Celery: more than a crunch
I’m afraid of losing my obscurity. Genuineness only thrives in the dark. Like celery.
Aldous Huxley
Celery (Apium graveolens) is an inexpensive, low-calorie vegetable that offers numerous health benefits. Cultivated for thousands of years as both a food and a medicine, celery was initially used by the Romans for its potential therapeutic effects, even to the point of warding off intoxication!
Nutritional information
Although celery is made up of more than 95% water, it also has a high sodium content so would not necessarily support hydration in dogs. Given in moderation, however, especially cooked and served with other ingredients in toppings or treats, it is a great addition to the canine diet.
Fibre
Celery is a significant source of dietary fibre, which is essential for digestive health in dogs. The insoluble fibre in celery helps regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
Phenols and Flavonoids
Celery is rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants. Key components include:
- Caffeic Acid: A phenolic acid that scavenges free radicals and reduces oxidative damage.
- Ferulic Acid: Protects cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Apigenin: A flavonoid known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties.
- Luteolin: Exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, supporting cellular and brain health.
- Kaempferol: Provides antioxidant benefits and contributes to reduced inflammation.
- Tannins and Saponins: Further enhance the plant’s ability to combat oxidative stress and support immune function.
Vitamins
Vitamin A
Celery contains beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. This nutrient supports vision, skin health, and immune function, making it vital for overall canine health. Beta-carotene is converted into active vitamin A in the body as needed.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, bone health and (according to some studies) cardiovascular health. Whilst dogs are able to synthesise some vitamin K in a healthy gut, it may not always be enough for their overall nutritional requirements. Factors such as diet, gut health and antibiotic use may affect production or absorption. making dietary intake important.
Vitamin C
As a natural antioxidant, vitamin C aids in reducing oxidative stress and boosting the immune system. It also supports collagen synthesis, which is essential for skin, joint, and connective tissue health in dogs. While dogs can produce their own vitamin C, dietary sources can provide additional support during times of stress, illness, or intense physical activity, when their needs for e.g. enhanced immune response or wound healing may increase.
Main Minerals
Potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance in the body. This can aid in hydration, especially during physical activity. Potassium is essential for maintaining normal muscle function and nerve transmission. It also contributes to the proper functioning of the heart muscle, thereby supporting cardiovascular health. For active or ageing dogs, ensuring adequate potassium intake can help maintain optimal muscle performance and prevent imbalances that may lead to weakness or fatigue.
Calcium
Calcium is vital for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. It plays a critical role in muscle contraction, nerve signalling, and blood clotting. In dogs, calcium is especially important for growing puppies, lactating females, and ageing dogs at risk of bone density loss. Containing around 40 mg of calcium, it can complement other dietary sources to help meet daily calcium requirements and support overall musculoskeletal health.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a multifunctional mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic processes in the body. It supports energy production, muscle and nerve function, and the synthesis of proteins and DNA. Magnesium also plays a role in maintaining healthy bones by regulating calcium balance. For dogs, adequate magnesium intake is important for preventing muscle cramps, supporting a calm nervous system, and ensuring robust metabolic health. Celery’s magnesium content, though modest, contributes to these essential physiological functions.
Benefits – Key Takeaways
Anti-inflammatory
Celery is packed with antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These compounds reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and the risk of chronic conditions and can help with arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Digestive Health
The fibre in celery regulates bowel movements, reduces constipation, and supports gut microbiome balance. Prebiotic effects encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria, enhancing digestive efficiency and nutrient absorption.
Immune Support
Phenols and flavonoids in celery, including apigenin and luteolin, help bolster the immune system by neutralising free radicals and reducing inflammation. Beta-carotene further strengthens the immune response by maintaining healthy mucous membranes.
Brain Health
Luteolin and apigenin are particularly beneficial for brain health, reducing oxidative damage and inflammation in neural tissues. This supports cognitive function and may help to protect against age-related decline in dogs.
Heart Health
Potassium, fibre, and antioxidants in celery promote cardiovascular health by supporting normal blood pressure, reducing cholesterol absorption, and preventing oxidative damage to heart tissues.
Anti-Microbial Properties
Celery contains saponins and essential oils that exhibit antibacterial and antifungal properties, supporting overall health and reducing risks of infections. Studies have shown that celery seeds are even useful in the treatment of skin disorders.
Sodium Warning
While celery contains a range of beneficial nutrients, it also has a relatively high level of sodium. Excessive sodium intake can be harmful to dogs, leading to potential health issues such as high blood pressure and kidney problems. It is important to feed celery to dogs in moderation to avoid excessive sodium consumption.
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Want to know more? These studies may be useful:
- Rui Hai Liu, Health-Promoting Components of Fruits and Vegetables in the Diet, Advances in Nutrition, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2013, Pages 384S-392S, ISSN 2161-8313,
https://doi.org/10.3945/an.112.003517. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2161831322011292) - Kooti W, Daraei N. A Review of the Antioxidant Activity of Celery (Apium graveolens L). Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2017;22(4):1029-1034. doi:10.1177/2156587217717415
Nutrional information
Celery, raw, 100g
For full nutrient content see Food Data Central
Important Considerations:
- Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
- If you are feeding commercial food, check the label for ingredients before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
- Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
- Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
- I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
- Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.
- I am not a professional nutritionist but supporting research is cited.
- The recipes shared were created by me and tested in my kitchen – and tasted and approved by our doggy friends!