Can dogs eat kale?

Updated 24/04/2024

Kale: it's a cruciferous power house packed with antioxidants, an alphabet of vitamins and a fair few minerals, too. Thought to aid the body's defense against disease and promote a whole host of health factors, it's no surprise that the veg has taken the health food scene by storm. And as such a beneficial side (or main event) on our dinner plates, we wouldn't blame you for wondering - can dogs eat kale too? Unfortunately we don't have a straight answer for you here - dog nutrition isn't always black and white, and it sure is best to get fully informed before feeding your pup something new. So, it's a yes and no - for some dogs - in small amounts, kale can be a healthy addition to your dog's bowl, but for other pups, adding kale to their diet could be seriously bad news healthwise. To help you decide whether kale is the right snack choice for your furry friend, take a look below (and be sure to always chat with your vet first if you're still unsure).

Related article: Can dogs eat watermelon?

Is kale poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat kale safely? Or is kale in some way toxic to dogs? Well luckily for most pups, kale can be safe to eat, as it isn't poisonous to dogs (unlike other ingredients common in the human diet, like green onion and garlic). It does, however, contain calcium oxalate, which can be bad news for dogs with kidney or bladder issues - take a look below to find out more.

Related article: Can dogs eat mango? 

Why is kale bad for dogs?

So, is kale bad for dogs from a health perspective, or is it just dogs with kidney or bladder issues that should be avoiding the veg? Well as we've mentioned, kale contains a chemical compound known as calcium oxalate, which can make things worse for dogs with active or predisposition to the formation of bladder stones. Generally speaking, most dogs will be perfectly fine to eat kale in small amounts, so a quick call to the vet clinic can give you the green light to go ahead and supplement kale to your dog's diet. 

Then there are isothiocyanates - another reason to be cautious of feeding your dog kale. While these molecules might help to reduce the risk of cancer in humans, they can cause gastrointestinal irritation in dogs if enough of the veg is consumed (which, by the way, would have to be an excessive amount). Therefore, feed kale in small amounts to get all of the health benefits without any risks of the side effects. If unsure about how much to feed, ask your veterinarian for advice. 

Related article: Can dogs eat sweet potatoes?

What to do if your dog eats kale

So you've walked into the kitchen, only to find your pooch munching on a few kale scraps - what to do? Well it really depends on your pup, their health status and how much kale was consumed. Most dogs will have no side effects whatsoever, if your dog has an underlying medical condition or has eaten a large amount of kale, then call your local vet for some advice on what to do next.  

Related article: Can dogs eat pork?

Feeding your dog kale

So, if you've decided that in your home, dogs and kale are a perfectly safe match, you might be wondering whether the way you've been sharing the veg with your doggo is safe. Along with keeping portion sizes small and not making a habit of feeding your pup kale, be sure to wash the veg, remove the stems, and serve it up cooked or baked and completely plain. 

Can dogs eat kale stems?

If you've decided that a small amount of kale is safe for your pup in small amounts every now and then, we advise removing the stems before serving. These can be particularly hard to digest for dogs, and large stems are a choking hazard.

Related article: Can dogs eat cherries?

Other green vegetables

So, now you’re hopefully clearer on the question - can dogs have kale (at least when it comes to your household), you might be wondering whether there are any slightly less controversial vegetables to treat your pup to. While there certainly are (like cucumber and sweet potato), we advise taking each veg on a case by case basis, as there's always the chance they contain a compound detrimental to canine health.

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

Other foods that are not safe for dogs

So, what other foods do you need to be wary of when it comes to treating your furry friend? Take a look below to get started on foods dogs can't eat.

• Marshmallows
• Pomegranate
• Pepperoni