Kohlrabi

This squat, slightly alien Sputnik-like sphere, with its antennae leaves, is a cruciferous vegetable belonging to the Brassica family, which includes vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cabbage and turnips. This vegetable is used by preference in winter and autumn: it does not do well in hot weather, when it becomes woodier.

Low calorie, high nutrient

Kohlrabi is a low-calorie vegetable, high in fibre and rich in Vitamins C and B6, as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium and other vital nutrients. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and potential anti-cancer effects.[1]  Incorporating kohlrabi into your dog’s diet can offer a range of benefits, from improving digestion to enhancing immune function. As with any food, it should be given in moderation.

In the canine diet

Although some sites suggest that kohlrabi can be fed to your dog raw, I prefer not to. There are plenty of other ways to serve kohlrabi where it will be more readily digested: it can be boiled, steamed or roasted, pureed or included in toppings, for example. And don’t discard the kohlrabi leaves either: They are a nutritional powerhouse in their own right. Like turnip greens, they’re also a source of carotenes, Vitamin A and other nutrients.

Main nutrients

Rich in Fibre

Kohlrabi’s high fibre content aids in digestion and can help regulate your dog’s bowel movements. This is particularly beneficial for dogs suffering from constipation or irregular stools. Fibre also promotes a feeling of fullness, which can assist in weight management for overweight dogs.

Vitamin C

While dogs can synthesise their own vitamin C, additional amounts from dietary sources like kohlrabi can help boost their immune system. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage, reduces inflammation, and supports healthy ageing.

Vitamin B6

This vitamin plays a crucial role in brain function, hormone regulation, and red blood cell production. Including vitamin B6 in your dog’s diet can support overall neurological health and energy metabolism.

Potassium

Essential for maintaining proper muscle function and fluid balance, potassium is vital for dogs, especially those that are very active. Adequate potassium levels ensure that muscles, including the heart, function correctly and efficiently. potassium supports bone health and is an electrolyte that helps to regulate fluid balance which can aid in hydration, especially during physical activity.

Low in Calories

With its low-calorie profile, kohlrabi is an ideal snack for dogs, particularly those that need to shed a few pounds. It provides essential nutrients without adding excess calories.

Antioxidant Properties

Kohlrabi contains various antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in dogs, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and support overall health.

References

[1] Vue M., Rydberg M., Talaga M.L. Purification of a Plant Lectin from Kohlrabi/Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes and Identification of Binding Specificity. FASEB J. 2020;34:1. doi: 10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.03194.

Kohlrabi, raw, peeled

Kohlrabi, raw, peeled

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Want to know more? These studies might be useful:

Jahangir M., Kim H.K., Choi Y.H., Verpoorte R. Health-affecting compounds in Brassicaceae. Compr. Rev. Food Sci. Food Saf. 2009;8:31–43. doi: 10.1111/j.1541-4337.2008.00065.x.
Park W.T., Kim J.K., Park S., Lee S.-W., Li X., Kim Y.B., Uddin M.R., Park N.I., Kim S.-J., Park S.U. Metabolic profiling of glucosinolates, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and other secondary metabolites in kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) J. Agric. Food Chem. 2012;60:8111–8116. doi: 10.1021/jf301667j.
Zhao M, Wu Y, Ren Y. Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence Structure and Phylogenetic Analysis of Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L.). Genes (Basel). 2024 Apr 26;15(5):550. doi: 10.3390/genes15050550. PMID: 38790180; PMCID: PMC11120933.

Nutritional information:

Kohlrabi, raw 100 g

For full nutrient content see Food Data Central

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.