leaves. - Cooked kale is safer than raw kale for dogs since cooking can reduce the oxalate content by 30-87%.
Avoid adding seasoning as this can be harmful to dogs.
Let your dog enjoy kale in small quantities occasionally.
Dogs with kidney problems or prone to kidney stones should have kale in strict moderation.