Dogs are known for being hearty eaters, and they often enjoy vegetables just as much as meat. So, can dogs eat kohlrabi? The answer is yes dogs can eat kohlrabi as long as it’s well cooked. This will make it easier for them to digest and will also help prevent any potential gastrointestinal issues.
Kohlrabi is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is packed with high amounts of fiber and vitamin C, along with essential minerals like potassium and magnesium.
When fed in moderation, kohlrabi can be a healthy and nutritious treat for your dog. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before feeding, as raw kohlrabi can be hard for dogs to digest.
If you want to know more about various health benefits and risks associated with feeding kohlrabi or German turnip to dogs keep reading this article till the end so you don’t miss out on anything.
What Is Kohlrabi?
Kohlrabi or German turnip is a member of the brassica family, which also includes cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
It has a firm, crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Kohlrabi can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is often used as a low-carb alternative to potatoes.
In addition to being a nutritious food, kohlrabi is also low in calories and high in fiber. When choosing kohlrabi, look for bulbs that are heavy for their size and free of blemishes.
Store kohlrabi in the refrigerator, and use it within a few days for the best flavor. With its versatility and nutrient-rich profile, kohlrabi is a vegetable that is worth getting to know.
Recently it has become more popular in the United States as a healthy vegetable option. The kohlrabi plant grows best in cool weather and can be harvested 60 to 70 days after planting.
Can Dogs Eat Kohlrabi? Is It Safe For Dogs?
Dogs can eat Kohlrabi but as I mentioned earlier, it is better to cook it before feeding. When kohlrabi is cooked, it becomes much softer and easier for dogs to digest.
According to the ASPCA, kohlrabi is not toxic to dogs. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering feeding your dog kohlrabi.
First of all, kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family, and like other cabbage-family vegetables, it contains compounds that can cause stomach upsets in some dogs.
Secondly, kohlrabi is fairly high in fiber, so it’s best to introduce it into your dog’s diet gradually to avoid digestive problems.
Finally, kohlrabi leaves and stems are generally safe for dogs to eat, but the bulbous root portion can be a choking hazard, so it’s best to remove it before feeding kohlrabi to your dog.
Ultimately, while kohlrabi is not toxic to dogs, it’s important to exercise caution when feeding this vegetable to your canine companion.
What Are The Nutritional Contents Of Kohlrabi?
The nutritional content of kohlrabi may vary depending on whether it is cooked or raw. However, in general, kohlrabi is a nutrient-rich food.
A 1-cup (156-gram) serving of cooked kohlrabi provides :
Calories: 54
Protein: 2 grams
Carbs: 11 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Vitamin C: 58% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
Vitamin B6: 16% of the RDI
Potassium: 10% of the RDI
Magnesium: 8% of the RDI
Calcium: 5% of the RDI
Kohlrabi also contains small amounts of other vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, and manganese.
Kohlrabi is a good source of fiber. In fact, it contains about 3 grams of fiber in every 1-cup (156-gram) serving. Fiber is an important nutrient that helps promote regularity, maintain a healthy weight, and lower cholesterol levels.
The high vitamin C content in kohlrabi is another nutritional highlight. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant.
Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can lead to cell damage and disease.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Kohlrabi For Dogs?
Aside from being a good source of fiber and vitamins, kohlrabi may offer other health benefits.
Vitamin C
Kohlrabi is an excellent source of vitamin C. This essential nutrient plays a role in immunity, tissue repair, and the absorption of iron. Vitamin C helps in the production of collagen, which is the main structural protein in skin and connective tissues.
Fiber
Kohlrabi is a good source of fiber. This nutrient helps to keep the digestive system healthy and promotes regularity. It also helps in weight loss by making you feel full and preventing overeating.
Potassium
This essential mineral is important for heart health, muscle contraction, and nerve function. This helps in regulating blood pressure and keeping the heart-healthy. Moreover, it also balances the fluid levels in the body.
Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in many processes in the body, including energy production, muscle contraction, and blood sugar regulation.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of all tissues and cells in the body. It is also involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.
Antioxidants
Kohlrabi contains several antioxidants, including quercetin and kaempferol. These nutrients scavenge harmful toxins and byproducts that can damage cells, leading to inflammation.
