can dog eat jicama?

Can a dog eat Jicama? The absolute answer to this question is YES. Your dog can eat Jicama. Jicama is full of nutrients and contains a low number of calories and fats.

So, it is perfect for dogs, specifically those suffering from weight gain, obesity, and diabetes.

What is Jicama?

Jicama is a vegetable that grows underground. It looks like the potato and turnip but doesn’t taste like these veggies. Rather Its taste is a little bit like an apple but not as sweet as an apple.

Vines of the jicama plant grow up to the length of 20 feet. Amazingly the shoots and the leaves of the plant are toxic and Only the root is the edible part of the plant. The Jicama has brown skin outside, and the Jicama’s inner part is white, due to which it looks like raw potato.

The taste of Jicama is sweet and starchy. The jicama plant mainly grows in Mexico and Central America. And Asian people came to know about Jicama in the 17th century.

As Jicama is native to Mexico, it also has other names like Mexican potato, Mexican yam, Mexican yam bean, Mexican turnip, and Mexican chestnut.

In Mexico, the raw jicama is very famous, seasoned with lime juice and chili powder.

Nutritional value of Jicama

Thirty-eight calories are present in 100 grams of Jicama. The nutritional value of 100g of Jicama is as follows

Benefits of Jicama to dogs

Prevent cell damage and aging in

The Jicama contains antioxidants like vitamin C, beta carotene, and vitamin E. And these antioxidants prevent cell damage in dogs. And because of these antioxidants, they will feel energetic and delay aging in the dog.

Prevent oxidative stress

The antioxidants prevent the dog from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to cancer, heart and brain disease. So, Jicama prevents the dog from these diseases.

Improves cardiovascular activity

The Jicama contains the nutrients which are helpful to maintain healthy cardiovascular activity.

Suitable for the gut bacteria

There are some bacteria present in the gut which are very good for proper digestive activity. The Jicama contains a prebiotic fiber called inulin, which is efficient for the gut’s good bacteria.

On the other hand, prebiotics is also beneficial to remove the bacteria which are harmful to the stomach. So, Jicama promotes effective digestion.

Protect dog from heart disease

The Jicama is a rich potassium source, which lowers the blood pressure and allows the blood pressure to relax. According to research, potassium improves blood circulation and prevents the from heart disease.

Lower bad cholesterol in dogs

Jicama contains soluble dietary fiber, which is very effective for dogs to lower cholesterol. So, this is very good for dogs, suffering from obesity.

Suitable for the pups suffering from constipation

The dietary fibers and antioxidants are very effective for dogs that are suffering from constipation. So, if you give Jicama to your dog, then this will be effective for their stomach.

Increase immunity

Vitamin C is present in the Jicama, which helps to boost the immunity of the dog. In addition, Vitamin C is very efficient in reducing the inflammation of the body.

Improves brain functioning

The vitamin B-6 present in the Jicama is very helpful in the brain and nerves’ proper functioning. It also proves efficient in the formation of red blood cells.

Serving ideas of Jicama to dogs

Well, the dog can eat Jicama in both raw and cooked form. You can give Jicama to your dog in the following ways:

• Peel the Jicama and separate the brown part of the Jicama. Then cut the white part of Jicama into small pieces which your dog can eat comfortably.
• Shred the Jicama and sprinkle it on the ‘s meal so that the dog can quickly eat Jicama.
• You can also cook a dish with Jicama and serve it to your dog; the dog will surely enjoy the sweet and starchy taste of Jicama.

Warnings about Jicama

If you are giving Jicama to the dog for the first time, then don’t give too much Jicama to the dog. You first have to provide only a tiny piece of Jicama to a dog.

Observe your dog’s activities, and if you don’t feel any problems with your dog’s health, then you can give Jicama to your dog.

You must keep the following points in your mind when giving Jicama to your dog:

• Don’t give the leaves and stem of Jicama to the dog. These are toxic in nature and can cause the problem to your dog.
• Make sure to remove the brown outer part of Jicama and then give it to your dog.
• Always cut the Jicama into smaller pieces so that your dog can quickly eat and enjoy the Jicama.
• I always prefer cooked Jicama over raw because it is easily digestible.
• Being a pet lover doesn’t take risks about the dog’s health, and always consult the vet before giving anything for the first time to your dog.

FAQs

Can a dog eat raw Jicama?

Yes, the dog can eat raw Jicama. But the cooked Jicama is always preferred over the raw Jicama because the dog’s digestive system quickly digests it.

Is Jicama poisonous to the dog?

The only edible part of Jicama is the root or bulb of the plant. The bulb of Jicama is not poisonous to the dog, but the leaves and stem of the jicama plant are toxic.

If your dog eats the leaves and the branch of Jicama, then this can cause a severe problem to your dog.

Conclusion

The Jicama is vibrant in nutrients and very good for dogs. It helps the improve the digestive system, cardiovascular activity and increase the ‘s immunity.

But the leaves and stem are toxic to dogs and can cause a problem to a dog’s health.