Can Dogs Eat Water Chestnuts?

Dogs are the most adorable pets in the world. You can’t imagine the joy and happiness it brings into your life when you bring home a dog. They’re loyal, affectionate, and even possessive of you to some extent. You can share everything with your dog, except for your meals. Most of the pet parents don’t realize this, but sharing food with your pet can sometimes harm your pet friends fatally. Not everything we eat sits well with the digestive system of our dogs. What about water chestnuts?

Can dogs eat water chestnuts? Yes, dogs can eat water chestnuts. Rich in pyridoxine and potassium, these vegetables are highly nutritious and make healthy snacks for your pet dog when fed in moderation. When you are feeding them these veggies, it is best to buy freshwater chestnuts instead of canned ones. However, you should be careful about feeding your pet small quantities of it to avoid causing any trouble to their digestive system.

Are you wondering whether you should feed them raw or cooked water chestnuts? And what about the skin of the vegetable? Is it safe for your pet to consume? Don’t worry, we will answer all the questions you could possibly have about feeding your dog water chestnuts in this article.

Are chestnuts and water chestnuts the same?

If you have ever wondered about this, don’t worry, you’re not alone. People often get confused between the chestnuts and water chestnuts because of their names. However, their names are where all resemblance between them ends.

While the chestnuts are the edible seeds produced as the fruit of the deciduous chestnut trees, water chestnuts are neither a fruit not a nut. Instead, they are an aquatic vegetable that grows in the regions of Asia, Australia, and tropical Africa.

The water chestnut plant has tubular green leaves and is often used by us for its corms that grow underground. It is this corm that we commonly call the water chestnut.

Do dogs like eating water chestnuts?

Before we move on, talking about the benefits and concerns of feeding water chestnuts to dogs, let’s take a pause. Does your pet even like eating these vegetables? As a matter of fact, dogs do enjoy eating water chestnuts, mainly because of its crunchiness. Therefore, your pet will eat raw water chestnuts most excitedly.

Are water chestnuts healthy for dogs?

Before we come to a decision, let’s take a look at the nutritional chart of water chestnuts:

Serving size: 100 grams

It is evident from the chart above that water chestnuts are packed with nutrients. But which nutrients out of these can benefit your dog as well?

High water content

The water chestnut contains a high water content, which helps keep your dog hydrated throughout the day.

Protein

Water chestnuts are rich in protein that produces amino acids. Amino acid aids the maintenance and repair of cells, bone, hair, muscle, and skin tissues in dogs.

Potassium

The main job of potassium is to maintain the kidney functions in dogs. It also aids the muscle and heart functions and helps indigestion.

Low fat

Water chestnuts are low-fat vegetables, which make them ideal for dogs. It is because eating fatty foods can lead to obesity and lethargy in them. Thus, it is safe to assume that water chestnuts are not just safe but also healthy treats for your dogs.

Freshwater chestnuts: ideal for feeding dogs

Consuming fruits and vegetables in their fresh form is always better for our health, and the same is true for your canine friends. While the freshwater chestnuts contain no sodium, their tinned products are rich in it, which is bad for dogs.

Too much sodium can make them dehydrated, cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even lead to sodium ion poisoning. In some cases, sodium ion poisoning has killed dogs.

Can dogs eat raw water chestnuts?

Not only can dogs eat raw water chestnuts, but they are most well-suited to their taste. Raw water chestnuts are crunchy and fresh and are thus preferred by your pet over any other form.

Can dogs eat cooked water chestnuts?

While dogs like these vegetables better when they’re raw, they don’t have anything against the cooked ones either. However, you must cook water chestnuts differently than you do for yourself if you intend to feed it to your dog.

Remember, dogs and spices don’t get along. Your pet might like spicy food, but it is unhealthy for them. Your best choice in feeding cooked water chestnuts to your dog is to simply boil and mash them.

Can dogs eat the skin of water chestnuts?

No, it is best if you don’t feed your dog water chestnuts with its skin intact. It is not because the skin contains any toxic elements that could harm dogs.

However, its skin does the potential of becoming a choking hazard for your pet friend. You can peel the skin off a raw water chestnut using a knife, while properly boiled water chestnuts can be peeled by your hands easily.

Can you feed water chestnuts to puppies?

If you have a young pup at home and are concerned about what and what not to feed them, we understand. Yes, you can feed water chestnuts to puppies as well. However, as we said, moderation is essential. You should feed your pup half the amount you do to your grown pet to keep them healthy.

What happens if your dog eats too many water chestnuts?

Although healthy otherwise, water chestnuts do contain starch, which becomes problematic for the digestion of your dog. Eating too many water chestnuts can lead to digestive as well as gastrointestinal issues in your dog. Thus, keep an eye on the quantity they consume.

Can dogs eat horse chestnuts?

No, you shouldn’t be feeding your pet horse chestnuts. It is because the seeds of horse chestnuts contain aesculin, a coumarin glucoside that is toxic to dogs and can lead to aesculin toxicity in them. The common symptoms of aesculin toxicity are tenderness, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and appetite loss.

Can dogs eat chestnuts?

Yes, dogs can safely eat chestnuts. These nuts do not contain any toxic chemicals or compounds for your dog and are good for their health as well. However, always go for pure chestnuts instead of processed ones while feeding your dog.

Other veggies you can feed your dog

Water chestnuts are not the only vegetables that you can feed your dog as a healthy treat. Have a look at the following vegetables that can make nutritious snacks for them.

Broccoli

Broccoli can boost the immunity of your dog and fights arthritic inflammation and cancer.

Carrot

Carrot is rich in antioxidants, helps the immunity of dogs, and maintains their eyesight. Munching on carrots can also ease the anxiety of your pet.

Parsley

Parsley contains potassium and beta-carotene that benefits the muscle health and eyesight of your dog. It also acts as a natural breath-freshener for them.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin has a high fiber content that can cure diarrhea or constipation in your dog by improving their bowel movements.

Kale

Kale has multiple benefits for dogs. It prevents allergies, heart diseases, arthritis, and urinary tract problems.

Green beans

Green beans are low in calories and come in handy if you want your dog to lose some extra weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cheese safe for my dog? While cheese contains high fat, it can be safe for your pet if you feed them in moderation. Also, going for low-fat cheese like mozzarella is a good idea.

Can I feed my dog pasta? If you feed your dog pasta in a small quantity, it is harmless. However, pasta is a human food and, thus, not ideal to be included in their regular diet.

Do dogs eat oranges? Yes, dogs are drawn to anything sweet, including oranges. However, feeding them too many oranges can cause gastrointestinal problems in your pet.

Summing it up

To conclude, dogs can eat water chestnuts and enjoy doing so. Water chestnuts have a number of health benefits for dogs and make excellent treats for them. Even little pups can safely eat these veggies in moderation. However, you should avoid feeding your pet too many if you don’t want to upset their stomach.