Can Dogs Eat Celery?

By Victoria Lynn Arnold. Reviewed by Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP on Nov. 22, 2022

woman holding celery and getting licked by a jack russell terrier

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be okay for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.

Every pet parent has been there: You’re chopping veggies for dinner and your dog is right at your feet, giving you their best please-give-me-a-taste puppy eyes. And while some foods are OK for dogs to snack on, others can be dangerous. So where does celery fall on that spectrum? Can dogs eat celery?

Yes, dogs can certainly eat this green treat. It’s not only safe for dogs to eat as a special snack, but celery is very healthy for dogs, too.

Is Celery Good for Dogs?

Celery is typically known for being extremely low in calories, low in sodium, and for having a high water content—which is great for hydration. But it’s actually full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant, too, including:

Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Folate
Magnesium
Iron
Potassium
Calcium
Fiber
Zinc

The celery leaves are easy for dogs to digest and contain the most calcium, potassium, and vitamin C in the plant. However, the leaves are also where the most pesticides are found, so it’s best to remove and discard them before giving celery to your dog. (Unless you buy organic celery, that is).

You can feed raw celery to your pup as a safe and healthy snack. Just be sure to cut the stalks into small, edible pieces and remove the strings. Otherwise, a whole celery stick could become a choking hazard or even lead to an intestinal blockage. Cooked celery can also be OK for your dog—as long as you prepare it completely plain.

Frozen celery is also fine for dogs, but the celery will lose most of its nutrients in the freezing process. So fresh and cooked celery are the healthiest forms.

Can Dogs Have Celery for Weight Loss?

If your dog is overweight, make sure to consult your veterinarian about a proper diet, portion sizes, exercise, and any other changes to your dog’s diet or routine.

Celery is a low-calorie snack, with only about 10 calories per stick. But keep in mind that celery and any other snacks should only make up 10% of your dog’s diet. The other 90% of their overall diet should come from well-balanced dog food.

If your dog is on a diet prescribed by your veterinarian to help them lose weight and they keep begging you for more food, you can give your pup some pieces of celery as long as your veterinarian says it’s OK. It’s a great way to feed them a fun, crunchy treat that won’t negatively affect their diet goals. Plus, the fiber found in celery will help your dog feel full, as well as help their digestive health.

How Much Celery Can Dogs Eat?

Celery should never take the place of your dog’s main nutrition—it’s just a healthy, fun treat. Here’s how much celery your dog can snack on, based on their weight and size:

Extra-small dog (2-20 pounds) = one to two pieces (½-inch wide by ¼-inch thick)
- Examples: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs
Small dog (21-30 pounds ) = two to three pieces (1-inch wide by ¼-inch thick)
- Examples: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds
Medium dog (31-50 pounds) = five to six pieces (1-inch wide by ¼-inch thick)
- Examples: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs
Large dog (51-90 pounds) = small handful of pieces (1-inch wide by ¼-inch thick)
- Examples: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds
Extra-large dog (91+ pounds) = handful of pieces (1-inch wide by ¼-inch thick)
- Examples: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Feeding your dog too much celery won’t be toxic for them, but too much of anything can give them an upset stomach. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms of an upset stomach:

Decreased appetite or loss of appetite
Fatigue
Acting depressed
Looking uncomfortable
Gulping or licking their lips, the air, or objects

More-serious symptoms include:

Vomiting
Excessive diarrhea
Blood in their vomit or stool
Weakness
Collapse

If you notice any of these more serious symptoms, call your veterinarian and take your dog to the vet immediately.

How to Safely Feed Celery to Dogs

Always thoroughly wash celery and cut it into small, edible pieces before feeding it to your dog. If the celery is organic, you can feed the leaves to your dog, too. Otherwise, cut them off.

If you’re feeding cooked celery to your dog, be sure it was cooked completely plain—salt and butter are not healthy for your dog, and ingredients such as onion and garlic are toxic. Only feed celery to your dog while you’re present and able to observe them to avoid any potential choking.

Some ways to give your dog a celery treat are:

Feed celery plain—raw, cooked, or frozen—in small, edible pieces as a treat.
Use those same chopped-up celery pieces as a food topper.
Put a little sugar-free, xylitol-free, and preferably salt-free peanut butter on your dog’s celery. They’ll love it!