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

In moderation

Yes, in moderation

dogs can eat small amounts of plain spinach. It is nutritious, but it contains oxalates, so it should not be fed in large amounts, especially to dogs with kidney or bladder stone problems.

Spinach for dogs at a glance

Can dogs eat it?	In moderation
Calories	About 2 kcal per quarter cup of raw spinach
Main benefit	Vitamins A, C and K, iron and fiber
Main risk	Oxalates can contribute to bladder stones in prone dogs
Puppies?	In tiny amounts once on solid food; puppies have sensitive stomachs

How much spinach can a dog eat?

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

Dog weight	Daily treat budget	Max spinach per day
10 lb (4.5 kg)	35 kcal	17 × quarter cup of raw spinach
20 lb (9.1 kg)	59 kcal	29 × quarter cup of raw spinach
40 lb (18.1 kg)	98 kcal	49 × quarter cup of raw spinach
60 lb (27.2 kg)	133 kcal	66 × quarter cup of raw spinach
80 lb (36.3 kg)	166 kcal	82 × quarter cup of raw spinach

Benefits and risks

Benefits

Vitamins A, C and K, iron and fiber
Very low in calories
Can be steamed and chopped into food

Risks

Oxalates can contribute to bladder stones in prone dogs
Large amounts can cause stomach upset
Creamed spinach or spinach dip contain dairy, salt and sometimes garlic

How to feed spinach to your dog

Steam or chop plain spinach
Keep portions small
Skip it for dogs with a history of calcium oxalate stones

What if my dog ate too much spinach?

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.

Spinach and dogs: FAQ

Can dogs have spinach?

Yes, dogs can eat small amounts of plain spinach. It is nutritious, but it contains oxalates, so it should not be fed in large amounts, especially to dogs with kidney or bladder stone problems.

Is cooked or raw spinach better for dogs?

Steamed spinach is easier to digest. Avoid butter, oil and seasoning.

Can dogs eat spinach every day?

Small amounts occasionally are fine, but large daily amounts are not recommended because of oxalates.

Can dogs eat kale?

Kale also contains oxalates and other compounds, so it is best kept to small, occasional amounts.

Can puppies eat spinach?

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 Spinach?