If you have ever had kohlrabi before, you know it is a vegetable that belongs to the cruciferous family. If you are a dog owner, then you know just how hard it is to resist giving your dog a taste of what you’re cooking. You may be asking yourself can dogs eat kohlrabi? Here in this article, I will answer this question for you and much more concerning kohlrabi given to dogs.
What is Kohlrabi?
Kohlrabi is a seasonal vegetable that will be largely seen during the summer months. This vegetable belongs to the cruciferous family of vegetables which is just a grouping. They provide the person eating them with plenty of vitamins and minerals. Some other cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, radishes, and cauliflower.
Kohlrabi has a round shape that is connected to greens. You may find this vegetable in either a green or purple color. You can eat the entire vegetable, including the greens, but is it safe for dogs to eat kohlrabi?
Can Dogs Eat Kohlrabi?
Yes, your dog can enjoy eating kohlrabi with you. Remember, anytime you are giving your dog food that is not specifically made for it, then it needs to be given in moderation. Too much of something can be bad. If you feed your dog too much kohlrabi, it could upset your dog’s stomach. This vegetable will provide your dog with some great health benefits, such as vitamins and minerals.
Can Dogs Eat Kohlrabi Leaves?
Yes, your dog can eat kohlrabi leaves. The leaves are the leafy greens on top of the kohlrabi. Not everyone enjoys greens, so you can give it to your dog if you have some leftover. You will need to cook them first before giving them to your dog.
Cooking the greens helps break them down slightly, so they are so rough on the digestive system. Once cooked, you can chop them up, puree them, or even dice them up small into your dog’s food. While giving your dog raw kohlrabi leaves is okay, it is not advised. Do that at your own risk.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Kohlrabi?
Yes, the preferred method of eating kohlrabi is cooked. When you cook this vegetable, it makes it much softer for your dog to digest. The best way to cook it is by steaming it or boiling it. Make sure before you cook it that you have peeled the skin off. Once boiled, you can mash it almost like mashed potatoes or cut it into small bite-sized chunks.
Remember, when you cook something for your dog, it should never have added seasonings to it. If you are making some for yourself as well, I suggest cooking it plain and then removing some for your dog before you season your own portion.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Kohlrabi?
Yes, dogs can eat raw kohlrabi, but there are a few guidelines when it comes to the raw form. First, before giving your dog this vegetable in its raw form, you will want to wash it thoroughly. Washing it will clean and remove any dirt lingering on the kohlrabi. Then you should peel the skin off of it and cut it into very small chunks.
These small chunks will need to be given to your dog in moderation. Remember what I said above about too much of something can be harmful. Once you have your amount, you can toss it with your dog’s regular food or give it as a treat here or there.
Another thing to consider is that kohlrabi does contain something called psoralens. This naturally occurring thing in this vegetable can actually make your dog quite sensitive to UV rays from the sun. This can cause a skin reaction, and it generally is found in the peel of the kohlrabi or in areas that look bad or bruised.
So, while your dog can eat kohlrabi in the raw form, make sure you peel it first and cut out any spots that look suspicious. If you are still concerned about this aspect, you can cook it, and the natural toxin levels will fall. Of course, you can always ask your vet about this, and you can read more about the food science here.
How Much Kohlrabi Can a Dog Eat?
As I have said above, moderation is the key, and too much of anything for your dog can be a negative. If it is your first time feeding your dog this vegetable, I suggest only giving a small amount. You want to be on the lookout for any signs of an allergic reaction.
Also, dogs that have consumed too much can have negative effects from the increased amount of fiber in this food. For example, your dog can show signs of diarrhea if given too much.
Treats and snacks should never be fed exclusively to your dog. First, you need to make sure your dog is still getting all of its daily nutrition. Dog food will have complete nutrition, but if you are feeding your own homemade dog food, make sure you know what your specific dog’s nutritional requirements are.
Can Puppies Eat Kohlrabi?
Yes, puppies can eat cooked kohlrabi. However, remember that your puppy has different nutritional needs than an adult dog. Typically, your puppy should only eat puppy food or food approved by your veterinarian. If you do decide to give your puppy kohlrabi, then make sure it has been peeled and cooked thoroughly. Puppies have a greater risk of choking on food, so make sure it is cut into very small pieces.
Benefits of Kohlrabi for Dogs
There are definitely some benefits of feeding your dog kohlrabi. Here are some of them below:
Vitamins
There are some vitamins that are found naturally inside of kohlrabi; these are:
- Vitamin C which helps protect your dog’s cells from free radicals. This vitamin also helps your dog’s immune system.
- Vitamin A is known to help with vision function, and it also has antioxidant properties.
- Vitamin B helps your body make red blood cells, and it gives your dog some energy from the kohlrabi.
Minerals
Like vitamins, there are also some minerals naturally found inside the vegetable kohlrabi. These are:
- Potassium is another helpful mineral that helps the muscles of the body function.
- Magnesium helps your dog on a cell level and also aids in the function of your dog’s everyday health function and muscles.
- Calcium helps build strong bones as well as teeth. This is essential, especially when your dog is still growing.
Low Calorie
If you are feeding your dog a moderate amount of kohlrabi, it will be low in calories. This is great if your dog is already suffering from an overweight problem. Just a little bit of kohlrabi will be a great treat.
Side Effects of Kohlrabi for Dogs
Everything has some sort of a side effect. Even the healthiest things can have mild negatives if consumed in huge quantities. Here you will see a few side effects you should be aware of.
Digestive Issues
If kohlrabi is consumed in large amounts, it can give your dog digestive issues such as diarrhea. This is because this vegetable has a lot of fiber inside of it. Also, the greens of the vegetable can be particularly tough to digest. Therefore, make sure you are either cutting it up very small or cook it thoroughly to make it easier on your dog’s digestive system.
Allergic Reactions
Anything can set off an allergic reaction. This is something you will need to watch out for when your dog tries a new food. Some basic signs of a food allergy are itchy skin, vomiting, and lethargy just to name a few. So, when you’re giving your dog, a new food, give it a small amount and see how your dog reacts before giving it more.
Psoralens
I touched on this above, and psoralens is actually a natural toxin that is found in certain foods. Kohlrabi is one of those foods; it is usually located in the peel or skin of this veggie and should be peeled off to keep your dog safe. While this toxin will not kill your dog, it can still harm its skin.
Overall
Can dogs eat kohlrabi? Yes, your dog can enjoy this vegetable as long as you are giving it to your dog in moderation. Your dog may enjoy or dislike the flavor. However, it will give your dog some great vitamins and minerals that will be beneficial to its health. Let me know in the comments below if your dog has ever tried kohlrabi.