Contrasting information on Okra?

[Beecheykeen]

Hey guys, I was reading through the nutrition charts here, and the nutrition chart that's also posted on Henry's Pets website, and the Henry s chart says to avoid okra, when the 3rd nutrition chart here lists okra as a good source of a calcium veggie. I have some okra and almost gave some to Icarus. I'll just ask straight out, should I let her have a few slices of Okra, or no? Thanks for any input from the pros here.

[Mel1959]

I think the confusion may have come from the belief that okra is part of the nightshade family of vegetables. In my research I only found one of about five articles that considered okra a nightshade vegetable. Nightshade vegetables contain alkaloids that can cause digestive upset, so they are listed in the do not feed list for squirrels. Common nightshade vegetables are eggplant, white potatoes, peppers and tomatoes.

Okra might contain some of the same alkaloids, but is not as widely accepted as a nightshade vegetable as the others I’ve listed.

[Charley Chuckles]

I do give tomatoes, not daily but is that still ok?

[Beecheykeen]

I think the confusion may have come from the belief that okra is part of the nightshade family of vegetables. In my research I only found one of about five articles that considered okra a nightshade vegetable. Nightshade vegetables contain alkaloids that can cause digestive upset, so they are listed in the do not feed list for squirrels. Common nightshade vegetables are eggplant, white potatoes, peppers and tomatoes.

Okra might contain some of the same alkaloids, but is not as widely accepted as a nightshade vegetable as the others I’ve listed.

Ahhh ok. Hmm, in the wild, ca ground squirrels eat Jimson weed seeds which are poison was to us, but I don't know about night shade....but then again they also eat rattle snake skin to become immune to their venom . Surely okra doesn't get worse than that haha. Thanks dude! I'll do some research as well now that I have an idea of what I'm learning.

[Charley Chuckles]

I went back to the chart answered my own question, tomatoes are on 3rd category 👍

[Charley Chuckles]

I have always wondered if they can have sprouts? I found these yesterday. Broccoli and clover sprouts.
Are these good for squirrels? I see my wilds eat sunflower sprouts that fall and plant themselves

[Beecheykeen]

I have always wondered if they can have sprouts? I found these yesterday. Broccoli and clover sprouts.
Are these good for squirrels? I see my wilds eat sunflower sprouts that fall and plant themselves

Oh and I'd say the clover should be fine, because red clover is a good wild food for squirrels. Unless there are other clovers to be weary of?

[Beecheykeen]

Maybe it depends on the squirrel. My little icky tends to throw up when she has tomato's, which she just eats again as it stays in her cheeks...bleh!