Can dogs eat zucchini? The elongated and rubbery look and feel of the zucchini certainly reminds one of a dog toy, but can dogs actually eat zucchini? Is this a safe veggie for our dogs to consume?
The short answer is yes, zucchini is safe for dogs to eat and ranks high with veterinarians as one of the healthiest vegetables for dogs. As Anna Burke over at the American Kennel Club (AKC) attests, anyone with a garden knows that dogs love getting their paws on zucchini!
While the general consensus about zucchini is overwhelmingly positive, you must still always run dietary additions by your veterinarian. Here is what you should know about why zucchini is an excellent addition to your dog’s diet.
How Is Zucchini Good For Dogs?
Zucchini is nutrient-packed and low on calories, fat, and cholesterol. According to the AKC, Veterinarian Avi Blake boasts the vegetable as one of the absolute best options for dogs.
In general, high-quality dog food gives your dog all of the nutrients they really require, but they do love human foods! Being mindful of what human treats we give them can make a huge difference in their health.
And while humans might not always see zucchini as a treat, your dog very well might. And who are we to argue with their logic, especially when it’s healthy?
One cup of raw zucchini only has roughly 20 calories. If your dog is struggling with obesity, you can offer zucchini as a treat, instead of depriving them of those high-calorie treats. Everybody wins.
Plus, zucchini is loaded with dietary fiber, which does wonders in aiding your dog’s digestive gut health. However, moderation still must be employed with high-fiber foods.
How Can I Safely Give Zucchini To My Dog?
In general, treats of any kind should only make up about ten percent of your dog’s diet, so moderation is rule number one. And with high fiber foods, like zucchini, this is even more important. Too much fiber can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.
That being said, there is nothing toxic about the zucchini to worry over, which, of course, is just another wonderful thing about it; it’s very stress-free for us dog parents.
Be mindful of how you prepare your zucchini, though. Us humans tend to sauté our zucchini in various ways, with added spices, or with onions and garlic, both of which are toxic for dogs. Be mindful with your preparation.
Raw zucchini is your best bet, and all you’ll need to do here is give the veggie a thorough wash before cutting and feeding. Unfortunately, harmful pesticides sometimes still linger on the exterior of store-bought or market-bought vegetables.
And finally, if your dog eats a zucchini out of the garden, or eats part of its plant, there’s no cause for alarm. All parts of the zucchini are safe. But your garden might not be, once your dog has a taste for zucchini!
Does your dog fancy zucchini? Do you have a hard time keeping your dog from eating them out of your garden? Let us know in the comments below.
