Kale is a green, leafy, cruciferous vegetable packed with nutrients. It’s rich in fiber, antioxidants, calcium, vitamins C and K, iron, and many other beneficial compounds that support overall health in humans. But that’s for us. What about dogs? Can they eat kale too? The answer is yes and no.
Why Kale Is Not Good for Dogs
Kale contains calcium oxalate and isothiocyanates.
Calcium oxalate can lead to kidney and bladder stones. While these issues can often be treated by a normal vet, it’s better to avoid the risk altogether.
Kale isn’t alone in this. Other foods high in calcium oxalate like spinach, beet greens, roots of beets, Swiss chard, collards, parsley, leeks, quinoa, and okra can also cause similar problems.
Isothiocyanates, another compound found in kale, can cause gastric irritation in dogs, leading to stomach discomfort or upset.
Kale tends to absorb heavy metals such as thallium from the soil it grows in, which may contribute to toxicity over time.
Why Kale Can Be Good for Dogs
Despite these risks, kale can still be beneficial in small amounts. Like other green vegetables, it offers plenty of vitamins and minerals. Depending on your dog’s size, it can make up about 10% of their diet occasionally, no more than that, as higher quantities may become harmful.
Health Benefits of Kale
Kale is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin K, calcium, potassium, dietary fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants—all essential for your dog’s growth and health, especially in younger or developing dogs.
Vitamins – Support eye health, bone growth, reproduction, and immune function. They also help prevent cataracts, night blindness, and dry eyes in older dogs while supporting growth in puppies.
Dietary Fiber – Promotes healthy digestion and helps relieve both constipation and diarrhea.
Potassium – Supports proper nerve and muscle function and helps restore energy in tired or lethargic dogs.
Calcium – Important for bone and tooth health, muscle function, heart rhythm, and nerve signaling.
Magnesium – Regulates blood sugar levels and supports energy production, protein synthesis, nerve function, and a steady heartbeat.
Antioxidants – Strengthen the immune system and help protect against skin issues, allergies, degenerative diseases, and certain cancers.
While these nutrients make kale a healthy supplement, that doesn’t mean your dog should eat large quantities. Moderation is key.
How Much Kale Is Safe for Your Dog?
Dogs are primarily carnivorous, so about 75–80% of their diet should come from meat and other protein sources. Too much kale can lead to nutrient imbalances, particularly protein deficiency. As a supplement, kale can make up around 10–12% of your dog’s daily meal once a week.
How to Feed Kale to Your Dog
Kale can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet when prepared and served properly. Here are a few tips:
Organic is the best – Opt for organic kale whenever possible to reduce the risk of pesticide exposure.
Wash it – Rinse the leaves well to remove dirt and chemicals.
Puree-it – Blending or pureeing kale makes it easier for dogs to digest.
Cooked, steamed, or raw – Any of these forms can work, just see which your dog prefers.
Balancing act – Mix kale with meat or other protein sources to keep the meal nutritionally balanced.
Don’t spice it up – Skip salt, oil, butter, or spices. Dogs’ digestive systems are sensitive, and added fats or seasonings can cause harm.
Moderacy is the key – Introduce kale slowly and in small amounts to gauge your dog’s tolerance. Spread servings throughout the day instead of offering a large portion at once.
Be ready for plenty of affectionate licks after your dog finishes their bowl, but don’t mistake those for an invitation to overfeed. More kale doesn’t mean more love. In fact, too much kale can cause allergies or nutritional deficiencies.
What Can Happen if Your Dog Eats Too Much Kale?
If your dog eats a large amount of kale, perhaps while you were helping with the dishes, working out, or simply got a little generous with portions, watch for these symptoms of digestive distress:
Gas
Constipation
Bloating
Diarrhea
Kidney or bladder stones
If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance.
Common Toxic Foods for Dogs
There are a number of common foods that are toxic to dogs. Some of the most common include chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins. If you’re unsure whether a food is safe for your dog, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian.
Vegetables are a pretty safe food group for pooches. Add some color and variety to their food dish with asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, lettuce, cucumbers and celery. If you want to give your pooch a refreshing treat, chop up some bananas, blueberries, oranges, melons, pumpkins, apples, kiwis, dates, pitted cherries, cantaloupes and papayas.
Like cats, dogs can safely eat most seafood. Opt for canned tuna, salmon, seaweed, shrimp, crabs and lobster. Please make sure to debone and thoroughly cook any seafood to avoid bacteria.
Dogs can also enjoy beans, just not chili. You might be wondering which beans can your dog eat. Well, you can add unseasoned green beans, black beans, lima beans, pinto beans and garbanzo beans to their plates for variety. Do not give your dog kidney beans. They are highly toxic for dogs.
Dogs may love peanut butter, but are nuts suitable for dogs? It depends. You can give pups nut butter to help them swallow a pill. Dogs can enjoy small amounts of almonds, cashews, pistachios and walnuts. Skip giving pups any dried fruit to be on the safe side. Dogs shouldn’t be given raisins, which are dried grapes.
With those pleading eyes and wagging tails, it can be hard to say no to our dogs when we are enjoying our food. However, there are better ways to keep pets happy. Exploring pet insurance options is a great way to learn about ways that help you find peace of mind. Spot offers pet insurance plan options that help you focus on your pet’s care, not cost.
Conclusion
Most things in moderation is good, including kale. Keep it plain and simple, and avoid feeding it if your dog shows any signs of gastric irritation or allergic reaction. And just like our moms always say, wash it thoroughly before serving.
Happy mood and health to your doggo, and lots of love and licks to you!
With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.
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Burke, Anna. "Can Dogs Eat Kale?" American Kennel Club, 02 Aug. 2022, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-kale/.
Saylor, April. "Can Dogs Eat Kale?" PetMD, 24 Oct. 2023, https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-kale.
AKC Staff. "Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can or Can't Eat." American Kennel Club, 15 Oct. 2025, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/fruits-vegetables-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/.
Pet Expert Team. "Can Dogs Eat Beans? A Guide to Safety." Purina, 28 Jul. 2025, https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/feeding/can-dogs-eat/beans.
The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.
