Food is one of the most important aspects to take care of dogs so that they grow healthy and strong. Natural products are the most recommended and, although they are not by nature in the diet of a dog, there are foods recommended for humans that are also recommended for small furry ones, and one of them is zucchini.

Giving vegetables such as zucchini to dogs is not always positive for the digestive system of the animal, since some contain toxic components that the canine organism does not tolerate or does not digest properly. Therefore, it is important to distinguish which are recommended and how they should be provided to a dog. To discover if dogs can eat zucchini or not, and the benefits it brings to the canine organism, in OneHowTo we recommend that you continue reading this article.

Can dogs eat zucchini or not?

Dogs can eat zucchini, but in moderation as it can be too bitter and with some toxic components. In this sense, cucurbitacins are a type of biochemicals found in plants that emit a bitter taste to zucchini, which can be toxic.

Cucurbitacins are usually found in the roots, leaves, and stems of zucchini. Its bitterness is able to penetrate the entire plant, causing an excessively bitter and even toxic taste that can be harmful to dogs.

So, can dogs eat zucchini or not? To prevent your furry little guy from eating bitter zucchini, buy this healthy vegetable grown under favorable conditions. Choose the smaller ones, since the zucchini so large that you usually see in some grocery stores probably contain a bitter taste.

Check that the zucchini you are going to give your dog is firm, that is, it is not soft. Try it before you give it to them and, if it’s bitter, don’t give it to them.

What benefits does zucchini have for dogs?

Zucchini has multiple benefits for the body of dogs. These are the most important:

• Contains antioxidants: zucchini has plant compounds that help protect the body of dogs from free radicals. These free radicals are a type of unstable molecules capable of causing long-term damage to your little furry in the cells and DNA, accelerating its aging process. Hence the importance of antioxidants, which help clean up free radical damage.
• It has carotenoids: this vegetable has a type of antioxidant that provides a characteristic color to certain plants. The skin of the zucchini has the highest number of antioxidants and also provides fiber, so give your furry friend the vegetable with the skin.
• Aids digestion and softens stool: Zucchini contains insoluble fiber, which increases stool bulk, and soluble fiber, which increases the number of beneficial bacteria that generate short-chain fatty acids in the gut. In this way, soluble fiber decreases the chances of suffering from intestinal disorders such as, for example, leaky gut, colitis or irritable bowel disease.
• It provides many nutrients: zucchini is rich in minerals (potassium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and copper) and vitamins A, B6, C and K. In addition, vitamins A and C also contain antioxidant power.
• Contains vitamin A: Zucchini has a slightly higher level of vitamin A than other vegetables. If you cook them to give to your dog, the amount of this vitamin is reduced. Therefore, it is convenient that you give them raw, but crushing them so that you can digest them more easily.
• It is low in calories and has a high fiber and water content: these properties help reduce or maintain the weight of your little furry. Fiber also helps to satisfy it, reducing the feeling of hunger.
• It has a low glycemic index: the intake of zucchini does not have a negative impact on the blood sugar of dogs because it does not increase it. Taking into account how harmful sugar is in the canine organism, in this sense, you can give zucchini to your furry friend without any problem.

How to give my dog zucchini

Now that you know that dogs can eat zucchini, we propose several ways to feed your furry friend this vegetable so that it does not represent any harm to him. However, consult with the veterinarian regarding the amount of zucchini that you should give daily, although it is advisable to provide 10 or 15% of vegetables from the total of your diet.

• Raw or cooked zucchini: they are healthy options and a good nutritional supplement in your diet. As you would with any other vegetable or fruit, wash the zucchini well before giving it to remove the remains of pesticides and dirt it contains.
• Baked or steamed zucchini: cook this vegetable always without salt and without any added sauce. However, if you choose to cook it, steamed you will minimize the loss of nutrients from the zucchini and your dog will be able to ingest it more easily.
• Crushed zucchini: this type of cooking facilitates digestion, so offer the crushed vegetable if you give it raw to get 100% of its benefits.

Now that you know that dogs can eat zucchini, you may be interested in knowing more about other foods your dog can eat:

• Can dogs eat bread?
• Can dogs beat eggs?
• Can dogs eat mango?

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