You are at your local Lowcountry Broil. Brews and oysters are nice, but you are here for the southern sides: homemade cornbread with honey butter, baked beans and the crown jewel, collard greens. This outdoor event happily hosts furry friends. With your plate piled high, your pup is making those puh-puh-puh-please eyes at you. Can you share some collards with your pooch?

The short answer is yes. When collards are prepared without the stems, salt, seasoning, butter, or oil, in moderation they can be beneficial to your pup. Salt can cause salt toxicity and many other human seasonings are toxic and harmful to dogs as well. Adding oil or butter fat to your dog’s diet is not advised as it can lead to obesity and pancreatitis.

It should also be noted that dogs that have kidney or bladder issues should avoid collards all together. The high content of calcium oxalate and isothiocyanates can increase your pup’s likelihood of developing kidney or bladder stones. 

Whenever you introduce new foods into your dog’s diet, always consult your vet. Additionally, only offer small portions and then monitor your dog for adverse symptoms.

To ensure your pet will live a long and healthy life, it is always a good idea to invest in pet health insurance. Preparing for the unexpected guarantees money is never an issue in keeping you pup healthy.