As humans, we love to eat Okra either as a single vegetable dish or even when mixed with other ingredients, it’s nutritious and full of healthy elements. But can dogs eat Okran?
Yes, dogs can eat okra, the summer vegetable originated from Nigeria, they can consume this nutritious and mineral-rich vegetable in cooked semi-cooked and raw form, it’s vitamins, fat, dietary fiber, protein, and carbohydrates keep the dogs in good energy, prevent hair loss, boost the immune system and metabolism as well as improve eyesight and helpful to maintain a healthy weight.
No one is as amazing a company for humans as a dog. Our Canine Friends are our most prized possession, and we must take good care of them. The dilemma arises when we look for the things that we can feed and the things we cannot. Despite being our best friends, they do not share the functionality of our digestive system. Many things can be dangerous for digestion for your dog, and certain vegetables are included in this list. Luckily okra is not on this list.
What is Okra?
Okra is the oldest vegetable that exists on the planet earth. It originated in Ethiopia, and its cultivation started many centuries ago.
The beautiful thing about this vegetable is that it has many purposes. Different parts of this vegetable can be used for various things, and it is equally beneficial for humans and dogs.
The seeds of okra have Ayurveda value and can be given to different patients to treat diseases.
Why Can Dogs Consume Okra?
Generally speaking, dogs can consume okra because it is non-toxic. The stomach of your puppy is strong enough to properly digest this vegetable, but moderation is the key. If the dog has this vegetable in moderation, it will not have any toxic effect on its digestive system.
Okra is indeed that vegetable that is not poisonous or toxic for your dog, but that does not mean that you have to present this green goodness to your dog every single day.
Your dogs can best consume okra in small quantities only once in a blue moon. Make sure it is not included in the daily meal of your dog. The digestive system of a dog is sensitive, and too much absorption of okra will not be beneficial.
Nutritional Facts of Okra
Okra that is also called ladyfinger in many countries, is full of richness. Let’s say that we are talking about the nutritious value of a hundred grams of okra.
In 100 grams, okra contains
- 19-gram fat
- 9-grams protein
- 3-grams dietary fiber
- 48-gram sugar
- 9-gram water
- 46-gram carbohydrates
Other than this, okra is rich in potassium, zinc, iron, energy, and vitamin k. Collectively these minerals and vitamins are usually beneficial for the health of your dog.
Moderation Is The Key
Whatever vegetable you are feeding to your dog, when its fed without any moderation then your dog may suffer from severe consequences. You can safely feed Okra to your dog in moderation. Instead of vegetable dogs love to eat meat as they are omnivores by nature so vegetables are not their priority when it comes to their daily meals.
But the fact is vegetables are necessary for their overall wellbeing all of the food manufacturers are using vegetables as active ingredients in most of their brands. It will be easier for your to include Okra in your dog daily means if you love to DIY your dog meals, cook at home give you the ability to include what you want to feed your dog. Rather than buying food for your dog prepare it yourself, chop the Okras into small pieces that your dog can bite easily then mix/blend it with other ingredients.
It’s hard and time-consuming for majority of dog owners but it allows you to make an offer Okra in your dog’s favorite dishes.
How Okra Can Help Your Dog?
Okra has been consumed around the continents for centuries, and it has high nutritious value. Let’s talk about the many benefits of giving okra to your dog.
High in Vitamin B & C
Okra Has splendid Vitamins that are Vitamin B and Vitamin C. As we have already discussed, okra is rich in healthy ingredients. This amazing vegetable contains vitamin B and vitamin
- Vitamin C is responsible for the healthy fur coat of a dog. With time dogs tend to shed their hair, and their fur coat deteriorates. The fantastic benefit of giving okra to your dog is that it will have a shiny fur coat. Vitamin C is also associated with the well being of a dog. This vitamin will keep it functioning correctly and will contribute to add a lot of value in its life.
- Vitamin B is splendid in preventing hair loss. So, if the dog has a hair loss problem, then the continuous consumption of this fantastic vegetable ( okra ) contributes to a lower rate of hair shed.
Okra Will Keep Your Dog in Good Energy
- It is a nutrients rich vegetable that provides energy for day to day activities and boosts the energy level of the dog. Dogs are naturally playful, but after some playful activities, they tend to feel lethargic. When okra is included in your dog’s regular meals, they will stay energized for a long time.
