We’ve been recently getting emails asking, “Can dogs eat okra?” Yeah, it’s the hottest question. It seems like okra has an X-Factor when it comes to your dog’s diet.
I guess dog owners searching for ‘okra dogs’ found my Toxic Foods for Dogs article. However, I only touch on the subject in one sentence. But people want to know more. So I decided to do a special write up on okra and your pup.
Questions are varied; from people being very concerned and alarmed because their dog just ingested some fresh or cooked okra to others wondering if they can include it in their dog’s diet.
I wondered for awhile – what’s so special about okra that makes owners panic?
Maybe it’s the unique gooiness that comes out of the freshly cut pods that poses a concern?
Is Okra Good or Bad for Your Dog?
The answer is yes, your dog CAN eat okra. But it’s not necessarily a good food choice.
Okra will go through a dog’s digestive tract perfectly fine.
However, I will not give it to our dogs and I do not recommend you make it part of your dog’s diet.
It has a very high Oxalate content and can cause some serious harm to your dog including kidney and bladder stones. An article on Oxalates is in the works. For now, just note that certain dogs and Oxalates don’t mix very well.
To stay on the safe side – keep Okra away from your pup’s diet.
Okra and Dogs
If your dog happens to get his nose into some cooked okra there’s no cause for alarm. The same goes for if you’re cutting some fresh okra and your pup decides to do some counter surfing. If your dog ingests some okra in small amounts it’s all ok.
Okra is not like chocolate or grapes. It can cause some problems if consumed over a prolonged period of time.
Incorporating fresh and slightly cooked vegetables to your dog’s diet is a huge plus. For a nice selection of foods to add to your poochie’s dish check out our Super Dog Diet Power Ups.
If someone ever asks you “Can dogs eat okra?” tell them, “A little won’t hurt them but Okra is not good for dogs.”
Do you give your dog okra? Leave your comments down below.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Here is a good link with oxalate values for foods
http://www.wakehealth.edu/Urology/Kidney-Stones/Oxalate-Content-of-Foods.htm
Awesome Jana … thank you :)
How is Jasmine doing btw?
Jasmine is doing great. There is a minor thing here and there but overall she’s doing awesome. She’s getting more and more like JD who’s 3!
It’s an heavy equipment training season for hubby, so she gets to go to work with him couple times a week. She loves that. She also seems to be enjoying the fact that “they’re the boss”; finds it amusing that everybody has to listen to hubby and carries herself accordingly. Everybody is allowed (and encouraged) to pet her to their heart’s content though.