Can Dogs Eat Radishes? Is It Safe?

Today many dog owners are looking for ways to add fresh foods back into their dog’s diet. This is causing many owners to ask, what can my dog actually eat?

Well, you can add radishes to list of foods that are safe for your dog. Be warned that they may not be too wild about the radishes’ taste!

The Benefits of Feeding Radishes to Your Dog

Dogs are omnivores which means they eat meat and plants. Studies show that dogs must have plants as part of their diets to stay healthy. So, adding vegetables like radishes can be a good thing for your dog! Radishes are not on the list of foods that are dangerous for dogs. There are few studies online that show how radishes effect dogs. When reading these benefits keep in mind that dogs and humans do not process food the same way. So, these human health benefits may not be the same for your dog.

Radishes are good sources of Vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, potassium, and fiber. Their high levels of Vitamin C help people’s immune systems fight digestive disorders, colds, bronchitis, high cholesterol, and even kill cancer cells. Radishes help boost people’s immune systems and keep them healthy. Radishes have high amounts of water and have very few calories. This makes radishes very filling and helps keep hunger away. So if you have an overweight dog, they may help keep their appetite under control.

Things to Watch for When Dogs Eat Radishes

Every dog is different, so there are a few things to consider when letting your dog eat radishes. Talk to your Vet before letting them eat radishes if your dog has any kidney or heart problems. If your dog is going to have any type of surgery, make sure to stop feeding radishes two weeks before the surgery. Call your Vet if you have any questions or concerns about letting your dog eat radishes.

Radish allergies are rare, but if your dog shows any of these symptoms after they eat they may be having a reaction:

– Hives, itchiness

– Facial swelling (face, throat, lips, eyelids, or earflaps)

– Poor skin and coat

– Vomiting and/or diarrhea

– Anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing)

– Chronic ear or foot infections

– Constant Licking

If you see any of these symptoms call your Veterinarian right away.

How Can You Prepare Cabbage for Your Dog?

Your dog can eat radishes raw or cooked. They have a strong spicy or peppery taste when eaten raw, so this may be a hard thing for your dog to overcome. When cooked, the spicy taste isn’t as bad making them more appealing to your dog!

If your dog enjoys the spicy taste, feel free to chop up raw radish and sprinkle it in their food. If your dog is not fond of that spicy taste, then try roasting the radishes. Once cooled add them to your dog’s food. When you cook the radishes do not add any spices, oils, or butter as these ingredients can upset your dog’s stomach. Introducing any new food to your dog’s diet, can cause upset stomachs. Make sure to introduce radishes into your dog’s diet gradually over time, so you can see how they handle it. As with other foods, cooking radishes may make them easier for your dog to digest.

Conclusion

Radishes can be a good addition to your dog’s diet and boost their immune system and keep them healthy. Adding any new food to your dog’s diet may upset their stomach. Take time introducing radishes into your dog’s diet so they can enjoy the health benefits of this vegetable.

Sources

https://www.petfoodinstitute.org/pet-food-matters/nutrition-2/history-of-pet-food/

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/raw-veggies-are-healthier/

https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/food-technology/nutrition/radishes/

https://lenoir.ces.ncsu.edu/2012/05/dont-give-up-on-radishes/