Can Dogs Eat Zucchini?
Photo by Chewy Studios
Zucchini is a popular summer veggie found in everything from salads to stir-fries, but can dogs eat zucchini too?
According to veterinarians, yes! When prepared safely and served in moderation, zucchini can be a healthy, hydrating treat for dogs. It’s low in calories, high in water, and full of nutrients that can support digestion, immunity, and more.
To help you safely add zucchini to your pup’s diet, here are the benefits, serving tips, and potential risks to keep in mind.
Before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian.
Can Dogs Have Zucchini?
Yes, dogs can have zucchini, as long as it’s prepared safely and you don’t go overboard.
Fresh, plain zucchini is the best choice. It can be served raw or cooked, with or without the skin.
However, avoid the following kinds of zucchini:
- Seasoned zucchini: Added ingredients like garlic, onions, butter, salt, and oil can upset your dog’s stomach or even be toxic.
- Zucchini bread: While it may seem like a harmless treat, it’s often loaded with sugar or fat.
- Spoiled or moldy zucchini: Zucchini that’s past its prime can cause digestive issues or food poisoning.
Is Zucchini Good for Dogs?
It’s not just safe, zucchini is actually packed with nutrients that can support your dog’s overall health. Here’s what makes it so nutritious:
- It’s a good source of vitamins and minerals. Zucchini is rich in vitamin A, vitamin B6, riboflavin, folate, vitamin C, copper, magnesium, manganese, and potassium. These promote a strong immune system, good eyesight, and a healthy coat and skin.
- It’s high in fiber. The fiber in zucchini can support a dog’s digestive system, lowering the possibility of constipation and keeping your dog regular.
- It’s full of antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect your dog from free radicals, which are harmful, unstable molecules that can contribute to chronic disease.
- It’s a low-glycemic food. This means the sugar content is low, and it won’t cause your dog’s blood sugar to spike.
- It’s low in calories. Zucchini is low in calories, with each medium zucchini containing about 33 calories.
Is Zucchini Bad for Dogs?
While zucchini is safe, there are a few potential issues to keep in mind:
- Too much can cause gastrointestinal troubles. Offering your dog a large amount of zucchini can lead to diarrhea and/or vomiting. As such, limit your pooch to no more than the recommended amount.
- It can be a choking hazard. Your pup could choke on raw zucchini—or even cooked zucchini if it’s not served in small pieces. Make sure to cut it up into bite-size pieces no matter how you serve it.
- It’s slightly bitter. Large zucchinis can have more of a bitter taste than smaller ones. And bitter zucchinis may cause an upset stomach. Be on the safe side and stick to small ones.
How Much Zucchini Can My Dog Eat?
When it comes to quantity, zucchini should serve as a small supplement or a treat, not a staple.
Limit all treats combined to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. The remaining 90% should come from a complete and balanced diet. Feeding dogs too many treats can lead to nutritional imbalances.
The exact quantity your dog can safely eat depends on factors such as their regular diet, size, and age. Here are some general guidelines for how much zucchini to give your dog:
| Dog Size | Serving Size | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Extra-small dogs (2–10 pounds) | 1–2 bite-size pieces | 2–3 times per week |
| Small dogs (11–20 pounds) | 2–3 bite-size pieces | 2–3 times per week |
| Medium dogs (21–50 pounds) | 3–4 bite-size pieces | 2–3 times per week |
| Large dogs (51–90 pounds) | 4–5 bite-size pieces | 2–3 times per week |
| Extra-large dogs (91+ pounds) | 5–6 bite-size pieces | 2–3 times per week |
Like any new food, gradually add zucchini to your dog’s diet and carefully monitor for digestive issues. If your dog reacts poorly in any way, stop feeding them zucchini.
How To Safely Feed Zucchini to Your Dog
When it comes to dogs and zucchini, a little prep goes a long way. Here’s how to serve it safely and make it easier on your pup’s stomach:
- Wash thoroughly. Rinse the zucchini under cool water to remove any dirt, bacteria, or pesticide residue, especially if you’re not peeling it.
- Cut into small pieces. Whether raw or cooked, always slice zucchini into bite-size pieces to make it easier for your dog to chew and reduce the risk of choking.
- Lightly cook it. While raw zucchini is fine for most pups, lightly steaming or roasting it can make it easier to digest—just skip the oil, salt, or seasoning.
Once it’s prepped, here are a few fun ways to offer zucchini to your dog:
- Give it to your dog straight-up as a crunchy snack (raw or cooked).
- Mix grated or chopped zucchini into your dog’s regular kibble.
- Serve plain, steamed, or roasted slices as a snack or training treat.
- Freeze small pieces for a refreshing summer treat.
- Blend zucchini with other dog-safe veggies, like carrots and cucumber, to make a hydrating slushy.
Homemade Dog Treats With Zucchini
If you want to get creative in the kitchen, you can also try making these dog treats:
Store-Bought Dog Treats With Zucchini
If DIY isn’t an option, you can buy healthy, zucchini-based dog treats instead:
Recommended Product
My Dog Ate Too Much Zucchini—What Do I Do?
If your pup ate a little too much zucchini, keep an eye out for these common signs of digestive distress:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gas or bloating
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, give your veterinarian a call. Most cases of mild stomach upset will pass on their own, but your vet can help you determine whether your dog needs to be seen.
FAQs About Zucchini for Dogs
Q: Can puppies eat zucchini?
A: Puppies over 8 weeks old can have a small amount of zucchini. You shouldn’t give zucchini to puppies younger than that, as their digestive systems are still developing and are especially sensitive.
Q: Can dogs eat raw zucchini?
A: Yes, dogs can eat raw zucchini—and many dogs like the crunch. Just be sure to cut it into small chunks to avoid a choking hazard.
Q: Can dogs eat zucchini squash?
A: Zucchini squash is just another term for zucchini. Yes, your dog can eat it, following the same guidelines as zucchini.
Q: Can dogs eat cooked zucchini?
A: Yes, and some dogs actually prefer softer, cooked zucchini over raw zucchini. Never cook your zucchini with seasoning, like onion, garlic, or flavored sauces, if you plan to feed it to your dog. Plain is the way to go.
Q: Can dogs eat zucchini bread?
A: No, dogs shouldn’t eat zucchini bread. It often contains sugar, fat, and spices, like nutmeg, which can be dangerous for dogs.
Q: Can dogs eat zucchini skin?
A: Yes! The skin contains the most nutrients, so don’t peel the zucchini. Again, just ensure the pieces are small enough so they’re not a choking hazard.
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