If you love incorporating superfoods like kale into your diet, you may wonder if you can share this tasty treat with your pup, too. Kale has a range of benefits for humans, so it’s normal to assume that these benefits extend to dogs, too.

There are many “people foods” that are excellent sources of nutrients for your dog, while others may cause irritation or even allergic reactions. Doing the research to find out which foods are good and which aren’t is essential for keeping your dog happy and healthy. 

Let’s take a closer look at whether dogs can eat kale and if it’s as good for them as it is for us! 

Kale can be an excellent source of nutrients, including certain vitamins and minerals for your pup. When given in proper quantities, it is safe and nutritious.

Kale has antioxidants that have been known to protect against cancer, along with tons of vitamins (A, B6, C, E, folate, thiamin, manganese, riboflavin) and minerals (iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus). It can also support healthy vision and is packed with fiber.

Kale is safe for dogs and should not cause stomach upset when kept under 10% of their daily food intake (as with most treats!). For smaller pups, it may be best to limit kale intake to even less than this. 

In most cases, kale is beneficial and safe for your pup. However, in large quantities, it could cause stomach upset. 

Here’s what you need to know:

Kale contains calcium oxalate and isothiocyanates, which may potentially be harmful to your pup in large quantities. 

Calcium oxalate is a natural substance derived from food sources that can build up in the urine and lead to kidney stones. If your pup is consuming too much calcium oxalate and not enough liquid, these stones may build up and lead to kidney stones or bladder stones. 

If your pup has pre-existing kidney or bladder issues, it may be best to limit kale intake. 

Isothiocyanates, on the other hand, are associated with stomach upset in dogs. These compounds are found in kale and broccoli, so while they are both rich sources of nutrition, it’s important to limit them and monitor your dog’s digestion. 

If your pup has a sensitive stomach, keep a close eye on their poop to make sure they don’t get diarrhea.  With these pups, you may choose to skip the kale altogether to avoid further upset.

For pups with hypothyroidism, kale may cause complications with thyroid function and interact with certain kinds of medication. 

If you’re concerned about your pup’s health and safety eating kale, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted veterinarian. 

If your dog loves kale and got into a bowlful of it, they could have some tummy issues. 

First, look for signs of stomach upset such as vomiting, nausea, discomfort, gas, constipation, or diarrhea. It’s also important to watch for noticeable discomfort when urinating or any sudden changes in urination habits. 

What kind of kale is best for your pup? Should you feed them raw kale or cooked kale? What about kale baked into treats or incorporated into their daily diet in small amounts?

Cooking it may make it gentler on their stomachs and easier for them to digest. However, cooking kale doesn’t take away risks for kidney stones, as the calcium oxalate and isothiocyanates are still found in this leafy green. 

If you do choose to cook kale, start with small quantities and monitor  your dog’s poop and urination to make sure your pup is reacting well to this ingredient. 

Ultimately, it’s vital to be careful with how much kale you feed your pup. Here at Sundays, we include specific amounts of kale in our food, and it’s vet-tested so you can rest assured each ingredient has a purpose and has been measured and calculated carefully. 

 

For pups without health concerns or pre-existing conditions, proper amounts of kale can boost overall health and wellness and be a wonderful source of vitamins and nutrients. 

Instead of giving your dog kale every now and then, trust Sundays to incorporate the perfect amount of kale (and tons of other nourishing ingredients) into your pup’s diet.