Many common types of fruit and vegetables are also suitable for feeding our four-legged friends. Others, on the other hand, are harmless to humans, but can seriously harm our dogs.
So you’re wondering if dogs can eat zucchini too?
In this article we will explain the advantages and disadvantages of zucchini for your dog and what you have to pay attention to when feeding it.
In a nutshell: Can my dog eat zucchini?
Yes, dogs can eat zucchini! However, it depends on where the zucchini comes from. Commercially available zucchini, which does not taste bitter, is harmless to dogs. Homegrown zucchini usually contains too much of the bitter substance cucurbitacine, which can be very dangerous for dogs.
In addition to the bitter substance cucurbitacine, zucchini also contains the cytotoxin malonic acid. This is located under the dark green peel of the zucchini and can be easily removed by peeling.
Is Zucchini Healthy for Dogs?
Yes, zucchini contains many healthy ingredients that your dog will benefit from too. Also, many dogs are very fond of zucchini.
The green squash is easily digestible and low in calories, and the zucchini also has a draining and purifying effect.
Zucchini contains these vitamins:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B6
- vitamin C
These minerals and trace elements are in zucchini:
- phosphorus
- calcium
- sodium
- potassium
- copper
- iron
- zinc
When is zucchini dangerous for dogs?
If it tastes bitter, the zucchini is inedible for dogs and humans!
This is due to the included Bitter substance cucurbitacins. This was bred out of commercially available courgettes, cucumbers and squashes.
Ornamental gourds contain a high concentration of the bitter substance. Planting ornamental squashes in close proximity to zucchini in the garden can result in dangerous crossbreeding.
The same applies to dogs and humans: zucchini and other vegetables, which ones cucurbitacins contains is not only inedible, but can even have fatal consequences!
Also not harmless toxin malonic acid, which is in the zucchini shell. More on that later in the text.
Tip:
If you’re unsure where the zucchini in your hand came from, try a small piece to see if it tastes bitter. If so, the zucchini is not suitable for consumption!
How can I feed my dog zucchini?
The delicious zucchini is a valuable addition to your dog’s daily main meal.
You either can boiled, lightly steamed or even raw feed to your dog.
In any case, you should cut the zucchini before feeding puree. Only by pureeing fruit and vegetables can your dog absorb and utilize the nutrients they contain.
You should also peel the courgettes before they are eaten by your four-legged friend, as the dark green peel will smudge Cell toxin called malonic acid located.
Make sure you only feed your dog ripe vegetables. Organic at best!
Zucchini contains toxic malonic acid
As if the bitter substance cucurbitacin wasn’t dangerous enough, zucchini often comes with another toxin.
The toxic malonic acid is found in the dark green skin of zucchini, so be sure to peel it for your dog.
Is your zucchini yellow?
Top!
Yellow and light green courgettes usually do not contain malonic acid and are also suitable for feeding.
Good to know:
Although yellow and light green courgettes don’t usually contain malonic acid, it’s always a good idea to peel the courgettes for your dog! In this way you avoid the risk of health problems caused by the toxic acid.
Feeding recommendation at a glance
- exclusively zucchini, which does not taste bitter
- I like light green or yellow courgettes
- raw or steamed
- in moderation
- peeled off
- mashed
Cucurbitacine poisoning in the dog
Your dog accidentally nibbled on a bitter zucchini?
If you the following symptoms notice your darling, you absolutely have to visit a veterinarian:
- nausea and vomiting
- movement disorders
- Strong salivation
- disorientation
- stomach cramps
- muscle tremors
- weakness
- Diarrhea
Danger:
Poisoning by the bitter substance cucurbitacine is not to be trifled with! The heat-resistant material can quickly mean the end, especially for small, old or sick dogs.
Can dogs eat zucchini? the essentials in brief
Yes, dogs can eat zucchini if they:
- is free from the bitter substance cucurbitacine (use a small piece to test whether the zucchini tastes bitter)
- fed raw or steamed and in any case pureed
- peeled so that no toxic malonic acid gets into the dog from the peel
- is fully ripe
Out of commercial zucchini the bitter substance cucurbitacine was bred out, which is why it is wholesome for human and canine consumption.
Homegrown courgettes from the garden often contain large amounts of the bitter substance, which you can clearly recognize by a taste test.
Cucurbitacine can be lethal to both humans and dogs!
Are you unsure how to feed your dog zucchini? Write us your questions under this article!