Is it Bad of Good for Dogs & Puppies to Have Water Chestnuts?
Dogs have lived with us for many generations, and they are adorable pets. Their affectionate nature and loyalty make them standout from other type of pets. They bring happiness and joy to us daily beyond imagination and so we sometimes want to share our favorite meals with them. One thing most dog owners fail to realize is that a lot of human food is not safe for dogs to eat. In this article, we shall examine if water chestnuts are safe for consumption by dogs.
Water chestnuts are healthy and nutritious for humans, and the amazing part is that they are suitable for dogs too. Water chestnuts contain potassium and pyridoxine, which are great for your dog’s health as long as you do so moderately.
Difference Between Chestnuts and Water chestnuts
A lot of people do not know the difference between a water chestnut and a chestnut. Although they might sound the same, they are very different.
Chestnuts are a type of seed that are produced by the chestnut trees and are edible; water chestnuts are different. They are neither seeds nor fruits but edible aquatic vegetables found in Australia, Africa and Asia.
Are Water Chestnuts Good for a Dog’s Health?
Our dogs are dear to us as they keep us company and make our life fun. They are very loyal and trust us and our judgement even to a fault. We are responsible for what our dogs eat and whatever outcome that results from it, therefore it is important to understand what is in the meal before giving to the dogs.
Below is a breakdown of the nutritional value of water chestnuts.
Nutrients and Amount
- Potassium 583 mg
- Manganese 0.34 mg
- Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) 0.33 mg
- Serving size: 100 grams
- Protein 10 g
- Energy 98 kcal
- Water 75%
- Dietary fibers 1.4 g
- Fat 0.1 g
- Copper 0.33 mg
- Carbohydrates 4.7 g
Water Content
Water chestnuts are made up of 75% water which keeps your dog hydrated all day long.
Protein
The high protein content present in water chestnuts makes amino acids available to your dog body. Amino acids are necessary for the maintenance of cells, muscle, skin tissue etc.
Potassium
Water chestnuts contain potassium which is necessary for the proper functioning of the kidney.
Low fat
The low-fat constituent of water chestnuts makes them suitable for dogs. Fatty foods can result in lethargy and obesity in dogs.
Should Dogs Have Raw Water Chestnuts?
Serving raw is the most suitable form in which dogs can eat this vegetable. Dogs quickly fall in love with it due to the freshness and crunchiness.
Should Dogs Have Cooked Water Chestnuts?
You do not have to cook water chestnuts to serve your dog because it will enjoy it more in the raw form. However, if you must cook it, the method of preparation is slightly different from how it is cooked for humans. For example, dog food doesn’t require spices as a lot of them are harmful to the health of dogs.
Should Dogs Have Water Chestnut’s Skin?
The skin of water chestnuts presents a choking hazard to dogs, and as such, it is best practice to peel it off. However, they are also safe for consumption since there is no toxins present.
Should Water Chestnuts Be Fed to Puppies?
In case you have been contemplating feeding your puppy with water chestnuts then you have no problem at all. Of course, you can let them have some water chestnuts but ensure that the ration is appropriately moderated. We will recommend that you give half the ration that you would typically serve a grown dog to your puppy.
What Happens When Your Dog overeats Water Chestnuts?
Although they are healthy, water chestnuts contain starch, which is a problem for the dog’s digestive system. If you don’t moderate the amount of it that they have, it can lead to gastrointestinal issues in the dog.
Should Dogs Have Horse Chestnuts?
Horse chestnuts are very dangerous to the health of dogs. Therefore, you should keep them away. This is because of the aesculin that is present in the seeds of horse chestnuts which is toxic to dogs. The common signs of aesculin poisoning in dogs include loss of appetite, diarrhea, drooling etc.
Should Dogs Have Chestnuts?
Chestnuts are safe for consumption by dogs as they do not contain any harmful compounds or chemicals. Chestnut are nutritious and healthy for dogs but make sure you serve the pure ones, rather than the processed.
Other Suitable Vegetables for dogs
Apart from water chestnuts, there are so many other healthy vegetables that you can feed your dogs and below is a list of some of them.
Broccoli
This is known to boost your dog’s immunity and fight against cancer and arthritic inflammation.
Carrot
This vegetable is rich and crunchy; your dogs will love it. It helps your dog build its immunity and maintain good eyesight.
Parsley
This is rich in beta-carotene and potassium, which are essential for the eyes and muscle health. Potassium also helps the kidney to stay healthy.
Pumpkin
This is very rich in fiber and can help your dogs’ digestive system. In case of constipation or diarrhea, serving some pumpkin to your dog can cause relief.
Kale
This helps your dog in a lot of ways. It prevents arthritis, urinary tract disease, heart disease and allergies.
Green beans
These are great for helping your dog reduce or manage weight due to their low-calorie constituent.
Conclusion
Conclusively, water chestnuts are great for dogs and enjoy it. There are a good amount of essential nutrients and vitamins in water chestnuts which help your dog stay healthy.
The most important rule when feeding your dog with water chestnuts is to ensure that they only eat a moderate portion and that the skin is properly peeled in order not to cause a choking hazard. Both adult dogs and puppies will get find a healthy meal from eating water chestnut.