Boost Immune System of the Dog
- The immune system has to be functional, so the dog becomes able to tackle different ailments correctly. Okra will help to strengthen the immune system of your dog. This vegetable has all the necessary ingredients needed to strengthen the immune system for the prevention of diseases.
Supportive to Maintain Healthy Weight
- Okra is a perfectly balanced vegetable in elements, and it is very beneficial for obese and lazy dogs.
Improve Metabolism
- Okra’s high dietary fiber content not only improves the metabolism of your dog but it also can help soften up your dog’s stool, helps keep the intestinal tract healthy, and prevent heart-related diseases. Overall it’s good for your dog and supports each body function to perform optimally.
Improve EyeSight
- Adding okra to your dog’s diet improves eyesight as it contains Vitamin A that is vital to eye health and good vision, especially in dim light, with this perspective its more beneficial for old age dogs and growing puppies.
Along with these all benefits its also beneficial for dogs suffering from diabetes, if you include a reasonable quantity of Okra in the daily meals of your dog than you can see visible results in two to three weeks, and controlling diabetes will become easy as its a natural remedy.
What is the Right Quantity of Okra for a Dog?
It would help if you remembered that you could not give your dog a whole bowl of okra so it can consume this vegetable.
The digestive system of a dog is susceptible, and it does not have the potential to digest the raw vegetable properly. You cannot give okra to your dog as a full-fledged meal or uncooked, but you can give it is a treat.
Let’s say that your dog already had dinner. You can give it to your dog as a treat in limited quantity to reinforce or brighten his mood.
As far as the quantity is concerned, than for smaller and older dogs, half a piece of okra every third day is best. For medium or healthy dogs, one part of okra is splendid for consumption every third day.
Can Dogs Consume Raw Okra?
Raw okra is not a good idea, and the dog shouldn’t have it. When the vegetable is raw, then the digestive system of a dog has to work extra time to digest it. On the other hand, when the vegetable is cooked, the dog finds it easy to pass it through its digestive system. So raw okra is not good.
Is it Suitable for a Dog to Have Seasoned Okra?
When we season vegetables, then we add spices to it, and spices are poisonous for dogs.
Spice in a dog meal could mean severe intestine and stomach issues for them. So there is no need to give your dog seasoned okra. Just put this vegetable on low flame without any spices. This is the only proper way for your dog to have it.
Is there any Side-effects of Okra for Dogs?
Okra is an entirely plant-based vegetable, and there is nothing toxic or poisonous about it.
However, moderation is the key. You must remember that your dog can only consume okra in the tiniest quantity (half a piece of okra for small or older dogs and one piece of okra for medium or healthy dogs. Too much okra will keep it off balance, and it may even throw out.
What to do When Dog Consumes too Much Okra?
Dogs are naughty, and we can’t keep a check on them every single moment. They can steal a few pieces of okra and can consume it without you noticing. There is good news for you because this vegetable contains no toxic or poisonous ingredients.
However, you must remember that okra contains plant-based ingredients that are not going to suit the stomach of a dog.
There are two scenarios!
- A Grump Dog: there is a possibility that your dog stays grumpy and throw tantrums after overeating okra accidentally. In this situation, it is better to leave the dog alone until it gets fine all its own.
- The dog may Throw out: in the second scenario, there is a possibility that your dog throws up. There is nothing to feel alarming about, even in this situation. Throwing up will ease the stomach of a dog, and it will be fine after it.
Caution, however, is a must, and if you feel that your dog is not getting better after consuming okra accidentally, you can always take it to the vet.
Final Words on Dogs and Okra
Okra is a beautiful vegetable, and it is beneficial for the well-being and proper functioning of your dog. It has rich ingredients, including zinc, potassium, vitamin B, k, and C.
In moderation, there is no harm if the dog consumes this vegetable. However, it would help if you always looked for allergic reactions.
References
- Gemede, H. F., et. al. (2015). “Nutritional quality and health benefits of okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus): A review.” Pakistan Journal of Food Science.
- Kumar, D. S., et. al. (2013). “A review on: Abelmoschus Esculentus (Okra).” International Research Journal of Pharmaceutical and Applied Sciences.