Can dogs eat celery?

You’re chopping up a celery stalk for a snack and feel a drop of drool hit your foot. Can you blame your dog for wanting to get in on the vegetable action, too? Don’t worry, celery is a generally safe snack option for your pup. Make sure to follow our serving tips so you can feel good about sharing.

(Even though celery is generally safe for dogs, you should always consult your vet before introducing new foods to your pet’s diet.)

Is celery good for dogs?

Celery is a great treat option for dogs, especially dogs that are on a weight loss journey. This veggie is low in fat and cholesterol, making it a healthy alternative to typical dog treats. The vegetable is loaded with vitamins and nutrients, too. While the following nutrients are great to incorporate into your pup's diet, occasional bites here and there aren't enough to drastically improve their well-being:

• Vitamin C: supports the immune system, helps with healthy aging, offers an energy boost
• Vitamin A: maintains vision, dental, coat and skin health
• Potassium: provides an energy boost and maintains nerve and muscle health
• Folate: promotes healthy cell growth and function
• Manganese: helps to form cartilage
• Fiber: promotes a healthy gut and helps dogs feel full
  

Is celery bad for dogs?‍

While this vegetable isn’t bad for dogs, treats, including celery, shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Your veterinarian can help you determine proper portions based on your pet's specific needs. It’s also important, with all foods, to slowly introduce your dog to celery to make sure it doesn’t upset their stomach.

RELATED: Can dogs eat cucumbers?

How to serve your dog celery

Raw or cooked celery (and their leaves), without seasonings or toppings, should be cut into bite-sized pieces before serving. Serving a whole celery stalk should be avoided as it could be a choking hazard.

If you think your dog is choking on a piece of celery, look out for pawing at their mouth, gagging or retching, coughing, turning blue, silence or collapsing. When a dog is choking, it’s important to act fast. In an effort to remove the object, swipe their throat using your finger and perform the Heimlich maneuver — you may need to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), too. Read our article to learn how to act fast in emergency pet choking situations.

It’s always great to have an emergency preparedness plan in place when introducing new foods to your dog’s diet. Here are some quick steps to get you started are:

• Write down the phone numbers for poison control, local 24-hour emergency pet hospitals and animal ambulances in your area.
• Put together a pet emergency kit including latex gloves, an information card with your vet’s address and phone number and towels.
• Practice for emergencies by familiarizing your pet with riding in the car.
  

Happy snacking

The next time you’re preparing your afternoon snack, cut enough celery for two, as it’s a safe and delicious dog-friendly vegetable.

We're confident that celery isn’t the only human food your dog would love to sink their teeth into (cue the drool). Check out our series "Can dogs eat … ?" to learn more about which human foods are off-limits and what's fair game.