Yes, dogs can eat turnips in moderation. Turnips are packed with nutrients like vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, sodium, etc. It aids in digestion, immune system, metabolism, bone strength, et cetera. However, dogs who have thyroid should avoid turnips altogether.
Table of Contents
What are Turnips?
Turnip is a leafy green root vegetable, yellowish-white in color, with a purple tip on occasion. The purple color is caused by sun exposure. It belongs to the Brassica family.
Turnips are related to rutabaga and parsnips. Their texture and application in the kitchen are also comparable. Turnips are commonly used in soups, mashed, or roasted.
Look for the smaller turnip bulbs when purchasing. Smaller sizes indicate that they were picked sooner, which is better. Large turnips have a less sweet flavor and a more intricate texture to chew.
Are Turnips Safe For Dogs?
Yes, turnips are safe for dogs due to the presence of numerous nutrients which are beneficial for dogs. However, even though turnips are safe, it is recommended not to make it a dog’s staple diet. Turnips are only safe if the dog doesn’t suffer from thyroid.
Why are Turnips Good for Dogs?
Let us first check the nutritional benefit turnips provide to dogs. Nutritional content in one cup of turnips is listed below:
Calories 36.4 cal
Protein 1.17 g
Fat 0.13 g
Carbohydrate 8.36 g (including 4.66 g of sugar)
Fiber 2.34 g
Calcium 39 mg
Iron 0.39 mg
Magnesium 14.3 mg
Phosphorus 35.1 mg
Vitamin K 0.13 mcg
Sodium 87.1 mg
Zinc 0.351 mg
Vitamin C 27.3 mg
Folate (Vitamin B) 19.5 mcg
These nutrients help your dog in various ways, which includes:
Aids in Digestion: The B Vitamins are often not considered, but they are helpful when it comes to your dog’s digestive health. Turnips contain a considerable amount of Vitamin B.
Boosts Metabolism: As turnips contain both Vitamin B and VItamin C, they also boost the metabolism of your dog. The high Fiber content in turnips helps prevent inflammation of the intestine and eases bowel movement in dogs.
Boosts immune system: Turnips have large quantities of ascorbic acid and Vitamin C. Both of them are great for your dog’s immunity. In addition, vitamin C plays an integral part in producing white blood cells, which helps prevent chronic health issues.
Suitable for Healthy Pregnancies: Folate is essential for mitochondrial function in pregnant dogs, and turnips have abundant folate.
Helps in curing asthma: Turnips have many anti-inflammatory properties, making them powerful antioxidants. These properties help in alleviating the asthmatic issues present in your dog.
It Improves Bone Strength: Turnips contain calcium. Calcium is the primary nutrient to improve the dog’s bone and skeletal strength. Moreover, they also have Vitamin D and Potassium, which strengthens your dog’s bone structure.
It is Anti-Cancerous: Turnips contain antioxidants and phytochemicals in high amounts. Both are known to reduce the risk of potential cancer in your dogs. In addition, the presence of Glucosinolates also aidsin the reduction of chances of cancer in your dog.
It Improves Heart Health: Large amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamins in turnips mean that they have anti-inflammatory properties. This aids in protecting your dog’s health in the long term. The presence of folate also helps in improving the cardiovascular system.
It Strengthens the Lungs: The deficiency of Vitamin K is often known to cause lung problems in dogs. Turnips have a lot of Vitamin K, and upon consumption, your dogs’ lungs will get strengthened in the long term.
It Improves Blood Circulation: Turnips contain a significant amount of iron. It is common knowledge that iron is required to form the red blood cells to oxygenate and repair the body’s system. Therefore, a sufficient amount of iron in your dog’s body circulates blood efficiently.
It Aids in Weight loss: Turnips are low in calories and high in nutrients. 100g of turnips contain just 20g of calories which are almost next to nothing. At the same time, turnip is also satiating because of its nutrients.
It Improves Eyesight: Lutein is one of the many nutrients found in turnips. It is known to improve vision, especially in aging dogs.
It Provides Healthy Skin and Shiny Coat: The presence of melanin along with so many vitamins in turnip ensures that your dog has healthy skin and a shiny coat.
It Provides Anti-Aging benefits: High amount of Vitamin C present in turnips prevents the external factors from aging your dog’s skin.
It Improves Kidney Health: Turnips are also natural diuretics. A diuretics’ function is to improve the urine production in your dog’s body. Urinating more will help your dog’s body flush out the unnecessary elements and filter his kidneys.
Why are Turnips Bad for Dogs?
Turnips are not suitable for dogs who suffer from thyroid. The presence of goitrogens suppresses the functioning of the thyroid glands in the dog’s body leading to hypothyroidism. This condition may lead to:
Lethargy
Exercise intolerance
Mental dullness
Weight gain
Obesity
Dull coat condition
Impoverished skin condition
Multiple organ failure
Hair thinning
How Many Turnips to Feed Your Dog?
Turnips are safe for dogs to consume in moderation. It is not recommended to replace your dog’s kibble. It can be served as a treat once in 22 weeks.
Dogs with a thyroid should not be given turnips at any amount.
What if My Dog Ate Turnips?
Turnips, if consumed too much, may disturb the dog’s stomach. Hence, if your dog has accidentally swallowed turnips, call your vet and visit for a checkup.
Keep your dog under supervision if he has thyroid. You will have to make rounds of visits to the vet if your dog, suffering from thyroid, consumed turnips.
How to Serve Turnips to Your Dogs?
Here are ways you can serve turnips to your dog after fair consultation with a veterinarian:
Serve finely chopped turnips on the top of your dog’s meal.
It can be mashed, cooked, and served alongside a meal that is a good protein source for your dogs.
Cook the turnip roots and mash them up for your dog’s consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dogs Eat Turnip Roots?
Yes, dogs can eat turnip roots in moderation.
Can Dogs Eat Japanese Turnips?
Yes, dogs can safely eat Japanese turnips as long as they consume them in moderation. It is crisp and has a pleasant flavor.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Turnips?
Yes, dogs can eat raw turnips in moderation. Raw turnips can even help in boosting the metabolism of dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Turnips?
Yes, dogs can eat cooked turnips as long as they are served in moderation. It would be best to remember that onions and garlic are toxic to dogs and should not be used while cooking the turnips.
Can Dogs Eat Pickled Turnips?
No, dogs cannot eat pickled turnips as pickles generally contain onions and garlic – both of them are considered toxic for dogs. In addition, many pickles are high in salt, which can lead to sodium poisoning in dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Turnip Greens?
Yes, dogs can eat turnip greens as long as they are washed and steamed before serving.
Can Dogs Eat Turnip Skin?
Yes, dogs can eat turnip skin. Although, it is better if you peel them off.
Can Dogs Eat Turnip Flowers?
Yes, dogs can eat turnip flowers, but they are not suitable for their taste.
Final Thoughts
Dogs can eat turnips as long as they are served in moderation. As mentioned above, turnips are beneficial to your dog’s health. However, dogs with thyroid issues should not be given turnips for consumption as they suppress the thyroid glands.
