Can Dogs Have Zucchini? Healthy Treat Tips Inside!

Whether you’re a gardener with an overabundance of this summer squash or whether you simply want to share part of your meal with your dog, you may be wondering: Can dogs have zucchini?

The short answer is that yes, dogs can eat zucchini in small amounts as long as it hasn’t been cooked in or covered with something dogs shouldn’t eat, such as oil, butter, or onions.

Keep reading for more information relating to the classic question: Can dogs eat zucchini?

Benefits of Zucchini in a Dog’s Diet

Low in calories and high in fiber, zucchini can make a tasty occasional treat or a small part of their daily diet. Keep in mind that treats (including zucchini) should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories, so zucchini should never be a significant part of your dog’s diet.

Zucchini Nutritional Profile

Zucchini contains many vitamins and minerals that dogs can benefit from, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Zucchini?

Yes, dogs can eat raw zucchini. However, dogs struggle to digest raw vegetables, including zucchini, so your pup may have an easier time digesting zucchini if you cook it first.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Zucchini?

Yes, dogs can eat cooked zucchini as long as it hasn’t been cooked in oil, butter, or other fatty liquids, and as long as it isn’t covered in onions, spices, or other ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. Since bland zucchini is best for dogs, you’ll probably want to cook their zucchini separately from the seasoned zucchini you cook for yourself.

Proper Preparation of Zucchini for Dogs

Stick with organic zucchini to avoid feeding your pup pesticides, then thoroughly wash the veggie and remove the seeds and stem. Cut the zucchini into small, bite-sized pieces, and then you can either feed them to your dog raw or bake, steam, boil, or puree the vegetable before serving it to your dog. You can feed your dog the zucchini pieces as a treat or mixed in with your pup’s food.

Right Portions of Zucchini for Your Dog

Since it’s so rich in fiber, too much zucchini could upset your dog’s stomach. As a general guideline, you can give your dog about a mouthful of zucchini a day.

Based on your dog’s size, that looks like 1-2 teaspoons per day for dogs under 30 pounds, 2-3 teaspoons per day for medium-sized dogs that weigh 31-50 pounds, 1-2 tablespoons for dogs that weigh 51-90 pounds, and as much as 3-4 tablespoons for dogs over 90 pounds.

Can Dogs Eat Zucchini Daily?

If you limit how many other “treats” you give your dog, you could give them zucchini daily. You may want to monitor your dog’s bowel movements for a while at first to be sure that the added fiber doesn’t cause them any digestive problems.

Comparing Zucchini with Other Dog-Friendly Vegetables

Want to add some healthy variety to your dog’s diet in addition to zucchini? Here are some other dog-friendly vegetables:

• •Beans

• •Broccoli

• •Carrots

• •Cauliflower

• •Celery

• •Cucumbers

• •Garlic (in limited amounts)

• •Green beans

• •Lettuce

• •Peas

• •Spinach

• •Sweet potatoes

• •Tomatoes

Zucchini and Dogs with Special Dietary Requirements

If your dog has any particular dietary requirements, you should talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog zucchini or anything else outside their typical diet. While zucchini is generally safe for dogs, nothing is good for every single dog on the planet, and your pup could have an allergy or other reaction to zucchini or any other novel foods.

List of Dangerous Vegetables for Dogs

Luckily, most vegetables are safe for dogs. The only vegetables you should absolutely avoid giving your dog are onions, chives, and shallots, and you should take care not to overfeed your dog garlic, as it can be toxic in large amounts.

Beyond Zucchini: Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat?

You want the very best for your dog, which is why you were wondering: Can dogs eat zucchini? Since you’re already open to the idea of feeding your dog fresh foods, have you ever considered switching them to a raw diet?

Despite how little Chihuahuas and wolves resemble each other on the outside, their digestive systems are remarkably similar, indicating that dogs and wolves should eat a similar diet that consists primarily of raw muscle meat, organ meat, and bone.

We Feed Raw is nutritionally complete and balanced for dogs of all life stages, including the growth of large-breed puppies, and we use a cold-pressure process to inactivate potential pathogens, making our food safe.

Even adding some raw food to your dog’s diet can have numerous benefits, including improved digestion, whiter teeth, fewer allergies, a stronger immune system, and much more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe for dogs to eat zucchini?

Yes, it is safe for dogs to eat zucchini in small amounts as long as it hasn’t been cooked in oil or butter or coated in spices or seasonings that dogs shouldn’t eat, like onions or shallots.

What are the health benefits of feeding zucchini to dogs?

Some of the health benefits of feeding zucchini to dogs include that it is low in calories and high in moisture and fiber. Zucchini also contains vitamins A, C, and K as well as magnesium and potassium.

Are there any precautions when feeding zucchini to my dog?

As with any new food, you should monitor your dog after giving them zucchini for the first time to look for any allergic reactions or other problems. You should also avoid feeding your dog zucchini that has been cooked in oil, fried, or coated in spices, onions, or shallots.

How much zucchini can I give my dog?

You can give your dog about a mouthful of zucchini per day. Small dogs can eat 1-2 teaspoons of zucchini, while large and giant breeds can eat as much as 3-4 tablespoons of zucchini.

What other vegetables are safe for dogs?

Other vegetables that are safe for dogs include beans, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, green beans, lettuce, peas, spinach, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.

Switch to Raw Dog Food Today

Ready to provide your furry friend with an optimal diet that taps into their ancestral needs? At We Feed Raw, we understand the importance of incorporating healthy veggies like zucchini into your dog's diet, in just the right amounts. 

Our service offers tailored raw meals that are not only nutritionally complete and balanced for dogs of all life stages, including large-breed puppies, but also safe, thanks to our meticulous cold-pressure process that inactivates potential pathogens.

Your dog deserves the freshest, most natural diet possible to support their digestion, strengthen their immune system, and maintain a sparkling set of teeth. With We Feed Raw, you don't need to worry about portion sizes or the correct preparation of vegetables—we've done all the work for you. Introducing our perfectly portioned raw meals can be the first step toward a happier, healthier canine companion.

Don't leave your pet's health to chance. Discover the difference a raw diet can make and be amazed by the improvements in their overall well-being. Take our quiz today at wefeedraw.com and start your dog on the path to a more vibrant life, brimming with the ancestral nourishment they were born to enjoy. Your dog's journey to a raw, wholesome diet begins now–let's embrace their health together.