Can dogs eat nopales? Although dogs can eat cacti in moderation (depending on the type of cactus), some cacti are toxic and will hurt your dog if not cooked properly. In this post, we will learn about the health benefits and risks of nopales for dogs.
What are nopales?
In Spanish-speaking nations, nopal refers to the prickly pear cactus of the genus Opuntia’s pads. More than 100 different species of these cacti have been identified in Mexico. They are widely used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines, as well as in other regions of the world.
The texture of nopales is slightly sour and crunchy, akin to green beans or bell peppers. They’re frequently found in salads, stews, tacos, and other foods. The spines and hard outer shell are normally removed before cooking.
Nopales are used in a variety of ways in the kitchen, including baking, boiling, sautéing, and even pickling. They give a distinct flavor and texture to foods and are a versatile component in a variety of recipes.\
Because nopales are a common ingredient in various Mexican dishes, they can be found fresh or canned at your local Mexican or Latin grocery.
Furthermore, Nopales are high in fiber, vitamins (such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and several B vitamins), and minerals (such as calcium and magnesium). They are also high in antioxidants and low in calories. Can dogs eat nopales? Continue reading this post.
Can dogs eat nopales?
Can dogs eat nopales? According to some reports, dogs cannot consume nopales because they contain oxalic acid. This substance can induce gastrointestinal distress in dogs, but you shouldn’t be concerned if you feed a few bits of cactus. Your dog would have to consume a lot of nopales to notice the side effects, but cooking nopales and discarding the cooking water will almost completely eliminate this problem.
As a result, the answer to the question “Can dogs eat nopales” is yes. Prickly pear cactus pads are abundant in vitamin C, antioxidants, manganese, and magnesium while being low in calories. They are also high in fiber. The pads will be spike-free if properly prepared, and you can share some with your pet.
It’s a good idea to mix up your dog’s nutrition. It keeps things interesting while also lowering the danger of vitamin insufficiency. Just don’t go overboard.
Dogs do not require significant amounts of fibrous plant material, and excessive consumption may cause stomach distress. It’s best to avoid feeding raw nopales to your dog, and untreated pads with remaining spikes should be kept out of reach of your puppy.
Why are Nopales good for dogs?
Can dogs eat nopales? When prepared and served properly, nopales can be beneficial for dogs. Here are the reasons nopals are good for dogs.
Low-calorie dish
Nopales are an excellent snack for dogs on a diet. Nopals are truly diet-friendly, containing 95% water and only 22 calories per cup.
Rich in vitamins
Nopales are high in vitamins, including A, K, C, and B-complex vitamins (B6 or pyridoxine).
Reduce the risk of diabetes
Surprisingly, the nutrient profile of nopales has a favorable effect on blood sugar levels and may potentially lower the chance of getting diabetes. Diabetes is a major issue in dogs.
Reduce cholesterol
Nopales is also beneficial to blood cholesterol levels. Eating nopales, in particular, will lower cholesterol levels. Cholesterol, as you may know, is a sort of bad fat.
Contains many antioxidants
Antioxidants like polyphenols and beta-carotene are abundant in nopales. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, preventing cell harm. They are also beneficial in the prevention of certain types of cancer.
What are the 5 health risks of nopales for dogs?
Can dogs eat nopales? Nopales may be harmful to dogs. Nopales, like any other human meal, can be dangerous to dogs if offered too frequently or in big quantities. They are also harmful in their natural state.
Injuries caused by thorns
The most common way nopales can harm dogs is by swallowing the spines. This type of spine can penetrate deeply into the dog’s skin. If you want to remove the thorn from your mouth, you must use tweezers. However, you need to monitor your pet for negative reactions such as fever, pain, loss of appetite, fatigue… Contact your veterinarian when necessary.
Poisoning
Some dogs may not be able to adapt to nopales. Therefore, when your dog eats nopales, some symptoms may appear such as fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, and nausea. You need to contact your veterinarian immediately to seek help.
Besides, side effects of consuming these plants include respiratory effects and hallucinations.
Stomachache
Nopales are fibrous plants that can cause digestive upset if your dog eats large amounts.
For dogs prone to allergies, cactus sap is especially dangerous to their overall health. It can cause blisters or rashes on your dog’s skin and cause temporary blindness if it comes into contact with their eyes.
Oxalate crystals
Nopales have a significant oxalic acid content when raw. If the dog rubs against the plant, the oxalic acid is excessively strong and can irritate the mouth and even the skin. Oxalic acid can cause kidney injury in severe circumstances. This is only an issue in the raw form because cooking deactivates the chemical.
Additional ingredients
Finally, most of the components typically used in dishes including nopales are not suitable for dogs (spices, seasonings, seasonings, sauces). The same holds true for canned nopales.
Is it okay for dogs to consume cooked Nopales?
Cooked nopales are safe for dogs to consume. Oxalates, water-soluble crystals that bind to calcium, are abundant in raw nopales. Over time, if your dog consumes a lot of oxalates, he may develop kidney or bladder stones, which can be quite unpleasant. To minimize infection or other consequences, your veterinarian should treat this illness very well.
Cooking nopales is essential because it breaks down the water-soluble oxalates, allowing your dog to digest them. However, preparing nopals to ensure safety is still debatable.
So, what can pet owners do? It is recommended to keep your dog away from nopales entirely or to only feed him some on occasion.
How much Nopales can my dog eat?
Nopales are treats and should account for no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet. Dogs can consume a few bite-sized pieces of nopales. When it comes to serving nopales, once a week is more than enough.
If your dog has never eaten nopales before, start with smaller servings to see how his stomach reacts to the new meal. If you have a little puppy, however, do not experiment with nopales; instead, use conventional puppy food.
In conclusion – Can dogs eat nopales?
Can dogs eat nopales? Despite what some sources state, your dog can consume modest amounts of nopales as long as they are not prepared with salt or other possibly dangerous ingredients. Feed in modest portions, as big amounts of any fiber vegetable or fruit might upset our furry companions’ stomachs.
