Can Dogs Eat Courgettes? 5 Important Things to Consider for Your Dog

Reviewed & Fact Checked Dr. Joseph Menicucci Veterinarian DVM, MBA

Can Dogs Eat Courgettes? 5 Key Facts About Feeding Your Dog

Your Guide To: Can Dogs Eat Courgettes?

Written by

Keenan Farrell

Fact checked and reviewed by:
Dr. Joseph Menicucci, DVM, MBA

Courgettes, also known as zucchinis, are versatile vegetables enjoyed in a variety of dishes for their mild flavor and tender texture. Whether grilled, sautéed, or added to casseroles, courgettes are a favorite for their health benefits and ease of preparation.

When it comes to sharing courgettes with your canine companion, the good news is that they can be a healthy and safe addition to your dog’s diet. Courgettes are low in calories and high in essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. These attributes make them a beneficial treat for dogs, contributing to overall health and digestion.

However, it’s important to serve courgettes properly. Avoid adding any seasonings, oils, or sauces, as these can be harmful to dogs. Steamed or cooked courgettes, without any added ingredients, are the best way to offer this vegetable to your pet. Dig in to find out – Can Dogs Eat Courgettes?

Can Dogs Eat Courgettes? Can Dogs Have Courgettes?

If you’re a pet parent who loves sharing healthy foods with your fur babies, you may wonder if you can add to their meal timetable. Courgette or zucchini is a nutritional powerhouse that doubles as a healthy snack. It’s a perfect way to keep the hunger pangs away without resorting to calorie-dense food that will have you putting on pounds.

But can this veggie extend the same health benefits to your pooch? Before offering human food to your furry friend, you must understand the health implications. Some human foods are known to harm dogs. But is that the case with courgettes?

Can Dogs Eat Courgettes

Courgette is a dog-safe vegetable brimming with healthy goodness. ¹The squash vegetable is low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, making it an ideal weight-loss snack for dogs. You may offer zucchini as a standalone snack or food topping, depending on your dog’s preference. Some dogs prefer eating it raw for its crunchy texture, while others like it cooked for its delightful flavor and soft texture.

As with all human foods, you should offer zucchini in moderation. Offering too much may saddle your pooch with digestive issues. Dogs that eat too much of this veggie face the risk of diarrhea, vomiting, or gas. ¹

Zucchini stands a cut above other dog snacks because it is healthy, nutrient-dense, and has no long-term downside. Since it’s low in carbohydrates and calories, it doesn’t pose a weight gain risk in the long term.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Courgettes

Dogs safely eat raw courgettes in moderation. ²Raw zucchini has a crunchy texture that dogs love, making it a healthy and tasty addition to their diet. The raw form of this veggie is highly beneficial to dogs because it contains vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and essential minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium. It’s also a low-calorie snack—one cup of raw zucchini only contains about 20 calories. ³

Are Courgettes Good for Dogs

Courgettes are exceedingly good for dogs. The veggie is jampacked with nutrients that help keep your pup healthy. It contains vitamins, essential minerals, and antioxidants. ⁴

Most dogs can’t get enough of this delicious treat that makes an excellent food topping. While zucchini is nutritious and dog-safe, it can never be more than a snack. Don’t offer it a complete meal but as an occasional treat, following the 10% dog treat rule. ⁵

Are Courgettes Poisonous to Dogs

Courgettes aren’t poisonous to dogs. On the contrary, they’re one of the best canine-safe vegetables for your pooch. It’s high in fiber and low in calories, making it an excellent snack for dogs packing extra pounds. ¹

No part of this member of the squash family—stem, leaves, or flowers—is toxic to your canine companion. You can safely grow it in your garden and ensure your pooch has a steady source of healthy and nutritious snacks.

What Health Benefits Does Courgettes Have?

Zucchini is a nutrient-dense, low-calorie veggie that provides endless health benefits for dogs. It’s rich in dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium. ⁶The health ranges from boosting hydration to supporting digestion and strengthening the immune system.

