Feeding cats can become very confusing. We most commonly associate a cat’s diet to be high in protein and predominantly meat-based which is mostly true. There are also however many other types of foods that cats can consume which are completely safe for them to eat.
Lots of popular commercial meat cat feeds these days now include the addition of a variety of vegetables in the formula which is a rather controversial subject in itself. Some believe that vegetables are not necessary for cats however many stand by the fact that vegetables are highly nutritious and a great added extra in cat’s diets.
One of the questions we heard more recently was whether or not cats could safely eat zucchini so we decided to look into this subject a little further.
So, can cats eat zucchini? Yes. Zucchini is perfectly ok for cats to eat. Many commercial cat foods now include Zucchini which is a rich source of magnesium, potassium, and manganese. It is safe to be fed as a whole plant however, they tend to prefer the zucchini squash rather than the leaf and stems of the plant.
Zucchini is a popular extra ingredient included in many commercial cat foods on the market. The squash of the plant can be mixed in very well with the meat pate, or chunks in cat food and is reasonably cheap to produce.
You will often find multiple vegetables have been added into the cat food mixture in addition to Zucchini. It helps to enhance the taste of the meat and provide cats with a higher and more diverse level of nutrition in their diet.
Why is zucchini good for cats?
Vegetables in general are a vital source of nutrients and often pretty high in protein depending on which types you choose. Zucchini, in particular, has the benefit of being a rich source of magnesium, potassium, and manganese which is complimentary to your cat’s health.
This vegetable is a nutrient-dense food that contains Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and other types of important minerals. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients are also notable benefits.
Zucchini is high in water content and contains large amounts of fiber, electrolytes, and various other nutrients which are highly beneficial for a healthy digestive system.
Research has shown that there are many other significant health benefits from cats eating zucchini such as:
- Slowing down aging
- Lowering blood sugar levels
- Supporting a healthy heart and circulation
- Improving eye health
- Boosting energy
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Zucchini can also be a fabulous way to help your cat lose weight since it is high in water content, low in fat, and contains many healthy vitamins and minerals.
Many owners choose to up their cats’ zucchini intake which can be a lifesaver for very obese cats or those that have been piling on a few extra pounds. It is always advisable, however, to speak to your qualified vet before making significant changes to your cat’s diet.
Do cats like zucchini?
It’s always hard to be sure exactly how much cats enjoy certain feeds. Cats are considered to be opportunistic eaters, particularly those in the wild. They will often eat whatever is readily available to them and foods that require the least amount of effort to obtain.
For that reason we often see cats wolfing down whatever is put in front of them. Some would say this is eating to live rather than eating to enjoy. Some cats will indeed eat anything in sight and not particularly think about how much they actually like what they are consuming.
In complete contrast, however, most of us owners are aware that cats can, at times, be particularly fussy eaters which can make life very challenging. Especially if they are now turning their noses up at something they have always eaten and now refuse to do so.
Most cats will happily eat zucchini as part of their canned food. It provides your cat with a bit of variety in their meal and can add extra flavoring that can be particularly enticing for your kitty.
Some owners will choose to feed zucchini on its own to cats however logic tells us that most cats are likely to turn their noses up at this as a treat. Especially when there are so many types of super tasty cat treats on the market to choose from.
Zucchini can be fed to your cat either cooked or raw. Either is safe for your kitty to consume, unlike some types of vegetables that specifically need to be cooked first. Cats prefer the fleshy, squash part of the zucchini plant as opposed to the stems and leaves however in theory the whole plant is safe for cats to consume.
How much zucchini can cats eat?
Zucchini is safe for your cat to eat however it is not a wise idea to be feeding Zucchini in large quantities or as complete replacements to meaty meals.
We must remember that cats are obligate carnivores meaning they must eat meat out of a necessity for survival. This is why most cat foods are meat-based and the higher the meat content in your cats feed the happier and healthier they will be.
Cats need high levels of protein in their diet as well as plenty of vitamins and fatty acids which meat provides in abundance. Adding in additional food types such as zucchini and other vegetables, however, is not a problem as long as those foods are supplied in moderation.
We do not recommend feeding zucchini to cats as the main part of their meal. This foodstuff should be considered as an added extra that has some additional benefits. Chopping up zucchini into small chunks and put into regular cat food is highly recommended. A small handful should be enough for one feed.
Some owners choose to feed their cats small chunks of raw zucchini as treat. This is perfectly fine as long as your kitty has the desire to eat this vegetable in such a stand-alone way. It should be cut up nice and small for them to consume and once again, a small handful is enough, no more than once a day.
Can you feed zucchini to cats as a main meal?
No this is not recommended at all. Most cats (in our opinion) would not wolf down a plain bowl of Zucchini or any vegetable for that matter anyway. They are first and foremost meat-eaters and require this to stay healthy and happy in themselves.
Cats indeed derive some nutrition from vegetables in general, however, this does not compare in the slightest to the nutrition received from meat products. Small amounts of zucchini can indeed be beneficial for digestive health, however, large quantities can cause the reverse, and issues with digesting can present themselves if feed too much of this feedstuff.
Cats have very delicate bellies and too much of one type of food (except for meat) can cause them nasty stomach upsets, nausea, and vomiting. Cats that are feed zucchini as a weight loss aid should not have this as a stand-alone meal.
It is true by upping some of the vegetable content this can massively help with shedding the pounds, but always be sensible about the quantity you are providing. Weight loss happens over a period of time and should not be rushed.
What other vegetables can cats eat?
There are many types of vegetables that cats can consume safely in their diet. It is always wise to remember that these should be fed in moderation and not part of a main meal. There are no vegetables that should ever be fed to cats as the main part of their diet.
Adding vegetables into meat-based feeds can be a great way to jazz up your cat’s nosh and can add extra flavor into the mix which allows them to enjoy their food more and not get bored over time.
The addition of vegetables can be particularly helpful for fussy feline eaters and can sometimes be the difference between them wolfing down a meal or rejecting it.
Let’s take a look at some other types of vegetables in addition to Zucchini that you could safely feed to your cat to add a bit of extra variety into their diet.
| Safe Vegetables for Cats to Eat | |
| Asparagus | Frozen Corn |
| Carrots | Lettuce |
| Squash | Beetroot |
| Green Beans | Sweet Potato |
| Broccoli | Cabbage |
| Peas | Kale |
| Pumpkin | Swede |
| Spinach | Turnip |
What vegetables should cats avoid?
Although there many vegetables that are perfectly safe for cats to consume, there are also some that should be avoided at all costs. Cats weren’t necessarily designed to eat vegetables some types are highly toxic for cats to eat. If you have any of these growing in your garden it is a wise idea to remove them or fully cover them to avoid exposure to your cat (if they are allowed to roam that far).
Let’s look at some of those vegetables you should not be feeding to your cat under any circumstances:
| Vegetables that Cats should NOT eat! | |
| Onions | Garlic |
| Wild Mushrooms | Shallots |
| Chives | Tomatoes |
| Leeks | Potatoes (not recommended |