Can dogs eat radishes?

Wash the radish, trim the root and leaves, then slice thinly or quarter. Whole round radishes are about the size of a marble to a large grape, which is a choking risk for small dogs and fast eaters. The leaves are edible but peppery; most dogs are not interested.

Daikon, the long white radish, can be prepared the same way.

Start with one or two thin slices. The peppery compounds can irritate the stomach in larger amounts and may cause gas. For a medium dog, two or three radishes, sliced, is plenty. Many dogs sniff a radish, take one bite and walk away, which is perfectly fine.

Radishes can also be grated and mixed into a meal for a little crunch. Radish sprouts and microgreens are safe in small pinches, but wash them thoroughly as raw sprouts can carry bacteria.

Horseradish root is related to radish but far stronger. Its oils can burn the mouth and cause vomiting, drooling and diarrhea. Wasabi, and most wasabi pastes that are actually horseradish with coloring, have the same effect. Horseradish sauce may also include cream and sugar. Keep these off your dog's plate.

Radishes grow quickly and are popular with children's gardening projects. Dogs sometimes dig them up. The roots are fine, but check that no slug pellets or chemical treatments have been used on the bed, as these can be far more dangerous than the radishes themselves.