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Can Dogs Eat Zucchinis? Vet Approved Tips & FAQs

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Can Dogs Eat Zucchinis

Vet approved

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Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Paola Cuevas

MVZ (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Dogs can eat many different veggies. So, the next time you’re chopping up some zucchini for dinner or a snack, toss your pup a piece or two! Zucchini is packed with fiber and vitamins, making it a healthy treat for your best bud. Dogs love the crunch, too!

While zucchini is generally good for dogs, we recommend taking some precautions to keep snack time safe. Learn more about how to incorporate this tasty veggie into your dog’s diet!

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Is Zucchini Healthy for Dogs?

Zucchinis are part of the squash family, and they share the same nutritional benefits as other squash varieties:

  • Dietary Fiber: Dogs need fiber in their diet for proper digestion and gut health, and zucchini is an excellent source of it.
  • Vitamins: Eating zucchini can give your dog a huge dose of nutrients. This squash is loaded with all sorts of vitamins, including A, C, and K, and it is a source of antioxidants.
  • Hydration: Did you know that zucchinis are composed of 95% water?1 They can give your dog a nice hydration boost, especially during hot days.
  • Low in Calories: A cup of raw zucchini only has around 21 calories,2 but it’s extremely filling! If your dog needs to lose a few pounds, you can swap some of its usual treats with bites of zucchini instead.

Zucchini is a medium-hard vegetable, and it can pose a choking hazard for small dogs and those who eat too fast without chewing their food. Eating too much fiber can also cause diarrhea or constipation in dogs.

zucchinis
Photo Credit: auntmasako, Pixabay

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can dogs eat zucchini with skin?

Yes, it’s safe for dogs to eat zucchini with skin. That’s actually where most of the fiber and nutrients are! Wash it thoroughly and check for signs of spoilage, such as mold, before giving it to your dog.

Is cooked zucchini safe for dogs?

Yes, as long as it’s plain. Cooking zucchini softens it, making it easier to chew and swallow. You can steam, bake, grill, or boil the zucchini before serving it to your pup. Never add oil, seasonings (like garlic or onion), or sauces, as these are toxic for your dog.

Sliced Zucchini
Photo Credit: webandi, Pixabay

How much zucchini can you give dogs?

Given that you’re feeding your dog a nutritionally complete dog food, consider zucchini as a treat. Experts recommend limiting treats to 10% of your pet’s daily caloric intake, so adjust the amount of zucchini you give accordingly.


 7 Yummy Ways to Feed Your Dog Zucchini

Zucchini can be served as-is, mixed into your pup’s meal, or used in homemade treats. Use these ideas to make snack time more fun!

  • Zucchini Fries: Slice the veggie into sticks and freeze until firm. They’re going to be extra crunchy outside while still a bit soft inside!
  • Zucchini Chips: Thinly slice the zucchini and place it on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
  • Zucchini Popsicles: Blend zucchini with 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt and water. Pour into popsicle molds. Let it freeze overnight, and your pup will have a delicious frozen treat.
  • Zucchini Smoothie: Add frozen zucchini chunks, bananas (or other dog-safe fruits and veggies), 1 tablespoon of plain greek yogurt, water, and a bit of honey to your blender. Blend until smooth and pour into your dog’s bowl.
  • Kong Stuffer: Cut the zucchini into cubes and stuff them inside a Kong toy. Spoon dog-friendly peanut butter or 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt inside to lock the pieces in and add flavor and nutrition.
  • Food Topper: Add a little excitement to your pup’s meal by shredding zucchini into small pieces and sprinkling it over their kibble.
  • Doggie Zoodles: Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles. Cook it for a few minutes in a pot of boiling water and topped with some wet food.

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Conclusion

Zucchini is an incredible vegetable for dogs, providing them with plenty of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber while keeping the calories low. Dogs can safely eat all parts of this veggie, and that includes the skin! The best way to serve it is raw or boiled, but feel free to experiment in the kitchen, as long as you skip the oil and seasonings. Remember to feed in moderation and enjoy!

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