Swede
A highly nutritional vegetable, the humble swede or rutabagas has been rather neglected of late: it has become an “heirloom” (read “forgotten”) vegetable. However, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional vegetables like swede, not least because of their storage capabilities and nutritional value.
This inexpensive and versatile vegetable can be roasted, boiled, mashed, or steamed and it freezes well. Its adaptability makes it suitable for dogs and humans alike (and particularly Care and Share recipes).
Swede was always thought to be (and is still scientifically classified as) a Brassica (Brassica napus napobrassica), a cruciferous vegetable belonging to the Brassicaceae or mustard family alongside broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. but one study has questioned its origins[1]. In any event, what the swede does have in common with cruciferous vegetables– be they family or not – is that it is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health, including immune function, bone health, and skin health. One study suggests that the data is obtained shows the potential use of rutabaga seeds in fields including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and functional foods.
Main nutrients
Low in Calories and Fat
Swede is low in calories and contains negligible amounts of fat, making it a suitable option for dogs who need to manage their weight or are prone to obesity.
High in Fibre
Swede is an excellent source of dietary fibre, which can improve digestion by supporting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.
Potassium
Root vegetables like swede are a good source of potassium, which is a crucial for the proper functioning of cells, tissues and organs and supports muscle and bone health. It’s also an electrolyte, a substance that helps regulate fluid balance in the body and can aid in hydration, especially during physical activity.
High in Vitamin C
Swedes contain an impressive level of vitamin C, which helps to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body that can damage cells and weaken the immune system. A strong immune system can better defend the body against infections and diseases. Vitamins C promotes wound healing and tissue repair and is also involved in the production of immune cells such as white blood cells which play key roles in identifying pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. It also helps to boost the body’s immune response to infections.
Powerful antioxidants
In addition to vitamin C, swede contains other antioxidants such as our colourful friends the carotenoids, which can help strengthen the immune system by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can impair immune function, so consuming foods rich in antioxidants may help mitigate this.
Digestive Health
The fibre content in swede can support healthy digestion in dogs by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and aiding in the absorption of nutrients from food.
Tip:
Microwaving root vegetables before roasting is a time-saving technique that helps to partially cook the vegetables, making them tender and reducing the overall roasting time. The microwaving process helps to soften up the dense texture of root vegetables like swede so that they cook more evenly.
Nutrition facts (per 100g)
Rutabagas, raw
Water 89.4 g
Energy 37 kcal
Protein 1.08 g
Carbohydrate 8.62 g
Total dietary fibre 2.3 g
Magnesium 20 mg
Iron 0.44 mg
Phosphorus 53 mg
Calcium 43 mg
Potassium 305 mg
Thiamine 0.09 mg
Riboflavin 0.04 mg
Niacin 0.7 mg
Vitamin C 173 mg
Vitamin B6 0.1mg
For full nutrient content see Food Data Central
Rutabagas, cooked, boiled, drained, no salt
Water 91.5 g
Energy 30 kcal
Protein 0.93 g
Carbohydrate 6.84 g
Total dietary fibre 1.8 g
Sugars 3.95 g
Magnesium 10 mg
Iron 0.18 mg
Phosphorus 41 mg
Calcium 18 mg
Potassium 216 mg
Thiamine 0.082 mg
Riboflavin 0.041 mg
Niacin 0.715 mg
Vitamin C 18.8 mg
Vitamin B6 0.102 mg
For full nutrient content see Food Data Central
Want to know more? These studies may be useful:
[1] An, H., Qi, X., Gaynor, M.L., Hao, Y., Gebken, S.C., Mabry, M.E., McAlvay, A.C., Teakle, G.R., Conant, G.C., Barker, M.S., Fu, T., Yi, B., Pires, J.C. Transcriptome and organellar sequencing highlights the complex origin and diversification of allotetraploid Brassica napus (2019) Nature Communications, 10 (1), art. no. 2878.
Ayadi J, Debouba M, Rahmani R, Bouajila J. The Phytochemical Screening and Biological Properties of Brassica napus L. var. napobrassica (Rutabaga) Seeds. Molecules. 2023 Aug 25;28(17):6250. doi: 10.3390/molecules28176250. PMID: 37687079; PMCID: PMC10488400.
Important Considerations:
- Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
- As some commercial foods contain potassium as an ingredient, check the label to see whether it’s in your dog’s food before giving more. Excessive intake of fatty acids can lead to adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
- 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.