Hey there, fellow dog parents! My Labrador Max once stole an entire stalk of celery from the kitchen counter and crunched it like it was the best day of his life. I panicked and Googled “can dogs have celery” at 2 a.m. Spoiler: he was totally fine and now begs for it every time I make soup. So here’s everything I learned (and keep learning) after years of feeding celery to my furry vacuum cleaner.
Can Dogs Eat Celery? The Short Answer
YES – celery is 100 % safe and actually really healthy for most dogs when given correctly.
Why Celery Is a Super-Snack for Dogs
- 95 % water → perfect low-calorie treat (only 6 calories per stalk!)
- Packed with vitamins A, B, C, K
- Good source of potassium, folate, and manganese
- Natural breath freshener (Max’s kisses smell way better now)
- The loud crunch satisfies chewing instincts
- High fiber helps digestion and can firm up loose stools
How Much Celery Can Dogs Have?
| Dog Size | Safe Amount (per day) |
|---|---|
| Tiny (<10 lb) | 1–2 inch piece |
| Small (10-25 lb) | Half a stalk |
| Medium (25-50 lb) | 1 full stalk |
| Large (50-100 lb) | 2–3 stalks |
| Giant (>100 lb) | Up to 5 stalks (still moderation!) |
Rule of thumb: treats (including celery) should never be more than 10 % of daily calories.
How to Safely Give Celery to Dogs
- Always wash thoroughly (pesticides are bad news)
- Cut into bite-sized pieces – long strings can cause choking or intestinal blockage
- Remove the leaves if your dog has a sensitive tummy (they’re safe but higher in calcium oxalate)
- Start small the first time – watch for tummy upset
- Plain only – never with salt, butter, onion, or garlic
My favorite ways Max loves it:
- Frozen celery sticks = cheap summer pupsicle
- Mixed with peanut butter in a Kong
- Tiny pieces hidden in his dinner for extra crunch
When Celery Is NOT Safe for Dogs
- Seasoned or cooked in toxic ingredients (onion, garlic, too much salt)
- Whole stalks for small dogs (choking hazard)
- Dogs with kidney stones or bladder stones (celery has natural oxalates)
- Dogs on very low-sodium veterinary diets
Real Stories From Other Dog Owners
“Rescued greyhound was 10 lb overweight. Started replacing half his kibble with chopped celery + carrots. Down 8 lb in 3 months and full of energy!” – Sarah, Denver “My Frenchie had the worst dog breath ever. One celery stick every morning and people stopped backing away when he says hello!” – Mike, Austin
Vet-Approved Celery Dog Treat Recipe (Takes 2 Minutes)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon dog-safe peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- ½ banana (optional)
Mash everything together, stuff into a Kong, freeze overnight. Max goes absolutely wild for these.
Quick FAQ – Your Celery Questions Answered
Q: Can puppies eat celery? A: Yes, from about 12 weeks, but chop super fine.
Q: Is celery better than carrots for dogs? A: Both great! Celery = lower calories + breath freshener, carrots = better for teeth cleaning.
Q: My dog ate a whole bag of celery – should I worry? A: Probably just lots of bathroom breaks. Call your vet if he seems bloated or uncomfortable.
Q: Can celery replace dental chews? A: It helps, but not a full replacement – still brush those teeth!
Final Verdict
Yes, your dog can have celery – and most of them go nuts for the crunch! It’s one of the safest, cheapest, lowest-calorie treats out there. Just chop it small, start slow, and watch your pup turn into a happy little bunny.
Max is currently staring at me holding a celery stalk, giving me those big brown eyes… guess it’s snack time again!
Have you tried celery with your dog yet? Drop your pup’s reaction in the comments – I read every single one! 🐶
James James