Are dogs able to eat lotus root?
Lotus root has become more well-liked in the United States after being traditionally added to stews, soups, and sometimes even fried.
Can dogs eat lotus root, though?
The influence of the lotus has been enormous on the world’s population’s beliefs and way of life.
But many recipes, particularly Asian ones, also use the plant as a well-known ingredient.
In this article, we’ll examine the risks your dog faces if it eats a lotus root.
What is Lotus Root?
Root vegetables cultivated in the ground include lotus roots. The lotus flower, a plant that also grows in water, should not be confused with them.
Nelumbo nucifera is a plant that produces underground-growing lotus roots.
The flavor of lotus roots is comparable to that of potatoes or turnips, and they may be either raw or cooked.
Eating lotus roots has a number of positive health effects, and it is believed that it may aid with diabetes, high cholesterol, and weight reduction.
Can Dogs Eat Lotus Root?
Dogs can safely eat lotus root if it is cooked. There are a few concerns however if you feed it to them raw.
Have a discussion about the benefits and drawbacks of lotus root with your veterinarian before introducing it to your dog’s diet.
In the meanwhile, keep reading to see how, with the right preparation, lotus root may be a nourishing supplement to your dog’s diet.
Why is Lotus Root Good for Dogs?
Because it contains a substantial amount of nutrients, lotus root is beneficial for dogs.
The inclusion of lotus root in the dog’s diet, specifically, has a number of health advantages.
The benefits of lotus root for dogs are outlined in greater detail below.
Helps With Digestion
Lotus root is abundant in dietary fiber, like other plants.
Fibers are crucial for improving digestion and avoiding problems like constipation and diarrhea.
They also improve cardiovascular health and maintain healthy blood sugar levels, among other things.
Regulates Blood Pressure
Iron and potassium are both present in abundance in lotus root.
The relaxation of blood vessels and reduction of hypertension, or high blood pressure, depend on these two minerals.
Promotes Weight Loss
For dogs trying to lose weight, lotus root is fantastic.
It keeps the dog full for a long time and has little calories.
This is because it contains a lot of dietary fiber.
Specifically, fiber-rich diets make dogs feel fuller longer.
Stress Relief
B-complex vitamins, notably vitamin B6, are abundant in lotus root (pyridoxine).
Because it alters the general chemistry of the brain, vitamin B6 has a natural calming effect.
Additionally, it lessens irritation and promotes improved emotional wellbeing.
Healthy & Shiny Coat
Vitamins A and C are particularly abundant in lotus root.
Given the large number of dogs that suffer from skin conditions, these vitamins encourage shiny coats and healthy skin.
How Can I Safely Give Lotus Root To My Dog?
Lotus root must be properly cooked in order for your dog to get the nutritional benefits.
This preparation is essential since there is a serious risk associated with aquatic vegetation.
Aquatic plants take in parasites and other microbes from the water.
Plants like watercress absolutely endanger dogs since they so thoroughly absorb harmful microorganisms.
However, boiling the lotus root will kill any dangerous parasites.
These parasites may infest the intestinal system of your dog and cause serious digestive problems if fed uncooked.
It’s also really challenging to stomach raw lotus root.
Fortunately, it’s simple to prevent this.
Lotus root may be served safely if it is properly washed and cooked.
Then, before you boil, steam, or bake it, it’s best to chop it into thin pieces.
This will guarantee that your dog’s dinner is both tender and fully cooked.
Cooked lotus root, although safe for your dog, should be given to it in moderation. The high fiber content means that eating too much of it might cause gastrointestinal problems.
Lotus root may be safely included in your dog’s home cooked meals on a regular basis. But before you introduce them, check with your vet to be sure.
How Much Lotus Root Can my Dog Eat?
Vegetables like lotus root aren’t often fed to dogs since they aren’t a nutritional need.
As such, the lotus root is best reserved for special occasions.
The percentage of a dog’s daily caloric intake that comes from treats should not exceed 10%.
The recommended amount of lotus root for a medium-sized dog is one or two slices, once per week.
Dogs of all sizes may enjoy this treat, although smaller dogs should only get one slice and bigger dogs can have up to three.
Avoid overwhelming your dog with a large first dish of lotus root if he has never tried it before.
If there aren’t any negative reactions, you may raise the portion size from there.
Finally, if your dog is less than a year old, you shouldn’t offer him lotus root.
How to Prepare Lotus Root For Your Dog
The first step in making a meal of lotus root for your dog is to go out and get the ingredients.
You may buy lotus root online or at health food shops.
You should only purchase lotus roots that seem fresh and healthy.
Once you’ve brought the lotus root inside, the first thing you should do is clean it.
You should wash the lotus root, then cut it into smaller (preferably bite-sized) pieces before cooking it.
Steaming and boiling are the best cooking techniques for dogs.
Avoid serving raw lotus root at all costs. Parasites are a common problem with the raw form. In addition, a dog’s delicate stomach may react negatively to the raw lotus root.
The lotus root should be steamed or boiled, then allowed to cool before serving.
It should be prepared in its purest form, without any seasonings.
Lotus root may be eaten alone or incorporated into other dishes.
Summary
Lotus root, in general, is safe for canine consumption.
Actually, “dog-friendly” is somewhat of an understatement.
Lotus root is good for a dog’s health, but only if it’s handled responsibly (that is, when it’s cooked correctly, given in small doses, and provided on rare occasions).
It’s a wholesome option since it tastes well and feels good in the mouth.
Lotus root may be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, but it’s important to follow proper serving requirements and keep in mind that dogs are carnivores.