Can dogs eat endive? You may be asking this because you want to feed your pup a new snack, or maybe your pup ate a bite by accident. Humans can eat endive, so is it also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is yes, endive is safe for dogs to eat. Endive is a chunky, pale leaf that is gaining popularity among humans, and you can absolutely share your fancy salad leaf with your pup. It contains nutrients that are beneficial for both humans and our furry friends.
However, as always, you must consult your veterinarian before feeding your dog any new foods or ingredients. Here’s what you should know about feeding endive to your dog.
How Is Endive Good For Dogs?
Endives are a member of the chicory family, a genus that includes bitter leafy veggies. You are probably familiar with chicory leaves, or frisée, which have a similar flavor to the Belgian endive.
Endives contain vitamins A, C, and K, which are all essential to your pup’s health. They’re also high in folate, or vitamin B9, which aids in cell growth and function as well as immunity health.
How Can I Safely Give Endive To My Dog?
Your dog can eat endive raw or cooked. If they are not averse to the bitterness of the leaf, raw endives are best for your pup, as they retain their full nutritious value. While they are bitter, most pups enjoy the crunch of the raw endive leaf and will disregard the bitter flavor.
Like cabbage, endives have crevices that harbor bugs and dirt, both of which are not good for your pup to ingest and can cause sickness. Before giving your dog this nutritious snack, it’s imperative that you thoroughly wash and break apart the endive head.
Do not give your dog an entire endive head without breaking it apart and washing it.
If your dog prefers cooked endives, boiling, roasting, or steaming the leaves are all good options. It’s important that you leave the veggie free of oils and spices, as these can upset your pup’s sensitive stomach.
If your pup is averse to endive in all its forms, you might try feeding them a different leafy green, like spinach, that is less bitter.
Has your dog ever eaten endive? Do they prefer this bitter veggie raw or cooked? Let us know in the comments below!
