Can dogs eat water chestnuts? Of course, they can! Water chestnuts are healthy for dogs. Let’s find out more.
Dog nutrition has always been tricky for pet owners. They are family members, and you’d want to share your joyous foods with them.
But as much as your dog begs or wants to have your KFC, you can’t just give them anything. Unlike the human system, dogs have a very sensitive system. Any uninformed feeding can cause trouble for your baby boo.
So resist all and any of your urges to feed anything to your dog before you fact-check it. If you proceed without caution, the results may damage your baby.
Every year, a lot of dog owners end up at veterinary clinics because they fed something ‘normal’ to their furry friends. Don’t be that.
Ask around before putting anything in your pet’s mouth. Even a quick Google search will open you up to the right answers.
For instance, water chestnuts. If you have concerns about whether you can feed water chestnuts to your furry friends or not, then we are here to answer.
To answer it simply, water chestnuts are usually safe and healthy dogs.
So if you want to feed your dog water chestnuts a couple of times a week, then that’d not be an issue. In fact, that can be a healthy practice. But if you want to make it a dietary staple, then consult a vet first.
With that said, let’s further explore the relationship between dogs and water chestnuts.
Are Water Chestnuts Safe for Dogs?
Yes. Water chestnuts are safe for your furbabies.
It’s one of the vegetables that dogs actually enjoy a lot. Always keep some in your spare to feed your dog. Domesticated dogs usually grow up on dry food and boiled meats.
Most owners don’t really explore other food options.
And neither do their dogs demand much. Because most dogs are happy just being in the presence of their owners and being well-fed.
That, however, doesn’t mean that there’s nothing more to a dog’s diet. There are other foods, like water chestnuts, which can improve your doggo’s health.
Water chestnuts are high in water content. They’ll keep your buddy well hydrated. It should especially be fed to them on hot summer days.
There are also high amounts of proteins in this vegetable which shall fill up the dog’s protein requirements. It also contains potassium which improves a dog’s heart health and makes kidneys work better.
Overall, yes, they are safe. And even overconsumption of this veggie will not harm your dog per se.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Water Chestnuts?
Can dogs eat water chestnuts? what about canned ones? No. This is where it gets tricky.
You may wonder what the harm considering that we just mentioned tons of good news about water chestnuts above. The problem with canned water chestnuts is that they are high in sodium.
A dog’s stomach system isn’t amicable to sodium. A few slices may just be fine with your dog, but still, it’s a dangerous territory to explore. Sodium-laden canned chestnuts can easily cause sodium poisoning in your furbaby.
The results can be fatal. Your dog may experience anywhere between mild to extreme symptoms. They may even get into coma states. Some other symptoms of sodium poisoning may include:
It is always safe to keep your doggos away from canned water chestnuts and canned foods in general. If you’ve fed them some canned water chestnuts and see any anomalies in their behavior then contact a vet ASAP!
Can Dogs Have Raw Water Chestnuts?
Yes. Raw water chestnuts are perfect for feeding your dog.
That’s where all the nutrition they need lies. But still, maintain caution. Too much of it can cause trouble too.
A safe method will be to start giving it in small quantities and see how your dog reacts to it. You can gradually increase the dosage of raw water chestnuts.
Water chestnuts are high-fiber foods. Not every dog can handle it. While it is likely that overconsumption once or twice won’t be a big deal, it can cause problems if done continuously.
Remember, moderation is the key even with your dog’s favorite foods. The same goes with water chestnuts for your fur buddies.
Can Dogs Have Water Chestnut Skin?
No. Simply no.
Don’t put an unpeeled water chestnut in your dog’s mouth. The skin of this vegetable is a choking hazard for your dog.
Avoid this at all costs. Always peel it in slices or at least get the skin out completely before you put this vegetable in your dog’s mouth.
Carelessness in this matter can be a stressful trip to the nearest veterinarian.
Can Dogs Have Water Chestnut Seeds?
No.
