Some of us love the soft flesh okra fruits, rich in proteins, antioxidants, fiber, and good fats, including linoleum acid and some other polyunsaturated fatty acids.
The type of yarn you find in okra comes water-soluble, and it helps to lower cholesterols levels. So, it’s not surprising that we, people, can’t defy ourselves with such healthy food. But how about our pets?
We all want to feed our furry friends the healthiest diet likely. Okra is a part of a healthy human diet, but is it okay for dogs to eat it? Can dogs eat okra? As a pet parent, you understand that some fruits and vegetables are safe for your dog, while others are not. Okra’s sticky flexibility may have you wondering whether it’s okay for Fido to eat.
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Okra is a Safe and Healthy Food for Your Dog
Yes, dogs can take advantage of all the okra’s nutrients. Okra’s protein composition is similar to the soybean’s proteins, but it’s even more efficient as an energy source.
Okra also has a great deal of calcium, folate, vitamin C, and potassium. Of course, your pup has to receive all the needed nutrients from his standard mass-produced and balanced dog food diet. But who said that variety is such a bad idea?
In fact, for several years, okra has been researched as a valid viable protein substitute for dog food while the meat was becoming more expensive. So it clearly can be a component of well-balanced dog nutrition, and a sound source of antioxidants, fiber, protein, and good amino acids.
This green vegetable contains:
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Folic acid
- Calcium
Can a dog eat raw okra?
If you choose to include okra in your dog’s eating plan, you have to remember that it can only be served raw or cooked in a different way. The final choice depends on your pet’s likes.
Some dogs may not approve of raw okra’s gluey texture, and they might enjoy cooked okra better. If that’s the case, okra has to be cooked plainly. It has to be boiled. Not fried.
No seasoning added. No butter. You can also experiment with blending okra in your pet’s regular food. Another thing to recognize: humans do encounter okra allergies, and beagle german shepherd mix dogs are in the same boat.
You must be careful when combining new foods like okra to pups’ menu. So keep your pet when you’ve both decided to give okra a shot and begin with the smallest bit of the veggie first.
Signs of allergies in dogs can involve gastrointestinal problems leading to stomach pains and diarrhea, along with recurring skin issues.
Can dogs eat fried okra?
Definitely no. You have to avoid giving fried okra to your pet! This type of cooking contributes with more fat and extra calories to any meal with no nutritional value.
Fried dishes are very fatty. In some cases, up to 30% of the meal weight can be fats. And we are not discussing good fats here. Those type of fats is often linked to obesity and the full range of different heart diseases in humans.
How to Serve Okra to Your Pup
Okra can be served cooked or raw it all depends on your dog’s personal preference. Some pups may not like raw okra’s viscous consistency, but they may be okay with cooked okra. You can also try mixing okra in with your dog’s regular food, but he may eat about it unless he loves the taste.
Never feed your pup fried okra or any other fried food. Fried okra isn’t necessarily toxic to your dog, but fried foods are generally unhealthy for dogs. They contribute empty calories and can lead to other health issues if the dog is fed fried foods regularly, such as heart disease, obesity, and pancreatitis.
With some fried foods, up to 1/3 of the food product is made up of fat. Frying can also compose carcinogens that can cause cancer and other health issues. Friend foods aren’t healthy for humans, and they certainly aren’t beneficial for our canine friends.
Make sure that you’re serving direct okra. Garlic and onions are toxic to dogs, and other additives may also be dangerous. Okra can be fed as part of your dog’s regular diet, but it should never be fed as a meal.
It can be provided as a treat or with your pup’s typical food, but it does not contain all of the nutrients your greedy dog needs. Technically, dogs do not need vegetables.
While they can certainly add nutrients to Fido’s diet, they aren’t necessary for your dog’s health. Dogs are carnivores by nature, but vegetables can be a part of a balanced diet if fed in moderation and small amounts.
Moderation is Key
Just like with any other food human or dog – moderation is vital. Okra should be fed in small amounts and not all day. Like so many different vegetables, okra can cause digestive issues and gas if you provide too much of it.
If this is your first time feeding your dog okra, only give him a small amount and monitor his reaction. Some dogs tolerate vegetables better than others.
If you want to make this vegetable a part of your dog’s diet, try feeding just a small amount a few days per week. Vegetables should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet.
Dogs and okra Final Words
Also, be aware that each dog is unique and has an individual reaction to the food, along with personal taste preferences and likes. So maybe your dog has trouble loving okra with the first bite, so take the time to gradually add it to your dog’s menu to make the final decision on keeping this product as a part of pet’s life.
