Can dogs eat taro? Should this vegetable be part of a dog’s diet? It is no secret that some human food is bad for dogs, while some are safe.
For example, onion is toxic for dogs, while cucumber is safe, but where taro stands in dog nutrition?
Can Dogs Eat Taro?
Simply said, no. Taro is toxic to dogs and never should be served to them. In fact, dogs should never eat taro in any form and in any amount.
The entire taro plant is toxic to dogs.
Why is taro toxic to dogs? Taro contains calcium oxalate, a chemical that is highly poisonous to pets including dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Taro Root?
No – dogs should not eat taro, nor taro root.
In fact, taro should never be given to dogs in any form, because it is highly harmful to dogs.
You may think, but what about taro roots? Or cooked taro? Or taro ice cream? The answer is still no.
Taro is packed with a substance called calcium oxalate which is highly toxic to dogs.
This vegetable can even be highly dangerous to humans unless properly prepared.
When it comes to vegetables that shouldn’t be part of your dog’s menu, taro should be at the top.
My Dog Ate Taro Root, What Should I Do
If you know for sure that your dog has eaten taro root and he shows strong symptoms of food poisoning, you need to act fast.
Always reach out to your veterinarian first.
If you cannot reach your veterinarian call the Pet Poison Helpline.
Why Is Taro Bad For Dogs?
When prepared properly (when cooked properly to be precise) taro contains health-boosting nutrients. This is the case when we are talking about human nutrition.
When it comes to dogs and including taro in their diet you should know that the potential risks outweigh the benefits.
Taro contains calcium oxalates. Taro is covered with small and sharp needles that are linked with many health issues.
It is common for dogs who taste them to experience irritation of the mouth, and lower parts of the directive system.
Calcium oxalates can even lead to the formation of urinary crystals, and kidney damage.
Signs Your Dog Has Eaten Taro
The best way to know if a dog ate something dangerous is to react when you notice unusual behavior.
Knowing how your dog behaves when he is healthy, will help you reach when something is off.
If a certain food isn’t too dangerous to dogs, they might experience vomiting and diarrhea.
On the other hand, if a certain food is toxic, here are symptoms that dogs might display:
- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Oral irritation and pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Crying and whining
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Changes in urination
- Increased water intake
Know how much water should dogs drink, and when you should contact your veterinarian.
Water intake is very important for dogs, and just like in humans dehydration may lead to many health issues.
If your dog is showing any of the symptoms listed above, make sure that you contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline.
What To Do If Your Dog Ate Taro?
As mentioned above, if your dog ate taro make sure that you monitor him closely for any of the listed symptoms.
It is crucial to monitor your dog closely so you can evaluate the situation and seek help if needed.
You need to do your best to figure out just how much taro your dog ate.
Once you know the amount for sure or at least approximately, call your veterinarian.
Stay calm and explained what happened. Give as much information as possible. Do what your veterinarian tells you.
Your veterinarian might tell you to carefully monitor your dog, provide fresh and clean water and do a check-in in a few hours.
Another option is that your veterinarian suggested you to bring the dog to the clinic for an in-person examination.
Now, that we know what you need to do if your dog eats too much taro, let’s explain quickly what taro actually is and if any taro form is anyhow safe for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taro And Dogs
Can dogs eat taro in other forms?
This is something that many dog owners want to know which is why we have collected a list of frequently asked questions on taro in dog nutrition.
1. Can Dogs Eat Taro Chips?
You know that your dog loves potato chips, and you are thinking about serving him taro chips. If so, you should not do it, because taro should never be served to dogs.
If your dog grabs your bowl of chips monitor him closely for any sign of health disturbance such as vomiting or diarrhea.
2. Can Dogs Eat Cooked Taro?
Dogs in general love cooked food.
At least, this is the case when a specific food is healthy for them. However, when a food item such as taro is toxic to dogs, not even cooked form is fine.
To avoid any health issues or possible kidney damage in your dog, do not serve him taro.
3. Can Dogs Eat Taro Ice Cream?
No, dogs should not eat taro ice cream. Taro may be toxic to dogs of any size and age and as such should never be served to canines.