These antioxidants may also help protect against chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Help Relieve Joint Pain
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Kohlrabi can help relieve joint pain. The potassium content in kohlrabi also helps to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Improves Metabolic Health
Kohlrabi may help support metabolic health. A study in rats found that kohlrabi extract helped to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
These effects were attributed to the antioxidants and fiber content of kohlrabi.
Kohlrabi is a nutrient-rich vegetable that offers many health benefits. Some of these benefits include supporting metabolic health, promoting digestive health, and maintaining heart health.
This vegetable is also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. When feeding kohlrabi to your dog, it is important to exercise caution as this vegetable can cause stomach upsets in some dogs.
Moreover, the bulbous root portion of kohlrabi can be a choking hazard. It is best to remove this portion before feeding kohlrabi to your dog. ultimately, while kohlrabi is not toxic to dogs, it is important to feed this vegetable in moderation.
What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Feeding Kohlrabi To Dogs?
While kohlrabi is generally safe for dogs, there are a few potential side effects that you should be aware of.
Kohlrabi is a member of the brassica family, which also includes cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
These vegetables contain compounds called goitrogens, which can interfere with the function of the thyroid gland.
While goitrogens are not toxic to dogs, they can cause problems if your dog has a preexisting condition. If you are concerned about feeding kohlrabi to your dog, it is best to consult with your veterinarian first.
Additionally, kohlrabi contains a compound called oxalic acid. This compound can bind to calcium and other minerals in the body, preventing their absorption. This can lead to deficiencies in these nutrients.
Kohlrabi is a high-fiber vegetable. While fiber is an important nutrient for dogs, too much fiber can cause problems. Fiber can bind to water in the intestines, leading to diarrhea or constipation. It is important to feed kohlrabi to your dog in moderation to avoid these problems.
Finally, bloat is also a concern when feeding high-fiber vegetables to dogs. Bloat is a condition in which the stomach fills with gas and becomes twisted. This can be a life-threatening condition and requires immediate veterinary care.
How To Prepare Kohlrabi For Your Dog?
While kohlrabi may not be the most popular vegetable, it can be a great addition to your dog’s diet. Just like any other vegetable, it’s important to properly prepare kohlrabi before feeding it to your dog.
- The first step is to wash the kohlrabi thoroughly.
- Next, peel off the outer layer and remove any tough, fibrous parts.
- Once the kohlrabi is prepped, you can either feed it to your dog raw or cook it before adding it to their food.
- If you choose to cook it, steaming or boiling are the best methods.
- This will help to preserve the nutrients in the kohlrabi while making it more digestible for your dog.
No matter how you choose to serve it, kohlrabi can be a healthy and delicious way to add some variety to your dog’s diet.
Recipes that include Kohlrabi as the main ingredient:
Kohlrabi Fries
Ingredients
1 large kohlrabi, peeled and cut into fry shapes
1 tbsp. olive oil
½ tsp. salt
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Toss kohlrabi fries in olive oil and salt.
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Serve with your dog’s favorite dipping sauce.
Kohlrabi and Carrot Mash
Ingredients
- 1 large kohlrabi, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp. butter
- ½ cup chicken broth
Preparation
- Add kohlrabi and carrots to a pot with the chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mash the vegetables with a potato masher or an immersion blender.
- Stir in the butter and serve.
Kohlrabi and Apple Slaw
Ingredients
- 1 large kohlrabi, shredded
- 1 apple, shredded
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- 2 tbsp. mayonnaise
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix together kohlrabi, apple, lemon juice, and mayonnaise.
- Serve as a side dish or on top of your dog’s favorite food.
Can Dogs Eat Kohlrabi Raw?
No, I would not suggest it. While kohlrabi is not toxic to dogs, it can cause stomach upsets in some dogs. Moreover, its raw form also contains psoralens, compounds that can cause dermatitis in dogs.
It is best to cook kohlrabi before feeding it to your dog. You can steam, boil, or bake kohlrabi. Steaming or boiling kohlrabi will help to reduce its oxalic acid content.
Can Dogs Eat Kohlrabi Leaves?
The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Kohlrabi leaves are high in fiber, which can cause digestive issues for some dogs.