Improves hydration: Zucchini has an exceptionally high water content—the veggie is about 95% water. ³It can help boost a dog’s hydration level and assist with temperature regulation, proper body functions, and waste elimination. You can freeze zucchini and offer it as a cool, refreshing treat during summer.
Helps with weight loss: With its low sugar, low-calorie, and high water content, courgette makes a healthy snack for dogs with weight concerns. It’s also high in dietary fiber, which helps add bulk to your dog’s food without burdening them with unnecessary calories. ⁷Zucchini has a refreshing taste that dogs love, so you won’t face major resistance when helping them to maintain a healthy weight.
Supports digestion: Adding courgette to your dog’s meal plan can help eliminate digestive issues. The veggie is rich in dietary fiber, which helps improve gut health and regulate bowel movement, lowering the risk of digestive problems such as diarrhea and constipation. ⁸A high-fiber diet promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which helps eliminate harmful pathogens from your dog’s stomach.
Boosts heart health: Courgettes are rich in carotenoids such as zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta-carotene, which are known to boost heart health and function. ⁹Carotenoids and potassium can help regulate blood pressure in dogs and lower the risk of developing heart conditions. Courgette also contains magnesium, a mineral that helps prevent irregular heartbeat and regulates heart rate.
Enhances vision: Zucchini is also rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, which are crucial for pooch’s eye health. ⁹ Vitamin A reduces the risk of glaucoma, cataracts, and night blindness by preventing the eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays. It also stimulates tear production to keep them well lubricated and protect against irritation and dryness.

What’s the Best Way To Serve My Dog Courgettes?

You’re spoiled for choice when serving zucchini to your dog. You may offer it raw, steamed, baked, or pureed. ¹⁰ If your dog enjoys eating raw courgette, thoroughly wash the veggie to remove contaminants. Remove the stem and seed and cut the veggie into small bite-sized chunks before offering.

Alternatively, you can grate the squash into spaghetti-like strands. Don’t offer raw zucchini if your pooch has digestive issues because it can be harder to digest than the cooked variety. ¹⁰

If your dog prefers cooked zucchini, cut the veggie into small pieces and boil or steam until tender. Don’t add any salt, salt, or condiments. Leave the dish to cool before offering it to your pooch.

If your pooch has trouble chewing or struggles to digest raw zucchini, you can mash or puree the cooked veggie before offering it. Conversely, if your dog prefers crunchy treats, slice the squash into thin circular pieces and bake them in the oven at low temperature until they’re crispy.

How Much Courgettes Should I Give My Dog?

Since courgette is a dog snack, not a complete meal, you should follow the 10% dog treat rule. The veggie should be an occasional treat and shouldn’t exceed 10% of your dog’s daily food intake. ⁵ Naturally, the size of your pooch determines how much zucchini to offer. A teaspoon a day is ideal for extra-small breeds such as Pomeranians, while extra-large dogs such as St. Bernards can have up to tablespoons a day.

Can Puppies Eat Courgettes?

Puppies can safely eat courgettes. Incorporating zucchini into their diet provides them with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. ⁶It can help you ensure they get the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong. Start by offering small amounts of courgette and observing for reaction when introducing the veggie. Unlike adults, puppies have more food sensitivities and allergies. You want to be sure they can safely digest zucchini before making it a regular part of their diet.

So, Can Dogs Eat Courgettes? What’s The Verdict?

Zucchini is a dog-safe vegetable that’s brimming with healthy goodness. It’s rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its high water and fiber content makes it an ideal treat for dogs struggling with weight maintenance. You can offer it raw, cooked, or baked, depending on your dog’s preference and needs. As with any human food, you should offer this veggie in moderation to avoid triggering digestive issues.

Sources

If you’re looking for more nutritional advice for your pet, The American Canine Club is a great starting point for all things canine health.

Can Dogs Eat Courgettes? 5 Important Things to Consider for Your Dog

Your Guide To: Can Dogs Eat Courgettes?

Can Dogs Eat Courgettes? Can Dogs Have Courgettes?