University > Food Types > Root/ Rhizome
Root/ Rhizome
Roots and rhizomes are underground plant structures that store nutrients like carbohydrates and fiber. Common examples include sweet potatoes, turmeric, and ginger. They are used in nutrition for their role in providing energy, supporting digestion, and offering compounds with antioxidant or anti-inflammatory benefits.
Last Reviewed Date: 01/02/2026
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Food Component Groups
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Foods
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Chicory Root is a prebiotic fiber source that supports gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. It contains inulin, a natural fiber that aids digestion and is often included in probiotic dog food formulas. |
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Potato is a starchy vegetable that serves as a digestible carbohydrate source in dog food, providing fiber, vitamins, and energy. While common in grain-free diets, dogs with blood sugar concerns may need alternatives. |
| Yucca schidigera is a fibrous, evergreen plant native to desert regions, known for its rich content of saponins, natural compounds that reduce inflammation and support gut health, and resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage. In dog nutrition, yucca supports joint, immune, and skin health while reducing stool odor by minimizing ammonia production in the gut, making it a functional and versatile ingredient in supplements and pet foods. | |
| Turmeric is the underground stem (rhizome) of a flowering plant in the ginger family. It has a vivid yellow-orange color due to curcumin, a compound noted for its potential to support inflammatory response and antioxidant activity. |
Blog Articles
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Follow the Research
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| Roles of plant-based ingredients and phytonutrients in canine nutrition and health | At a Glance The 2021 review article by Tanprasertsuk et al. synthesizes existing research to provide a clear picture of how natural compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and herbs—like carotenoids, polyphenols, and phytosterols—may support dogs' overall well-being. Connecting the Dots |