Can Dogs Eat Kohlrabi (German Turnips)?
Kohlrabi is also known as German turnips are a type of vegetable that has a strong, peppery taste. Some popular dishes that include German turnips are stir-fried kohlrabi with bacon and sautéed kohlrabi with carrots and onions.
It’s hard not to want to share your food with your dog when they look at you with those cute eyes. They always seem to know when you’re having a good meal and they definitely do their best to make it difficult to resist giving them a bite.
Even though it’s tempting to share your food, it’s important to remember that dogs can’t eat all human foods. Dogs have different digestive systems than we do, so they can’t always process our food. Eating human food can cause an upset stomach and other problems for dogs.
So, what about kohlrabi? Can dogs eat kohlrabi (German turnips)? The quick and easy answer is: Yes, dogs can eat kohlrabi unless they have thyroid problems. Be sure to only treat your good boy to kohlrabi in moderation and don’t let your dog have kohlrabi that has been seasoned with anything they should have.
Is Kohlrabi Good For Dogs?
Kohlrabi is a very healthy vegetable. Some of the many health benefits include being good for your heart and blood pressure, helping to lower cholesterol, and even possibly helping to prevent cancer.
Kohlrabi is also a low-calorie vegetable which makes it great for people who are trying to help their dog lose weight. It is also a good source of fiber which can help to regulate the digestive system.
Kohlrabi is a healthy treat for dogs, but how much can they have?
How Much and How Often Can Dogs Eat Kohlrabi?
Treats should only make up about 10% of a dog’s diet. So, no matter how healthy something is, make sure the majority of your pooch’s diet is his regular food.
We briefly touched on just some of the health benefits of kohlrabi above. With those benefits and more, you’d think we stumbled on the best vegetable your dog could ever possibly have.
However, there is one concern about feeding even your dog too much kohlrabi, but the general rule of thumb is:
Dogs without thyroid problems can have kohlrabi in moderation.
Dogs who have thyroid problems should not eat any kohlrabi. To learn why keep reading.
Dangers of Feeding Dogs Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is what is known as a goitrogenic food. This means that it can potentially interfere with the proper function of the thyroid gland.
The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism. When goitrogenic foods like kohlrabi are consumed in large quantities, they can interfere with the production of these important hormones.
This can lead to a condition known as hypothyroidism, which can cause a wide variety of problems, including weight gain, fatigue, and even depression.
While there is no need to completely avoid giving kohlrabi to your dogs if they are healthy, it is important to feed it to them in moderation. If you’re concerned about your dog’s thyroid, be sure to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
The Good News About Goitrogenic Foods
There is a silver lining regarding goitrogenic foods. Cooking inactivates most of the naturally occurring chemicals that cause thyroid problems.
It probably is still a good idea to avoid feeding even cooked kohlrabi to dogs with thyroid problems, but you won’t need to worry as much when feeding cooking kohlrabi to healthy dogs.
How To Cook And Prepare Kohlrabi For Dogs To Eat
Kohlrabi can be enjoyed in many different ways. It can be eaten raw, cooked, pickled or, added to salads, soups, and stews. Kohlrabi can also be roasted, baked, or grilled.
If you decide to treat your dog to kohlrabi, you probably want to avoid feeding your best friend raw kohlrabi. So, which way should you cook it for your dog?
You shouldn’t generally give your dogs pickled veggies unless you know exactly which process and ingredients were used. Pickling and canning may involve additives and preservatives that dogs shouldn’t have much (or any!) of.
For grilled, baked, etc. kohlrabi any method is fine. Make sure you’re not adding extra butter, salt, or anything else that could spell trouble for your dog.
If you plan, you can leave a slice of kohlrabi plain to feed to your dog after it is done cooking.
Can Dogs Eat Kohlrabi Leaves?
Kohlrabi leaves are also very healthy, they contain a lot of vitamins and minerals. They are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and manganese.
Dogs can eat kohlrabi leaves just as they would kohlrabi. Cooked (if possible) with no seasoning and in moderation. Remember, not to give any kohlrabi leaves to a dog with thyroid issues.
Summary: Can Dogs Have Kohlrabi?
Can dogs have kohlrabi? In a word: Yes! Dogs without thyroid problems can have kohlrabi.
Kohlrabi is a goitrogenic food, which means it can cause problems, especially in dogs with thyroid issues. As long as your dog is healthy, she can eat kohlrabi and kohlrabi leaves in moderation.
Cooking inactivates the chemicals in kohlrabi that disrupt the thyroid, just be sure to not put any spices, herbs, or sauces on the kohlrabi you cook for your furry pal.