While many vegetables are actually good for dogs to eat, you may have wondered whether dogs can eat radishes? And what about the health benefits – are radishes bad, good, or just OK for dogs. After all, why share a part of your salad or food if the ingredients aren’t all that nutritious for canines. Fortunately, radishes are definitely among those human foods that are good and healthy for dogs. In fact, there isn’t anything in radishes that are poisonous or toxic to dogs.
However, the better question to ask is whether or not your dog would like to eat radishes. They do tend to have a pretty strong, spicy flavor, and while some dogs enjoy them, others do not. If your pup is among those canines that does not like having radishes, there is no reason for you to not include them in their diets as the occasional treat. All the nutrients they could get from this vegetable can be found in their dog food or tastier treats!
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Health Benefits of Radishes For Dogs
Radishes are a treat that are high in fiber, and good to give to dogs on occasion for treats, especially if they are constipated, as the fiber will help loosen their stool. If your dogs like radishes, go ahead and give them some. They are not only a great source of dietary fiber, but also are high in protein, potassium, and vitamin C. Because radishes are rough in texture, they can help clean your dogs’ teeth by removing plaque as your dogs chew.
Radish Seed Is Healthy Too
Most dogs love munching on grass in the yard, and if yours do as well, you can give them sprouted radish seeds. This grass-like treat is safe and healthy for dogs to eat, and it’s loaded with flavor. You can easily sprout radish seeds by soaking them in water for about three to four hours. Next, drain the seeds, and put them in a quart-size Mason jar, covered with either a sprouting lid or a piece of cheesecloth. Rinse the seeds a couple of times each day, draining each time. In about three days, there should be sprouts for your dogs to eat.
Two Things To Keep in Mind about Radishes For Dogs
There are a couple of things that you need to keep in mind about radishes. Like any treats that you give your dogs, radishes should be fed in small amounts. Radish, along with broccoli, contain isothiocyanate, a compound that is toxic when ingested in large amounts. Although there is less of this compound in radishes than in broccoli, it’s still there.
Wild radish is also a problem for dogs if they eat it. These aren’t related to actual radishes, and the seeds from them may be toxic to dogs. You can recognize wild radish by its yellow or white flowers (occasionally they can be lavender in color). They are also rough in texture when young and smooth when mature. You may also identify wild radishes by their thick, hairy green leaves. You should contact your veterinarian immediately if your dogs eat any wild radish flowers. Also, be sure to keep a sample of the flowers for any potential testing if you can.
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Radishes in Moderation
As long as you aren’t going overboard with them, radishes can be a healthy treat for dogs. In moderation, radishes offer health benefits for dogs which include dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, and it’s a treat that you can easily grow yourself to save money. You can also try freezing them for those hot summer days!
