Often recommended for weight loss, celery is one of the few green vegetables that are marked okay for canine consumption. This low-calorie legume arrives with many essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals that work together to offer complete protection to your beloved fur baby. However, excluding its health benefits, there are also a few things pet parents need to consider prior to introducing celery to their Spaniels.
Below we will be looking at these factors in detail, so let’s start.
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Is Celery safe for consumption in Spaniels?
As per multiple sources, including Vetstreet.com and the American Kennel Club, consumption of celery in Spaniel has been categorized as completely safe. This is mostly because of its low fat and cholesterol composition and therefore if offered along with their normal feed, pawrents don’t have to worry about anything.
Thanks to this very cause, celery is often recommended by vets and canine nutrition specialists all over the world for pooches that are trying to gain a normal weight. The high amounts of fiber, Vitamin A, C, and K also support overall bone health, stronger joints and a normal bowel movement. Therefore, it is not wrong to say that celery can be a safe snack for your Spaniel when offered in the appropriate amounts.
What are the health benefits of Celery in Spaniels?
A super-crunchy low calorie treat
Spaniels are highly food-motivated canines. And hence if your pup wants to nibble at things, offering them a celery stick can be a great way of keeping them occupied.
This super-healthy vegetable is also crunchy. That means a single stick can last them a couple of hours easily and that too without risking further exposure to vast amounts of calories. Thus, if you want a dog-chew alternative, celery sticks are definitely one of the best and safest choices out there.
Access to all essential Vitamins and Minerals
From Vitamin A, C, and K to the very necessary zinc, manganese, and potassium, this green legume is filled with a variety of nutrients. So, a regular and monitored consumption of celeries has been found to help improve the overall health factors of canines.
This includes stronger bones, teeth and gums, enhanced immunity, better eyesight, healthier skin and coat, and so much more. Similarly, the presence of zinc and manganese keeps their blood sugar balanced and digestive system going strong.
Lesser risks of heart and kidney issues
Another benefit of offering celery every once in a while to Spaniels is their high potassium content. This electrolyte is best known for its protection against muscle cramps, heart diseases, kidney problems and blood pressure issues. So, introducing them to canines with sensitive digestive systems can be a good choice.
However, this must be done after a thorough vet consultation and check-up. Introducing the green veggie without as much as consulting with a specialist can go wrong in many ways, and therefore risking your pup’s life is not a wise choice.
Fiber for better digestion
If you are searching for reasons to feed celery to your Spaniel, the presence of fibers can surely be a beneficial factor. Apart from ensuring good digestion, fiber is also highly crucial for a Spaniel to poop without feeling a stinging pain in their rear area.
Similarly, the more fiber content, the better. This is because fiber is responsible for a fuller feeling, and hence consuming even a single stick can make your canine feel full for a long time. This in turn prevents them from getting hungry every few minutes and thereby reduces the risks of canine obesity.
High in antioxidants
Finally, celeries also arrive with a myriad of antioxidants. Similar to other nutrients, these antioxidants work together to enhance your pooch’s natural ability to fight against infections. The increase in essential elements reduces exposure to oxidative stress, preventing them from critical health conditions like cancer, arthritis, skin infections, and so much more. Thus, such a canine can enjoy a much healthier and happier life.
Are there any side effects?
Based upon their health condition, age, gender and personality, a pooch may or may not show interest towards this green vegetable. Adding to that, even though some canines may actually show inclination towards celeries, their little tummies might not like the new change. And this is why seeking a professional’s consultation is so essential.
Ignoring these can lead to:
- Increased urination
- Choking hazard
- Stomach upset
- Gastrointestinal irritation
- Diarrhea/Constipation
- Excessive flatulence
- Nausea, and many more
The intensity of these side effects can grow larger when not treated at the right time. So, if you find your Spaniel exhibiting any of these signs and symptoms, visiting a vet’s clinic is what can save your pooch from prolonged pain and discomfort.
Moreover, although rare, some dogs may also exhibit severe instances of allergic reactions with celery consumption. These typically include skin reactions such as rashes, blisters, itchy, flaky skin or more serious ones like trouble in breathing, swelling of face/neck/limbs, etc.
Only advanced veterinary care can save your pup during this time, so the thought of delaying any further should be out of the equation.
