Turnips for Dogs: A Complete Guide
When turnips were first cultivated thousands of years ago, dogs lived primarily as working companions. Because they and humans developed the genetic ability to digest starches and grains around the time of the First Agricultural Revolution, they ate whatever was locally abundant. Root vegetables like turnips were a common, durable food source that humans shared with their dogs.
Early 20th-century dog care texts noted that while the root of the turnip provided excellent fibre, turnip greens (tops) were highly beneficial because they improved the digestion and absorption of other nutrient-rich foods.
Today, turnips and turnip greens are recognised as an excellent, low-calorie source of Vitamins B, C, and K, calcium and fibre.
Can dogs eat Turnips?
Yes, dogs can eat turnips, says our in-house dog nutritionist. Both the turnip root and leafy greens are safe and provide beneficial nutrients like fibre, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and potassium.
Health benefits of turnips for dogs
Turnips are a nutritious, low-calorie vegetable for dogs that provide a wide range of essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre.
Key health benefits of turnips for dogs
- Support weight management: turnips are very low in calories, fat and sugar. This makes them an excellent, guilt-free meal addition or food topper for dogs that need to lose weight or manage diabetes.
- Improve digestive health: packed with dietary fibre, turnips help regulate bowel movements, bulk up stools and prevent digestive issues like constipation.
- Enhance metabolism & nervous system: turnips are rich in vitamin B6 which is essential for energy metabolism, heart health and maintaining a properly functioning nervous system.
- Boost immunity & joint health: turnips contain vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals and reduces inflammation) and manganese which supports healthy bone growth and joint cartilage.
- Promote kidney function: turnips act as a natural diuretic which can help stimulate and support healthy kidney function.
How much turnip can dogs eat?
Turnips should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s overall diet. Please see our 10 percent rule of homemade dog food to learn more.
Other dog-safe vegetables
- Broccoli. Nutrient-dense canine superfood.
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- Green beans. Low calorie, high fibre, vitamin rich.
- Leafy greens
- Parsnips
- Celery
- Beetroot
See the full range of dog-safe vegetables here.
How to feed a dog turnips
To make turnips easy to digest, follow these preparation steps:
1. Wash but don’t peel your dog’s turnips. Most of the nutrients are close to the surface — don’t peel them and discard all that goodness.
2. Either grate your dog’s turnips or chop into bite sized pieces and lightly cook by steaming or boiling until tender.
Can dogs eat turnip greens?
Yes, they can. Turnip greens are very nutrient-dense.
Note. Don’t feed turnips to a dog with a thyroid condition such as hypothyroidism as they contain natural compounds that can further suppress thyroid function.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can dogs eat raw turnips?
A. Yes they can, provided they are finely grated or blended in a food processor.
Q. How should I prepare turnips for my dog?
A. Wash if necessary but don’t peel your dog’s turnips. Then cut into small pieces and boil or steam and combine with your dog’s food as they are or mash.
Q. Can dogs eat turnip greens (the leaves)?
A. Yes, dogs can eat turnip greens. Turnip greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K.
Q. Are there health risks or dogs that shouldn’t eat turnips?
A. Most dogs can safely eat turnips. Just avoid feeding turnips if your dog has hypothyroidism, kidney or bladder stones.
Q. How much turnip can I give my dog?
A. Turnips can make up to 10% of your dog’s overall diet.
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