Can Dogs Safely Eat Rutabaga?

Rutabaga is a turnip-like root vegetable. It is known by many names – Swedish turnip, winter turnip and “ugly turnip” are a few. This large tube vegetable is often used in stews, soups and simply as a mashed condiment. As much as it is loved among humans, can you claim the same for dogs? Can dogs eat rutabaga?

Can dogs eat rutabaga?

Yes, dogs can eat rutabagas safely. Rutabaga is packed with healthy nutrients like calcium and folate that can help in your dog’s growth.

It is one of those vegetables that are loved by dogs in whatever way you feed them. A versatile veggie like rutabaga can be used in various ways for both humans and doggos.

Rutabaga is a winter vegetable. It is a cross between turnip and cabbage, so it has the benefits of both. It grows best in cold temperatures. Unlike many other vegetables, rutabaga can be stored for a long time. You can keep some rutabaga in your pantry, and your dog can enjoy this wonderful veggie for days to come.

Rutabaga vs turnip

It is so easy to get confused between a rutabaga and a turnip. While both are insanely healthy root vegetables, it is also important to know the difference between them.

The main difference between rutabaga and turnip is in its color, size, taste, and preparation. Let’s have a quick look at a comparison between the two.

Nutritional value of rutabaga

We know that you want the best of everything for your precious dog. Rutabagas are healthy for your dogs, but how? Here’s a quick overview of a medium-sized, 387 g rutabaga

Health benefits of rutabaga for dogs

The health benefits of rutabaga for dogs are insane. This veggie is so rich in good nutrients that your dog will get an instant boost of essential nutrients right after digestion. Keeping rutabagas in a regular diet will do wonders for your dog’s health. Following are some of the benefits that your dog can enjoy while munching on rutabaga:

• The high fiber content in rutabaga makes sure that your dog’s bowel movement remains smooth and unpainful.
•  It also prevents colorectal cancer in dogs and keeps the digestive tract healthy.
• The presence of vitamin C boosts a dog’s immunity. It prevents a dog’s body from getting sick often. It also keeps infections away from a dog’s skin and fur.
• Rutabagas are very fulfilling. Since they are low in calories, they make an excellent meal for dogs on weight watch.
• The anti-inflammatory properties of rutabaga help senior dogs with their joint pains.

How to feed rutabaga to dogs?

Your dog can eat rutabaga cooked as well as raw. You can even give rutabaga to your dog without peeling. The peel is softer than that of turnip and can be chewed easily. Make sure to remove the top and bottom root of the rutabaga before serving it to your dog.

You can also make a meal out of rutabaga by adding meat of your choice to a boiled and mashed rutabaga. This will make a perfect combo as your dog will get enough proteins from the meat and fibers from rutabaga. Ensure that you have not added any salt, onion, garlic or spices to the mix.

Related FAQs to rutabaga and dogs!

Is turnip OK for dogs to eat?

Yes, turnip is a healthy vegetable for dogs. It is rich in vitamin C, folate and other essential nutrients.

Can dogs eat root vegetables?

Dogs can eat vegetables like carrot, sweet potato, turnips, parsnips and beets. But since they contain a lot of starch, feeding quantities must constantly be monitored.

Can dogs eat cabbage?

Yes, dogs can safely eat cabbage. Cabbage is generally safe for dogs, but there’s a high chance that your dog will get gas problems after eating cabbage.

Conclusion

Dogs are omnivores. Contrary to what people have you believe, they need more than protein to maintain good health. Dogs get many of the essential nutrients from plant-based foods. Rutabaga is an excellent choice for pet owners who want to treat their dogs with healthy and versatile food. But just like everything else, rutabagas are only good if fed correctly and in controlled quantities.