My Dog Ate Lotus Root Lotus Root: What I Learned the Hard Way

Okay, so I need to share this because honestly, I had no idea about lotus root lotus root until my dog Lucy got into some. I thought, "It's just food, how bad can it be?" Big mistake.

Can dogs eat lotus root.

Traditionally added to soups, stews, or even fried up as a side dish, lotus root has gained popularity in the United States.

The short answer is yes, cooked lotus root is safe for dogs to consume. Raw lotus root, however, does come with a few concerning drawbacks.

I learned this the hard way, but at least Lucy is okay now.

before adding lotus root to your dog’s diet, you must have a conversation with your vet about this starchy vegetable’s pros and cons.

Lotus root is an aquatic plant. But unlike other unsafe aquatic vegetables, such as watercress, it’s completely safe for dogs to consume once cooked.

I wish I had known this sooner.

this is great news since the lotus root is rich in nutritional benefits, particularly ones that strengthen our dog’s immune system.

Furthermore, lotus root is a superb source of potassium, which aids greatly in blood circulation.

Dietary fiber is another huge plus with lotus root.

In general, fiber is vital for dogs.

However, you can always have too much of a good thing. Too much fiber can lead to stomach upset and gastrointestinal issues.

Due to this, lotus root should be served in moderation.

If incorporated into your dog’s diet, it should only comprise a small fraction of the ten percent allocated to foods outside of a dog’s main, balanced diet..

For your dog to benefit nutritionally from lotus root, it must be properly prepared.

There is a significant danger with aquatic plants to be aware of, which makes this preparation mandatory..

Aquatic plants absorb bacteria from the water, including parasites.

Plants like watercress absorb negative bacteria to such a degree that it is completely unsafe for dogs.

I wish I had known this sooner.

if served raw, these parasites can infest your dog’s intestinal tract and cause major gastrointestinal issues.

To serve lotus root safely, all you need to do is wash and cook it thoroughly.

Then, it’s recommended to cut it up into either thin slices or bite-sized pieces prior to boiling, steaming, or baking.

Moderation should also be employed when serving your dog cooked lotus root. Excessive amounts can lead to digestive issues, due to the fiber content.

I wish I had known this sooner.

adding lotus root to your dog’s homecooked meals, a few times per week should cause no issue.

This was definitely a learning experience for me. Lucy depends on me to keep him safe, and I'm trying to do better every day.