Chard is a herbaceous plant of the Chenopodiaceae family that began to be cultivated in 800 BC. by the Assyrians, in Upper Mesopotamia. Throughout history, it has been credited with a host of medicinal benefits. In addition, it is a highly recommended vegetable for people who follow slimming diets, as it is very satiating, nutritious and low in calories. But do you know if dogs can eat Swiss chard?
If you want to find out, don't miss the following article on our site in which we explain everything you need to know about this vegetable in relation to the diet of dogs.
Is chard good for dogs?
Although they have numerous detractors, Swiss chard is vegetables with a high nutritional value and low caloric intake that provide numerous nutritional benefits. In addition to their high fiber, vitamin and mineral content, they have a laxative and digestive effect, which is why they are frequently included in people's slimming diets as they are very satiating and low in calories.
Dogs can also take advantage of the great nutritional benefits of this vegetable. In other words, we can say that chards are suitable for dogs However, it is important to take some considerations into accountthat we explain below, to prevent your contribution from having a negative effect on the he alth of dogs:
- Contains oxalic acid: Like other green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and lettuce, Swiss chard contains oxalic acid which, when combined with calcium, forms calcium oxalate. This s alt can be added to the urine and lead to calcium oxalate urinary stones
- Contain nitrates: nitrates are not highly toxic by themselves, however, after they are ingested, the body converts them into nitrites, which can cause a blood disorder known as methemoglobinemia.
To prevent the contribution of chard from causing these negative effects on your dog's he alth, we recommend that you read the following sections, in which we will talk about how and in what quantity you can include this vegetable in the your dog's diet without any risk.
Benefits of chard for dogs
The great nutritional value of Swiss chard is due, among other things, to its high content of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Among the main nutritional benefits of Swiss chard, the following stand out:
- They are an excellent source of soluble fiber: Although the digestive system of dogs cannot digest fiber, it is an essential nutrient in your diet. In other words, fiber adds volume to the ration, creates a feeling of satiety, contributes to the maintenance of the intestinal microbiota, regulates intestinal transit and stool consistency. Do not hesitate to take a look at this other article on Fiber in dogs, its importance, food and supplements, here.
- They have a low energy value: this makes them a suitable ingredient for animals that require a low-energy diet, such as overweight dogs.
- They provide significant amounts of vitamins,specifically vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B9 (folates) and vitamin B3 (niacin).
- They are very rich in minerals: they provide very significant amounts of iodine, iron and magnesium. Although to a lesser extent, they also contain potassium and calcium.
- Contains lutein: a carotene that is beneficial for preserving visual acuity and prevents the development of cataracts.
How to give my dog chard?
First of all, you must wash the chard with plenty of water to remove any contaminant or pesticide that may be present on its surface.
Your dog will most likely reject raw chard, so we recommend that you cook it. Specifically we advise you to boil them, since this process provides an important advantage. As we have mentioned in previous sections, chard contains oxalic acid, which can have negative consequences for the urinary system of dogs. However, during the boiling process, the oxalates remain in the broth, thus reducing the content of this antinutrient in the vegetable.
Once cooked and drained, you can mix them with their feed or with their homemade ration, depending on the food you usually offer to your dog.
As a guide, you can include this vegetable once a week in your dog's ration. If we talk about:
- A small dog: adding 1-2 sheets will suffice, depending on the size of the sheet.
- A big dog: just add 3-4 sheets.
In any case, we recommend that you consult your trusted veterinarian before introducing any new food into your dog's diet, in order to avoid any risk to your he alth.
Contraindications of chard for dogs
Although chard is a vegetable suitable for dogs, there are certain situations in which its contribution may be contraindicated. Specifically, the use of this vegetable should be avoided in the following cases:
- Dogs with food allergies or intolerances.
- Dogs with digestive pathologies or with a digestive system that is particularly sensitive to changes in diet.
- Dogs with kidney problems: especially if they have urinary stones or have a tendency to form them.
- Dogs small breed males: such as miniature schnauzer, chihuahua or yorkshire terrier, because they have a greater tendency to form stones of calcium oxalate.
- Dogs with anemia.
