The Complete Guide to Dogs Eating Celery: Safe or Toxic?

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Yes, dogs can eat celery in moderation, and this crunchy green vegetable can offer some health benefits. However, before adding celery to your pup’s diet, there are a few important factors to consider. While fresh celery without added salt, seasonings, or dips is generally safe, some preparations—like cooked celery with onions or garlic—can be harmful to dogs. Plus, what about celery leaves and strings? Is juiced celery a better option? Can too much celery lead to digestive issues or choking hazards? This guide will explore the benefits, potential risks, and the safest way to incorporate celery into your dog’s diet.

Is Celery Good For Dogs?

Yes, when given in moderation, celery can be a healthy treat for dogs.

Always ensure you feed plain, washed celery in bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. Avoid seasoning or dips like ranch or peanut butter that may contain harmful additives. Steer clear of feeding large amounts of fibrous celery strings, which can be difficult for some dogs to digest.

Benefits

100 grams (3.5-ounce oz) of celery contains the following nutrients:

Celery Nutrition Chart (100g)

Nutrient Analysis

Risks & Considerations Before Feeding Celery to Dogs

While celery can be a safe and low-calorie treat for dogs when given in moderation, there are several risks and considerations to keep in mind before feeding it to your canine companion:

Raw vs Cooked Celery

Raw or cooked celery is safe for dogs. However, both have their pros and cons. Generally, raw celery is fine for healthy adult dogs. For seniors, puppies, or dogs with dental/digestive issues, lightly steamed or boiled celery is safer and easier to digest.

Aspect	Raw Celery	Cooked Celery
Texture	Crunchy – may help clean teeth	Soft – easier for dogs with dental issues
Nutrient Content	Higher in heat-sensitive vitamins (like Vitamin C)	Slightly reduced due to cooking
Digestibility	Tougher to digest, especially in large amounts	Gentler on the stomach
Choking Risk	Higher, especially if not chopped properly	Lower, as it’s softer
Taste	Some dogs love the crisp texture	Milder flavor, might be less exciting
Preparation Needed	Wash and chop into small pieces	Steam or boil without salt or seasoning
Ideal For	Healthy adult dogs who enjoy crunchy treats	Puppies, seniors, and dogs with sensitive teeth or stomachs
Fiber Content	Slightly higher, can promote digestion (but too much can cause gas or diarrhea)	Lower due to breakdown during cooking
Safety Tips	Avoid leaves and seasonings	Do not add butter, salt, garlic, or onions

Part of Celery Dogs Can & Can’t Eat

Here’s a breakdown of whether dogs can safely eat different parts of the celery plant:

Celery Stick (Stalk): ✅ Yes, dogs can safely eat the celery stalk. It’s the most commonly fed part and provides hydration, fiber, and vitamins like A, C, and K. The crunchy texture can also help freshen your dog’s breath. Always wash the stalk thoroughly and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking—especially for small breeds.

Celery Leaves: ⚠️ Celery leaves are technically safe but should be fed with caution. They tend to contain more pesticides than the stalks and may cause stomach irritation in sensitive dogs. If you feed the leaves, ensure they are organic, washed thoroughly, and offered in very small amounts. Many owners choose to remove them entirely for safety.

Celery Seeds: ❌ Dogs should not eat celery seeds. While not toxic in small amounts, they are highly concentrated and can act as a powerful diuretic. This may lead to digestive upset or place stress on the kidneys. Celery seeds are sometimes used in spice mixes that include salt or other additives that harm dogs. It’s best to avoid them entirely.

Celery Root (Celeriac): ❌ Dogs should not eat celery root. Though not toxic, it’s tougher to chew and digest and can cause gas or stomach upset. Celery root is a different cultivar from regular celery and has a stronger flavor and denser texture, making it less suitable for dogs. It’s best to avoid offering it.

Can Dogs Eat Celery Juice?

Yes, dogs can drink celery juice in small amounts, but it’s not necessary or particularly beneficial compared to the whole stalk. Celery juice lacks the fiber found in the stalk and may be too concentrated for some dogs, potentially upsetting their stomach. If you do offer some, make sure it’s 100% plain celery with no added salt, sugar, lemon, or other ingredients. A few teaspoons occasionally is more than enough.

Are Dogs Allergic to Celery?

Risks

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to celery.

What to Do If A Dog Reacts Badly to Celeries

Dogs showing worsening symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

1. Contact a veterinarian immediately: Even if your dog seems fine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline right away. This includes services like the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also schedule an at-home veterinary appointment with The Vets, a mobile veterinary service that provides at-home vet care nationwide for just about everything.

2. Gather important information: When speaking to a vet, provide the quantity consumed (estimate if unsure), time of ingestion, and dog’s weight and breed (to assess potential risk).