The water chestnut seeds aren’t edible for humans as well. It’s highly recommended that you keep your doggos away from that as well.
What are Water Chestnuts?
It’s a common mistake for people to assume that water chestnuts are a fruit or dry fruit.
They are neither. Water chestnuts are vegetables. They grow in water and are common in different countries around the world. They originate from China.
Are Chestnuts And Water Chestnuts The Same?
No.
It’s common to confuse the two because of the name. But they are from different biological families altogether. Water chestnuts are vegetables, whereas chestnuts are seeds that are plucked out of chestnut trees.
Nutrients in Water Chestnuts
Let’s now have a look at the nutritional values that your furbaby gets when they eat water chestnuts. An average water chestnut contains:
| Nutrients | Value |
| Carbs | 23.9 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Potassium | 17% |
| Manganese | 17% |
| Copper | 16% |
| Vitamin B6 | 16% |
| Riboflavin | 12% |
Other than that, this vegetable contains antioxidants as well. Basically, it’s a power food for your dog. You can enjoy it too if you know how to cook it right!
Be Careful Feeding Your Dog Water Chestnuts
Don’t just assume that water chestnuts will do well with your dog.
Even though it’s safe food, you should be careful. Not every dog has similar reactions to new foods. It’s advised that you peel the vegetable carefully and remove all seeds.
Once that’s done, try and introduce water chestnuts to your dog in small amounts. After gauging their reaction, you can decide how to move forward. But be careful and don’t force-feed it to the dog, or you may end up with your fur buddy being sick and distressed.
Do Dogs Like Eating Water Chestnuts?
This is a tricky one to answer. We’d say that it depends upon the dog’s preference.
Some dogs are eager to gulp down water chestnuts the moment they see them. Others turn around and nag their owners for giving them something like that. However, if your dog isn’t a water chestnut enthusiast, then there’s nothing to worry about.
You can always use some tricks to get this veggie down their throat.
Are Water Chestnuts Healthy For Dogs?
Yes. Definitely yes. Because of the tremendous nutritional value they possess.
Water chestnuts have several macro and micronutrients to fill up your dog’s needs. It’s also a great way to keep them hydrated.
Just see that these veggies are loaded with nutrients, and overconsumption can make your dog sick.
What Happens If Your Dog Eats Too Many Water Chestnuts?
They’ll not get into any serious trouble.
For instance, something that they’d face if they consume a lot of salt. Still, their stomach systems will go haywire, and they can catch severe diarrhea and stomach aches.
The condition can become serious and may require a visit to the vet. Therefore it is always wise to feed them water chestnuts in controlled amounts.
Can Dogs Eat Horse Chestnuts?
No, just because water chestnuts are safe doesn’t mean you can feed your dog anything that says chestnuts. Horse chestnuts are fatal for your fur buddy.
The first and foremost risk of consuming that is choking. And you’d not like it one bit to see your dear furball struggling for air. Second, comes the risk of Aesculin. It’s a deadly toxin found in horse chestnuts that can poison your dog’s system.
Bottom line- don’t let your dog anywhere near horse chestnuts. This is a good opportunity to mention that you shouldn’t let your buddy anywhere anything that’s alien to you.
Other Veggies You Can Feed Your Dog
There are several vegetables other than the water chestnuts that your furbuddies can eat.
But be mindful before you feed it to them. Not all dogs love vegetables. They are carnivores by nature, and animal protein shall always be their first preference. But you can mix up some veggies in their regular diet.
Following are a few veggies that are safe for dog consumption:
Some other vegetables that your dog can safely eat are celery, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, etc.
Final Words
So, now you know the answer to whether dogs can eat water chestnuts or not. Water chestnuts are safe for dogs. But always maintain caution with your dog’s food consumption.
Canine stomachs are sensitive. If your dog gulps down something that it shouldn’t, it can always lead to regretful situations.
It’s always safe to do a quick Google check before you feed them anything or simply call your vet and get your doubts cleared.
