It’s generally a good idea to pause and think, ‘Can I give my dog X food?’ Along the same lines, you could be wondering, ‘can dogs eat fried okra?’
The short answer is no, dogs should not eat fried okra. The frying process adds saturated fats and other things that could be harmful to your pet pooch in the long run.
On the other hand, okra is a nutrient-packed vegetable that’s good for one’s health (including dogs), as long as they’re prepared the right way and given in small amounts.
Why You Should Give Okra to Your Dog
In its non-fried state okra is safe for dogs to eat. Furthermore, it contains a lot of essential vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid, calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamins B and C, all of which are good for your dog’s health.
All these wonderful bonuses lead to stronger bones, muscles, nerves, immune system and metabolism. As a side note, vegetables such as okra are known cancer preventives and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
But that’s not all. Okra is made of protein, high quality oils, good fatty acids and fiber. It’s rich in antioxidants and can stave off free radical cell damage. Health experts say that okra is best served fresh and steamed or cooked on low heat so as to preserve its nutritional properties.
Plain Okra is OK
All of an okra’s parts, including its seeds may be eaten safely by a dog regardless of size, breed or weight. They can stand to benefit from the plant protein and all its micronutrients. Dogs can eat okra, as long as it is not fried.
However, the keyword is that it should be taken in moderation, which means giving them okra in small amounts and in it’s non-fried state. Dogs can either eat them raw or steamed and cooked in low heat.
Consider the serving size and regularity- dogs, like humans should not eat a particular food everyday as there are different nutritional needs that should be met.
The Dangers of Giving Your Dog Fried Okra
What’s the difference between giving a dog raw or steamed okra and feeding them fried okra?
How you prepare a food makes all the difference. This applies not just to what we eat but for our pets as well.
In its raw state, dog owners won’t have to worry if the food has been mixed with additives that are dangerous to canines, such as onions, garlic, salt, saturated fat, spices and preservatives. Steaming only adds water to the equation and preserves all the flavors and nutrition within.
Studies have time and again proved that eating fried foods on a regular basis is not good for your health. Although dogs and humans have different physiologies the same rule applies to your faithful companion as well.
Okra is okay to eat, but when it’s fried it becomes a danger to dogs and pets. Refrain from giving your dog fried okra bought in restaurants or cooked at home. Not only does this give them empty calories but it increases their risk of getting an upset stomach, diarrhea or even cancer.
Fried Food is Bad for Dogs
Also, most fried foods are not recommended for a dog to eat. The saturated oils by themselves can lead to heart disease, while various spices, such as garlic and onions are fatal to them. These elements can be absent in the end product but there are traces of them in the food itself. So keep in mind the next time you hand over a piece of food (even vegetables!), ask yourself first- ‘can I give this to my dog?’. Fried okra is just as bad as giving your dog chicken wings.
Too much okra in a dog’s diet can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, diarrhea and others. It’s not unusual for a pet to have allergies to a certain type of food, even if it’s a vegetable. That said, pet owners should introduce fresh or steamed okra slowly and in small amounts to ensure they won’t develop serious allergies later on.
Conclusion: Dogs Can Not Eat Fried Okra
Can dogs eat fried okra? It’s a definite no.
Fresh and steamed varieties, however are safe to eat. So if you’re wondering if dogs can eat okra, by all means go ahead and serve it to him or her raw, steamed or cooked in low heat.
Remember when giving okra you should only give a few, and only occasionally.
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