Can dogs eat celery leaves?

Yes, the leafy tops are not toxic and can be given along with the stalk, though most of the crunch and appeal for a dog comes from the stalk itself. Wash them the same way you would the rest of the celery before offering any to your dog.

How much celery can a dog eat?

A small piece, a few times a week, is plenty for most adult dogs. There is no nutritional reason to give more than that, and a larger amount is more likely to cause loose stools or an upset stomach than to do your dog any good.

Can puppies eat celery?

In small amounts, once they are weaned onto solid food. Cut it into small enough pieces to remove any choking risk from the stringy fibres, and introduce it gradually like any new food, watching how your puppy gets on before offering more.

Is celery good for a dog's weight?

It is low in calories, which makes it a sensible treat choice for a dog who is watching their weight, but it is not a weight-loss food on its own. A vet is the right person to advise on a weight plan if your dog needs one, rather than relying on any single vegetable.

Is celery bad for dogs?

No, celery is not bad for dogs. It is one of the safer vegetables to share, low in calories and not toxic in any way, and most dogs can eat a small piece without any issue at all. The main things to manage are the stringy fibres, which can be a choking hazard if not prepared properly, and giving too much at once.

Why celery is genuinely fine

Celery is mostly water with some fibre and a few vitamins, and there is nothing in it that is toxic to dogs. That makes it a reasonable low-calorie option if you want to give your dog something to crunch on without the sugar or fat that comes with a lot of other treats.

It has a very mild flavour compared with something like a strawberry or a piece of chicken, so not every dog will be enthusiastic about it, but plenty do enjoy the crunch and the coolness, particularly in warm weather.

How to serve it safely

Wash the celery and cut it into small pieces rather than giving a whole stick, especially to small dogs and puppies. The stringy fibres that run along a celery stick are the main practical risk — they do not chew down easily and can be a choking hazard, particularly if a dog tries to swallow a larger piece whole.

Plain celery is the only version to offer. Skip anything with dip, salt, or seasoning added, since those bring their own problems that have nothing to do with the vegetable itself, and some dips contain onion or garlic, both of which are genuinely toxic to dogs.

When to hold off

Celery has a mild natural diuretic effect, so a large amount can mean more frequent trips outside than usual, though this is not dangerous. Stick to a small piece rather than a whole stick, and there is no benefit to giving more than that.

If your dog has a known sensitive stomach, introduce a small piece and see how they get on before offering it regularly. As with any new food, watch for loose stools or a dog who seems off after eating it, and speak to your vet if that continues beyond a day.

A dog who is overweight or on a vet-recommended diet can still generally have a small piece of celery, since it is genuinely low in calories, but check with your vet first if your dog is on a specific restricted diet for a medical reason rather than assuming any vegetable is automatically fine to add.

Safer things to give instead

Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.

Chicken-Wrapped Milk Stick Dog Treats

Chewy dog treats of soft milk sticks wrapped in real chicken for tasty, protein-rich rewarding.

From£12.99

Turkey Tail Mushroom & Probiotic Powder

A bacon-flavoured turkey tail mushroom and probiotic powder you sprinkle over food. Made to support immunity, energy and gut health, with scoop guidance for every weight from small to large pets.

£13.99

Fast UK delivery

Tarhong Concentric Circle Slow Feeder Bowl for Dogs & Cats

A stylish slow-feeder bowl that encourages healthier, calmer mealtimes — available in blue, grey, or white.

£14.99

Yeast Protection Gut & Skin Supplement For Dogs

A powdered daily supplement for dogs to support normal gut flora and healthy skin, with a measuring scoop.

£14.99

Browse all of Dogs →

Common questions

Can dogs eat celery leaves?: Yes, the leafy tops are not toxic and can be given along with the stalk, though most of the crunch and appeal for a dog comes from the stalk itself. Wash them the same way you would the rest of the celery before offering any to your dog.
How much celery can a dog eat?: A small piece, a few times a week, is plenty for most adult dogs. There is no nutritional reason to give more than that, and a larger amount is more likely to cause loose stools or an upset stomach than to do your dog any good.
Can puppies eat celery?: In small amounts, once they are weaned onto solid food. Cut it into small enough pieces to remove any choking risk from the stringy fibres, and introduce it gradually like any new food, watching how your puppy gets on before offering more.
Is celery good for a dog's weight?: It is low in calories, which makes it a sensible treat choice for a dog who is watching their weight, but it is not a weight-loss food on its own. A vet is the right person to advise on a weight plan if your dog needs one, rather than relying on any single vegetable.

Sources

Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.