Yes, your dog can eat spinach!

This leafy green is packed with essential nutrients that benefit your dog’s health. Spinach is rich in potassium and magnesium, which support brain function, muscle health, and energy production. It’s also a great source of folic acid and vitamin A, which boosts immunity and helps maintain healthy vision.

Spinach is featured in our Free-Range Chicken Bowl, Grass-Fed Lamb Bowl and Barn-Raised Turkey Bowl, where it combines with other real food ingredients to keep your dog happy, healthy, and full of vitality.

Why we love spinach: real food nutritional benefits

Spinach is packed with nutrients that deliver a variety of health benefits for your dog. Here’s why we love it:

1. Folic acid
   Folic acid is a B vitamin that’s essential for your dog’s growth and energy production. It plays a crucial role in everything from DNA synthesis to red blood cell production, making it a must for overall vitality.

2. Antioxidants
   Spinach is high in lutein and other antioxidants that help defend cells against damage from free radicals. These antioxidants can also reduce the effects of brain aging and boost cell metabolism, keeping your dog sharp and healthy.

3. Vitamin A
   Essential for vision, immune support, and healthy skin, vitamin A is also crucial for development during pregnancy and lactation. Spinach provides a natural source of this important vitamin.

4. Magnesium
   Spinach is rich in magnesium, a mineral that’s involved in every muscle movement, heartbeat, and nerve signal in your dog’s body. It’s a key nutrient for energy production at the cellular level.

5. Potassium
   This mineral helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. Spinach is a great source of potassium, which is vital for your dog’s body to function properly.

How much spinach can my dog eat each day?

Spinach is a great addition to your dog’s diet, but like all treats, it should be fed in moderation. When giving spinach as an occasional treat, it shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily intake. A few chopped, steamed leaves mixed into their regular meals are a great way to add a nutritional boost without overdoing it.

What to watch out for when feeding your pup spinach

While spinach is generally safe for dogs, it’s important to serve it properly to avoid any potential issues. Fresh, steamed spinach is the best option because raw spinach can be tougher to digest and contains higher levels of oxalic acid, which can affect calcium absorption.

At Lyka, we steam our spinach to neutralise the oxalic acid and ensure it’s easy on your dog’s digestive system.

Avoid canned spinach, as it often contains added salt, preservatives, and other additives that can be harmful to dogs. High sodium levels in canned vegetables can lead to dehydration and other health concerns, so it’s best to stick to fresh or frozen spinach.

When serving spinach at home, always offer it plain — no seasonings, butter, or oils. A small amount of steamed, chopped spinach mixed into your dog’s regular meal is a great way to give them a nutrient boost without upsetting their stomach.

If your dog has a history of forming oxalate crystals in their urinary tract, consult your vet before adding spinach to their diet, as it may contribute to the formation of crystals in sensitive dogs.

What about other leafy greens?

Spinach isn’t the only nutritious leafy green for dogs. Kale, another cruciferous vegetable, is also packed with vitamins and antioxidants that can benefit your pup’s health. Both spinach and kale should be served cooked and in moderation to avoid any digestive upset.

At Lyka, we believe in the power of real food to nourish your dog.

That’s why we include spinach in many of our meals, like our Free-Range Chicken Bowl, Grass-Fed Lamb Bowl and Barn-Raised Turkey Bowl. This superfood not only adds flavour but also provides essential nutrients like folic acid, magnesium, and potassium, ensuring your dog enjoys the best possible nutrition.

Every ingredient in Lyka’s meals is carefully chosen for its health benefits, helping your dog live their happiest, healthiest life.

🐶 Read more: The life-changing benefits of real food for dogs →