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What is Daikon?
Daikon is a type of white radish that comes from Asia. It’s also commonly called the Japanese radish, Chinese radish, winter radish, and luobo. Daikon is often used in Asian cooking.
Daikon is a vegetable, which looks somewhat like a white carrot that’s filled with water. In fact, it might more resemble a white water balloon filled with water and decorated with some greenery at the top!
There are many types of daikon radishes found in Korea, China, as well as other countries. Each type looks a little different but they’re all related.
Daikon can be eaten raw, usually thinly sliced. This veggie can also be cooked or pickled. It’s usually peeled before eating, but the skin is safe to eat. Daikon is sometimes used as a garnish, or even diced or grated to add to many dishes and baked goods. The greens are also edible—and you don’t have to worry about cooking them.
You can buy daikon at many grocery stores, especially those that carry a wide variety of Asian foods. Another place to find this yummy vegetable is in Asian markets.
The Nutrients Found in Daikon
You’ll be happy to hear that this is a low-calorie vegetable, which is also an excellent source of nutrients! Daikon contains:
- Carbs: 14 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Vitamin C: 124% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Folate (B9): 24% of the DV
- Calcium: 9% of the DV
- Magnesium: 14% of the DV
- Potassium: 22% of the DV
- Copper: 19% of the DV
As you can see, this vegetable provides a wide variety of healthy nutrients. While these yummy veggies are safe for humans, are daikon safe for your dog to eat?
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Ask a Vet Live NowCan Dogs Eat Radishes?
Radishes are a healthy food for us and possibly for dogs, too. However, many radishes are spicy, which may make some dogs turn away. Radishes are usually OK for dogs; however, they should only be given in moderation. Never as a part of your dog’s regular diet.
Are Radishes Safe for Puppies?
Whether it be the daikon or another type of radishes, you need to be careful giving this vegetable to a puppy. Puppies are small, for one thing. You could feed a puppy one very thin slice of daikon but not more.
The reason is that the puppy’s digestive system isn’t mature yet and may not be able to handle the amount of fiber in radishes including daikon.
If you do give your puppy a tiny piece of any type of radish, be sure to watch for signs his digestive system isn’t having a good time with the veggie. Look out for vomiting and diarrhea. The puppy may even be nauseated by these spice vegetables.
Can My Dog Eat Daikon?
The answer is yes, daikon is safe for dogs but only in moderation. This vegetable contains plenty of vitamins and minerals that are just as healthy for your dog, as they are for you. And these nutrients also work to support your dog’s immune system. What could be better than that?
Daikon radishes are filled with fiber, too, which is good for dogs. Fiber makes a dog’s digestive process smoother, while it also helps to build strong muscles. It’s also a source of antioxidants that work to support and boost the functions of the immune system. Daikon also contains glucosinolates, which reduce down to isothiocyanates.
These compounds have been found to be powerful in fighting cancer.
However, there is one problem. You should only give daikon as a once-in-a-while treat. That’s because it can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea and vomiting in larger amounts. This is caused by the high amount of fiber in these radishes.
Another issue is that daikon radishes can have a spicy flavor. Not all dogs enjoy spicy foods. Too much of this can lead to nausea or even cause stomach issues in dogs with sensitive stomachs.
How to Feed Your Dog Daikon
Daikon can be a healthy snack for dogs! You can give it to him cooked and mixed in his dog food once in a while. Another option is to feed him daikon slices that are cut very thin and raw.
When feeding your dog a daikon, be sure it doesn’t include any other ingredients that could make your dog sick. These can include garlic, onions, and more. Avoid adding creams or sauces that may contain toxic ingredients. Only serve plain daikon slices to your fur baby.
However, it’s important to remember that this radish can cause digestive issues in dogs. So, make this a rare treat your dog can enjoy!
To Summarize
Daikon is a type of radish, more specifically a type of winter radish that’s typically found in Asia. This veggie looks a little like a white carrot. The root is long and white and can be eaten pickled or served cooked in different types of Asian cuisine. Daikon contains many valuable nutrients including fiber, Vitamin C, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium and more.
Can my dog eat daikon? Yes—in moderation. Daikon is a good source of vitamins and minerals that keep your dog healthy by supporting his immune system, digestion and keeps his muscles strong. You can chop and sprinkle daikon over his regular dog food or even slice it up thin and let him enjoy it that way as a healthy snack. Remember to only let him enjoy daikon in moderation—it can cause digestive problems if he eats too much. Can my puppy eat daikon? Yes, again, in moderation. What happens if my puppy ate too much? He could develop an upset tummy and diarrhea, so only give to him occasionally and in small amounts.
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Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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