Yes, dogs can eat celery, and it's one of the best low-calorie treats you can offer. Crunchy, watery and very low in calories, plain celery is non-toxic and makes a great snack for dogs watching their weight. The only real must-do is to cut it into small pieces, because the long stringy stalks can be a choking hazard. Served that way in moderation, celery is a safe and refreshing treat for a healthy dog.
Weight-friendly treat ideas come up a lot with the owners I see at the salon here in York, and celery is near the top of my list. Here's how I'd serve it.
Is celery good for dogs?
Celery has a genuinely handy treat profile. Plain celery offers:
- Very few calories, so it's ideal for dogs on a diet.
- A high water content, which is nicely hydrating and refreshing.
- Fibre to support healthy digestion.
- A satisfying crunch that many dogs love to work at.
None of this means your dog needs celery. Their complete, balanced diet already covers the essentials. Think of it as a guilt-free extra, and a brilliant swap for higher-calorie treats if your dog needs to slim down.
The one catch: cut it small
Celery's only real drawback is texture. The stalks are stringy and fibrous, and a big chunk can be a choking risk, especially for small dogs and enthusiastic gulpers. Cut it across the stalk into small, bite-sized pieces rather than handing over a long stick, and those tough strings are much easier to manage.
> Groomer's tip: For a hot-day treat, chop celery small, mix it with a little plain water in an ice cube tray and freeze it. You get a cooling, crunchy, near-zero-calorie snack that keeps a bored dog busy.
How much celery can a dog eat?
The usual rule applies: treats and extras, celery included, should stay under 10% of your dog's daily calories, with the rest from proper food. The PDSA's guide to safe fruit and veg for dogs lists celery among the vegetables dogs can safely enjoy.
Because it's so low in calories, celery gives you a bit more room than sweeter treats, but a small handful of pieces is still plenty. Introduce it slowly the first time and watch for any loose stools.
How to serve celery safely
- Wash it well to rinse off any residue.
- Cut it into small, bite-sized pieces across the stalk to tame the strings and reduce choking risk.
- Serve it plain, raw for maximum crunch or lightly steamed for older dogs with tender teeth.
- Skip the extras. No peanut butter loaded with sugar or xylitol, no salt, no dips.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat raw celery?
Yes. Raw celery, washed and cut into small pieces, is a safe, crunchy, low-calorie treat. Cutting it small tames the stringy texture and reduces the choking risk.
Is celery good for dogs on a diet?
It's excellent. Celery is one of the lowest-calorie treats around and very filling to crunch, so it's a great swap for richer treats when a dog needs to lose weight.
Can dogs eat celery leaves?
The leaves are not toxic, but keep amounts small and washed. As with the stalk, chop everything into manageable pieces.
How much celery can a dog have?
A small handful of chopped pieces as an occasional treat, kept within the 10% treat allowance. Introduce it slowly the first time.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. A trim, healthy dog is a comfortable one on the grooming table, and low-cal treats help. Book their next groom.