Are you one of those who wants clarification on water chestnuts? You clicked on the accurate article as you’ll learn everything related to dog water chestnuts briefly.
Being a dog owner is not enough because you need to take care of some particular things for your dog. You treat your dog like your baby, so you should take care of your dog according to it.
In addition, you must be aware of each thing about them, from their diet to their likes and dislikes. In the beginning, when you adopt a pet, you have many questions, and each people tells different things. So, it’s all confuse you so much.
Therefore, this article will clarify a few doubts, including whether chestnuts are safe for dogs. But before reaching there, do you know about chestnuts?
1. What Are Water Chestnuts?
Water chestnuts are not like their name, and if you assume they are nuts, you have a false idea. It comes under the plant category that grows in muddy and marshy areas. That’s why water chestnuts are also called aquatic vegetables.
There are also other names for which water chestnuts are known, but you should not confuse them with water caltrops. Both of them are different plants. Overall, water chestnuts are healthy treats due to many nutritious factors, but the query is: are they beneficial for dogs too?
2. Can Dogs Eat Water Chestnuts?
This question arises very often if you are a dog owner. But the answer isn’t complicated because they can consume water chestnuts. However, take care of the quantity you are giving to the dogs.
Also, be mindful of which water chestnuts your dog is consuming. So, water chestnuts are healthy for dogs, but there are some factors that you should keep in mind while feeding water chestnuts to them.
Prepare water chestnuts for your dog only as an occasional treat. Otherwise, large quantities can deteriorate your dog’s health, causing sodium poisoning to them. Better yet, stick to the dog foods recommended by experts (see this guide for the best picks for dachshunds, for example).
2.1. Why Are Water Chestnuts Healthy for Dogs?
These water chestnuts have enough amount of nutrition in them. According to dogtime.com, water chestnuts are healthy for human consumption, and the same applies to dogs. Concluding this in your dog’s diet is such a healthy treat.
Some nutrients for which water chestnuts are known and give health benefits are:
• Vitamin B6
• Low in fats
• Copper
• Hydration
• Potassium
• Magnesium
The contamination of nutrients is not limited to the above mentions as they also contain omega-3 superior fatty acids for the nervous system of dogs. In addition, it has vitamin C, calcium, and fiber. Due to the presence of all of them, water chestnuts are a healthy diet.
3. Variations of Water Chestnuts
You already know water chestnuts also have varieties, and you can’t give each one to your dog. Let’s learn about a few variations, and you’ll also learn whether you should include them in your dog’s diet or not.
3.1. Canned Water Chestnuts
Dog owners know that too much salt is not for them as dogs are sensitive to it. Therefore, you should immediately drop the idea of concluding that canned water chestnuts in your dog’s diet.
Even small quantities of sodium can be deadly to them. Also, it will result in sodium ion poisoning. If case dogs eat canned water chestnuts, they have to suffer from the below-listed symptoms:
• Seizures
• High Fever
• Breathing issues
3.2. Raw Water Chestnuts
Dogs can eat raw water chestnuts because they are considered a healthy treat. Your dog will also like it because of its crunchiness. Therefore, you should not bother about whether your dog will like its taste because raw water chestnuts taste the same as what your dog likes.
Raw water chestnuts have carbohydrates and fiber. Also, they are beneficial for your dog. But if your dog faces any problem while controlling their weight, you should not let them consume water chestnuts.
In addition, if your dog doesn’t like high-fiber veggies or their health deteriorates after intaking them, take them away from water Chestnuts.
3.3. Cooked Water Chestnuts
Cooked water chestnuts are soft and chewed comfortably. While cooking, cut the water chestnuts into slices so your pet does not face any internal blockage or digestion-related problems.
However, your dog likes raw water chestnuts more than cooked ones, but still, you can conclude it in their diet. They contain minerals and vitamins, so how do they harm dogs?
But one thing you should be mindful of while feeding cooked water chestnuts to your dog is to cut them into pieces. Otherwise, they may suffer a choking hazard.
3.4. Horse Chestnuts
If you think dogs eat horse chestnuts, you are thoroughly wrong. Even horses can’t have them because these can turn into extreme suffering for animals. So, it’s better to keep these chestnuts away from your dog.
Now you’ll ask why dogs can’t have horse chestnuts. It is because of the contamination of conkers which is a poison. Therefore, if your dog consumes them even in a small proportion, they get ill.
3.5. Freshwater Chestnuts
Eating water chestnuts is healthy for your dog. But the conclusion of freshwater chestnuts into your dog’s diet will be likable. Just peel them off, cut them into slices, and serve this to your dog.
The taste of freshwater chestnuts is also preferable because it is sweet. In addition, it’s an aquatic vegetable. In every aspect, your dog will like it.
4. FAQs
Are Water Chestnut Seeds Given to Dogs?
Water chestnut seeds are not for eating purposes. However, the seeds are so tiny that nobody can see them accurately. Due to this, you can’t remove the seeds from water chestnuts. Therefore, you should not feed water chestnut seeds to your dogs.
Is Water Chestnut Skin Good for Dogs?
The inner part of the water chestnuts may be soft, but the exterior ones aren’t. They are rigid, and your dog won’t like them as well. In addition, water chestnut skin will affect your dog’s digestive tract. Therefore, they can’t have them.
How to Feed Water Chestnuts to Dogs?
To make your dog eats water chestnuts safely, try to feed them in moderation. Also, you should avoid giving too many water chestnuts because your dog can’t digest them. They have too much sodium as well.
Prepare water chestnuts for your dog only as an occasional treat. Otherwise, large quantities can deteriorate your dog’s health, causing sodium poisoning to them.
Conclusion
Can dogs eat water chestnuts? Now you know whether you should give them or not. Although having a nut in its name, water chestnut does not consider a nut. The fruit of the water chestnut plant is the material for eating purposes.
However, these water chestnuts have many variations, and not all dogs can have them. Only a few bites of the selected ones are safe. These have a high water content, but still, you should give your dog a limited amount.
After consulting with the veterinarian, include them in your dog’s diet as it is required to understand if your dog will digest water chestnuts. I hope you learn all the certainties about giving water chestnuts to your dog now.
Last Updated on by Icy Tales Team