Can dogs eat turnips? Turnips can be baked, boiled, mashed, or steamed for human consumption and added to all kinds of meals. But are turnips safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is yes, turnips are safe for dogs to consume. Furthermore, dogs can eat them in almost all of the ways we enjoy them! Turnips have been a staple crop for thousands of years. More than likely, they’ve been a part of the dog diet for a very long time.
Be that as it may, always run new diet additions you’re considering by your veterinarian. In the meantime, here’s what you should know about how turnips can be an excellent addition to your dog’s diet.
How Are Turnips Good For Dogs?
Turnips have been in backyard gardens for a very long time, aiding dogs in their health long before humans knew how to study these things.
All of the health benefits packed into these veggies are substantial. They’re rich in vitamin C, fiber, folate, and magnesium. Plus, they’re a natural diuretic, so they improve kidney function dramatically.
Altogether, your dog’s metabolism and nervous system are both nourished by turnips. Even dogs with diabetes or blood glucose issues can eat them!
And, every part of the turnip is healthy to eat; even their leafy greens. In fact, turnip greens pile on extra nutrient benefits and are wonderful for both dogs and humans to eat. This is the case with all varietals of turnip, as well.
One caveat to the turnip, though, is its effect on the thyroid. If your dog has any thyroid issues, turnips have been known to suppress the functionality of the thyroid. This wouldn’t be a good option in that instance.
How Can I Safely Give Turnips To My Dog?
Turnips can be eaten raw or cooked, just like jicama. Both are wonderful root vegetables to add to your dog’s diet safely, with little preparation needed on your part.
That preparation really just entails chopping. Large pieces of anything are a choking hazard, so chopping the turnip up into small pieces is the best way to serve it as a raw treat.
However, that certainly isn’t the only way that turnips can be served to your dog safely. Some pet parents even mash the turnip to include in homecooked meals, to bake into treats, or to add to dog food for some variety.
You can also steam or roast turnips. Stick them on the grill for some nice and flavorful char!
One thing you want to steer clear from, though, is pickled turnips. Anything pickled isn’t recommended for dogs to consume, and turnips are no exception. Often pickled products have additional ingredients that can be toxic for dogs, such as garlic and onions.
But for the most part, the world is your oyster when it comes to turnips, and we’d love to hear what you come up with.
How do you incorporate turnips into your dog’s diet? Does your dog like to eat them as a healthy snack? Let us know in the comments below.
