A crunchy and sometimes spicy root vegetable, radishes get mixed reviews from humans. Whether your dog accidentally got ahold of some radishes or you’re looking to change things up and give them a new treat, many dog owners wonder “can dogs eat radishes?” Luckily, the answer is fairly simple. Let’s learn more!
Can Dogs Eat Radishes? (The Short Answer)
Yes, radishes are safe for dogs. While many dogs will not like the spicy flavor, the worst that can really happen giving your dog some radish to try is that they get a small stomach ache. Keep reading to learn about the health benefits to giving your dog radishes as well as some warnings and things to be aware of when feeding your dog radishes.
It’s important to remember, that even with the best of intentions, accidents happen and dogs can easily eat things they shouldn’t. Unfortunately, even if those accidents aren’t fatal, they can result in huge, unexpected veterinary expenses. That’s why we recommend all responsible dog owners get a free, online pet insurance quote from Healthy Paws.
Are Radishes Good For Dogs?
We’ve already answered the question, “can dogs eat radishes?” Now, let’s learn about the benefits of feeding your dog this food! Are radishes good for dogs?
Radishes are healthy for your dog, but maybe not as much as you’d think. They are a good source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. These nutrients help your pup’s digestive system, immune system, and keep their muscles healthy. However, dogs are also able to produce vitamin C on their own and they should be getting all the other nutrients they need from their daily dog food.
One less talked about benefit of your dog eating radishes is that the crunchy, rough texture helps remove plaque buildup on their teeth. Overall though, there are far superior vegetables for nutritional value. Feeding your dog radishes would be more about giving them an opportunity to taste something different, not nourishing them.
Are Radishes Bad for Dogs?
We’ve already answered the question, “can dogs eat radishes?” Now, let’s learn about the dangers of feeding your dog this food! Are radishes bad for dogs?
While the health benefits aren’t as tremendous as you’d think for a vegetable, that doesn’t mean that radishes are unhealthy! They’re a low calorie treat that is usually safe to feed your dog.
The biggest thing to be aware of when feeding your dog radishes is that they might not be able to tolerate the spiciness. Some dogs handle this better than others. That’s why we recommend only giving small amounts of radishes at a time and seeing how your dog reacts. If they happen to get ahold of an entire radish or multiple, don’t worry though. Most likely this will simply result in a mild upset stomach and won’t require a trip to the veterinarian.
Avoid giving your dog radish greens. While not toxic, they are tough for your dog to digest and significantly increase their odds of getting an upset stomach.
Keep in mind, radishes are known for making your dog a bit gassy!
Other Varieties & Related Foods:
Can Dogs Eat Horseradish?
It’s best to avoid giving your dog horseradish. While it’s not toxic for them, the taste tends to be even more bold and spicy than regular radishes. This spiciness can start to upset their stomach, especially in large quantities. So if they snuck a little taste it probably won’t be the end of the world, it’s probably not something you should be offering them willingly.
Can Dogs Eat Radish Greens?
Radish greens, the leaves of the radish plant, should not be fed to your dog. While they aren’t toxic to dogs, they will likely irritate your pup’s stomach and cause a belly ache.
Can Dogs Eat Wild Radishes?
Wild radishes aren’t actually a type of radish but a yellow or white flower often found with hairy, green leaves. These are very toxic for dogs and if you suspect your pup has eaten any of these you should contact your local veterinarian immediately.
Can Dogs Eat Daikon Radishes?
Also known as white radishes, daikon radishes are safe to give your dog in moderation. They have essentially the same pros and cons to feeding your dog as regular, red radishes.
Are Red Radishes Safe for Your Pup?
Yes, red radishes are safe to give your dog in moderation. See the above health benefits and potential risks to consider in this article.
In Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Radishes?
In general, it’s safe to let your dog taste a radish. Too much of them though can lead to a small upset stomach due to the spiciness. Avoid giving them radish greens and don’t assume that the poisonous wild radishes are safe because they share a name! Always watch to see your pet’s reaction and give new foods to them slowly.
Want to Learn More?
Check out these related articles from our “Read Before You Feed” series for more advice on safe foods for dogs!
- Can Dogs Eat Olives?
- Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts?
- Can Dogs Eat Edamame?
- Can Dogs Eat Crab?
- Can Dogs Eat Limes?
Disclaimer: We are not veterinarians and this article should not be taken as medical or veterinary advice. If you have any questions about your pet’s health or dietary needs, please contact your local veterinarian.
