CutePet Window

Can dogs eat zucchini? Yes! Zucchini is a safe and nutritious snack option they can eat in moderation, which is good news for anyone with an overflowing zucchini garden this summer. But even with the healthiest of dog-friendly human food options, it's always a good idea to avoid overfeeding zucchini to keep your canine companion healthy and happy.

We talked to two veterinarians to learn more about how to safely feed your dog zucchini.

Is Zucchini Safe for Dogs?

“Zucchini is generally safe for dogs to eat,” says Sam Varon, DVM. “It’s a non-toxic vegetable that can be a healthy addition to their diet when given in moderation.”

All parts of a zucchini are safe for dogs to eat. It is ideally eaten cooked to make it easier to digest but small amounts of raw zucchini are safe as well.

Varon notes that while this vegetable is nutritious for our furry friends, it shouldn’t replace their regular complete and balanced diet. A little zucchini here and there ensures that dogs receive a variety of nutrients from their main food sources, he adds. Moderation is key, however, because eating too much of it or too often can result in digestive issues, such as diarrhea or gas.

Nutritional Benefits of Zucchini for Dogs

Zucchini is a nutritious vegetable that offers various benefits. It’s high in vitamins, particularly vitamins C and A, and minerals like manganese, magnesium, and potassium, says Dan Su, MS, DVM, DACVIM-Nutrition. These vitamins and minerals support overall health. 

This long, green squash is also low in calories, which makes it less likely for dogs to gain weight when fed this mild-tasting snack. Varon explains that zucchini is also high in fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes healthy bowel movements, and has a high water content that helps keep dogs hydrated.

How to Feed Zucchini to Dogs

If a dog enjoys zucchini, they can be given as a healthy treat, Su says.

He shares these tips on how to safely prepare zucchini for your canine companion:

1. Thoroughly wash the zucchini.
2. Feed raw or cooked (i.e. boiled or steamed).
3. Avoid seasonings or other additives to the zucchini to avoid digestive upset or accidentally adding in toxic or harmful ingredients, such as garlic, salt, onion, butter, or oil.
4. Dice or slice the zucchini into a bite-sized portion that’s appropriate for your dog.

Su explains that cooking zucchini can be safer for dogs, as the cooking process kills bacteria that may be present in raw zucchini, and cooked zucchini is more digestible than raw.

Whether you're feeding your dog raw or cooked zucchini, it should always be plain.

Potential Risks and Considerations

Just as with other dog-friendly human foods, there are potential risks to keep in mind when feeding zucchini to dogs.

Varon shares the following considerations when giving your dog zucchini:

• Digestive upset: “Some dogs might be sensitive to zucchini, leading to gastrointestinal issues,” he says.
• Choking hazard: Make sure zucchini is cut into small, manageable pieces, especially for smaller dogs, before feeding.

While zucchini is healthy and low in calories, Su says it should still be given within the recommended treat allowance of 10 percent of your dog's daily calories.

“For example, one cup of chopped, raw zucchini is about 21 calories, and this would be around the treat allowance of a 10-pound dog,” he says. “But for an 80-pound dog, they can eat seven cups of zucchini if they so desire—but they probably would want some other cookies and not just zucchini.”

Su and Varon say zucchini may not be a suitable option for dogs who are on an elimination diet to test for food allergies or have pre-existing conditions, especially those affecting digestion. They recommend consulting your veterinarian first before giving zucchini to your dog.

Other Vegetables Dogs Can Safely Eat

While vegetables like garlic, onions, shallots, and chives are toxic to canines and should always be avoided, there are many dog-friendly veggies you can feed as a standalone snack or food topper if you're looking to make your doggie's mealtimes extra fun and nutritious.

These include:

• Sweet potatoes
• Cauliflower
• Green beans
• Cucumbers
• Beets
• Brussel sprouts
• Broccoli
• Lettuce
• Celery
• Peas
• Carrots

When feeding any new food, it's always best to give your furry friend just a little at a time to see how they tolerate it.