Okra is pepper-shaped vegetable that is mainly green in color. With a tougher texture, it comes with a mild taste. The other part of okra has a peach-like fuzz. It comes in all different colors, sizes, tastes and shapes. It is a nutrient-dense veggie that has fiber, protein, antioxidants, carbohydrates, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is also rich in Vitamins K and C, dietary fiber with moderate contents of magnesium, folate and thiamin. It is considered good for humans, but how about the dogs? Read on to know more.
Can dogs eat okra?
Both raw and cooked okra are safe in moderation. Okra is a good source of vitamins C and K, thiamine, folate, and magnesium. If cooking okra, do not season it with garlic or any other ingredient which may be dangerous for dogs. You should also not fry okra since fried foods are harmful to dogs.
Health benefits of okra for dogs
If you are looking for a protein rich substitute to meat for your dog, then okra will be your new best friend. Besides protein, it is also rich in high-quality oils, fiber and linoleum acid.
Okra contains protein that has an amino acid composition. It is similar to that of soyabean. However, at a higher efficiency ratio. So, for this reason okra can be considered as a good protein supplement. It also contains, potassium, calcium, folate, vitamin C which are also necessary to make your dog lead a healthy life.
It is also said to have purgative properties. It includes mucilage and because it binds cholesterol to it, okra can help in washing away toxic substances.
Moreover, okra is known for being a remedy for inflammation and ulcer.
Why okra can be bad for dogs?
Generally, it can be said that it is okay to add a little bit of okra to the diet of your dog. It is recommended that you feed your dog okra in moderation. If too much okra is given then your dog can suffer from bloated stomach, diarrhea, gas, and other signs of GI distress.
How to feed okra to dogs?
First thing that you need to know is that you need to avoid seasoning like salt, pepper, butter, oil, garlic and such others. You have to feed your dog plain okra. You can either boil, bake or grill it without seasoning. You also have the option to feed okra to your dog raw. As too much okra is bad for dogs, you can give okra once or twice a week.
What foods can you give to your dog instead of okra?
You can give cucumber, celery and asparagus to your dog instead of okra.
Are dogs allergic to okra?
Dogs are generally no allergic to okra. However, there are some dogs that can suffer from allergic reaction by eating okra. . Symptoms of allergies in dog include gastrointestinal issues that result on diarrhea or stomach pain and recurring skin problems. So, after feeding your dog okra watch out for these symptoms to know for sure if your dog is indeed allergic to okra.
To prevent these from ever happening, consult with your vet before feeding your pet an okra.
