Alice White
The parsnip is known for its mild taste and its high digestibility. Dogs also tolerate the root vegetables very well, making them ideally suited as supplementary food. Even dogs with intolerances or allergies can benefit from the healthy ingredients in parsnips. We have summarized the most important information about the nutritional content and preparation of the parsnips for you.
What are Parsnips?
The parsnip is a root vegetable that is in season from autumn to spring. Parsnips were already a common vegetable in the Roman Empire. To this day it enjoys great popularity in the kitchen due to its versatility. Parsnips have a sweetish, spicy taste and are milder than related vegetables such as parsley root. Often only the roots are used in the preparation. The parsnip, on the other hand, is used less often as a seasoning herb.
Can Dogs Eat Parsnips?
Yes, dogs are allowed to eat parsnips. Vegetables are essential for a balanced diet for your dog. Regardless of whether your dog prefers dry food, wet food, self-cooked food, or BARF: Vegetables are an essential part of the food. The parsnip is an easily digestible and healthy vegetable that is ideal for the nutrition of the dog.
Are Parsnips Healthy For Dogs?
Parsnips are a particularly well-tolerated vegetable and are therefore also suitable for sensitive dogs who cannot tolerate any food or who have allergies. The root vegetables are very nutritious because they are rich in fiber and contain important minerals, vitamins, and trace elements. As a feed additive, the parsnip has a lot to offer:
- Potassium strengthens the heart and circulation in a natural way;
- Iron is important for blood formation;
- Zinc supports the dog’s immune and nervous systems;
- Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that strengthens the immune system;
- B vitamins and folic acid are involved in the dog’s metabolic process;
- Dietary fiber and the active ingredient inulin contribute to healthy digestion.
Raw or Cooked Parsnips?
There are many ways to provide the dog with the nutrients contained in the vegetables.
Dogs can eat parsnips raw and cooked.
However, you should only feed your four-legged friend a few small pieces of raw material. The parsnip unfolds its full effect only after cooking. In cooked form, the dog’s body can better absorb and utilize the many valuable ingredients. In addition, the vegetables are more tolerable when cooked and therefore even better suited for dogs with a sensitive stomach.
How Can You Prepare Parsnips for the Dog?
The vegetables have an appetite-stimulating effect on dogs and are therefore also suitable raw as a snack between meals if the dog suffers from anorexia. To mix the raw or cooked vegetables into the feed, you can either grate them finely with a grater or cut them into small cubes. When softly cooked, the roots can be processed into a vegetable puree. Just try out how your dog likes the mild root best. If you don’t want to cook yourself, you can also use ready-made dog foods that contain parsnips or buy dried parsnip flakes. The flakes are soaked and then mixed with the usual dog food.
Is Parsnip Suitable for Barfing?
Parsnips are also suitable as a vegetable side dish in your dog’s barf menu. You can mix the cooked vegetables straight into the food or with other tasty vegetables such as carrots. When cooked, the shell of untreated parsnips is also well tolerated by dogs, so you can use the entire root.
