Safe
SafeVet Reviewedvegetable

Safe for Dogs

Medium dog serving: 4-6 pieces

Can Dogs Eat Rutabaga? Yes — Safe and Nutritious Root Vegetable

This food is generally safe for dogs when prepared properly.

Plain rutabaga is safe for dogs. A cross between turnip and cabbage it has mild flavor and good nutritional value. Low in calories and provides vitamins and fiber. Raw or cooked plain without additions. Less well known but safe and nutritious.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

Large amounts: digestive upset from fiber and cruciferous compounds. Gas similar to cabbage and turnip. With butter or seasoning: harmful additives.

If Your Dog Ate This

No emergency at small amounts.

Safe to Feed

plain rutabaga — raw or cooked without additions

What to Avoid

with butter or seasoning, large amounts

Preparation & Serving

Raw or plain cooked. No additions. Cut into pieces.

Potential Health Benefits

Vitamin C K potassium fiber.

Safer Alternatives

  • turnip-safe|carrots|parsnip

Did you know?

Rutabaga was developed in Europe approximately 500 years ago as a natural cross between turnip and wild cabbage. The name comes from the Swedish rotabagge meaning round root. In some regions including parts of Canada and the UK it is called swede from Swedish turnip. Rutabaga became particularly important as a food source during the harsh winter of 1916-1917 in World War I Germany when other food supplies were scarce — this period was called the Turnip Winter (Steckrübenwinter).

Portions & nutrition

Serving (small dog)
2-3 small pieces
Serving (medium dog)
4-6 pieces
Serving (large dog)
6-10 pieces
Calories (per 100g)
36
Safe frequency
Occasionally

Source

Source: AKC

What You Need to Know

Rutabaga is a root vegetable safe for dogs with similar properties to turnip. The flavor is milder and slightly sweeter than turnip making it more palatable to most dogs. It belongs to the cruciferous family so may cause some gas in sensitive dogs but small amounts are not problematic. Plain raw or cooked without any additions.

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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before making dietary changes for your pet.