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Dogs are omnivores and can eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables as well as meat. It’s tempting to share food, but it has to be done safely. Here are seven reasons why zucchini is safe for dogs, plus a little bit about how to eat it and why bitter zucchini is bad news.
Before we get too deep, what is a zucchini?
If you’re not American, you probably know this plant as zucchini or baby marrow, but its scientific name is squash. This is a vine squash grown in Milan in the 19th centuryday centuries, but pumpkins have been grown at least 7,000 years ago. They are native to Central America, but are now commonly grown around the world.
Zucchini are easy to grow in small gardens or raised beds, and are inexpensive at the store. Yellow, orange, or green varieties are readily available, and the best-tasting zucchini are 6 to 8 inches long. They can grow up to three feet, as some of you discovered when you returned from vacation for a week or two!
So, in a nutshell, it’s zucchini – zucchini – baby marrow. Let’s find out why it’s safe for dogs to eat.
1. Zucchini is non-toxic
The first reason is that unlike grapes, macadamia nuts, avocados, onions, and garlic, zucchini is not toxic to dogs.
In fact, the fruit (yes, it’s a fruit, technically a berry!), flowers, and leaves are all nontoxic. A Southern European delicacy is fried zucchini blossoms stuffed with herbs and vegetables. They are tasty but not suitable for dogs due to the fat content.
Large amounts of zucchini may upset your dog’s stomach since it’s high in fiber, so stick to small pieces and make sure it doesn’t make up more than 10 percent of the ASPCA’s recommended dog diet. The remaining 90% should be a balanced complete dog food, whether commercial or homemade.
If Rover does have an upset stomach from zucchini, offer small meals such as sweet potatoes and simple foods like turkey or chicken rice. This will help to firm up the stool and stave off hunger.
If diarrhea persists for more than a few days, consult a veterinarian as it can lead to dehydration.
2. Low in fat
According to the Pet Obesity Prevention Association, 56 percent of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese.
Overweight dogs are more prone to life-limiting problems, such as limited mobility or joint pain, and diseases such as diabetes and pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis is a reaction to high-fat foods. A healthy pancreas releases enzymes that break down food, but an inflamed pancreas releases these enzymes in the absence of food. Enzymes then start breaking down the pancreas. This is a recurring disease, so if a dog gets it once, it will need to be on a low-fat diet for the rest of its life.
But here’s the good news. Zucchini is very low in fat. A whole cup contains only about 17-20 calories and hardly any cholesterol. This means it is a great treat not only for healthy dogs but also for overweight dogs.
3. Very fulfilling
Although it has few calories, zucchini is very filling, so it’s a great food for hungry dogs, such as those on a diet. A sense of satiety is essential to good dog behavior. A hungry dog is a miserable dog, leading to behaviors like stealing, aggression, and even depression.
4. Zucchini Packs a Lot of Nutrients
Zucchini is almost calorie-free but packed with nutrients, especially if you leave the skin off, since that’s where most of the good stuff lives.
Zucchini is rich in:
- Antioxidants – these plant compounds protect the body from diseases like cancer
- Vitamin A – Retinol, essential for good vision.It also strengthens the immune system
- Vitamin C – Known to be an immune system booster, vitamin C also helps repair cuts and scrapes.
- Vitamin B6 – B vitamins help convert food into energy, keeping your dog enthusiastic on walks.
- Vitamin K – supports blood clotting and red blood cell production
- Potassium – helps regulate blood pressure and cellular fluid levels
- Zinc – essential for cell growth, protein building and a healthy immune system
- Manganese – helps build muscle, blood cells, sex hormones and connective tissue
- Magnesium – supports muscle and nerve function
- Copper – activates genes and maintains the nervous system
- Phosphorus – Necessary for tissue and cell repair
- Fiber – helps keep the gut regular and healthy
Packed with good-for-your-dog nutrients, zucchini makes an excellent snack either raw or cooked, but keep in mind that raw zucchini with the skin on has more nutrients than cooked or peeled zucchini .
5. High water content
It is easy to see the moisture when the zucchini is cut open, and the inside is soft and fluffy. This is great news for dogs, as it helps rehydrate and reduces constipation. It’s especially good in hot climates.
Happy dogs are well behaved and know what is expected of them. This makes them feel safe and gives them a place on the team (with you in charge).
Because many dogs are food-motivated, using small, tasty pieces of zucchini is a great way to reward a good result. Is Fido in command? Serve a piece of zucchini. Did they come back when they were called? great! A small piece of zucchini, no fuss. Serving can reinforce good behavior and, since zucchini is so low in fat, it won’t lead to weight gain.
7. Reduce choking hazard
Dogs love fruit and vegetable treats, but some treats are hard to chew. Zucchini is a soft plant that’s easy to eat even raw, so it’s less of a choking hazard than other solid vegetables.
This helps make the “grabbing” dog a little safer. However, it is not 100% safe. Large chunks may choke small dogs, while older dogs with dental problems may have difficulty chewing. To be on the safe side, cut the zucchini into small pieces and never give your dog a whole zucchini.
How to Add Zucchini to Your Dog’s Diet
So, now that we know seven reasons why zucchini is safe for dogs, let’s take a look at how to incorporate it into their diet.
Zucchini are best when they are tender, so small fruits are best. Choose ones that are firm rather than soft, and keep them in the refrigerator.
raw
Feeding raw zucchini is the easiest way to provide your dog with this nutritious treat. It couldn’t be easier, just cut cubes from a washed zucchini and serve!
steam or boil
Although it reduces the nutritional content, draining zucchini is a good idea if your dog is young, old, has dental problems, or is a fast eater. Steaming it just softens the skin and flesh, so it’s easier to eat. It can also be mashed if your dog needs more help.
freeze it
Sliced zucchini straight from the freezer is a great summer hot dog snack.
add it to their meals
Raw or steamed zucchini can be mixed into your dog’s food, but make sure it’s 10 percent or less of the total.
add it to food puzzle
Food puzzles like Kongs are a great way to keep dogs entertained. They are especially helpful for dogs with separation anxiety or disruptive behavior. Put a few small pieces of zucchini in the puzzle and let them take their time trying to get them out.
Do not season zucchini for dogs
Feed plain zucchini to your puppy because while we love it with dressing, it’s not good for dogs and can be poisonous if eaten.
Salt can cause high blood pressure (high blood pressure) in canines, which is just as bad for them as it is for us. Blindness, nosebleeds, and seizures have all been linked to high blood pressure in dogs, which can also shorten their lifespan.
Other seasonings such as pepper increase their thirst, while frying slices in oil creates a high-fat meal that leads to obesity and pancreatitis.
Testing Zucchini for Bitterness
Occasionally, zucchini will taste bitter, which is a sign of cucurbitacin (the principle of bitterness). Cucurbitacin is poisonous, so it’s best to taste a small slice of zucchini before feeding it to your puppy.
Can Dogs Eat Zucchini?
Here are seven reasons why zucchini is safe for dogs. If you haven’t given your dog zucchini before, start with a small piece and see how he tolerates it before making it a more regular activity.
Who knew the humble zucchini could be so versatile?
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Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.