It’s not a cucumber, but you’re close. Courgettes are a staple for many dishes, and why not? They are delicious, crunchy, and full of good nutrients. At least, they are for humans. Can the same be said for your canine companion?
Dogs can eat courgette, and it’s actually really good for them. They are packed with vitamin C, potassium, antioxidants, fibre, and loads of water to keep them hydrated. In fact, there’s pretty much no downsides to giving them this vegetable as a treat.
So, don’t scroll by, check out our detailed guide on how courgette can benefit your dog as well as the ways in which you can serve it.
Benefits of Courgette for Dogs
Courgettes do have some great nutritional benefits for your dog. Aside from being satisfyingly crunchy, they are also rich in vitamin C, potassium, calcium, folate, and beta-carotene. All of the vitamins and minerals are essential for your dog’s health.
They promote strong bones and healthy joints, while also boosting the immune system. At the same time, they ensure nerves, muscles, and vision are all functioning correctly and stay in good health. All of these are fantastic benefits that will help your pup thrive.
Courgettes have loads of antioxidants as well, protecting your dog’s coat and skin to keep it shiny and glossy while also boosting the immune system. They also help your pup stay hydrated with a high water concentration.
They are fantastic for digestion due to the large amounts of soluble and insoluble fibre that they contain. This not only helps to soften stools and alleviate constipation in dogs, but it can also improve gut health and reduce the risk of conditions such as colitis.
Leading on from this, the fibre contributes to feelings of fullness. So, courgettes are low-calorie and filling which makes them ideal for chunky dogs who are trying to lose a little weight. It is also low in sugar, so there is no risk of their blood sugar spiking when you add a little.
Just remember, you can have too much of a good thing. If your dog eats too much courgette, you may want to keep them in a separate room as they are likely to have some serious gas. Some dogs may also get an upset stomach if they gorge on zucchini.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Courgette?
They absolutely can eat raw courgette. In fact, many dogs prefer it because it has a lovely crunch to it that makes it more enjoyable for them to eat. One of the best ways to serve it raw is to shred it and add it to your dog’s dinner as a little extra.
If you are feeling wild this summer, you can also slice the courgette and stick it in the freezer. Not only does it create a cooling treat for a hot day, but it also gives them something to munch on while they cool off in the shade.
Here’s a fun fact for you. It is always better to buy the smaller courgettes (or grow them yourself). Large courgettes are more likely to be bitter, which can cause upset stomachs as well as vomiting as it contains toxins from the courgette plant.
If you are worried, you can always try a little before you give it to your dog. If it is bitter, it is best to just throw it away.
Read Here: Can Dogs Eat Olives?
Can Dogs Eat Courgette Skin?
Your dogs can definitely eat courgette skin. In fact, it tends to have a high concentration of antioxidants which is great for their health. However, the skin is also quite tough and some dogs may find that they get a slightly upset stomach as a result – it all depends on the dog.
The skin is also high in fibre, which is great for your pup and also part of why it can be difficult for some dogs to digest. If you do decide to peel your courgettes, you can use the peelings in recipes for yourself – courgette pasta, anyone?
How Much Zucchini Should I Feed My Dog?
As always, treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s diet each day – veggies included. All they need is a little handful of zucchini in their food to help boost their nutrients and make them feel fuller. Look at it this way:
| Small Dog | Medium Dog | Large/Giant Dog | |
| Quantity | 1-2 teaspoons | 2-3 teaspoons | 1-2 tablespoons |
How to Give My Dog Courgettes
If you’re ready to give your dog some tasty courgette, here are a few tips and tricks you can use for preparing them.
First, always make sure you cut the stalk off. It has a bitter taste and can make your dog feel quite unwell (same with humans). Basically, prep it as you would for yourself.
Next, you can decide if you want to boil or steam it first or if you would rather serve it raw. Both are nutritionally beneficial, but softening it slightly through cooking before serving does help to break down the cell wall to make those nutrients more readily available.
You can chop it up into little pieces, shred it, and use whatever methods you like for serving it to your pup. Put the courgette in with their food and mix it up. Once that’s done, it’s ready to serve. As I mentioned earlier, you can also freeze them raw to serve as treats. Read our guide on can I mix vegetables into dog food.
Read Here: Can Dogs Eat Parsnips?
Final Thoughts
Will you be giving your dog this tasty vegetable as a treat? I know mine love the way it crunches. With so many great nutritional benefits, it’s the perfect way to show your love without loading them with calories.
If you enjoyed the latest instalment in our canine care guide, why not check out the others? We have detailed guides on what they can and cannot eat, health, behaviour, and grooming. Why? Well, we know you want to be the best dog owner possible and we are here to help.
For over a decade, Adrienne has been a freelance content writer and blogger who’s passion lies in anything related to dogs. Growing up, dogs were a very important part of family life in the Hardwick household. Now, Adrienne is the proud parent to two Swedish Vallhunds called Moose and Pumpkin.