Mustard greens are among the healthy cruciferous veggies for humans.
What about our furry friends?
It’s your responsibility to know if your fido will be safe after feeding him different foods, including mustard greens.
So, can dogs eat mustard greens?
Yes, dogs can eat mustard greens.
Like many vegetables, the nutritional value of mustard greens is good for dogs.
However, mustard greens must be cooked and given to dogs in tiny amounts.
Feeding your pup mustard greens is beneficial in various ways.
From stronger immunity to efficient blood clotting, mustard greens can do much for your furry friend.
Read this article to know the benefits of mustard greens for your dog, their risks if not fed properly, and the right amount for a healthy dog.
Benefits of Mustard Greens for Dogs
Mustard greens are safer for dogs because they don’t contain mustard seeds.
Although they make mustard greens spicy, mustard seeds cause gastroenteritis in dogs.
Mustard greens contain the following nutrients:
- Vitamins A, C, and K
- Calcium
- Fiber
- Folate
- Iron
- Potassium
- Magnesium
Your pup needs these nutrients for:
Stronger Immunity
Mustard greens have Vitamin C, which helps in the production of white blood cells.
These cells are responsible for fighting infections.
Vitamins C is an essential antioxidant for dogs.
It eliminates free radicals and toxins in their body, thus, protecting them from various diseases.
Dogs suffering from UTIs or bladder stones can benefit from the diuretic effect of mustard greens.
The increased urination will flush out toxins and bacteria in their system.
Efficient Blood Clotting
Vitamin K is responsible for blood clotting.
As a soluble fat nutrient, vitamin K synthesizes coagulation proteins needed for blood clotting.
When your dog gets injured or undergoes surgery, he’ll need vitamin K to prevent excessive bleeding.
Apart from blood clotting, vitamin K metabolizes calcium into bones and teeth.
This prevents the formation of calcium deposits in arteries, heart, and other dog muscles.
Vitamin K also prevents osteoporosis in dogs.
Improved Heart, Kidney, and Lung Health
Mustard greens are an excellent source of Vitamins A.
This vitamin improves your dog’s heart, kidney, and lung health.
Vitamin A is an antioxidant that scavenges free radicals in the body.
These harmful substances can damage cells leading to chronic oxidative stress.
Chronic oxidative stress is linked to arthritis, eye cataracts, heart disease, and cancer in dogs.
By preventing cell mutation, Vitamin A plays a key role in preventing cancer in dogs.
Vitamin A is also necessary to develop a strong immune system, flawless vision, and healthy skin.
Growth and Development
The growth of your puppies will be smooth if they get the right nutrients.
Vitamin A promotes early growth and development in dogs.
The deficiency of Vitamin A in puppies is linked to stunted growth, nervous system disorders, muscle weakness, and poor quality hair and skin.
Vitamin A in mustard greens will ensure your puppy experiences a balanced growth with all organs developing to their standard sizes.
Healthy Digestive Tract
Mustard greens are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.
When dogs eat foods rich in fiber, it helps them have regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.
Dietary fiber also helps dogs absorb nutrients efficiently.
It binds to toxins and excess cholesterol in the intestines and eliminates them from the body.
This way, fiber protects your dog’s digestive tract from various diseases like gastrointestinal cancer, colitis, and diarrhea.
Risks of Mustard Greens for Dogs
While they offer a lot of benefits, feeding your dog with too many mustard greens can result in the following problems:
Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Too much dietary fiber can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in dogs.
This is because their digestive system is not designed to process large amounts of fiber.
If your dog eats too many mustard greens, he may experience diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating due to gastrointestinal discomfort.
Loss of Appetite
Excessive mustard greens will quickly fill up your dog’s stomach, leaving no room for other nutrients.
It’s worth noting that your pup needs other nutrients like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to stay healthy.
Mustard greens lack these nutrients and can only be found in other foods like bacon bits.
Feeding your furry excessive mustard greens means he’ll not have space for other foods.
The impact is malnutrition which will be manifested through:
- Weight loss
- Dandruff
- Excessive shedding
- Flatulence
- Inconsistent bowel movements
Kidney Stones
The high levels of oxalates in mustard greens can cause kidney stones in dogs.
When these crystals form in the urinary tract, they block urine flow and cause immense pain.
Your dog may also experience bloody urine, fever, increased thirst, and vomiting.
If not treated early enough, kidney stones can lead to renal failure in dogs.
The Right Amount of Mustard Greens for Dogs
The right amount of mustard greens to feed your pup depends on his tolerance ability.
Start with a small amount and observe his reaction.
If he is okay, give him a little more next time while adhering to his dietary needs.
Remember to cook mustard greens before giving them to your dogs.
Raw mustard greens contain goitrogens which can interfere with the production of thyroid hormones.
Thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating your dog’s metabolism.
When goitrogens block their production, it leads to hypothyroidism manifested through:
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
Frequently Asked Questions
Will mustard hurt my dog?
Yes. Mustard will hurt your dog because it contains mustard seed.
Mustard seeds are poisonous to dogs and can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Are mustard greens toxic?
No.
Mustard greens are not toxic to dogs.
However, they must be cooked to eliminate goitrogens that are dangerous to dogs.
What happens if my dog ate a little bit of mustard?
If your dog eats a little bit of mustard, he may develop gastroenteritis which causes stomach inflammation.
Final Thoughts
Dogs can eat mustard greens in small quantities, provided they are cooked.
Excessive mustard greens can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, loss of appetite, and kidney stones in dogs.
The right amount of mustard greens to feed your pup depends on his tolerance ability.
Some dogs will not tolerate even the smallest bits of mustard greens.
It’s your responsibility to work it out with your canine to determine the right amount.
Start by giving him little mustard greens and increase the amount gradually if he does not react.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
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