Spinach is healthy; we learn that from childhood. But is it also suitable for our dogs? Learn how to feed spinach correctly to your four-legged friend.
Can Dogs Eat Spinach?
The notion that small green leaves are healthy for us is instilled in us from childhood. After all, if you want to be as strong as Popeye, you have to eat spinach! Dogs, too, can eat spinach in small quantities and when prepared correctly. It is even found in many dog food varieties.
This green vegetable is rich in potassium, beta-carotene, magnesium, and iron. Additionally, spinach is low in calories and high in water content, making it a light addition to the bowl. It is well-suited for dogs that need to shed a few pounds.
At iHugDogs, we understand the health benefits of this green vegetable for your four-legged friend. For example, in our wet food with veal and quinoa or our dry food with salmon and dill, we rely on the nutritious ingredients of spinach.
Is Spinach Truly Packed with Iron?
Spinach has the reputation of being rich in iron. But is that really true? Well, yes and no. Compared to other foods like meat or legumes, spinach contains significantly less iron per 100 grams. However, when considering only plant-based foods that dogs can eat, spinach is among the richer sources of iron. The oxalic acid in spinach inhibits iron and calcium absorption, so this leafy green should preferably be fed with a vitamin C-rich food.
By the way!
Valuable iron is also found in some nuts and mushrooms. However, when feeding fresh ingredients, you should do thorough research beforehand. In the BARF concept, for example, all components—meat, vegetables, fruits, minerals, oils, etc.—are precisely weighed and tailored to your dog’s needs.
How to Feed Spinach Correctly to Your Dog?
Always start by feeding your dog a small amount of spinach, as it is considered heavy on digestion. Raw spinach leaves are not a good idea—your dog could experience stomach pain and digestive issues. Instead, you should always steam fresh spinach without spices and mix it into your dog’s food. For even better digestibility, you can puree the steamed spinach beforehand.
If you want to give your dog spinach, you can combine it with a vitamin C-rich food. This ensures improved iron absorption and reduces the inhibitory effect of oxalic acid. Additionally, a bit of cottage cheese or quark can promote the digestibility of spinach.
Is Spinach Toxic to Dogs?
To keep spinach a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, avoid excessive consumption. The reason is the amount of oxalic acid in the vegetable, which inhibits the absorption of iron and calcium. Regularly feeding large amounts of spinach can lead to kidney damage.
Although spinach is not among the most toxic foods for dogs, excessive consumption can lead to poisoning symptoms such as vomiting, severe diarrhea, and in severe cases, seizures. In such cases, promptly seek help from a veterinary clinic where your furry friend can be assisted.