How much Celery is safe for Spaniels?
First of all, always remember that although celery sticks are healthy, they are a treat and hence must be treated alike. You can’t just include the green veggie into the pup’s every meal and expect them to not exhibit any side-effects.
Next, it is mandatory that you follow the vet or canine nutritional specialist’s prescription for the green legume. Never go overboard with the administration and follow the golden rule of including treats upto a mark of 10 percent of their regular feeding.
This way you won’t be exposing them to the risks of canine obesity, neither stressing their digestive system.
How to feed Celery to your Spaniel safely?
Before we discuss the various methods of starting celery feeding for your Spaniel, make sure that the veggie is thoroughly cleaned. Place the green legume under running water and give extra attention to the nooks and corners. This is where the most mud or dirt resides, and hence proper cleaning is very important.
Once this is done, next:
Cut the celery stick into bite-sized pieces
Celery sticks are generally hard and fibrous. So, while larger dogs won’t have much issue chomping it down, smaller ones like the Spaniels may get smaller bits suspended within their throat. Therefore, to prevent such painful instances, pawrents are advised to cut the sticks into smaller, chewable size, based upon their pooch’s snout size.
Similarly, if your Spaniel is a little pup, rather than offering them the hard legume, it is better to boil the pieces for a few minutes until they are softer. However, as advised above, doing so needs your vet’s agreement, without which you may be unknowingly risking your canine’s health.
Start with smaller portions
Once done with the cutting and sizing, the next important step is to start celery feeding in smaller portions. Given their fibrous composition, initially the pups will need ample time for the feed to digest. And so, letting them have tinier potions of the celery with enough gap is a wiser choice.
Gradually you can increase the intake, when the canine shows no signs and symptoms of side effects. But never go more than the prescribed amount as by doing this you will only be risking your beloved canine’s life.
Stop the intake if anything goes wrong
Dogs are omnivores. So they can consume both plant-based feed and meat safely. But no matter what, always keep an eye out for side-effects. Many times, it takes time for the starting signs to appear and hence if you are beginning with a diet change, being extra cautious is a must.
Unfortunately, if the Spaniel starts exhibiting abnormal behaviors after the celery consumption, pet parents are required to stop administering the feed and seek emergency vet care. There the canine specialist will give them a thorough examination, making sure the little pooch is out of risk.
What are the best recipes I can try with celery when feeding my Spaniel?
Celery feeding can become monotonous for Spaniels after a certain period. So, rather than having them munch down on these tasteless juicy green veggies, pet parents can add certain feeds to make it a more enjoyable experience for their little munchkins.
These include:
Top with peanut butter
Just like their humans, dogs go absolutely bonkers with the smell and taste of peanut butter. So, if lately your pooch has been moody with celery feeding, try offering them by dipping the stick in some peanut butter.
Your pup will most definitely love the sweet savory taste of the food ingredient and thus will leave the plate entirely clean, with no more celery pieces remaining.
However, always seek your vet’s consultation prior to adding peanut butter. This is because the feed arrives with immense amounts of calories and fats, that can lead to canine obesity if not administered properly.
Pairing with their regular treats
While peanut butter topping is a good idea for Spaniels that love celery, if you are introducing the green veggie to your dog for the first time, pairing them with their regular treats can make them fall in love with the legume faster. This way the pup will get in the habit of munching down these crunchy sticks without you having to run behind them for them to finish the food off their plate.
To habitualize them, start by commanding your Spaniel to sit, and then offer them a small piece of their regular treat. The pup will instantly take it away from your hands. Next wait for them to finish and when their attention is upon you, introduce them to the celery stick. Most pups will take the stick happily, but if your little fur bundle doesn’t seem to be falling into the trick, show them that they will be getting their regular treat only after they eat the celery stick.
This may take some time, but soon the pup won’t be separating the green legumes anymore.
So, this was all about celery and their consumption in Spaniels. For more interesting topics like these, subscribe to our mailing list and always stay updated.
Reference:
- thesprucepets.com/peanut-butter-for-dogs-4769246#:~:text=If%20there’s%20one%20food%20that,of%20your%20dog’s%20favorite%20treats.
- webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-celery
- theproducemoms.com/frozen-dandy-celery-and-peanut-butter-dog-treats/
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