Can Dogs Eat Zucchini

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Dogs love begging us for a bit of our food; that is no big secret. If you are a dog owner, you probably noticed your dog making the best puppy eye performance they can. The goal - a tiny bit of whatever you’re having. Zucchinis are a part of the dog begging ritual, and if you are having some, it is more than likely your dog will love to share.

There are many fruits and veggies that are safe for dogs to eat. Luckily, zucchinis are one of them. However, like with any other human food you’d want to share with your dog, there are some things you should know before you give zucchinis to your dog. Here is what you should know about giving your dog zucchinis.

Are zucchinis good for dogs?

According to some of the well-respected vets in the country, among them Dr. Avi Blake, zucchinis are one of the best veggies you could give your dog. That is good news because your dog can help you get rid of all the extra zucchini you have at home. Not only is it safe, but the dog will most likely enjoy the taste of zucchini. Mind you, there are still some rules you should follow, and not give your dog as much zucchini as they’d like.

Are there any benefits dogs get from eating zucchini?

Again, zucchini shows how good it is for humans and dogs. This veggie is packed with healthy nutrients. It has a lot of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial things your dog will have if you give them some zucchini. Some of the best things your dog will get from zucchini are;

• Dietary fiber - Dietary fiber is crucial for good digestion. There are two types, soluble and insulable, and zucchini contains both types. If you want to know more about the benefits of fiber, check out this article - Best fiber sources for dogs.
• Antioxidants - Zucchini is packed with antioxidants. They will protect the dog’s body from free radicals that are known to cause cancer in dogs.
• Vitamin A - Vitamin A is one of the essential vitamins dog’s body needs. This vitamin will boost the dog’s immune system, support the lungs, brain, and kidney health. It is also vital for good vision and healthy reproduction.
• Vitamin C - Vitamin C is the most crucial vitamin in the human and dog’s bodies. This vitamin helps the body form collagen, absorb iron, maintains bones, cartilages, and teeth healthy. It is also crucial for the immune system and healing of wounds.
• Low calories - This might not seem so important, but around 60% of all dogs in the Us are overweight, and zucchini can be a great treat that will help the dog lose weight.

If you want to know more about the most important vitamins dogs need, check out this article - Best vitamins for dogs.

Can zucchini be bad for dogs?

All things could be bad if they are taken in absurd amounts. The same goes for zucchini. When it comes to feeding your dog human food, there is a golden rule you should follow - never allow a single ingredient to become more than the dog’s 10% daily food intake. If you give your dog too much zucchini, it can lead to some gastrointestinal upsets. Your dog might vomit or get diarrhea. Another issue that could arise is constipation. Overfeeding on fiber could cause blockage and slow digestion.

How to safely feed zucchini to your dog?

The best way to feed your dog zucchini is by boiling, steaming, or blend it. Make sure you have removed the stem since it is impossible to digest. The stem can become a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockage. The safest way is to figure out how much 10% of your dog’s daily food intake is and make zucchini serving adjustments. Remember, small dogs, like the Pug, can eat a lot less than a Labrador or a Doberman. Make sure you adjust your dog’s size and breed to the serving portion.

Never give your dog large sizes of any veggie. They can choke on it, especially since some dogs seem to inhale their food in a few bites. You should cut the zucchini into small, easily digestible pieces or blend it for easy consumption. Your dog will be thankful if you pour a zucchini blend over their regular kibble.

There is one thing you should keep in mind when feeding any kind of human food to your dog - avoid spices. Dogs have sensitive sodium levels, and salty food can cause gastrointestinal upset. Dogs should not eat hot and spicy foods or foods that contain onions or garlic. These things can be toxic to dogs, and it is better to play it safe and avoid giving your dog any food that contains these things. If you are planning on giving your dog zucchini, make sure you don’t use any spices. The best way to serve it raw, cooked, or blended. Serving it like that will make a fun little surprise and twist to your dog’s regular diet.

Another thing to keep in mind when giving your dog human food is to start slow. The first time you give your dog zucchini, give them only a tiny piece. Make sure to keep a close eye on them and watch their reaction. Make sure your dog doesn’t have any bad reactions or food allergies. After you tried it out and are certain your dog can have zucchini, only then should you give them this veggie. If you have any doubts or fears about giving your dog zucchini, talk to your vet and check if that is a good option for your dog.

World Dog Finder team