Can Dogs Eat Kales?

Kales are known for their nutritional values and beneficial characteristics as they help to improve the overall health of individuals. However, it may be questionable when it comes to feeding your dog.

It may be debatable on whether it is appropriate for their digestive system or harmful to their health. Dogs stem down from the canine family which means that their primary source of food is meat.

Although they derive proteins from their regular diet, there are a variety of foods that can also provide them with additional nutrients. Kales belong to the cruciferous family and some of the vegetables in similar class include cabbages, broccoli and cauliflower.

Kales are popular because are of high nutritional value. Since they have beneficial characteristics to humans, we can also determine whether they are appropriate for your dog too.

Can Dogs Eat Kales? Sure!

The short answer on whether your dog can eat kales is yes, but it should be given in moderate amounts. Like humans, dogs too have their tastes and preferences.

Not all dogs would prefer the taste of the green kales. It is not necessary to force kales into your dog’s meal if they do not like it. There are always a variety of options that have nutritional benefits. It is necessary to consult your vet before you feed your dog with the kale leaves.

They are always in a position to determine the right amount of food your dog should eat on a daily basis. It is measured in terms of their weight and sizes.

It is advisable to provide your dog with cooked kales rather than raw since they can easily be digested. They can also be prepared and cooked easily. The kales that are prepared for your dog should not have additional spices such as salt or pepper.

They should be cooked separately from the family meals as it is purposely meant for your best friend. Watch your dog while he feeds as you not only monitor their behavior but also determine whether they enjoy the food.

If you want to give your dog a special treat, you need to blend the kales with other variety of foods. If your dog develops a taste for kales, they may not eat much if given to them bare.

If you combine them with other foods it gives him a balanced diet rich in nutrients and other essential components required by their systems. It is useful in boosting their immunity and overall health.

While introducing new foods to your dog, ensure that you give them in small amounts. Since their digestive systems will be adjusting to a change in diet, it is important to give them little quantities periodically.

Benefits Of Kales

• It provides your dog with beta-carotene, an essential compound that boosts your dog’s immunity
• It is rich in a variety of vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin K and vitamin A.
• It has fiber which helps to solve some of the digestion issues
• Kales can be used to maintain your dog’s weight as it has lower levels of calories. It will only help to suppress the hunger and promotes weight loss. It is important especially for dogs that are obese.
• Some of the minerals contained in kales include iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium and copper which help to improve your dog’s overall health.
• The fact that kales are a great source of vitamin A, they help to improve your dog’s eyesight or vision.
• With an improved immune system, your dog is able to fight against disease-causing microorganisms. It also helps to reduce the frequent visits to the veterinarian.

Are There Any Limitations Of Feeding Your Dog With Kales?

The digestive system in humans may differ in various aspects when compared to your dog. This means that not all human foods may be appropriate for your pet more so if given in large amounts.

Your dog’s digestive system is slightly different and is designed for processing meat as the primary source of food. Feeding large quantities of kales to your dog may bring about bloating and other kinds of gastrointestinal problems.

It also lowers the levels of thyroids since kales are comprised of goitrogenic properties. In rare cases, kales can cause bladder and kidney stones. It is mostly caused by the large amounts of kales that may build up within the dog’s system instead of being expelled.

Conclusion

Any new food that is offered to your dog should be done in moderation. It is fine for your dog to feed on kales in moderate as it is not their primary source of food. Kales are not toxic to dogs but can be harmful when given in large amounts.

They also derive high quantities of essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals from kales. All these are effective in boosting their immune system and their overall wealth. You can always free your dog from potential harm by giving kales in moderation.