Can dogs eat nopales? This is a question that pet owners may be wondering about. Nopales are the edible green cactus paddles that are popular in Mexican cuisine. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and are a good source of dietary fiber and antioxidants. But can dogs eat nopales safely? It depends.
In this blog post, we will explore the answer to that question.
This post was reviewed for veterinary accuracy by Cara Wright, DVM. For more information about our review process, please visit the About Us page. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional veterinary help.
What are nopales?
Nopales are a type of cactus that is native to Mexico. The paddles of the nopal cactus can be eaten raw or cooked, and are a popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine (1).
Nopales are a good source of dietary fiber and antioxidants. They also contain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, calcium, and iron (2). High-fiber foods have the potential to cause tummy trouble for your pooch.
You may know nopales by their other name: prickly pear cactus. The prickly pear fruit can be eaten raw or made into juice or jam.
The concern about eating nopales – the green part – is their oxalate content.
What are oxalates?
Oxalates are compounds found in a variety of foods, including spinach, rhubarb, and nuts. When oxalates are consumed in large amounts, they can cause health problems such as kidney stones or gout (3). Not good for your dog!
Young nopales have lower levels of oxalates; the levels go up as the plant matures.
Cooked nopales have fewer oxalates than raw; especially if you discard any cooking water.
So, can dogs eat nopales?
The answer is yes, but in moderation. Because they’re high in fiber, they can cause digestive upset.
Very small amounts of nopales are a healthy treat. Just be sure to remove the spines and cook the cactus before serving.
And if your dog enjoys eating nopales, keep the amounts very small.
