Providing vegetables as a treat to your dog might seem like an odd idea, but it is otherwise with freshly cut pieces of zucchinis. Zucchini actually makes a healthy snack for your dog since it contains vitamins and minerals while also remaining low in calories. Feeding zucchini in different styles and flavors to your dog is a great way to play with their taste and preferences. But how can you best feed this well-nourishing vegetable to your dog? Can you feed them raw? Or, what about cooked zucchini? Let’s find out!
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What Is a Zucchini Actually?
Zucchini is an edible squash that belongs to the squash family. It has green/gray skin and white flesh. The size of a zucchini depends on the variety and can range from 2 to 12 inches. Dogs can eat zucchinis because it contains a very good amount of nutrients: vitamins, minerals, proteins, fiber, and glucosamine.
Here are how raw zucchini makes a super-healthy vegetable for dogs:
- Antioxidants found in raw zucchini fight off the free radicals from your pup’s body. They prevent long-term health damage and also slow down the aging process.
- Beta carotene found in raw zucchini can help in maintaining healthy blood cell and tissue function as well as act as an antioxidant.
- The fiber, potassium, and vitamin C in zucchini are beneficial to your dog’s digestive system.
- When mixed with water, pieces of raw zucchini soften dogs’ stool, which helps relieve constipation.
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Raw Vs Cooked Zucchini
If you’re still wondering “Can Dogs Eat Raw Zucchini?”, then rest assured, yes, they can! Raw zucchinis that are refrigerated make an excellent treat for your dog during the summer season. They are also more nutritious than cooked ones. The crunchy and juicy texture of uncooked zucchinis will surely satiate your dog right after their training session.
But most dogs might prefer cooked zucchinis over raw ones since cooked ones taste sweeter. To avoid stomach upset, make sure to bake your zucchini without any oil or very little oil. Avoid cooking zucchini with side vegetables such as garlic and onion, which can be bad for your dog’s digestive health.
It’s important to know that steamed zucchinis make for an ideal meal for dogs who struggle with chewing. Therefore, if your pup has a problem chewing hard things, boiled zucchini is the best option for them.
Things To Consider When Feeding Raw Zucchini to Your Dog
It is generally safe for dogs to eat zucchini. But there are situations you should be concerned about when feeding zucchini to your pooch:
- Since moderation is always the key to providing any food as a treat to your dog, we recommend that you follow the 10% rule of feeding treat to your pup. The 10% rule claims that treats shouldn’t exceed 10% of your dog’s diet.
- It is also important to consider the amount to be fed. If you’re not sure about how much zucchini you can provide to your furry friend, you can always talk to your vet for the right amount.
- Avoid giving a whole raw zucchini to your dog. Dogs consuming large pieces of this green vegetable have a high chance of choking.
- Be cautious about bitter zucchinis since they can be toxic to your dog. The biochemical that makes these vegetables bitter is usually found in the roots, leaves, and stems.
Conclusion
So, Can Dogs Eat Raw Zucchini? Absolutely! Not only they can be eaten raw, but zucchinis can also be served in various ways (cooked, boiled, fried) which are equally satiating and nutritious for your dog. Just make sure that you avoid any additives like extra spices and seasonings and try to minimize the oil and salt usage when frying these vegetables.
Now that you know how raw zucchini is a perfectly healthy snack for your dog, find out all about other zucchini-related dog articles in zucchini for dogs.
Have you ever given raw zucchini to your dog? Do they like it cooked or raw? We would love to hear from you. Please share with our community by leaving a comment in the comment section below!