Zucchini is a type of fruit that is an acquired taste for some. It is a summer squash, and is readily available at farmer’s markets especially in its season from June to late August.
Whether you enjoy it or not for its flavor, incorporating zucchinis into diets is beneficial for people because of all of its nutrients. (And if you’re not a fan, try making Zucchini Bread!)
And, if you have a dog, you know they are bound to eat what is on our plates at some point. Yet, our bodies function differently than dogs, so not everything that is healthy for us is healthy them.
So many dog owners want to know, can dogs eat zucchini? In this article, we will cover whether zucchini is safe for dogs to eat or not. We will also describe the effects of zucchini on dogs – good or bad – so you know how to keep your doggo safe and healthy.
Can Dogs Eat Zucchini?
The short answer is yes. Dogs can absolutely eat zucchini. It is a safe food choice for your pooch.
Even though there are many types of foods that are not good for dogs such as grapes, bones, and chocolate, zucchini is not one of them. Instead, it contains a number of benefits for dogs.
The Health Benefits of Zucchinis for Dogs
Zucchini is rich in certain minerals and vitamins. It is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K, Fiber, Zinc, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Calcium.
Here is a list of its nutrients and what they do for dogs:
- Vitamin A, which can help prevent medical conditions caused by irregular blood sugar levels.
- Vitamin K, this is great for developing blood vessels as well as regenerating skin and creative tissue.
- Zinc. This is a mineral that promotes healthy joints and regulates a dog’s metabolism.
- Phosphorus. Foods that are rich in phosphorus, such as lobster meat can build up a healthier bone.
- Magnesium. Zucchinis contains high amounts of magnesium which regulates metabolism. It also helps in a dog’s neurotransmission.
- Calcium, this helps in the development of bones and teeth. To add to that, they can be a good source of calcium for lactose intolerant dogs.
- Fiber. This helps in solving a dog’s digestive problems. Foods rich in fiber such as zucchinis can help against bowel movement problems.
Zucchinis contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber bulks the stool while soluble fiber feeds the beneficial bacteria that create Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) located in the gut.
Precautions about Giving Zucchini to Dogs
However, there are some things to keep in mind before letting your dog eat a lot of zucchini. Although zucchini is not a usually a toxic food, if the zucchini is bitter then you do not want to give them to your dogs.
Bitter zucchinis can potentially contain cucurbitacins which can be toxic to dogs. Cucurbitacins are usually found in the roots, stems, and leaves of the plant that grows the fruit.
It is suggested to purchase healthy and organic zucchinis to avoid bitter zucchinis. Smaller zucchinis are also less likely to be bitter.
Learn More About What Human Foods Are Healthy or Harmful for Dogs
This article is part of our special series of articles about “What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?”
Up next, find out Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Rind?
