Can my Dog Eat Zucchini?: A common misconception is that dogs shouldn’t be going anywhere near vegetables and their diet should only consist of meat. However, this couldn’t be far enough from the truth.
While dogs should mostly consume meat, there should also be a healthy balance of vegetables to provide them with the required nutrients.
Being a dog owner, you probably already know that your dog can take vegetables and fruits in small amounts. Although it’s not always as simple as that.
However, giving your dog fruits and veggies requires you to be mindful too.
On the other hand, however, with zucchini becoming the new staple in our diet because of the countless benefits, you might find yourself asking if your dog can ingest it.
But yes! It’s perfectly alright for your dog to eat zucchini in small amounts, Just like any other vegetable or fruit your dog already eats. In fact, it is one of the best vegetables your dog can have.
Zucchini and your Dog
But the question will they like it?
This can vary from dog to dog. If your dog is fussy about trying new things and wants to stick to their tried and tested food then it might be a bit harder for you to get your dog to have zucchini.
However if your dog is used to eating vegetables regularly, then it might not be a problem.
If your dog does not want to go anywhere near zucchini, you can incorporate it with some of their favorite foods and we’ll tell you how.
Can dogs eat zucchini with the skin on?
The answer to that would be no! You will have to serve zucchini after removing the skin, just like you should with any other fruit or vegetable. you’re probably wondering why?
This is because dogs can’t digest the skin and can get sick. If you want to save yourself and your from the added stress of taking trips to the vet, it’s important to do the extra effort and remove the skin.
Can dogs eat zucchini with seasoning?
This is a tricky topic. Most dog owners believe that giving your dogs seasoned foods can be very unhealthy for your dogs.
This is actually true, dogs don’t exactly share our flavor palette. Since dogs enjoy bland food, zucchini’s mild flavor can be the perfect thing for your dog. Surprisingly enough, salts and spices can be quite toxic for dogs.
While it is best to avoid salt and spices, you can actually add herbs to your dog’s food.
Specifically with zucchini, adding basil might just do it for your dog. It can not only help make it more appealing and flavorful for your dog. So why not just season it with herbs and serve your dog the meal of their dreams.
The basil acts as an anti-inflammatory for your dog and contains high levels of antioxidants.
Not only will your dog enjoy eating zucchini with basil but will also act as a way to keep them healthy.
Can dogs eat zucchini raw?
It is best not to feed your dog raw zucchini as it heightens the little chances of your dog getting sick from it. Zucchini is easily digested, but it is better if you cook it. What cooking does is kill bacteria and aid the digestion process for your dog.
How to cook zucchini for your dog?
You need to be mindful of how you cook zucchini for your dog as well.
Be sure not to use oil when cooking zucchini for your dog.
The best method to cook zucchini for your dog would be to peel strips of zucchini and boil them.
You can serve it like spaghetti to your dog topped with their favorite protein. This will act as a gourmet meal when you’re in the mood to treat your dog.
And trust us when we say your dog will absolutely love it!
This is because you will be incorporating your dogs favorite protein ingredient into the meal, coaxing them to eat the zucchini as well.
What benefits can zucchini bring for your fluff-ball?
Zucchinis are packed with antioxidants that protect against inflammation and can be especially useful for your dog.
Zucchinis are also rich in vitamins and minerals which can help your dog stay healthy.
Minerals found in zucchini are manganese, lutein, zeaxanthin, while the vitamins are A and C. These nutrients assure that the dog does not age quickly.
What health risks can zucchini bring?
Zucchini does not have too many health risks as long as you take precautions. Don’t serve it raw or with the skin and it will do no harm. However, it isn’t always as straightforward as it may seem.
Some zucchinis tend to be bitter and they are the worst of all. Not only do they taste terrible but are also seriously toxic for your dog.
A bitter or bad zucchini is actually really easily identifiable. At a single look you’ll be able to tell if your zucchini has gone bad. If your zucchini appears to be limp or mushy and soft with wrinkled and dull skin, without a doubt it has gone bad. Do yourself and your dog a favor and throw it out immediately.
But sometimes you may not be able to tell just by looking at it. It’s important to cut through. If your zucchini has seeds larger than usual, that may also point towards a bad zucchini. It may also appear stringy.
But some zucchinis wont even show signs of going bad but will still be bitter.
To avoid this, the only thing you can do is taste a small piece yourself and be the judge.
How can zucchini help your dog?
If your dog suffers from arthritis pain, basil and zucchini is the way to go. We have already discussed how adding basil to zucchini can help your dog love it. But what it also does is aid your dog in remaining healthy and happy. The basil acts as a natural painkiller and soothes your dog.
The zucchini is extremely beneficial for your dog if he suffers from stomach-related issues.
Zucchini is great in soothing an irritable bowel and helps soothe your dog. If your dog suffers from constipation or other stomach-related problems, zucchini can help solve them. Zucchini contains soluble fiber which helps the dog’s stomach stay healthy.
Also, if your vet suggested your dog to shed a few pounds, zucchini can be the perfect solution. Because of its high water content and jam-packed nutrients, the dog stays full and energetic for longer and works great as a weight loss remedy.
How much zucchini should you feed your dog though?
While zucchini is rich in benefits and may seem like the best food ever for your dog, You should treat it just like any other fruit or vegetable. It should be only 10 percent of your dog’s diet. Variations can be made in accordance to different breeds.
For example smaller dogs like chihuahuas, Pomeranians, pugs and corgis should not be given more than 1 to 2 teaspoons daily.
For average sized dogs like Labradors, golden retrievers and Cocker Spaniels, the intake should vary from 2 to 3 teaspoons every day.
Bigger dogs like German shepherds, Dobermans and Rottweilers can take up to 1 to 2 tablespoons every day.
What’s the takeaway?
So as it turns out your dog can’t just eat zucchini but also benefit greatly from it. All you need to do is feed your dog moderately and take the necessary precautions.
However if your dog seems to show any allergic reactions to it, be sure to talk to the vet about it and discontinue feeding immediately.