Okra... it's bad for squirrels?

[Monipenny]

I saw this last night on here, not to feed okra to squirrels. It's the first I have seen anything negative about this food. My squirrels love okra, what's wrong with it? Thank you.

[Jackie in Tampa]

me too, mine too... where did you see that about okra...

[Kristin Ward]

Honey loves okra. Hope it's OK.:dono

[Milo's Mom]

Per the Healthy Diet, Okra is on the "Avoid" list. I think it is due to the type of family it comes from (similar to green peppers).

[Monipenny]

Has there been any cases of illness from these I wonder? I am curious to know what it is about okra that makes them bad for our babies. I'll have to do a research on this subject when I get the chance. Any information would be helpful.

[SammysMom]

Okay from what I see it is not a member of the nightshade but does have some inflammatory properties.

"Nightshades – Avoid in order to decrease inflammation:

Potatoes, all varieties (sweet potatoes and yams are NOT nightshades. Beware of potato starch used in many seasonings and as a thickening agent)
Peppers (red, green, yellow, orange, jalapeno, chili, cayenne, pimento)
Tomatoes, all varieties (including Tomatillos)
Paprika
Eggplant

Foods that contain solanine although not directly in the nightshade family:

Blueberries & Huckleberries
Okra
Artichokes"

[Milo's Mom]

Since it's listed as Avoid on the HD, I called Leigh.

Okra is on the Avoid list due to the amount of oxalates it contains. She said that Okra is on the VERY high list when it comes to the amount of oxalates.

Okra does not need to be totally avoided, but should be fed in extreme moderation. It is NOT toxic.

Same category as spinach...

Oxalates become an issue for older squirrels or any squirrels with paralysis or urinary problems, or MBD.

[SammysMom]

Thank-you MM!!! Mr. Sammy is NOT going to be happy about this!:sanp3

[IrishHarps]

Oh, I feed okra a lot - Momo likes it :) I'll cut back a bit.