3. Follow veterinary instructions: The vet may suggest monitoring at home, or emergency treatment at the clinic.

• Keep your dog calm and prevent them from eating anything else.
• Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet quickly if advised.
• Bring any remaining celery or packaging to help the vet assess the situation.

How to Safely Feed Celeries to Dogs

When feeding celery to your dog, it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines to keep them safe:

Ways to Feed Celery to Dogs

As with any new food, starting slowly and feeding gradually is recommended to give the digestive system time to adjust.

Best Celery Dog Food

If you’re looking to incorporate the benefits of celery into your dog’s daily meals, consider Sojos Turkey With Celery Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food. This grain-free recipe features real, raw turkey as the first ingredient, paired with celery and other farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to support digestion, hydration, and immune health. Gently air-dried to preserve nutrients, it offers a homemade, minimally processed meal with the convenience of just adding water. With high-quality protein, natural fiber, and essential vitamins, Sojos makes it easy to nourish your dog with a clean, energizing diet that supports overall wellness and vitality.

Best Celery Dog Treat

For pet parents looking to offer the benefits of celery in a protein-packed, flavorful form, Herbsmith Smiling Freeze Dried Beef With Celery Dog Treats deliver nutrient-dense snack dogs crave. Made with grocery-grade beef and fresh celery, these freeze-dried bites retain their natural taste and nutritional integrity, offering a wholesome treat that supports a healthy diet. Celery provides dietary fiber and antioxidants, while beef delivers high-quality protein to promote lean muscle maintenance and lasting energy.

How Much Celery Can Dogs Eat?

Treats should only constitute 10% of your dog’s diet, with the remaining 90% coming from well-balanced dog food. This guideline also applies to healthy treats like celery. Below, you’ll find general guidelines for safely portioning celery based on your dog’s weight.

Dog Size	Serving Size	Breed Examples
Extra-small (2-15 lbs.)	1–2 small pieces (about 1 tbsp finely chopped)	Shih Tzu, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese
Small (16-25 lbs.)	2–3 pieces (about 2 tbsp chopped)	Boston Terriers, Beagles, Dachshund
Medium (26-60 lbs.)	3–4 pieces (about ¼ cup chopped)	Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Border Collies
Large (61-90 lbs.)	5–6 pieces (about ⅓ cup chopped)	Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers
Extra-large (91+ lbs.)	6–8 pieces (about ½ cup chopped)	Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Can Puppies Eat Celery?

Yes, puppies can eat celery, but only in moderation and very small amounts. Since puppies have more sensitive digestive systems, it’s best to start with just a tiny portion—such as a teaspoon of finely chopped celery—to see how they react. Feeding too much celery at once can lead to digestive upset, as puppies’ stomachs are still developing and may struggle with its fibrous texture. Fresh, raw celery is the best option—avoid cooked celery seasoned with salt, butter, or any additives, as these can be harmful to puppies. Also, steer clear of celery dipped in peanut butter unless you’re sure it contains no xylitol or added sugar. When introducing celery or any new food, avoid offering multiple new ingredients on the same day. This allows you to monitor for any food sensitivities or allergic reactions. If your puppy experiences digestive issues, introducing only one new food at a time makes it easier to identify the cause. Try offering a teaspoon of plain, washed, and finely chopped celery, then wait a few days to observe how your puppy’s digestive system reacts before offering more. Always cut celery into small, manageable pieces to avoid choking hazards, especially since raw celery can be stringy and tough for small puppies to chew.

Is Celery Good for Dogs’ Teeth?

Yes! Raw celery can help scrape plaque off your dog’s teeth thanks to its crunchy texture. It also boosts saliva production, which allows the mouth to be naturally cleaned. While it’s not a substitute for regular brushing, celery can be a natural breath freshener and support oral health when used as part of a dental care routine.

Alternatives

Here’s a list of alternatives to celery that are just as safe and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Celery can be a healthy, low-calorie treat for dogs when served properly. Packed with vitamins, fiber, and water, it’s a great occasional snack that supports hydration and digestion. However, it should always be washed, chopped into small pieces, and given in moderation to avoid choking or digestive upset. As with any new food, it’s best to introduce celery slowly and monitor your dog’s reaction. When served plain and appropriately, celery can be a refreshing addition to your dog’s treat rotation.

Whether you’re introducing celery or any new treat, unexpected reactions can happen. Having the right pet insurance ensures you can handle any vet visits with peace of mind. Check out our guide to the best pet insurance plans to keep your furry friend covered in every situation. If you’re looking for other healthy snack options, check out the best dog treats to find safe and nutritious alternatives. And if you’re seeking something more therapeutic to support anxiety, pain, inflammation, or other health concerns, explore the benefits of CBD oil for dogs and CBD dog treats for a natural way to help your pup feel their best.

Like It? Subscribe & Share!

* indicates required

First Name *

Email Address *

Dog Breed

Leave this field empty if you’re human:

Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.