Why raw spinach is extra tempting
That crinkly texture of raw spinach leaves triggers your dog's prey drive—it mimics the sound of small animals in grass. At 12 kg, he's likely tall enough to plant his paws on the counter and scan for movement, making your prep area feel like a hunting ground. Unlike cooked spinach, raw leaves also release more volatile compounds dogs detect easily.
Redesigning your kitchen workflow
Move all veggie prep to one secured zone: place a non-slip mat where you'll stand with a lidded bowl for scraps. When washing spinach, immediately transfer leaves from colander to storage container without setting them down. Use the stove's back burners exclusively, and install a temporary baby gate to keep him out during high-risk tasks like salad making.
The training drill that sticks
Practice 'leave it' with three levels of temptation: start with boring kibble on the floor (reward with chicken), progress to holding spinach at waist height (reward with cheese), then simulate counter height by placing it on a sturdy box. End each session with a legal chew toy to satisfy the foraging urge. Consistency here prevents future thefts of riskier foods like onions or grapes.
The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Spinach food facts page.