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Species Appropriate Diet: Root Vegetables

Updated: Dec 26, 2023

The Unknow Yeasty Beast

Root vegetables can provide a wide range health benefits to our pets, however many don’t realise that many of our pets are unable to cope with root vegetables as it can unfortunately cause a number of issues. Some of the main issues it can cause are itchiness, weight gain and the main one to watch for is yeast flare ups.

NOTE: If you have a dog that is already prone to itchy skin, yeast issues or is diabetic then you may want to go with caution when it comes to feeding root vegetables.

As a group we feel it’s best for members to decide for their own dogs if they want to include root vegetables in their dogs’ diet, however we do strongly feel they should only ever be fed occasionally and not in every meal. To help you make your own decisions, these are the pro’s and con’s for the most common root vegetables we see being fed.

NOTE: It’s important to note, if you do decide to include any root vegetables in your dogs diet, lightly steaming the vegetables helps to make it easier to digest and the nutrients are easier to absorb by our dogs.


Pros & Cons of Carrots

Pros:

  • Vitamin A

  • Potassium

  • Fibre

  • Supports eye health

  • Improved immune system/digestive health

  • Healthy skin and coat

  • Can prevent canine cognitive dysfunction also known as CCD.

Cons:

  • Too much fibrous foods every day can interrupt with the absorption of essential nutrients of their raw diet.

  • Too much carrot in the diet can also cause diarrhoea.

  • Carrots are naturally high in sugar when compared to other vegetables.

  • A Risk of Vitamin A Toxicity. Be conscious of the foods you are feeding, too much food or sources high in Vitamin A can lead to this.

  • Excess fibre in the diet can also result in more wind and more toilet trips for a poop.

Pros & Cons of Squashes including Pumpkin

Pros

  • Vitamin A, C & E

  • Manganese, Copper, Potassium & Iron

  • Natural source of fibre which can aid in naturally expressing anal glands and constipation.

  • Improves digestion

  • A natural source of vitamins that boost the immune system

Cons:

  • Too much fibrous foods every day can interrupt with the absorption of essential nutrients of their raw diet.

  • A Risk of Vitamin A Toxicity. Be conscious of the foods you are feeding, too much food or sources high in Vitamin A can lead to this.

  • Excess fibre in the diet can also result in more wind and more toilet trips for a poop.

Pros & Cons of White & Sweet Potato

Pros:

  • Vitamin A, B6 & C

  • Calcium

  • Potassium

  • Iron

  • Fibre

  • Low in Fat

  • Sweet potato is lower in carbs compared to white potato

Cons:

  • Starchy Carbohydrate foods such as potatoes increase blood sugar levels quickly.

  • Too much fibrous foods every day can interrupt with the absorption of essential nutrients of their raw diet.

  • A Risk of Vitamin A Toxicity. Be conscious of the foods you are feeding, too much food or sources high in Vitamin A can lead to this.

  • Excess fibre in the diet can also result in more wind and more toilet trips for a poop.



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