When feeding veggies, is spinach a good option? What are the goods/bads?

Thanks
Kat

It depends. It's high in purines so it's very bad for dalmatians. For other breeds it seems to be fine.

I feed spinach to my crew, not too often though, but once/twice per week :)

I think it contains iron doesn't it? (haven't got a bag to have a look at) :)

Oh yes loads of iron .  You need vitamin C to help you absorb it though as it is not as accessable as from meat and you should not take caffeine with it because it inhibits the uptake of iron, so no making the dogs a coffee to finish! :D

>so no making the dogs a coffee to finish!<

but are they still allowed a chocolate mint wafer??

:D :D

I feed spinach mixed with all the other veg/fruit!

Gosh they are going to be so disappointed about the coffee :D

Thanks all, will use a couple of times a week. It comes in such handy frozen portions!

Kat

Ooh Kat, hope you dont mind Im going to hyjack your thread a little...
This reminded of something thats been on my 'to do' list for sometime...
I feed Spinach and curly kale (juiced in my 'Glop' veggie concoction) but remember hearing or reading a debate about Spinach,Rhubarb, kale etc being fed in moderation due to its  Oxalic acid content..
which I cant for the life of me remember why this was pertinent!! lol
so answers on  postcard!!
Annnnnnyway!... Ive used it albeit in fairly small amount for some time now and not had any problems :)
But I must admit.. it usually goes in my curries and the dogs dont get a look in!! :D *burp*

Liv, grab a coffee and read the pm I've just sent you re: spinach LOLOL

Be warned, its long!

Hello Missie, just being nosy, but I'd like to read your spinach info please!

Me too if that's ok Missie :)

ok will do :)
but I just asked Jeeves ;) 

Don't know if its included Missie but I had heard you shouldn't give spinach during the summer months cos it can cause the dog to overheat?

I don't know Annie, it was just some info I found on what spinach contains, what it can do etc. There was loads of it I think, didn't have time to read it all :)
I will double check

I think this is the link

http://www.spinachwords.com/

Thanks Missie, I never knew spinach had so much in it! And it's one of my favourite veg too... buttered with a sprinkle of nutmeg yum yum...

Thanks Missie :).  As it is based on humans, I don't suppose overheating dogs is likely to be mentioned! :D :D

no, couldn't find it relating to canines, though just about to have another search ;)

I had heard you shouldn't give spinach during the summer months cos it can cause the dog to overheat?

I thought that was cod liver oil!

No, not heard that one. :)

I've read it somewhere :P :P

I think I've heard that one too??

and this was all I could find, tried hard for 5 minutes :P :P

http://uk.ask.com/web?o=0&dm=all&qsrc=6&l=dir&q=Spinach+Nutrition

I think it's actually kelp that is not recommended to be given during the summer months ;)

Yes, I've heard that too Zarah but I've also heard spinach mentioned in the same way. :)

Just to clarify!
During the Summer months Kelp should only be given sparingly to dogs or cats that are prone to skin problems associated with over-heating. It does not 'cause' overheating per se. :)

, sorry HG that is clear as mud to me! :D  Do you mean that it does cause overheating but only in susceptible animals?

Yes, if you look for example at lets say Dorwest herbs..they advise their Kelp be given sparingly to dogs prone to skin problems assosciated with Overheating..but The dont put up this warning for their 'Keepers mix' (which is Kelp based) as its all about amounts.
    On that note my top tip for anyone with dogs that have these prolems is to use Dorwest Herbs Mixed vegetable tablets (soothes and cools), I was tipped off about this from a friend in my breed when My Sibe was getting skin problems under his harness when pulling my rig.

Thanks HG - very useful info :)

All about spinach below

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=43

and more below

http://www.whfoods.com/foodstoc.php

I buy my herbs from Hilton herbs, depends what you`re using kelp for, but the ones below are mixed with other things & can be given year round.

http://www.hiltonherbs.com/canine/canine_coatandskin.cfm?cfid=8352&cftoken=19933482

My previous GSD developed a non functioning parathyroid, main effect was noise-triggered MAJOR panic attacks. Vet put him permanent medication of Collocal D - parathyroid affects uptake of calcium and phosphorus and keeping the two in balance in the system. this affects the nervous system in some ways.
I was able to reduce the daily dose by over half after vet suggested adding a daily dollop of spinach in his feed.
Chris