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Can Dogs Eat Collard Greens? You might have had this thought when your dog wanted a bite while you were preparing some cabbage vegetables as part of a southern-style feast in the kitchen. If humans can eat collard greens, can dogs eat them safely?
There is no short yes or no answer whether dogs can safely eat collard greens. While collard greens aren’t typically toxic or toxic to dogs, there is a potential problem in dogs who experience bladder or kidney problems. There are also some considerations about how to prepare and serve collard greens to your dog.
As always, You need to ask your regular veterinarian before sharing human food with your dog, including collard greens. Here’s what you need to know about collard greens and dogs.
When are collard greens okay for dogs?
Collard greens are a bit of a nutritional powerhouse. They contain a large amount of vitamins A, C and K, as well as folic acid and riboflavin. They’re also high in fiber, which if served properly, can help your dog digest regularly.
If you want to give your dog some cabbage greens make sure you are only serving the actual leaves, not the stems. This is because the stem is both much harder to digest and contains a level of fiber that can lead to diarrhea.
When feeding your dog collard greens, experts often recommend that you steam the leaves to make them softer. Once you’ve done that, you can chop them up and add them to your pooch’s regular food.
When are collard greens bad for dogs?
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The main problem with feeding Collard Greens to your dog is that they contain both isothiocynate and calcium oxalate. This means that there is a chance they could cause bladder and kidney stones. If your dog is currently suffering from bladder or kidney problems, it is best to exercise caution and avoid adding collard greens to their diet.
Second, remember to only serve your dog a small amount or an amount recommended by the veterinarian. A good guide is to serve less than half a cup of kale greens per day. However, you should also consider your dog’s size when figuring out what amount to safely add to meals.
Your veterinarian can provide further advice on suitable portion sizes for your individual pet.
Does your dog love collard greens? How do you prepare them for your pooch? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
