Although today the quality of feed is very high, there are many owners who do not hesitate to give their dogs a homemade diet, with food that they eat themselves. This may be a good idea, as there are many healthy food for dogs, but since they do not have the same organism as that of a human, sometimes we can give them things that do not feel good, so we must be clear about the foods that harm them.
During the fall time more and more nuts are being consumed, and among them are chestnuts, very typical of that season. Chestnuts have certain properties and can be consumed in several different ways, so we must be clear about whether dogs can eat chestnuts to share with them.
Can they eat chestnuts?
La answer is yes, dogs can also eat chestnuts, but they should do so in moderation. Chestnut is a food that is not very digestive, and therefore in large quantities it can cause stomach upset. From gas to vomiting or diarrhea. This is because they are high in fiber which is beneficial only in small amounts. These chestnuts should not be too green because they are indigestible. In addition, we must always remove the shell, because otherwise the dogs will eat them with them.
Properties of chestnuts
As we have already said, chestnuts are high in fiber, so in small amounts they improve the intestinal transit of the dog. Like many other nuts, they have Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, so they are beneficial for the skin and the heart. It is a food that also has minerals and vitamins of group B, which are responsible for keeping the nervous system in good condition, preventing diseases related to it. They also have a lot of calcium, so they are ideal for maintaining the health of the teeth and bones in the dog.
Nutritional composition of chestnuts
In an amount of 100 grams of chestnuts we can find some interesting nutritional contributions. As for example they have 224 kcal, 4,20 grams of protein or 18 mg of calcium. They also have phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, or zinc. They have vitamin C, B6 and vitamin A. In general, a dog is given a few chestnuts, also depending on the size of the dog, because we can saturate it and cause stomach problems.
How to give chestnuts to a dog
If your dog eats normally, I think since childhood it is difficult introduce new foods into the diet, because these will be somewhat stronger in its stomach than for a dog that is used to the food that humans consume. In that case, we must first give him a small portion of chestnut, better cooked or baked, to see his reaction. It can also happen that the dog does not like it directly, since each one has its particular tastes. If it is to your liking we can give you other pieces, but never too much the first day. By getting used to this food on subsequent occasions we can already give it a slightly larger quantity, as your stomach will be ready to process the chestnuts. In case the dog ends up with diarrhea or an upset stomach, it is better to continue with its usual diet.
Why give your dog nuts
Just as humans eat nuts, they can be given to dogs. The nuts have a lot of nutrients that are beneficial for health, especially minerals and fatty acids that are difficult to find in these amounts in other foods. That is why they can also be a good food for dogs. As in any balanced diet, the amount must be small, always taking into account the weight of the dog, and the dog must be gradually adapted to this type of food and flavors, since they are not always digestive.