Can Dogs Eat Turnips? Vet Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ
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Turnips are hearty root vegetables often used in soups, salads, stews, and casseroles. Many pet owners wonder if it’s okay to share their turnips with their canine pals. Yes, you can feed turnips to dogs, cooked or raw, though raw isn’t recommended because the vegetable can be harder for your dog to digest.
You can serve turnips to your dog occasionally. However, they should never replace your dog’s regular diet and shouldn’t be fed to your dog daily. As with any food you feed your pet, it’s best to talk to your vet before giving turnips to your furry pal, just in case the dog has health issues that the turnips could aggravate.
For example, you shouldn’t give your dog turnips if he has thyroid problems. If you’re wondering how healthy turnips are for your pet, we’ll discuss the benefits and more below.
Is It Safe for My Dog to Eat Turnips?
Yes, you can feed turnips to your dog, and it is safe to do so. Dogs can eat the skin and the flesh of the turnip. You can cook them in several ways, but it’s best to skip the spices, butter, and other seasonings when you give them to your pet, as the seasonings could upset your dog’s digestive system.
However, as previously stated, you shouldn’t feed turnips to a dog with thyroid problems. This is because turnips contain goitrogen, which can reduce the dog’s thyroid function and could open your poor dog up to additional problems. To prevent any issues, avoid feeding turnips daily.
It’s also important to note that too many turnips at once can cause gastrointestinal issues in your furry friend due to the high fiber content. It’s best to give your dog a small portion of turnips and only as an occasional treat.
Are There Any Benefits to Feeding Your Dog Turnips?
While turnips aren’t good for every canine, giving them to your dog occasionally has a few health benefits. Turnips have plenty of vitamins and minerals and very low calories, so you don’t have to worry that your dog will become obese from eating them. The root and the greens of the turnip are safe for your dog.
- Fiber
- Folate
- Vitamin C
It’s also thought that turnips are a good diuretic, which means they may also work to increase the kidney function in your furry friend.
How Should I Feed Turnips to My Dog?
You can mash, bake, or boil turnips for your dog. They can also eat them raw, but they’re harder to chew and digest.
You can feed your dog raw turnips, but you need to cut them into small chunks or grate them, so they are easier for your dog to chew. You can bake grated turnips into your dog’s homemade treats and even grate the turnips and put them on top of your canine pal’s regular food for a tasty treat.
When preparing turnips for your dog, whether you mash, bake, or boil them, it’s essential not to use seasonings or garlic, and onions. Both are toxic to dogs and some spices, such as bay leaves and cloves, are unsuitable for canines. It’s best to cook plain turnips to prevent adverse reactions.
Other Root Veggies Your Dog Can Eat
There are a few other root vegetables related to the turnip that you can safely feed your canine friend.
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Parsnips
However, root veggies of any kind have quite a bit of natural sugar in them, so it’s best to feed them to your dog occasionally to avoid dental problems or problems with weight gain.
Final Thoughts
There are no safety issues with giving your furry friends turnips in occasionally. Turnips have a few health benefits for dogs, but it’s vital to understand that they aren’t healthy or safe for some dogs, so it’s best to talk to your vet before you feed them to your canine.
If your vet okays your request to give your dog turnips, serving them plain instead of adding seasonings is best. While turnips could be used as part of your dog’s balanced diet, reserve them for special treats.