If you want to serve your dog a nice summer treat, think about homemade treats or just serve a tablespoon of plain yogurt daily.
Another great way to help you go cool down on hot days is to serve him plain cucumber.
If you are ready to go that extra mile, blend yogurt with cucumber, pour it into the ice tray, and freeze – serve your dog as a vegetable ice cream.
4. Can Dogs Eat Taro Cake?
No, dogs should not eat taro cake.
No matter how great your cake might be, taro will cause strong health disturbances in your dog, so avoid feeding him taro. Plus, taro contains a lot of sugar which is dangerous to dogs.
5. Can Dogs Have Taro Milk Tea?
No, dogs do not need any form of milk, and taro milk isn’t something that your Fido might enjoy.
Industrial milk is often packed with carbohydrates and sugar, which both are dangerous to dogs and can even cause allergies.
6. Can Dogs Eat Taro Leaves?
This is another no. Dogs should not consume any part of taro, including leaves.
Any taro part, from leaves to meaty parts should be off-limits to dogs.
Once again, taro contains calcium oxalate, a chemical that is poisonous to all pets, including dogs.
7. Can Dogs Eat Taro Bread?
No, dogs should not eat taro bread.
Any taro percentage in any food can cause health disturbances in dogs, from vomiting and diarrhea or more serious complications.
8. Can Dogs Eat Taro Mochi?
Dogs should never consume any part of taro no matter how small the amount might be.
The entire taro plant might be toxic to dogs and you should never test how your dog might react to taro.
In general, mochi contains high sugar content. Next to this, dogs aren’t capable of digesting glutinous rice flour properly.
All in all, eating mochi can put stress on a dog’s organs, lead to gas experience, and even bloating.
If you have a larger size dog, learn what a bloat is.
9. Can Dogs Eat Taro Leaf?
Another ‘no’ regarding taro and dogs. Taro leaves are poisonous to dogs and chewing them or biting them will lead to mouth irritation and stomach-related issues.
10. Can Dogs Eat Taro Bubble Tea?
No, dogs should not eat taro bubble tea. This is in fact a big ‘no’.
Since there are some risks to giving to dogs giving any taro-based treat or drink to your dog is never recommended.
Alternative To Taro For Dogs
Once you get a dog you’re directly responsible for his overall health. A big part of an overall dog’s health is proper nutrition.
To help your dog reach his senior years without major issues you should do the following:
- Serve high-quality food
- Provide access to clean and fresh water
- Provide proper exercise regime
- Serve safe treats in moderation and as an occasional treat
- Serve only safe fruit and vegetable
If you are not sure if a certain food isn’t safe for your Fido, make sure that you talk with your veterinarian.
It is far better to serve two to three 100% safe fruit and vegetable to your dog than fruit and vegetable that are half safe, or not safe to dogs at all.
If you want to serve veggies to your dog think about one of the following options:
- Cucumber
- Cabbage
- Watermelon
Even these ‘safe’ foods for dogs should never be served in high amounts, nor too often. Even safe food can lead to diarrhea and vomiting.
Can Puppies Eat Taro Safely?
The right and short answer is NO. If a certain food isn’t suitable for adult dogs, it is not suitable for puppies either.
Puppies are more sensitive than adult dogs and dangerous food such as taro in puppies can lead to hard symptoms.
In some cases, when puppies ingest toxic food it may lead to brain hemorrhage and death.
Before you serve any food to your dog think twice. Not sure if a certain food is healthy for your dog? Talk with your veterinarian.
Can Dogs Eat Taro – Conclusion
While properly prepared taro is a great addition to the human diet, taro root and its parts are highly toxic to dogs.
You should keep every taro part away from your dog. Never serve taro to your dog, no matter how well cooked, and overall prepared it might be.
Taro might lead to mouth irritation and many gastrointestinal issues, and even kidney damage.
If you are thinking about changing your dog’s diet, implementing a new feeding style, or even changing your dog’s physical activity routine, always check with your veterinarian first.
Remember: once you get a dog your veterinarian is your dog’s best professional support.
