Can Dogs Eat Okra? What Are The Benefits?

Okra is one of those snackable veggies that can be a great side to several dishes. Fried okra is popular in some fast food restaurants and is a popular vegetable to grow. Okra’s tendency to become slimy when it’s cooked is typically why it’s criticized by those who don’t like it. 

Still, others actually prefer it for this same reason. There’s no denying that it’s a hit or miss with most people. They may be an excellent side dish for us humans, but what about man’s best friend? Can dogs eat it? Yes, most dogs can eat okra! Some dogs should avoid eating it, though. Which dogs can eat it? How can it be fed to them? 

You’ll learn all about feeding your dog’s okra. There are risks and benefits to doing so, and it’s great to have a complete picture before allowing your dog to eat human food. So grab your bag of okra, and let’s snack through all the info on dogs eating this tasty veggie!

Benefits of Okra

Okra can benefit dogs greatly because of its vitamins and minerals like folic acid. Normal metabolic processes require folic acid, such as creating red blood cells. It also has magnesium which is needed to enable the transfer of energy that occurs each time a muscle in your pet moves, their heart beats, or they think. 

Three additional minerals, sodium, potassium, and calcium, are also involved and are all somewhat reliant on the action of magnesium. These minerals are essential for healthy nervous system signaling, muscular contraction, and heart function.

B Vitamins and Vitamin C

The antioxidant vitamin C is crucial. It can help slow down inflammatory responses and cognitive aging by scavenging potentially harmful free radicals from the body. Though their livers can produce vitamin C on their own, dogs might sometimes benefit from it being in their treats. 

A class of water-soluble substances known as vitamin B is frequently found in human and dog food. It serves various purposes, including fostering a healthy metabolism and controlling cell growth. Vitamin B functions as a coenzyme to aid metabolic processes that convert carbs into glucose, giving dogs energy.

Calcium and Potassium 

For every 1,000 calories consumed, a healthy dog should get approximately 1.25 grams of calcium. Depending on the daily calorie requirements for your dog, the amount needed can vary.   Dogs who are pregnant, nursing, or growing often require more calcium. Because potassium has a high level of water reactivity, it is regarded as an electrolyte. This suggests that this material becomes electrically conductive when it dissolves in water and forms positively charged ions. Potassium is used for nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and fluid balance.

Risks of Feeding Your Pup Okara

Okra doesn’t have many risks for dogs as long as it’s made without harmful ingredients. It is best to avoid giving Okra to your dog if they have hypothyroidism since it can interfere with an enzyme required for the thyroid to create hormones. 

Dogs who unintentionally consume a lot of okra may experience problems. Both food poisoning and stomach issues may result from it. Observe your dog’s behavior after eating a lot of okra to check for signs of suffering. Please don’t give them any more okra for a couple of days to avoid problems.

Despite the many health benefits of okra, the plant can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. Allergic reactions to okra are rare, but they can be severe. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to okra include swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, and vomiting. If your doggie experiences any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention.

How to Feed Your Dog Okra

The ideal way, according to experts, to maintain the nutritious value of okra is to steam or cook it over moderate heat. The okra shouldn’t be overly salted or buttered, and there should be no added seasonings to improve the flavor. Fried okra should also not be given to dogs since it might cause obesity and cardiac problems. 

Dogs with a history of pancreatitis should especially avoid fried foods. If your dog doesn’t like slimy textures boiling okra is probably out of the question. You can feed them raw or steamed okra instead. It’s always best to rinse okra off before cooking it and feeding it to your pup. Cut it into small pieces to ensure they don’t choke. 

How much okra to feed dogs

As a general rule, including some okra in your dog’s diet is okay. Okra, however, should only be given to them occasionally. Giving your pup too much can disturb his delicate tummy and make him reject his dog food. By overindulging in human food, even healthy ones, dogs risk missing out on the advantages of their dog food. Ensure your dog’s diet is only ten percent treats, like okra, to maintain a healthy balance of nutrients.

Conclusion

Now that your brain is full of all the knowledge you need regarding okra, you’re safe to feed your pup. Steaming okra is recommended to keep nutrients, but raw is the easiest way to feed it to dogs. Feeding your dog raw will offer even more benefits than cooking it before you do anything with okra. However, giving it a quick rinse in cool water is always best. 

Bigger dogs can handle eating the okra after removing the stem, but smaller dogs may need it chopped into smaller bits. This will help prevent them from choking because no one wants to try to figure out how the Heimlich maneuver works on dogs. Watch your dog for any adverse effects; usually, there won’t be any. Avoid feeding your dog okra if they have hypothyroidism because it can interfere with that condition. 

Fried okra is never recommended for dogs, but dogs with a history of pancreatitis could be more negatively affected by it. You can now enjoy this veggie with your pup and share it with other doggie owners who love to eat veggies too. Other articles about feeding dogs vegetables are linked at the bottom for your convenience so check them out!

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © marcin jucha/Shutterstock.com