Kale for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Kale was originally domesticated from wild cabbage variants in Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey, and the eastern Mediterranean region around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. In Europe and Asia, this member of the brassica family rapidly became the most widely consumed green vegetable of the era because it could easily withstand harsh winter frosts.
By this time, humans had long-since transitioned from hunting and gathering to farming, and both they and their dogs would have enjoyed the benefits of kale and other cultivated vegetables as a regular part of their shared diets.
Can dogs eat kale?
Yes, dogs can safely eat kale, says our in-house dog nutritionist. Kale, or leaf cabbage as it’s sometimes known, is considered a superfood by many. Few vegetables are richer in vitamins and minerals, perhaps as a result of it being closer to wild cabbage than our own domesticated cabbage.
In terms of its benefits, kale has known cancer fighting properties and the ability to lower both blood pressure and cholesterol. It goes without saying that its soluble fibre is good for the canine digestive system. But perhaps less well known is its effectiveness in maintaining a health heart and bolstering a dog’s immune system.
Health benefits of kale for dogs
Feeding your dog kale offers numerous excellent nutritional benefits, as this dark leafy green functions as a nutrient-dense superfood for man’s best friend.
The key health benefits of kale for dogs include:
- Fights disease and ageing: kale is loaded with antioxidants like quercetin, kaempferol, lutein and zeaxanthin. These compounds reduce oxidative stress, fight free radicals, boost the immune system and have potential anti-cancer properties.
- Supports eye health: high levels of vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin in kale maintain optimal eye health and protect your dog’s eyesight.
- Strengthens bones and muscles: kale is a rich source of calcium and magnesium which are essential for maintaining strong bones, healthy teeth and proper muscle function.
- Aids blood and heart health: kale provides vitamin K which is critical for healthy blood clotting, alongside iron to support red blood cell function and overall energy levels.
- Improves digestive health and weight control: high in dietary fibre and very low in calories, kale supports regular bowel movements and can be used as a filling meal ingredient for dogs needing to lose weight.
- Natural allergy relief: the flavonoid quercetin in kale acts as a natural antihistamine which can help soothe dogs prone to seasonal or skin allergies.
How much kale can dogs eat?
There is much misinformation about what dogs can eat and how much of it they can eat. Combined with other leafy greens, kale could comfortably make up around 10 percent of the average health dog’s overall diet. See our 10 percent guide to homemade dog food for more information.
Other dog-safe vegetables
- Broccoli. Nutrient-dense canine superfood.
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- Green beans. Low calorie, high fibre, vitamin rich.
- Leafy greens
- Parsnips
- Celery
- Beetroot
See the full range of dog-safe vegetables here.
Search Kale recipes:
How to prepare and cook your dog’s kale
To prepare and cook kale for your dog, prepare and cook it just as you would for yourself or the rest of your family.
1. Unless you have grown it in your own organic garden (I never wash my own organically grown kale), wash it to remove pesticides, dirt and chemical residues.
2. Don’t remove the stems. Don’t waste valuable nutrients. Chop both the soft leaves and the stems into bite-sized pieces.
3. For best results, steam the chopped kale for 3 minutes until completely wilted. This breaks down the tough fibres while preserving the maximum amount of vitamins and antioxidants. Alternatively, you could boil or even lightly stir-fry your dog’s kale in a little bone broth, coconut oil or olive oil. (This makes and an unusual and nutritious topper).
4. Add your dog’s cooked food along with the other ingredients being used, or puree the cooked kale in a blender with a few tablespoons of bone broth to make a nutritious green gravy to pour over your dog’s food.
Note: Kale contains oxalates which can cause issues for dogs prone to kidney or bladder stones. If your dog has underlying health conditions, consult your vet before adding it to its diet.
Frequently asked questions
Q. How much kale can I give my dog?
A. Kale should never exceed 10% of your dog’s total daily calorie.
Q. Is it better to feed a dog raw or cooked kale?
A. Lightly cooked kale is much better. Raw kale is fibrous and highly difficult for a dog’s digestive system to break down. Steaming or blanching the kale softens the leaves, makes the nutrients easier to absorb, and reduces the compounds that cause severe wind and bloating.
Q. Can dogs eat kale stems?
A. Yes, dogs can safely eat kale stems.
Q. How should I prepare kale for my dog?
A. Prepare your dog’s kale in exactly the same way you prepare any other leafy green.
The Dog Chef Guide to Homemade Dog Food
Looking to supercharge your dog's diet with fresh food?
Nature knows best
Don't spoil fresh food with synthetic supplements. 100% natural dog nutritionist-approved plant-based superfoods!
Browse individual posts
Swede for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Genetic evidence shows that dogs developed the ability to digest starchy foods and vegetables . . .
Cauliflower for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Cauliflower originated in the ancient Mediterranean and Asia Minor over 2,000 years ago as a . . .
Lettuce for Dogs: A Complete Guide
All modern lettuce varieties share a common ancestor: a wild, weedy plant first modified by humans . . .
Potatoes for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Arguably Peru’s most famous export after Paddington Bear, the potato is by some measure . . .
Broccoli for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Broccoli is one of the most nutritious vegetables you can possibly feed your dog . . .
Brussels Sprouts for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Brussels sprouts do not occur naturally in the wild. Like broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower . . .
0 Comments