Can Dogs Eat Bok Choy? 4 Health Benefits of Bok Choy

Bok choy is a variety of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. chinensis) with dark green leaves and thick white stalks. Its name means “white vegetable” in Cantonese. Bok choy is closely related to turnips, broccoli rabe, napa cabbage, tatsoi, and mizuna. With origins in Central Asia, bok choy is one of the oldest cultivated vegetables.

In American supermarkets, two main varieties of bok choy are common: "regular" bok choy, which has a ruffly dark green leaf and bright white stalk, and Shanghai bok choy, which has smooth, oval leaves and is light green from the leaves to the stalk. Both regular and Shanghai bok choy are high in vitamin A and vitamin C.

Bok choy is safe for dogs to eat in moderation. While dog food should comprise most of your dog’s diet, these green veggies make for an excellent low-calorie treat for puppies and older dogs. Bok choy is a nutrient-dense vegetable that contains antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamin A and vitamin K, which can support your dog’s eyesight and heart functionality. Bok choy is high in fiber—feeding large amounts to your dog can cause choking or an upset stomach.

When dogs eat bok choy, they’ll get a snack packed with nutritional benefits. Bok choy can help improve your dog’s vision, heart, digestive tract, bones, and immune system:

1. 1. Vision: Bok choy leaves contain antioxidants, including vitamin A, which can help improve eyesight.
2. 2. Heart: Folate and vitamin B6 in bok choy can help dogs maintain a strong, healthy heart. Bok choy is also rich in magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin K, vital for heart functionality.
3. 3. Bones: Magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin K also absorb calcium and can help strengthen your dog’s bones.
4. 4. Digestion: The high fiber content of a bok choy leaf can help with your dog’s digestion system. Bok choy is especially good for dogs with constipation or other digestive issues.
5. 5. Immune system: Bok choy is high in vitamin C, which can help strengthen your dog’s immune system.

Follow these tips when introducing your dog to bok choy:

1. 1. Wash the veggie. Gently rinse the bok choy and pat it dry before offering it to your dog. This will help rid the bok choy of any dirt and other bits that can lead to an upset stomach.
2. 2. Remove the white stalk. The green leaves provide the nutrients that can benefit your dog, so feel free to remove the white part. (You can save the stalk for later use, like making vegetable stock.)
3. 3. Serve the bok choy raw. The oil and seasonings in sautéed veggies can upset your dog’s stomach, so serve the vegetable raw. As a hot snack in the wintertime, you can steam the bok choy before feeding it to your dog.
4. 4. Cut into small pieces. Bok choy leaves have a crunchy texture, so it’s best to cut them into smaller bits so your dog can swallow them easily. For puppies, be sure to cut the leaves up very small.
5. 5. Feed your dog slowly. Feed the bok choy pieces to your dog a little bit at a time to prevent the snack from turning into a choking hazard.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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