Can Dogs Eat Zucchini?

We spoke to Dr. Alex Crow, MRCV s veterinarian at Buttercross Veterinary Centre in Nottinghamshire, UK, to get some authors tips on how to incorporate courgettes, as zucchinis are known as in the UK, into your dog's diet. Zucchini is rich in nutrients and well-nourished as part of a balanced diet, making it a healthy, low-calorie treat for your puppy. In moderation, it can be a treat that is good for the health of your dogs.

Contains many soluble and insoluble fibers that support healthy digestion and keep your dogs "blood sugar levels stable. Zucchini is also rich in antioxidants for the skin. Rich in vitamins C, B6 and K are beneficial to the eyes, coat, bone and cartilage growth, metabolism, and proper blood clotting of your dog.

Zucchinis are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a good treat for dogs with a big appetite and weight management plans, as they feel full for longer. Zucchini’s taste bitter and contain toxic chemicals found in the leaves and stems of plants. While bitter Zucchini are not toxic to humans, they can cause problems for your dog. Larger tend to be more bitter, so there's no doubt you're giving your dog the smallest Zucchinis you can find.

Watch out for negative reactions, as it can be a very bitter zucchini, which can be extremely bitter.

Raw zucchinis are safe to eat but can be difficult to digest for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Consider cooking, steaming, or fermenting to make it softer and digestible. If you have a puppy that has diarrhea, vomiting or convulsions, stop feeding it and call your veterinarian. Raw zucchinis can be too difficult for your dog to digest.

Before serving zucchinis, you should consult with your veterinarian to determine the right portion size for your dog. Healthy treats and zucchinis should be part of your dog's optimal daily diet.

Never feed your dog zucchinis, which are cooked with onions or garlic and can be toxic to puppies. Instead, wash the stems, remove the slices, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Once chopped, cook to a pulp that can be pureed and added to your dog’s normal food. Once cooked, mix in a blender with other dog-safe ingredients to make a smoothie bowl. For portion sizes up to an inch thick, cut into small slices or chop for small dogs, or 2-3 chopped slices for larger ones. Your dog will thank you.