Tuberous wood sorrel
Tuberous wood sorrel (Oxalis tuberosa) is a plant from the wood sorrel family, which is native to South America and is used there as a foodstuff. The plant produces edible tubers that are brightly colored and have a sweet and sour taste. But can you feed tuberous wood sorrel to your dog? In this article, you can find out more about this exotic ingredient and its advantages and disadvantages for your four-legged friend.
What is tuberous wood sorrel?
Tuberous wood sorrel is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 40 cm high. The leaves are tripartite and resemble clover leaves. The flowers are yellow and appear in umbels. The tubers grow on the roots or on the stems that touch the ground. They are cylindrical to ellipsoid and have a waxy skin that can be white, green, orange, pink, red or purple. The tubers are 3 to 15 cm long and have a wrinkled surface with "eyes".
Tuberous wood sorrel probably originates from Colombia and was domesticated by the indigenous peoples of the Andes. It is mainly cultivated and consumed in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. It is an important source of carbohydrates, vitamin C, iron and calcium in the high altitudes of the Andes.
How can you use tuberous wood sorrel?
Tuberous wood sorrel can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a sweet and sour taste, which comes from oxalic acid, which is also found in rhubarb and spinach. However, the oxalic acid can be reduced by cooking or ripening in the sun. Some of the starch is then converted into sugar, which gives the taste a pleasant sweetness.
Tuberous wood sorrel can be prepared like potatoes: boiled, baked, deep-fried or mashed. It is also suitable as a snack or salad garnish. It can be combined with various spices, herbs or sauces.
Is bulbous wood sorrel good for dogs?
Tuberous wood sorrel is not poisonous to dogs as long as it is fed in moderation. It can serve as a change in your dog's bowl or as a treat between meals. It provides your dog with energy, vitamins and minerals that can support his health.
However, there are a few things to bear in mind before feeding bulbous wood sorrel to your dog:
- The oxalic acid in tuberous wood sorrel can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive dogs or inhibit the absorption of calcium. The tubers should therefore be cooked or allowed to ripen beforehand to reduce the oxalic acid content.
- The tubers contain a lot of starch, which can lead to obesity or blood sugar fluctuations if they are fed in large quantities. You should therefore keep the portions small and keep an eye on your calorie intake.
- Depending on the color, the skin of the tubers may contain more or less anthocyanins, which can have an antioxidant effect, but can also trigger allergies. You should therefore remove the skin beforehand or at least wash it thoroughly.
Tuberous wood sorrel is an interesting ingredient that you can offer your dog from time to time. It has a sweet and sour taste that your dog might like and contains valuable nutrients. However, you should only feed it in small quantities and well cooked or post-ripened to avoid possible side effects. If you are unsure whether tuberous wood sorrel is suitable for your dog, it is best to ask your vet for advice.
If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.
Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊
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