Can dogs eat Taro?

Overview

Caution. Dogs can eat taro only if it’s thoroughly cooked. Raw taro leaves and roots contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause intense pain and serious health issues in dogs. Cooking taro properly helps reduce these harmful compounds, making small amounts safer for canine consumption.

Benefits

Taro, or Taro root, is rich in potassium, a mineral for regulating body fluid, sending nerve signals, and regulating muscle contractions.
Taro is loaded with fiber, which helps maintain healthy digestion and prevents gastrointestinal problems like excess gas, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.
Taro root has high levels of antioxidants, vitamin A and vitamin C, which strengthen the immune system and protect the cells against damage caused by free radicals.

Risks

Taro leaves and corms contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which are toxic to dogs. These oxalates have needle-shaped crystals called raphides, which can cause intense pain and inflammation of tissues. Cooking the taro roots can minimize or neutralize the toxins.

Servings

Cook the taro root by boiling or steaming.
Once cooked, the flesh is soft and fluffy throughout. Scoop out the soft flesh and serve to your dog in moderation occasionally. The skin should not be given to dogs.
Avoid also feeding raw taro or taro leaves to dogs.