They are also slightly bitter, so they may not be the most palatable option for picky eaters.
If you do decide to feed your dog kohlrabi leaves, make sure to start with a small amount and see how they react. As always, consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s diet.
Can A Dog Be Allergic To Kohlrabi?
While most people think of dogs as being allergic to things like pollen or grass, the truth is that they can be allergic to just about anything.
In fact, a recent study found that nearly 10 percent of all dogs suffer from some form of food allergy. And while there are many common allergens, such as wheat or corn, kohlrabi is one that is often overlooked.
Kohlrabi is a type of cabbage that is commonly used in salads and stir-fries. It is also a popular ingredient in dog food.
However, some dogs are allergic to kohlrabi, and the symptoms can range from mild itching to severe gastrointestinal distress.
If you think your dog may be allergic to kohlrabi, it is important to talk to your veterinarian so that you can find appropriate food for your pet.
What Does The Dog Like As Good As Kohlrabi?
There isn’t much that the dog doesn’t like. She’s pretty easy to please when it comes to food.
But if there’s one thing she likes just as much as kohlrabi, it’s a nice, juicy steak. The dog loves the taste of beef, and she always gets excited when she sees her owner grilling steaks on the barbecue.
She knows that she’ll get a few tasty scraps, and she can’t resist beguiling her owner with her big, brown eyes until she gets her way.
So, while kohlrabi is one of the dog’s favorite foods, a nice piece of steak is definitely right up there on her list.
How Much Kohlrabi is Fine for Your Dog?
Moderation is key when it comes to feeding your dog kohlrabi. You don’t want to overdo it, as too much kohlrabi can cause stomach upsets.
Start with a small amount and see how your dog reacts. If they seem to tolerate it well, you can slowly increase the amount you feed them.
But if they start to show signs of gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting or diarrhea, it’s best to cut back on the kohlrabi and consult with your veterinarian.
Can Pregnant Dogs Eat Kohlrabi?
Apparently, there seems no reason why not pregnant dogs could not eat kohlrabi. It is generally considered a healthy food for both people and animals.
However, as with anything else, moderation is key. Too much of any one food, even a healthy one, can lead to stomach upset or other problems.
Therefore, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet, particularly if she is pregnant.
Can Puppies Eat Kohlrabi?
Yes, puppies can eat Kohlrabi, but again it should be properly cooked first. You should also start with a small amount to make sure they don’t have any adverse reactions. If you do notice any stomach upsets, discontinue feeding and consult with your veterinarian.
Can Overweight Dogs Eat Kohlrabi?
Yes, but in moderation. Dogs, like people, can benefit from eating healthy foods that are low in calories and fat. Kohlrabi is a good choice for an overweight dog because it is high in fiber and low in calories.
However, as with any weight-loss plan, you should always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
Should Diabetic Dogs Eat Kohlrabi?
Kohlrabi is a good choice for diabetic dogs because it is low in calories and has a low glycemic index.
The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels. Foods with a low glycemic index are slowly absorbed and cause only a small rise in blood sugar.
This is important for diabetic dogs because they have difficulty regulating their blood sugar levels.
Should Nursing Dogs Eat Kohlrabi?
There is no reason why nursing dogs couldn’t eat kohlrabi. In fact, it would be a good way to get some extra vitamins and minerals into their diet.
Its raw form is probably not the best way to go, however. Cooked, steamed, or grilled kohlrabi would be a better option for nursing dogs.
Conclusion
In the end, I hope now you know that Can Dogs Eat Kohlrabi or not, and if they can then how much should you give to your dog. Kohlrabi is a great source of vitamins and minerals, and it is low in calories and has a low glycemic index, making it a good choice for diabetic dogs.
This sums it up, so if you still have any questions or concerns feel free to leave them in the comments section below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Happy feeding!
Mark is an animal lover and a researcher. He has always been interested in understanding how animals think and behave. This passion led him to pursue a career in research, where he now studies the cognitive abilities of various species.
Mark’s work has taken him all over the world, and he has had the opportunity to study some of the most fascinating creatures on Earth. He is constantly amazed by the intelligence and ingenuity of animals, and he firmly believes that they are capable of so much more than we give them credit for.
