Kale
CautionKale's calcium oxalate raises the risk of kidney and bladder stones, its isothiocyanates irritate the stomach, and fed regularly it can interfere with thyroid function. Occasional and tiny, or not at all.
This food guide has not been reviewed by a veterinarian. It summarises general information from sources and should not be used to decide whether a food is suitable for an individual dog or to assess an emergency.
Check before feeding
Check the precautions before sharing
Risk depends on preparation, ingredients or amount. Read the precautions below; body weight alone cannot establish a safe portion.
Signs and health concerns
This list includes both observable signs and conditions identified through examination or testing. It cannot establish the cause or whether an exposure is safe.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Difficult or painful urination
- Blood in urine
- Thyroid dysfunction
More about this food
Kale reads as a health food, which is exactly why it ends up in dog bowls. The American Kennel Club's position is narrower: an occasional small amount is likely fine for most dogs, but kale should not be a regular treat. Three separate issues stack up.
Calcium oxalate is the first. AKC notes that calcium oxalate can cause health issues such as kidney and bladder stones, which matters most in dogs that already have kidney or bladder disease. Isothiocyanates are the second: in dogs these can cause mild to potentially severe gastric irritation. AKC uses broccoli as the yardstick, noting it is considered safe when the total ingested is less than 10% of daily intake while over 25% may be considered toxic, and kale carries comparable levels. Thyroid function is the third: AKC warns that kale can interfere with thyroid function if fed regularly, especially in hypothyroid dogs, who may also see interactions with their medication.
Body size changes what any given amount means. An amount that is harmless for a Labrador Retriever can be a problem for a Yorkshire Terrier, so scale down sharply for small dogs.
In practice, American dogs meet kale as kale chips seasoned with salt, oil, and garlic powder, as a handful of raw leaves tossed into a home-cooked diet, or as green smoothie dregs. Garlic powder is its own toxicity, and green smoothies concentrate the oxalate load into a few ounces. AKC points to green beans and cucumbers as better vegetable options.
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty urinating, or any change in urination habits after your dog eats kale, and contact your veterinarian if you see them. If your dog is being treated for stones or thyroid disease, do not add kale on your own; ask the vet who manages that case. If your dog ate a large quantity, do not induce vomiting at home; note the amount and the time and let your veterinarian decide what needs doing.
Frequently asked questions
- My dog ate a piece of kale. Is that an emergency?
- For most healthy dogs an occasional small amount is not an emergency. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, straining to urinate, or a change in urination habits, and call your vet if any of those show up. The same leaf is a much bigger dose for a small dog.
- Can I add kale to a home-cooked diet?
- Not as a staple. AKC flags calcium oxalate, gastric irritation from isothiocyanates, and thyroid interference with regular feeding. If you are formulating a home-cooked diet, work with a veterinary nutritionist and use green beans or cucumber instead.
- What about kale chips or a green smoothie?
- Skip both. Kale chips carry salt, oil, and often garlic powder, which is toxic to dogs, and a smoothie concentrates the oxalate load into a few ounces. Neither belongs in a dog's diet.