Can Dogs Eat Kale?

1. Calcium Oxalates: Kale is high in calcium oxalates. In dogs that are prone to them, these compounds can contribute to the formation of painful kidney and bladder stones. For this reason, dogs with a history of stones or kidney issues should avoid kale entirely. 2. Isothiocyanates: Like broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, kale contains isothiocyanates. In large amounts, these can cause gastrointestinal irritation (gas, diarrhea). They can also potentially interfere with thyroid function, so kale should be avoided in dogs with hypothyroidism.

• In very small, occasional servings, kale can provide a boost of:
• Vitamins: It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
• Minerals: It contains iron and potassium.
• Antioxidants: Helps to support the immune system.

If you choose to feed kale to a healthy dog with no history of kidney or thyroid issues, follow these steps: 1. Cook it First: Steaming or blanching the kale makes it easier to digest and can help reduce some of the risky compounds. 2. Chop it Finely: Finely chop the leaves to prevent choking and improve digestibility. Remove the tough stems. 3. Serve a Very Small Amount: Kale should only be an occasional treat, not a regular part of the diet. A few chopped leaves mixed into their food is a sufficient serving. 4. Keep it Plain: Do not add any salt, oil, or other seasonings.

Due to the risks of kidney/bladder stones and thyroid issues, kale is a vegetable that should be given with extreme caution and only to healthy dogs. For most dogs, there are many other safer green vegetables to choose from, such as green beans or celery.