Parsnips for Dogs: A Complete Guide

How to feed a dog parsnips

Parsnips are an outstanding cold-weather addition to your dog’s bowl. They are packed with folate (vitamin B9), vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium which support healthy metabolism, assist with central nervous system function and promote strong cardiovascular health.

Furthermore, parsnips contain high levels of soluble fibre which supports optimal digestive health, aids regular bowel movements and stimulates the growth of good bacteria in your dog’s gut.

Raw parsnips are incredibly woody and tough so always cook your dog’s parsnips, but there is no need to peel them. Most of the goodness is close to the surface — why waste all that yummy goodness!

Here are four creative, dog-safe ways to incorporate parsnips into your dog’s diet:

1. Creamy Parsnip & Turkey Winter Mash
When boiled or steamed, parsnips mash down into a silky, sweet and comforting puree that acts as a highly hydrating, vitamin-dense glaze over any food.

• Unless you’ve grown them yourself in organic soil, wash your dog’s parsnips — but don’t peel — before chopping them into small cubes and boiling or steaming until mushy. Mash them thoroughly with a fork using a few tablespoons of warm bone broth or a little butter. Butter is not toxic to dogs, but it is exceptionally high in fat, so use in moderation or opt for nut butters which are completely safe for dogs.
• Allow to cool to a warm temperature then pour a ladle of this golden puree directly over your dog’s food. It adds clean hydration, joint-supporting collagen and an enticing, earthy aroma that encourages fussy eaters.

2. Frozen Parsnip & Kefir Ice Gems
Because mashed parsnip holds its structural shape so well when chilled, it serves as a perfect base layer for creating gut-friendly, dual-coloured summer treats.

• Mash cooked and cooled parsnip with a fork until smooth.
• Layer a silicone mould halfway with the mashed parsnip and fill the remaining half with goat’s milk kefir or Greek yogurt. Freeze for 3 hours. Pop them out as a refreshing treat that delivers both prebiotics and probiotics.

3. Sticky Parsnip Boredom Buster
The thick, malleable consistency of mashed parsnip takes a dog a long time to lick out of a puzzle toy, making it ideal for extended mental stimulation.

• Take a tablespoon of cooked parsnip mash and mix it with a pinch of ground ginger.
• Use a spoon to pack the mixture firmly into the internal walls of a rubber enrichment toy like a Kong. Freeze the toy for 2 hours before serving. This provides a calming, brain-working challenge during stressful events like grooming or storms.

4. Three-Ingredient Parsnip & Oat Biscuit Drops
You can use cooked parsnip to bind a simple, gluten-free cookie dough that fills your kitchen with a wonderful, bakery-fresh aroma.

• In a mixing bowl, combine 120g (1/2 cup) of mashed parsnip, one medium chicken egg and 180g (1.5 cups) of oat flour.
• Roll the dough into tiny, marble-sized balls and flatten them slightly with a fork onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 to 25 minutes until firm and crisp. Allow them to cool completely before treating your dog.

Like sweet potatoes and white potatoes, parsnips are a starchy root vegetable that significantly higher in calories and natural sugars than watery like celery. If your dog is sedentary, managing canine obesity or dealing with diabetes, keep portions small and ensure they stay strictly within your 10 percent daily allocation.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Can dogs eat raw parsnips?
A. Yes, they can, but cooking them is better as it makes their nutrients more bioavailable to your dog.

Q. How should I prepare parsnips for my dog?
A.

• Wash but don’t peel them. Most of the goodness is close to the surface. Don’t throw away valuable nutrients.
  Chop them into bite-sized pieces.
• Steam or boil them until soft.
• Add them to the other ingredients in your dog’s homemade food.

Q. Can dogs eat parsnip skins?
A. Yes they can. That is where much of the goodness is.

Q. How much parsnip can I give my dog?
A. Parsnips are food. Use our 10 percent rule: no single vegetable should exceed 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake.