Can dogs eat zucchini?

Updated 29/04/2024

A popular summer veg that's packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, the humble zucchini is central to the Mediterranean diet (and more). And as you'll probably agree, our furry friends are rather curious creatures, needing a sniff of just about anything that lands on our plates. But can dogs eat zucchini, or do we need to be careful when sharing it with our canine companions? Luckily for your pup, zucchini is perfectly safe for dogs. In fact, they can eat it raw or cooked, and all parts of the plant are safe for your furry friend to munch on. For more on zucchini and dogs, take a look below as we clear up some of the common questions pet parents have on feeding their pups the veg.

Related article: Can dogs eat squash?

Is zucchini poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat zucchini willy-nilly, or is there anything pet parents need to be cautious of when feeding dogs the veg? And is zucchini safe for dogs completely? Well unlike many other vegetables we humans enjoy, dogs can eat any part of the zucchini plant, including the flowers. And while you don't need to worry about zucchini poisoning in dogs, it's worth keeping a close eye on Fido if they're trying zucchini for the first time. Why? Well despite the lack of toxic compounds in the veg, there's always the chance that your doggo has an intolerance to it, so only introduce one new food every few days or so and keep an eye on their behavior in between. That way, you'll know whether your pup has a food intolerance to zucchini, or something else you've introduced.

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Is zucchini good for dogs?

So can dogs eat zucchini and get any benefits from it, or is the veg simply safe for dogs to eat? Well there are a range of vitamins and minerals that we'll explore in more detail below, but one of the great things about dogs eating zucchini is its low calorie content. The lack of energy your pup can get out of a zucchini means it makes for a great training treat, as you don't need to worry about exceeding your dog's daily calorie intake quite so much. One thing to be cautious of though is the high fiber content. While there's no mistaking that your pup needs fiber in their diet, they could easily overdo it if it's vegetables they're being treated to alongside their dog food. So to stay on the safe side, simply stick to the 90:10 rule, where only 10% of your dog's calories are made up of treats. 

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Health benefits of eating zucchini for dogs

So, now we've cleared up your query - can dogs eat zucchini - you might want to know some of the health benefits your pooch could be getting out of the veg every now and then. As we've mentioned, zucchini is seriously low in calories, which means they're a pretty safe choice for dogs on a strict diet, or any pup where pet parents want to make controlling calorie intake simpler. Alongside that, zucchini is high in fiber, which can help to support your pup's digestive system if they're struggling with constipation or diarrhea (but always get advice from your vet first if that's the case). Then on the vitamins front, your pup's vision will be supported by the vitamin A content, and their immune system will be maintained by the vitamin C (which also helps to remove free radicals). 

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Feeding your dog zucchini

So with all of these health benefits and the lack of calories in the veg, can dogs have zucchini left, right and center? Naturally, no - as a fellow pet parent, you're probably aware that our furry friends have rather particular stomachs (unlike their taste buds at times). So when it comes to portion sizes, make sure you're not giving your pooch more than 10% of their calories in treats - this will help to ensure they're getting all the nutrients they need from their dog food without overdoing it on the calories front.

And when it comes to preparing zucchini for dogs, allow the veg to ripen to avoid any bitterness, then wash it thoroughly to remove any pesticides. Keep the skin on and chop it into bite-size pieces, then decide whether your pooch would prefer it cooked or raw, and don't be tempted to add any additional fats, seasonings or aromatics.

Can dogs eat raw zucchini?

It's up to you whether you cook the zucchini you serve up to your pup - they can enjoy it raw or cooked.

Can dogs have zucchini skin?

Zucchini skin is perfectly safe for dogs and can provide additional nutrients - it's safe for dogs to digest as it's thin and soft enough to gnaw through.

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Other zucchini products

And can dogs have zucchini cooked into other dishes, or should it always be served plain? You guessed it - it’s the latter. Products like zucchini bread and even some of your favorite dishes made with cream, onion and garlic are not only fattening for dogs, but also toxic. So, plain and simple is the way forward when it comes to adding 'people food' into your pup's diet.

Meet our veterinary expert, Hannah

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCV.

Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and worked in mixed practice for a few years before focusing on small animal work. Clinically, she worked in a busy, multi-center hospital practice until 2018, where she underwent training in advanced canine and feline dentistry and began working towards a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. She then moved to a local independent practice to care for the pets nearby, allowing more time to focus on other career avenues, which include writing for a diverse range of pet websites, vet practices, drug companies, journals, and veterinary educators.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So now we know that zucchini and dogs are a match that's sure to get your pup's tail wagging, what are the other foods dogs can eat? Take a look below to get started.

• Cabbage
• Lettuce
• Spinach