Can Dogs Eat Celery? Yes — Here's How to Serve It

Yes. Dogs can eat celery in small amounts. While dogs have a reputation for being enthusiastic meat-eaters, the truth is that they are omnivores, like humans. You’ll likely find that your dog’s food includes veggies and carbs in the ingredients. Dogs can eat a range of fruits and vegetables, and celery can be a good treat option, especially if your canine needs to lose some excess weight or just watch their calories.

Consult your veterinarian before adding any new foods, including celery, into your dog’s diet to make sure they are appropriate for your pup’s unique health status and needs. Treats and toppers should never make up more than 10% of your pet’s food intake to help avoid nutritional imbalances.

Health benefits of celery

Even if most dogs can eat celery, is celery actually good for them? In small amounts, yes. Celery is a low-calorie, nutritious treat filled with important vitamins and minerals. Dice celery into size-appropriate, bite-sized chunks, and use them as treats that are around one calorie each. This can be a great way to reward or train your dog without filling them up with unnecessary calories. While praise is always a great start, celery treats are especially useful if your dog is overweight and you want to cut their overall daily calories without taking away food-based rewards.

Many dogs also appreciate celery’s crunchy texture. Because it is 95% water, it provides a little extra hydration with each bite. While you should always bring a water bowl for long walks or outdoor activities, celery can especially good treat option during walks and other active adventures with your dog.

Another benefit—that’s more for you than your dog—is that celery may even help freshen your dog’s breath. Fresh dog breath means you’ll enjoy cuddle time on the couch with your pup even more than you already do.

Feeding your dog celery

Celery may be a good treat alternative for your canine, but how much should you feed your dog? First, remember celery is not a meal replacement. You should always ensure you give your pet complete and balanced dog food unless otherwise instructed by your veterinarian. Instead, use celery as a special reward given sparingly on occasion.

You may be wondering if dogs can eat celery sticks. Celery sticks can present a choking hazard, especially to smaller dogs, so it’s a good idea to cut celery into small, bite-sized pieces that are appropriate for your pup’s size. And if your two-legged family members enjoy celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins (“ants on a log”) remember that raisins are toxic to dogs and should not be shared, while any peanut butters need to be xylitol-free.

Now, you don’t have to wonder if celery is OK for dogs—it is. In fact, celery can be a good low-calorie treat for your canine on occasion. Always ask your vet and do your research before giving your pet any human food.

» MORE: Learn about fruits and vegetables that dogs can and cannot eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is celery safe for dogs? Yes — celery is safe for dogs in small, bite-sized pieces. It is low in calories, free of known toxins, and well-tolerated by most dogs. Always introduce any new food gradually and consult your veterinarian if your dog has an existing health condition before adding celery to his routine. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

How much celery can a dog eat? Treats — including celery — should make up no more than 10% of your dog's total daily food intake to avoid nutritional imbalances. For most dogs, a few small diced pieces per day is a reasonable occasional reward, not a daily staple. Your veterinarian can give you a portion size tailored to your dog's weight and caloric needs. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/

Is celery a choking hazard for dogs? Whole celery stalks and large chunks can pose a choking risk, particularly for small dogs. Always cut celery into bite-sized pieces proportional to your dog's size — think small dice for small dogs, slightly larger pieces for bigger breeds. Supervise your dog any time he's trying a new treat. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Can dogs eat raw celery or does it need to be cooked? Dogs can eat celery both raw and lightly cooked. Raw celery retains more of its crunch and water content (celery is approximately 95% water), which many dogs enjoy. If you lightly steam it, avoid adding butter, salt, onion, or garlic — all of which can be harmful to dogs. Plain preparation is always the safest approach. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Can dogs eat celery leaves? Celery leaves are not toxic to dogs, but they have a more concentrated, bitter flavor that some dogs dislike. Offer only a small amount at first to see how your dog responds, and skip them entirely if he shows any digestive upset. When in doubt, stick to the stalk. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Can celery replace a dog's regular meals? No. Celery is a treat, not a nutritionally complete food. Dogs require a complete and balanced diet formulated to meet their omnivore nutritional needs. Celery lacks the protein, fat, and full micronutrient profile dogs need daily. Always keep celery as an occasional reward alongside — never instead of — a quality, complete dog food. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals

Celery for Dogs: Prep Methods, Portions & Nutrition at a Glance

Use this quick-reference table to choose the right form and serving size for your dog. Remember: celery is a treat, not a meal — keep all treats at or below 10% of your dog's daily food intake. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/

Suggested Serving Size by Dog Size

Portion size matters — a piece that's perfectly safe for a Labrador Retriever could be a choking risk for a Chihuahua. These are general starting guidelines; always check with your veterinarian for your individual dog's needs. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/

Always introduce any new food gradually and watch for digestive upset (loose stool, vomiting, or gas). If you notice any reaction, stop offering celery and consult your veterinarian.

Celery Nutritional Snapshot (per 1 medium stalk, ~40 g)

Dogs are omnivores, so modest amounts of vegetables can complement a complete and balanced diet — but celery's real value as a dog treat is what it doesn't contain: excess fat, sugar, or calories. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals

Note: Dogs obtain all required nutrients from a complete and balanced commercial dog food that meets AAFCO nutritional standards. https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/ Celery is a supplemental treat — not a nutritional necessity — and should never replace a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat celery every day? Celery is non-toxic and low in calories, so an occasional daily piece is unlikely to cause harm for most healthy dogs — but variety is wise, and all treats combined should stay at or below 10% of your dog's total daily food intake. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/ Check with your veterinarian if you plan to offer it regularly.

Is celery safe for puppies? Small, soft pieces of plain celery are generally non-toxic for puppies, but puppies have sensitive digestive systems and specific nutritional needs during growth. Introduce any new food slowly and in tiny amounts, and always ask your veterinarian before adding human foods to a puppy's diet. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/

Can dogs eat celery leaves? Celery leaves are not toxic to dogs and can be offered in small amounts. They have a stronger, more bitter flavor that some dogs may refuse. Because the leaves are more concentrated in flavor compounds, keep portions very small and monitor for any digestive upset.

What should I do if my dog eats a large amount of celery at once? A large quantity of celery can cause digestive upset — including loose stool, gas, or vomiting — due to its high fiber and water content. If your dog ate a significant amount or shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian. For concerns about toxic foods accidentally consumed alongside celery (such as raisins), contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Is celery a good treat for overweight dogs? Yes — celery's extremely low calorie count (roughly 1 calorie per small piece) makes it one of the more practical low-calorie treat swaps for dogs that need to manage their weight. It also provides a satisfying crunch that many dogs enjoy. Always pair any weight-management plan with guidance from your veterinarian, who can recommend an appropriate daily calorie target. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/

Can dogs eat cooked celery? Plain cooked or steamed celery is safe for dogs. Avoid preparing it with butter, oil, garlic, onion, salt, or any seasonings — many of these additions are harmful to dogs. Cooked celery is softer, which can make it easier for senior dogs or dogs with dental issues to chew. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.