Can Dogs Eat Kale? Yes, in moderation: Safe Amount by Weight

In moderation

Yes, in moderation

Small amounts of kale are generally safe for dogs, but it is not an ideal treat. Kale contains calcium oxalate and isothiocyanates, which can irritate the stomach and, in large amounts, contribute to bladder stones or kidney issues. Offer it occasionally, cooked and chopped.

Kale for dogs at a glance

Can dogs eat it?	In moderation
Calories	About 2 kcal per 1 tablespoon chopped cooked kale
Main benefit	Vitamins A, C and K
Main risk	Calcium oxalate can contribute to bladder or kidney stones in prone dogs
Puppies?	In tiny amounts once on solid food; puppies have sensitive stomachs

How much kale can a dog eat?

Vets recommend keeping all treats under 10% of daily calories. One 1 tablespoon chopped cooked kale has about 2 kcal. The chart shows the most a typical spayed or neutered adult dog could have in a day if kale were the only treat.

Dog weight	Daily treat budget	Max kale per day
10 lb (4.5 kg)	35 kcal	17 × 1 tablespoon chopped cooked kale
20 lb (9.1 kg)	59 kcal	29 × 1 tablespoon chopped cooked kale
40 lb (18.1 kg)	98 kcal	49 × 1 tablespoon chopped cooked kale
60 lb (27.2 kg)	133 kcal	66 × 1 tablespoon chopped cooked kale
80 lb (36.3 kg)	166 kcal	82 × 1 tablespoon chopped cooked kale

Benefits and risks

Benefits

Vitamins A, C and K
Antioxidants and fiber
Very low in calories

Risks

Calcium oxalate can contribute to bladder or kidney stones in prone dogs
Isothiocyanates can irritate the stomach
Large amounts can cause gas and diarrhea

How to feed kale to your dog

Offer occasionally and in small amounts
Lightly steam and chop
Avoid for dogs with a history of bladder stones or kidney disease

What if my dog ate too much kale?

Eating more than the recommended amount usually causes nothing worse than an upset stomach: soft stool, gas or vomiting. Skip treats for the rest of the day, keep fresh water available and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours or your dog seems unwell.

Planning treats? Check your dog's full daily needs with the dog food calculator or dog calorie calculator.

Kale and dogs: FAQ

Can dogs have kale?

Can dogs eat kale chips?

Plain baked kale chips without salt or seasoning are okay as a rare treat. Store-bought chips are usually salted and seasoned.

Can puppies eat kale?

Yes, in very small amounts once they are eating solid food. Puppies have sensitive stomachs, so offer a tiny piece and stop if you see loose stool. Most of their calories should come from a complete puppy food.

More "can dogs eat" guides

Browse lists: all vegetables dogs can eat · human foods dogs can eat · foods dogs can't eat

Sources

This guide is general information for healthy adult dogs. Dogs with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.

Can Dogs Eat Kale?