Yes, dogs can eat courgette, and it's one of the more sensible vegetables to share. Plain courgette (or zucchini, as it's also known) is non-toxic, low in calories and gentle on most dogs' stomachs. Served in small, plain pieces as an occasional treat, it makes a perfectly safe snack for a healthy dog.
Food questions come up constantly with the owners I see at the salon here in York. Courgette is a lovely one to reach for, especially if you want a low-fat treat for a dog watching their waistline. Here's how I'd go about it.
Is courgette good for dogs?
Courgette has a genuinely good treat profile. A plain, raw or cooked courgette offers:
- Very low calories, so a few pieces won't dent the daily budget.
- A good hit of water, which is nicely hydrating on a warm day.
- Fibre to support healthy digestion.
- A mild, watery taste that plenty of dogs happily crunch through.
None of this means your dog needs courgette. A complete, balanced diet already covers their nutrition. Think of it as a low-guilt extra rather than a supplement.
How much courgette can a dog eat?
The usual vet rule applies: treats, vegetables included, should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories, with the rest coming from their proper food. The PDSA's guide to safe fruit and veg for dogs is a good general reference on keeping treats sensible.
Because courgette is so low in calories, a small handful of pieces is fine for most dogs. Start with a little the first time, though, and watch for any loose stools before making it a regular thing.
How to serve courgette safely
A tiny bit of prep keeps things simple:
- Wash it well to rinse off any residue.
- Cut it into bite-sized pieces, especially for small dogs and enthusiastic gulpers, to avoid choking.
- Serve it plain, raw or lightly steamed. Steaming softens it for older dogs or those with sensitive teeth.
- Skip the seasoning. No oil, salt, butter, garlic or onion.
> Groomer's tip: Raw courgette sticks make a satisfying, crunchy low-calorie chew for a dog who loves to gnaw. Keep them thin enough to bite easily, and always supervise the first few.
What to avoid
The courgette flesh itself is the safe part. The things to steer clear of are:
- Garlic, onion and rich sauces, which courgette is often cooked with. These can be genuinely harmful to dogs.
- Oil, salt and butter, which add fat and salt your dog doesn't need.
- Very bitter courgette. On rare occasions a courgette tastes intensely bitter due to natural compounds called cucurbitacins. If it tastes unusually bitter to you, don't feed it to your dog.
If you like keeping a mental list of dog-friendly vegetables and the odd toxic one to avoid, the Blue Cross list of foods poisonous to dogs is worth a read.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat raw courgette?
Yes. Plain raw courgette, washed and cut into bite-sized pieces, is safe for most dogs and makes a nice crunchy treat. Some dogs find it easier to digest lightly steamed.
Can dogs eat cooked courgette?
Yes, as long as it's plain. Steamed or boiled courgette with no oil, salt, garlic or onion is fine. Avoid courgette cooked into buttery or garlicky dishes.
How much courgette is safe for a dog?
Keep it to a small handful of pieces as an occasional treat, and keep all treats under 10% of your dog's daily calories. Introduce it slowly the first time.
Is courgette skin safe for dogs?
Yes, the skin is fine. Just wash it well and cut the courgette small so it's easy to chew and swallow.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. A healthy weight and a good coat go hand in hand, so we love a low-calorie veggie treat. Book their next groom.