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Is Zucchini Good for Dogs?

Praseeda Shirodkar
Many pet owners are confused and unsure whether zucchinis are safe for their dog. Here is some information on the same.

Point to Consider!

It is always better to give your pet dog, pureed or cooked vegetables instead of the raw or chopped form. If fed raw, they are not easily digested.
Zucchini is a type of summer squash, that has a shape similar to that of a cucumber. This vegetable has a mild flavor and is low in fat. Furthermore, it is nutrient-dense and is considered to be a very healthy food for people.
It is the many benefits of this vegetable that make people wonder whether they can make it a part of their dog's diet and whether it would be safe to do so. Following are some answers that will clear this confusion.

Can Dogs Eat Zucchini?

The answer is Yes. Though some fruits and vegetables like avocados, grapes, onions, etc., may be unsafe for dogs, zucchinis are safe and not toxic to them. Moreover, including this vegetable as a part of their diet would be extremely beneficial for their health.
It is essential to know that although a dog's diet can comprise grains, fruits, and vegetables (only those that are safe), all of these should be given to them in moderation. A major part of their diet should comprise meat which is essential for them. The same applies to zucchini and it is important to remember that moderation is the key.
Raw Zucchini
When feeding your dogs, cooked zucchinis may be a better choice than the raw ones. This is because they will be able to digest cooked food better. If serving it raw, make sure to grate or puree the zucchini.
Fried Zucchini
Zucchinis can be cooked in several ways, that is, they can be baked, boiled, steamed, barbecued, grilled, or fried. Frying may not be considered as a healthy option, when compared to other cooking methods.
Moreover, it is believed that fried foods cause various health problems such as pancreatic in dogs. Thus, it is better to avoid frying zucchinis.

Benefits

▸ Zucchini is a nutrient-dense vegetable. It is rich in potassium and vitamin C. It is also packed with folate, manganese, beta-carotene, calcium, vitamin B6, vitamin K, etc. Thus, it is a nutritious food for dogs. Moreover, they may not be able to obtain most of the essential nutrients from their regular food.

▸ It helps keep the dog's skin and fur healthy.

▸ It also aids in weight loss as it is low in calories.

Cooking Tips

Here are some ways in which zucchini can be fed to your pet dog.

▸ Prepare a mixture of bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese (in small amounts). Dip sliced zucchinis in egg whites, and then in the mixture. Bake the slices (for about 10 minutes) and serve them to your pet. Too much cheese is not good for dogs, so use less cheese when preparing this dish.
▸ You can also cook them a zucchini treat in the form of biscuits. Prepare a mixture of oats and flour. Now, in a separate bowl, combine finely grated zucchini, water, and molasses. Combine the two mixtures and spread the batter on a surface.
▸ Next, make cuts of desired shapes. Transfer the pieces onto a baking sheet using a spatula. Bake them for about 30 minutes and then serve them to your pet.
▸ Some dogs may find the taste and texture of this vegetable unpleasing. In such cases, you can grate and mix it with dog food (store-bought) or add it to pasta in small amounts. This may help your dog get used to its flavor.
▸ You can modify these recipes in your own ways, and come up with some ideas on your own to treat your pet. When serving or combining zucchini with other foods, it is necessary to know what is safe and what is not. This is because certain foodstuffs that humans consume may not be considered safe for dogs.
We can conclude that zucchini is sure to benefit your pet, however, it should be fed in moderation. And if your pet is allergic to this vegetable, its use should be avoided.