Radishes have an undeniable addictive crunch and are a common root vegetable that humans enjoy. If you’re wondering “can dogs eat radishes?” — the answer is yes, but in moderation.
There’s also a few caveats about other foods with radish in their name you’ll want to be aware of since they can be dangerous for dogs to consumer. Let’s dive into the details.
Are radishes good for dogs?
Radishes offer an array of potential health benefits to dogs. These include:
- Added vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium and calcium. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant. They’re high in fiber which can be supportive of your dog’s digestive system.
- Assist in dental hygiene due to their fibrous and rough texture. When a dog chews on a radish, it can help remove built up plaque and tartar on their teeth. Like cilantro and fennel, it can also act as a breath freshener.
- A great low-calorie treat to offer dogs during training sessions if you want to limit the caloric intake of foods used for rewards. Jicama is another crunchy low-calorie vegetable that’s good for this purpose as well. That said, there’s a better chance your pup would rather a berry, carrot or cucumber rather than a radish if given the choice.
Will dogs like radishes?
Given their naturally spicy flavor, radishes may be something your dog isn’t keen on from the start. It’s best to pick milder tasting radishes in this case and stay away from stronger, spicier varieties like the black radish.
Daikon radishes, also known as white radishes or winter radishes, are the mildest and least “peppery” tasting of all the types.
How to prepare radishes for dogs
Remove the green leaves (save them to make radish greens pesto) then wash and peel the radish. Chop it into small pieces to avoid a choking hazard, especially for smaller breeds.
The radishes can be fed raw or cooked so long as any toxic spices are avoided. If you choose to cook them, boiling, steaming or roasting the radishes plain (avoiding the use of spices) is the best option for feeding dogs. When cooked, their flavor mellows a bit and may be more enticing to a dog with a discerning palate.
What types of radishes are not safe for dogs to eat?
Just because something has “radish” in its name doesn’t mean it’s safe for your dog to consume.
For example, horseradish should never be fed to dogs. It can cause gastrointestinal upset. Wild radishes should also be avoided. They’re a different type of vegetable and not safe for dogs to eat.
How many radishes can a dog eat?
As with all foods, even healthy vegetables like radishes, moderation is key when giving your pet something outside of its normal diet. Start with a small piece to see if your dog likes it. If so, you can incorporate small amounts (no more than 10% of their diet) on an occasional basis.