Once considered to be an ‘exotic’ grocery item, okra is now making a more regular appearance in many households. This versatile fruit is normally eaten as a vegetable and enjoyed for its unusual flavor and various nutritional benefits. But can dogs eat okra, or is okra toxic to dogs?
Can dogs eat okra?
Yes, dogs can eat okra! Okra can be served to dogs either raw or cooked, and can be a delicious and healthy snack for your precious pooch.
When served to your dog correctly and safely, okra is a healthy treat that many dogs will enjoy eating.
What are the health benefits of okra?
Okra might not seem like an obvious food source for dogs, but these unusual vegetables are actually rich in nutritional benefits.
One of the good things about feeding okra to dogs is that it is low in calories and high in fiber. This means it will help to satisfy hunger and maintain gastrointestinal health, without bumping up your dog’s daily calorie intake.
Okra is also high in vitamins A and C, both of which have potent antioxidant properties. These help to mop up harmful free radicals and reduce inflammation, lowering the risk of age-related degenerative diseases.
Okra also contains essential nutrients such as B vitamins, folic acid, potassium, and magnesium. These help to maintain the function of many body systems, including improved immunity and better blood sugar regulation.
What should I be aware of when offering okra to my dog?
Okra can be fed to dogs either raw or cooked, but seasonings and flavorings such as salt, pepper, garlic, and onion must never be added. The best way to cook okra for your dog is to steam it, but it can also be sauteed in a small amount of healthy oil such as olive oil.
Like many vegetables, excessive consumption of okra can cause uncomfortable gassiness and bloat in dogs. Okra should on be fed in very small amounts as a treat, not as part of the main diet.
Dogs that have a history of bladder or kidney problems should never be fed okra. The calcium oxalate in okra can cause crystals to develop in the urinary tract, leading to kidney and bladder stones.
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