Can dogs eat zucchini?
Yes, dogs can eat zucchini, either raw or cooked. In fact, it’s very good for them!
Our dog Bingo, pictured below, can’t get enough of them. Though he’ll happily eat anything (I have to watch or he’s snatching eggs out from under the chickens).
Here’s a bit more info on dogs eating zucchini and a few examples of dog food you can buy that has zucchini on the ingredient list.
Can Dogs Have Zucchini?
Zucchini is also sometimes called squash, courgette, or marrow, and it’s perfectly fine to eat as part of a balanced dog diet.
Like most vegetables, zucchini is high in vitamins and minerals, including:
- Vitamins A, C, and K
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Manganese
Just to name a few.
If you have ever grown zucchini in your garden, you’ll know how much fruit a single plant can produce. Odds are that you and the family can’t keep on top of it!
This is a good opportunity to feed some to your dog for its overall health and well-being.
We actually grow so much zucchini during the summer that we grate it and freeze it and have enough for the rest of the year. You can also cut and blanch it, but it’s not as nice when unfrozen.
It doesn’t matter what breed of dog you have, whether a German Shepherd, Labrador, Goldendoodle, pug, or French Bulldog breed.
A little bit of grated zucchini with their usual food will go down a treat.
My dog Bingo is a Shepherd/Lab and he hasn’t had any upset stomachs, diarrhea, or any other negatives from eating courgettes.
He’ll also eat pickles just fine, which are a relative of the zucchini.
How To Feed Dogs Zucchini
The best way to feed zucchini to your dog is simply by grating it and putting it on the side of their regular food or mixing it through.
Giving your dog larger chunks or diced pieces may not be overly appetizing. Some dogs will love it and others won’t go near it!
When we’re cutting up this vegetable for our meals, we’ll always chuck the ends out to Bingo, and he’s happy to eat them.
Zucchini is very easy to grate, has a high water content that can keep dogs hydrated, and all parts of it are good for dogs.
This includes the:
- Skin (extra fiber)
- Inner fruit
- Seeds inside
If you have had a meal with grilled or frilled zucchini, and you don’t mind giving leftovers and scraps to your dog, then a small amount will be fine.
However, anything overly oily or seasoned would be best thrown out. For example, seasoned zucchini curly fries shouldn’t be given to a dog.
Dog Food With Zucchini
Not only can you feed your dog zucchini from the garden (or supermarket), but there is plenty of dog food for purchase that contains zucchini. Here are some examples.
This is canned dog food sold in packs of 12. Recommended by veterinarians with no wheat, soy, or corn. No doubt your dog will love it!
American Natural Premium Market – Fish Recipe with Zucchini and Carrots!
Grab yourself a big bag of this fish-based dog food with zucchini.
It’s full of antioxidant-rich zucchini, carrots, and pumpkin to support healthy digestion in your pup.
Addiction Dehydrated Dog Food – Steakhouse Beef and Zucchini.
Your dog will be eating better than you with this delicious feast.
All the way from New Zealand comes this beef and zucchini delight. None of the bad stuff and all of the good stuff!
Chippin Oven Baked Variety Pack – a range of vegetables.
This great variety pack from Chippin doesn’t have zucchini but is full of a wide range of other fruit and veges.
The other fun ingredient is crickets – a great source of protein.
Zucchini For Dogs
Can dogs eat zucchini and squash?
Yes!
Is zucchini good for dogs?
Yes!
No harm will come to your pup by feeding them some of these healthy vegetables. In fact, they need it.
If you’ve had a plentiful harvest then don’t let any go to waste – feed it to your pup!
So that’s zucchini, but can dogs eat shrimp? And what about dogs eating bell peppers?
My dog is obsessed with zucchini. He’ll happily start chomping into them right in the plant. Not something I’m encouraging!