Can dogs eat kale?

Kale belongs to the brassica family with broccoli and cabbage. Its isothiocyanates can cause gas and stomach upset if a dog eats a lot. It also contains calcium oxalate, which is a concern for dogs with a history of calcium oxalate stones. The benefits of kale for people come from regular large servings, which do not suit dogs.

A reasonable limit for a 20 kg (44 lb) dog is a small handful of chopped leaves once or twice a week.

Strip the leaves from the thick central stems, which are tough and stringy. Chop the leaves finely and steam for two or three minutes to soften them. Raw kale is harder to digest and more likely to cause gas. Serve it plain, mixed into the regular meal.

Baby kale and cavolo nero, the dark Italian variety, are more tender than curly kale and need only a minute of steaming. Measure out your dog's share before the rest goes into a salad or soup.

Kale chips are usually coated with oil, salt and sometimes cheese powder or garlic. Green smoothies may include fruit juices, sweeteners or grapes. Kale salads come with dressings, nuts and onion. None of these are a good way to give kale to your dog.

Dogs with thyroid conditions, a history of bladder stones, kidney disease or sensitive stomachs are better off without kale unless their vet agrees. Plenty of lower-risk vegetables, such as green beans, courgette and cucumber, can fill the same role.