Can My Dog Eat Chayote? Chayote, also known as christophene or Cho-Cho, is usually consumed as part of the main dish instead of being used as an ingredient. It tastes like a combination of cucumber and zucchini and has a mild flavor that other elements in your recipe can easily overpower. Though chayote is considered healthy in moderation, it’s not necessarily recommended that you feed it to your dog regularly. Read on to learn more about whether or not your dog can eat chayote.
Can My Dog Eat Chayote? 10 Facts You Need to Know
Do you have a dog but are unsure whether it’s okay to feed him chayote? You may be surprised at how many people fall into this category! Chayote, also known as mirliton or christophene, may look like an innocent vegetable, but it belongs to the gourd family. This family includes pumpkins and squash, so it’s probably best to steer clear of chayote if your dog has gotten sick from these foods before.
What is chayote?
This vegetable is also called chow, christophene, mirliton, pianola, vegetable pear, or choko. It is grown in warm climates around South America and Mexico. These vegetables are filled with vitamin C, beta-carotene, calcium, and phosphorus. The Chayote fruit contains more than 12 kinds of amino acids essential for human growth. They also contain vitamins B1, B2 & B3 (niacin), riboflavin, pantothenic acid & folate. They have a high amount of fiber which makes them suitable for weight loss too! You can find it at any local supermarket if you live in an area where they grow! The leaves can be eaten as well!
The Pros
In their native land, Chayotes can grow to enormous sizes. The largest weighed 36 pounds (16 kg), a veritable elephant of a vegetable! However, most garden-variety chayotes are pretty small—anywhere from a few ounces to three pounds (1-1.5 kg). Aside from being delicious raw or cooked, coyotes are also said to help lower blood pressure and have anti-inflammatory properties. Some believe that eating chayote will help prevent certain types of cancer, though studies haven’t proven it. All in all, an impressive list of superpowers for such a seemingly innocuous squash!
The Cons
Like many fruits, chayote is high in sugar. However, even if your pup isn’t diabetic, too much sugar can lead to weight gain, which can result in diabetes. (Look at what happened to us humans!) Be sure to stick with moderate portions of chayote — less than half a cup per day for dogs weighing under 50 pounds. It’s also best to avoid giving your dog overly ripe fruit (green or yellow) since it might upset his stomach. Dogs are also lactose intolerant, just like their wild relatives, so be careful not to overdo it on foods containing milk products.
How to Include it in your diet
The word chayote comes from chayote, which means vegetable in several native American languages. Technically, that would make chayotes vegetables. But for all intents and purposes, coyotes are fruit. And as such, they are best eaten fresh or cooked into pies, jams, or a simple compote with a little bit of sugar added. Coyotes should never be eaten raw because they contain several toxic chemicals (namely cyanide) that don’t break down when cooked. The exception to that rule is if you’re using it as an ingredient in something—say as a filling for empanadas or some other kind of pastry—and so long as you’re cooking it thoroughly before consuming it.
Fact 1: What is it?
CHAYOTE is a tropical American squash with a crunchy texture and flavor like a cross between cucumber and zucchini. Sometimes labeled mirliton, chayote is often used in Mexican cuisine. The whole vegetable is edible, but it’s also sold prepared in cans or jars as pickles or relish. While you may see chayote on your grocer’s shelves year-round, it’s especially abundant during summer months when other fresh vegetables are scarce. It will keep for about two weeks if you store it at room temperature in a dry area that doesn’t experience much humidity levels or temperature fluctuation.
Fact 2: Is it safe for dogs?
Yes, but chayote can have a laxative effect if consumed in large quantities, as with most vegetables. You should monitor your dog’s consumption and ensure it doesn’t go over their daily calorie limit. Always keep an eye on your pet while eating, especially if they’ve never eaten chayote before. When in doubt, leave it out!
Fact 3: Can it grow in your yard?
Yes! If you’re wondering if chayote can grow in your yard, it can and will. However, you need to make sure that you have plenty of room because it is a vine vegetable, meaning it will grow and cover every inch of ground given to it. Because of its ability to succeed in different climates and conditions, chayote is considered an invasive species—so be careful when growing and cultivating them.
Fact 4: How do you cook it?
There are several ways to cook chayote. First, you can boil it in water or steam it. Second, you can add chayote to soups and stews as a vegetable replacement. Third, you can grill or sauté it with olive oil. Fourth, you can roast it in an oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (F). Fifth, you can slice chayote into chunks and mix them into salads for added crunchiness!
Fact 5: Do dogs like it?
What do you think? Any dog owner worth their salt knows that dogs have an innate sense of what is and isn’t good for them. Sure, they might try and steal a piece of your chicken wing or some chocolate cake if they think you aren’t paying attention, but one thing they won’t do is eat something they don’t like. Dogs aren’t going to turn down a snack or meal, so if you see that your pup seems drawn to chayote, he probably likes it! Now go ahead and feed him (in moderation). If you want more info on keeping your dog happy and healthy, check out our list of 14 easy ways you can make your dog healthier today!
Fact 6: Health benefits
Chayote can help you lose weight and reduce your diabetes and heart disease risk. It is rich in vitamins C and B6. The calcium it contains has also been shown to play a role in reducing blood pressure. All in all, chayote offers good health for both you and your pet! If you’re wondering if your dog can eat chayote, don’t forget these benefits! Just make sure they don’t have any allergies before serving them some of these vegetables—and be careful not to feed them too much because too much may cause stomach problems.
Fact 7: Are there any risks associated with eating chayote as a pet owner?
A small amount of chayote is okay for your dog but should not be fed more than once or twice a week. If your dog consumes an excessive amount, it could cause stomach upset and diarrhea. The risk of toxicity can also occur if chayote is sprayed with any chemicals that are too harsh for your dog’s system. It’s safe for dogs to eat chayote during pregnancy and lactation, but dogs shouldn’t consume it while still growing. It’s best to consult with a veterinarian before feeding your pet anything new. They will most likely tell you that dogs can eat chayote in moderation and give you advice on whether or not they should do so.
Fact 8: Where can I buy chayote to feed my dog?
Check your local grocery store, farmer’s market, or even places like Whole Foods. Though it is becoming more common, you might have difficulty finding it. If so, several online retailers specialize in selling all kinds of fruits and vegetables for both humans and pets (just search buy chayote dog). Just make sure you purchase only organic varieties to avoid harmful pesticide residues.
Fact 9: Where should I buy them from, if possible?
When buying chayotes, you want to be sure that they’re being sold as fresh produce. Look for fruit that is firm and smooth, not soft or wrinkled. If they’re being sold at a grocery store, they should also be pesticide-free. To ensure it, ask if they’ve been treated with anything and what it is—you might have to specifically request information on pesticide use when buying from a farmers market stand. It’s better for everyone involved in your dog’s health if you know what substances have touched your dog’s food. As for how much you should buy?
Fact 10) Should I harvest seeds, tubers, or leaves of this plant and feed them to my dog. Why or why not.
If you’re wondering whether or not your dog can eat chayote, you’re far from alone. This plant is used as a food source in some cultures, but it isn’t typically found on American menus. Many people grow chayote for its ornamental flowers and because it’s not generally considered edible. It might be tempting to let your dog taste it just out of curiosity, but there are important reasons why doing so is dangerous for dogs. Read on for a list of facts that will explain why dogs should never eat chayote and how much of a threat eating any part of chayote poses to your dog’s health.