Nopales are a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine, and they have been consumed for over 12,000 years. So can dogs eat nopales? Nopales, fortunately, are dog-friendly as long as they are cooked. Because nopales have a harsh aftertaste, not all dogs enjoy them and might not eat them.

Nopales are considered a staple in some cuisines for a reason: they are readily available, nutritious, and healthy. Nopales, when properly prepared and presented, can be a healthy snack for dogs. 

Nopales are high in oxalic acid in their natural state. 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 harm the kidneys in severe circumstances. Cooking deactivates the chemical, therefore this is only an issue in uncooked nopales.

What are Nopales?

Nopales is a plant that originates in Mexico  They belong to the Opuntia genus and are commonly referred to as prickly pear in English. They are cactus-like plants. In Mexico, there are a total of 114 species that are indigenous to the country.

These plants are used in soups, salads, and stews in Mexican cuisine. It's possible to eat them raw or cooked. These cactuses are utilized for both medical and culinary purposes. 

Nopales are normally sold fresh in Mexico after the thorns have been removed and the leaves have been sliced. Nopales are available in canned or bottled form, as well as dried for export. Nopales have a flavor that is comparable to green peppers.

Is It Safe For My Dog To Eat Nopales?

Note: Only cooked nopales should be given to your dog as a treat. Raw nopales contains Oxalic acid that can be harmful to dogs. Cooking nopales renders this chemical inactive.

Because of nopales high antioxidant, vitamin, and mineral content, they provide numerous health benefits. There are a number of health benefits that come from eating cooked nopales:

Low Caloric Content

Nopales are a great food for dogs that are trying to lose weight. Nopales are truly diet-friendly, containing 95% water and only 22 calories per cup.

Rich in Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, and B-complex vitamins, pyridoxine are all abundant in nopales. Nopales contain minerals as well. Potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and sodium are the most abundant minerals in the mineral spectrum.

Decreased Diabetes Risk

The nutrient combination in nopales has a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels and may even reduce the risk of diabetes. 

Dietary Fiber Content

Nopales is high in dietary fiber. Fibers serve a variety of functions in the body, including keeping the intestines moving and preventing digestive issues, promoting heart health, and controlling blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

My Dog Ate Raw Nopales - What Should I Do?

If your dog ate a small amount of raw nopales and there were no obvious signs, you should simply monitor your dog's behavior. If he ate a lot of nopales, though, it could cause an issue for your dog.

Nopales can include plant debris that can irritate your pet's stomach and create stomach problems. Raw nopales can also pose a choking hazard to your dog.

Negative symptoms could include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Stomach Ache
• Diarrhea

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, contact a veterinary professional immediately for further instruction.

Review: Can Dogs Eat Nopales?

Nopales can be a nutritious addition to a dog's diet. They are, however, a one-time snack that must be provided in limited quantities. When given to your dog sparingly, nopales have distinct nutritional profiles and can be beneficial to your dog's health.

Always remember that nopales should be cooked before given to your dog, if at all. If your dog has eaten nopales and is showing signs or symptoms of distress, consult your veterinarian first.

Nopales are a great food for humans; nevertheless, because dogs' bodies are not used to consuming this sort of food, you must be very cautious when adding it into their diet.

A well-balanced, well-prepared diet for a dog of its age and size is more than enough for your canine to grow strong and healthy.