Dogs can eat vegetables, but not all kinds of vegetables making it important to discover if your dog can eat certain vegetables. Vegetables are present in all your dogs’ quality foods, but as an individual treat, not all dogs tolerate certain kinds of vegetables, depending on their health status or age. So, can dogs eat choy sum? Here is all we know.
What is Choy Sum?
Choy sum, also known as Chinese flowering cabbage, belongs to the Brassica rapa family. Its appearance is nothing short of poetic—slender, jade-green stems crowned with lush, emerald leaves. As you take in its beauty, you’ll notice the resemblance to familiar greens like broccoli and bok choy.
Its mild, slightly bitter undertone is complemented by a subtle sweetness, making it a versatile addition to various dishes. Whether lightly stir-fried, steamed, or incorporated into soups, choy sum adds a distinctive flavor profile that enhances the overall culinary experience.
Do Dogs Like Choy Sum?
Dogs are notorious for their keen sense of smell, and when the captivating fragrance of choy sum wafts through the air, it’s no surprise that curiosity takes center stage. Your furry companion might express interest, nose twitching, and ears perked up in anticipation. Some dogs are naturally adventurous eaters, exploring different scents and flavors with enthusiasm. In these cases, the allure of choy sum may prompt a wagging tail and a request for a tasty morsel.
Just like humans, dogs have individual tastes and preferences. Some may readily embrace the verdant crunch of choy sum, savoring its mild bitterness and tender texture. On the other hand, a more discerning pup might approach this green delight with caution, preferring the familiarity of their regular fare. It’s a canine culinary journey where personal taste buds dictate the verdict.
Can Dogs Eat Choy Sum?
While dogs may not need vegetables like choy sum (since they are omnivorous), a little addition of choy sum to their meal is okay, and it can also be served as a raw or cooked treat to dogs.
In diets formulated for dogs, you will still find little inclusion of fruits and vegetables, to further enrich the diets with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
For my two dogs, I always offer steamed choy sum and they are always eager to have a bite. This vegetable can also be included in their diets, or even as a treat during training sessions. You can use organic Kirkland peanut butter as a topping and watch how your dogs would happily jump on these.
Can Dogs Benefit From Choy Sum?
This leafy green is a powerhouse of vitamins A and C, essential for supporting a robust immune system. Imagine your canine friend reaping the benefits of these vitamins—A, the guardian of vision and skin health, and C, the immune-boosting champion.
One of the standout features of choy sum is its fiber content, a factor that could contribute to your dog’s digestive health. Fiber, often celebrated for promoting regular bowel movements, can be a gentle aid in maintaining your pup’s digestive balance.
How Should Choy Sum Be Prepared For Dogs?
Steaming is my preferred choice of preparation to help preserve the leafy green’s nutritional integrity while enhancing its natural flavors. A few minutes of gentle steaming can transform choy sum into a tender, palatable treat that your pup might find simply irresistible. As the steam rises and the vibrant green hues intensify,
Chop the choy sum into bite-sized pieces, making it easier for your dog to enjoy. To elevate the dining experience, mix it with your dog’s regular food or incorporate it into a homemade treat alongside horchata.
Is Raw Choy Sum Safe For Dogs?
Yes, Raw Choy sum often retains more of its original nutrients compared to its cooked counterparts and is safe for dogs to chew. However, I prefer to steam and chop the vegetable before handing it to my dog to make it more palatable (raw choy sum may have a more bitter undertone than steamed versions, and some dogs may not want to have more after taking a bite) and prevent possible scenarios of choking or gastrointestinal obstruction.
Can Choy Sum Be Included In A Dog’s Regular Diet?
While vegetables like Choy sum are super helpful to humans, they shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily food intake. The other 90% should consist of their quality dry kibble and wet foods. And yes, you could feed them to your dog every day, provided they stay in the 10% mix and are mixed with other treats (I mean, who doesn’t like variety?).
Can Puppies Eat Choy Sum?
Puppies can eat choy sum and making it an occasional part of their diet can be beneficial over time and even in time constipation, the fiber in choy sum can help resolve it. However, you should introduce this vegetable gradually watch how they react to it, and decide if you should continue treating them to choy sum or discontinue.
Can Senior Dogs Eat Choy Sum?
Senior dogs can enjoy choy sum as part of a balanced and well-managed diet, provided it is prepared and offered in a way that suits their individual health needs. A senior dog with diminishing digestibility capabilities, chewing capabilities, and existing health issues like kidney disease should have a limited amount of choy sum or it should be avoided entirely.
How Much Choy Sum Can I Give To My Dog?
Certainly! For a healthy dog, you can start by offering approximately two tablespoons of cooked or steamed choy sum per meal. This amount can be adjusted based on your dog’s size, with smaller breeds receiving the lower end of the range and larger breeds on the higher end.
Final Thoughts
Choy sum in part of a balanced diet can go a long way in supplementing your dog’s vitamins and minerals, while also providing antioxidants and fiber which could help resolve digestive issues.
However, chow sum should be given as an occasional treat, part of a balanced diet, and shouldn’t exceed 10% of your dog’s daily food intake.
