Chihuahuas fed a complete and balanced diet don’t need fruits and vegetables the same way we do, but in moderation, some fruits and vegetables make healthy treats. But, have you ever wondered, can Chihuahuas eat celery?
Low-calorie, low-fat fruits and veggies are a good treatment option for pets struggling with obesity. Some human foods, however, can be toxic to dogs, so it is always a good idea to ask your vet questions like “can dogs eat celery?” before feeding them the food in question.
Is Celery Safe for Dogs?
Celery is listed among the vegetables that are safe for dogs by multiple sources, including the veterinary websites Vetstreet.com and Clinician’s Brief, and is often recommended as a weight-loss treat. Celery is very low in fat and cholesterol and is an excellent source of fiber; vitamins A, C, and K; folate; potassium; and manganese. The crunchy veggie also might freshen up your dog’s breath, which is all the incentive some dog owners need.
How Much Celery Can Dogs Eat?
Since your dog’s nutritional needs should be met by her dog food, your dog does not need the extra nutrients in celery to stay healthy. Celery should be fed as a treat and not as a meal replacement unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian. But how much celery can dogs eat?
Treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily diet, especially if your dog is overweight, according to the AKC Canine Health Foundation. This makes it relatively easy to calculate how much celery to give your dog. All you have to do is figure out how many other treats your dog gets on a daily basis, and how much food you feed her. Calculating the exact percentage is probably not possible for most of us, as we don’t have the tools to figure out the dry weight of celery, but it does give us an idea of an appropriate serving size. For example, if your dog only gets a cup of food a day, feeding her a cup of celery is probably too much. You can also ask your vet about the appropriate portion size for your dog.
Risks of Feeding Celery to Dogs
Celery can pose a choking hazard, especially for small dogs. Make sure you cut the celery into bite-size chunks before feeding it as a treat – this will also make it easier to measure out your dog’s portion size. The AKC’s chief veterinary officer warns dog owners that it is always a good idea to introduce a new food item slowly into a dog’s diet. All dogs are unique, and just because celery is safe for dogs does not mean it is the best treat for your dog. When in doubt, the best thing to do is ask your vet.
Source: akc.org
