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Yes, dogs can eat turnips. This low-calorie vegetable is good for dogs that need to maintain a healthy weight or are prone to obesity. You can add turnips to your dog’s diet along with their regular meal to give them an extra boost of nutrients. Make sure to cut turnips into bite-size pieces to prevent a choking hazard.

Turnips
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Safe: This food is generally considered safe by the veterinary community. Dogs can eat this food sometimes or in small amounts but contains little to no nutritional value.

Food Safety Safe in small amounts occasionally
Nutritional Value Low in calories, vitamins C, A, and K, high in fiber, B vitamins
Potential Risks Digestive issues, stomach upset, choking hazard
Every dog is different. For specific feeding guidelines, including quantities and beneficial foods that are best for your dog, please consult your vet.

How Many Turnips Can Dogs Eat?

A medium to large-sized dog can eat half a turnip. Smaller dogs should eat less than that. The size of your dog plays an important role in providing them with a healthy home-cooked meal.

TIP: Turnips contain a lot of fiber, and your dog may have digestive issues if you aren’t too careful with the quantity. However, if you serve the right amount, it can be a great way to treat constipation.

How to Prepare Turnips Safely for Dogs?

You can serve raw turnips to your dog. You can also cook turnips by grilling them, boiling them, or steaming them.

Once the vegetable has softened up, serve it to your dog in small, easily digestible pieces. You can also make a puree of turnips and mix it with your dog’s food to ensure they get some additional nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Turnip greens are nontoxic to dogs, so if your dog has taken a bite off a raw turnip, that’s okay. Be sure to keep an eye on them to ensure the food hasn’t caused them to choke or experience adverse reactions.

  • You can serve turnips to your dog in a variety of ways. You can boil them and make a puree or steam them or cut them into cubes, and offer them to your dog as a snack.

  • Yes, dogs can eat raw turnips. However, cutting the vegetable into small pieces before serving it to your dog is best since it can be hard to digest.

About the Writer
Dan Greco , Dog Dad

Having been a dog dad for 5 years, I know how hard it is to make sure your dog gets the right nutrients and stays away from hazardous foods. With the help of a veterinarian who specializes in nutrition, I created this blog to help dog owners quickly access food information they need.

photo of vet holding a pup
About the Contributor
Dr. Hillary Wolfe , Veterinarian & Certified Food Therapist

Dr. Wolfe holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University and holds nutrition certifications from the NAVC and CIVT. Her business, Tula Veterinary Nutrition, hosts online courses that teach owners how to cook for their pet for optimal health and longevity. Follow her on Instagram at @doctorwolfe.dvm for dog nutrition tips, recipes and insights.