Sayote is one of the least expensive vegetables in the Philippines. You can get sayote for as low as P20 a kilo, and P50 a kilo at most.
Also known as Chayote, Choko, or Mirliton, it has a mild and slightly sweet flavor and is a bit crunchy like cucumber.
Unknown to many, sayote is rich in:
1. dietary fiber
2. potassium
3. phosphorous
4. magnesium
5. vitamin C
6. Choline.
The best thing about sayote is it does not have unhealthy fats and cholesterol, thus, it promotes a healthy weight, said Sable M., a canine chef, in “Can Dogs Eat Chayote?” in healthyhomemadedogtreats.com.
Is sayote good for dogs?
Yes. Sayote from the squash family is safe and not toxic to dogs, said Sable M.
“Chayote can be fed to dogs without any problem. If anything, many dog parents have fed their dogs other types of squash (like acorn, butternut, summer, and spaghetti) without any problem,” she said.
Sable M listed the reasons sayote makes a dog healthy:
1. It contains lots of minerals and vitamins like calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, manganese, and Vitamins A and C.
2. It has antioxidants which can help your dog fight inflammations and kidney disease.
3. It can help boost a dog’s immune system.
4. It can improve the dog’s vision as he ages.
5. It can improve cardiovascular functions of the dog, and keep cardiovascular diseases at bay.
Sable M. said sayote, like other vegetables, may cause self-limiting diarrhea and vomiting. But there is no need to worry as these side effects will go away on its own after a short period of time.
We have been giving sayote to our dogs and the rescued dogs of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL Inc.) and we have not had any problems at all.
How to feed sayote to dogs
1. Like any new food, introduce sayote slowly to your dog. Give a small amount and increase the amount slowly until the dog has built up a tolerance for the new food. “Remember that feeding your dog any new food in moderation is the best way to avoid potential digestive issues,” Sable M said.
2. It is always best to cook sayote before giving it to your dog. At Save ALL foster homes, the sayote skin and seed are removed. The seed can irritate the stomach, Sable M. said.
Grate the flesh (laman) for easy digestion. Then boil the grated sayote. DO NOT ADD SEASONING AND SALT. Seasoning like pepper can lead to allergy, heat and difficulty in breathing. Salt can lead to kidney problems.
“Most vegetables are best fed to dogs after they have been properly cooked or boiled because dog’s digestive systems aren’t always great in processing raw vegetables. You should do the same with Chayote for dogs. Boil or cook Chayote before giving it to your dog to avoid issues such as stomach aches, gas, bloating, and constipation that are often associated with giving dogs raw vegetables,” Sable M. said.
“Although the flavor and texture of Chayote may be distasteful to your dog, don’t be tempted to add seasonings or toppings as these can cause toxicity in dogs,” she added.
3. You can add chicken or bone broth to the sayote to make the dog like it. Again, do not add salt, pepper or any other seasoning. No garlic or onions too.
“Chayote is not only safe for dogs but can also be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. Like other vegetables, however, it is important to serve it properly and in moderation, particularly when you are still introducing it to your furry friend,” Sable M. said.