Lotus Root

Cats have no need for vegetables, so a little thoroughly cooked lotus root is at most a novel treat with some fibre.

One small piece per serving without reducing main-diet intake.

Peel, dice very small, then steam or boil until soft with no seasoning.

Raw lotus root is hard and crunchy and can choke a cat, so always cook it and cut it up first; a complete cat food already covers every nutritional need.

Cooked lotus root supplies fibre and a little potassium with very little fat or calories, so small pieces work as an occasional vegetable treat.

1-2 small pieces per serving (one for a small dog), within roughly 10% of daily energy intake.

Peel, slice thinly or dice, then steam or boil until completely soft; add no sugar, oil, glutinous rice or seasoning.

Raw lotus root is hard and fibrous, hard to digest and a choking risk, so always cook it; sugar-glazed, stuffed and dressed lotus dishes carry plenty of sugar, oil and often garlic, so contact a vet immediately if they are eaten.