Can dogs eat lotus root? Traditionally added to soups, stews, or even fried up as a side dish, lotus root has gained popularity in the United States. But can dogs safely eat it, too?
The short answer is yes, cooked lotus root is safe for dogs to consume. Raw lotus root, however, does come with a few concerning drawbacks.
Before adding lotus root to your dog’s diet, you must have a conversation with your vet about this starchy vegetable’s pros and cons. In the meantime, here’s what you should know about how lotus root can be a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet with proper preparation.
How Is Lotus Root Good For Dogs?
Lotus root is an aquatic plant. But unlike other unsafe aquatic vegetables, such as watercress, it’s completely safe for dogs to consume once cooked.
This is great news since the lotus root is rich in nutritional benefits, particularly ones that strengthen our dog’s immune system. Its antioxidant and vitamin C content is significant.
Furthermore, lotus root is a superb source of potassium, which aids greatly in blood circulation.
Dietary fiber is another huge plus with lotus root. In general, fiber is vital for dogs. It keeps their gut health in line and aids greatly in their digestive process.
However, you can always have too much of a good thing. Too much fiber can lead to stomach upset and gastrointestinal issues.
Due to this, lotus root should be served in moderation. If incorporated into your dog’s diet, it should only comprise a small fraction of the ten percent allocated to foods outside of a dog’s main, balanced diet.
How Can I Safely Give Lotus Root To My Dog?
For your dog to benefit nutritionally from lotus root, it must be properly prepared. There is a significant danger with aquatic plants to be aware of, which makes this preparation mandatory.
Aquatic plants absorb bacteria from the water, including parasites. Plants like watercress absorb negative bacteria to such a degree that it is completely unsafe for dogs. But with lotus root, the cooking process will get rid of any unsafe parasites.
If served raw, these parasites can infest your dog’s intestinal tract and cause major gastrointestinal issues. And furthermore, raw lotus root is highly difficult to digest. Luckily, this is easy to avoid.
To serve lotus root safely, all you need to do is wash and cook it thoroughly. Then, it’s recommended to cut it up into either thin slices or bite-sized pieces prior to boiling, steaming, or baking. This will ensure that it is soft and completely cooked through for your dog.
Moderation should also be employed when serving your dog cooked lotus root. Excessive amounts can lead to digestive issues, due to the fiber content.
Adding lotus root to your dog’s homecooked meals, a few times per week should cause no issue. But, as always, confirm this with your veterinarian before introduction.
Is lotus root something you include in your dog’s diet? Do they seem to enjoy the flavor? Let us know in the comments below.
