Can dogs eat turnips or swede?

Peel away the thick outer skin, which is tough and often waxed on shop-bought swedes. Cut the flesh into 2 to 3 cm (1 in) cubes and boil for 15 to 20 minutes until tender. Drain, cool and mash, or serve in small cubes.

Turnip has about 28 calories per 100 g and swede around 37, so both are lighter than potato. That makes them a handy way to add bulk to a meal for a dog on a calorie-controlled plan, with your vet's agreement.

Offer a teaspoon of mashed turnip or swede to a small dog of 5 to 8 kg (11 to 18 lb). Medium dogs can have a tablespoon, and large dogs up to two tablespoons. Once or twice a week is plenty.

Larger portions often lead to wind and softer stools because of the fiber and sulfur compounds these vegetables share with cabbage.

Turnip tops are edible leafy greens but, like kale, they contain oxalates and are best given as a small chopped pinch. Raw turnip and swede are very firm; a dog can bite off a chunk too big to chew properly. If you want to offer them raw, grate finely instead of cutting into sticks.

Neeps and tatties, Cornish pasties, root vegetable stews and roasted root medleys usually contain butter, pepper, onion or stock. Set aside plain mashed swede before seasoning if you want to share at a family meal.

Mashed swede or turnip keeps in a sealed tub in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, spoon it into an ice cube tray and freeze; each cube is roughly a tablespoon, a ready-made topper for a medium dog. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir it into the meal cold or at room temperature.