You’re chopping vegetables for dinner and one slips off the board. Before you can say anything, your dog snatches it and looks up like they just won the lottery.
That little green bit? Courgette. And now you’re standing there wondering if that accidental veggie snack was a mistake or a healthy treat.
Let’s dive in, yeah?
Is Courgette Safe For Dogs
Short answer? Yep. Courgette, or zucchini if you’re on the other side of the pond, is totally fine for most dogs in small amounts. It’s not toxic and it’s not going to cause chaos in their tummy if it’s served the right way.
But here’s the thing. Just because something is safe doesn’t mean you toss them a whole bowl. Think of it like crisps for us humans. A few? Lovely. A whole bag? Not the best idea.
What Courgette Brings To The Table
Courgette is light on calories, which makes it a fab option for dogs who love snacks but are watching their waistline. It’s got a bit of fiber, some vitamin C, potassium, and even a touch of antioxidants. Basically, it’s not junk food. Not a miracle food either, but not junk.
It also has a decent water content. That’s handy for keeping dogs hydrated on hot days, especially if they’re the type who need reminding that water bowls exist.
How Much Is Too Much
If it’s your dog’s first time trying courgette, keep it small. A bite or two. No more than a few thin slices or tiny cubes. Some dogs have stomachs like tanks. Others? Not so much.
Too much courgette at once might leave them a bit gassy or with loose poops. And no one wants to be on cleanup duty after that.
If you’re using it as a treat, don’t let it go over ten percent of their total food for the day. That’s a decent general rule when adding in anything new, veggie or not.
Ways To Serve It Without Fuss
You’ve got a few options here. Raw, chopped into small pieces, and given as a crunchy snack? Perfect. Make sure it’s washed well first, though. Same rule as your own veggies.
Steamed is another easy way. It softens things up and brings out a bit of sweetness some dogs really like. Just don’t add salt, butter, or anything else fancy. They don’t need all that.
You could even grate it and mix a little into their regular food if they’re picky. Some folks freeze courgette in small chunks too. That’s a cheeky trick for teething puppies or hot summer days. Not all dogs love cold treats, but the ones that do will go wild for it.
What To Watch Out For
Let’s say you gave your dog some courgette and now they’re acting weird. Maybe they’re scratching like mad, throwing up, or having the runs. That might be a sign it doesn’t agree with them. It happens.
Some dogs just have sensitive tummies. Some are allergic to things randomly. If you see anything off, it’s best to stop and chat with your vet before trying again.
Also, don’t give them the giant seedy middle from an overripe courgette. That part gets a bit mushy and bitter. Stick to the firm, young ones. They’re easier on the belly and taste way better anyway.
When Courgette Makes The Most Sense
A friend of mine has a senior beagle who’s had to lose weight for the past few months. You know how hard it is to say no when they give you those eyes.
Instead of cutting all snacks, they started using steamed courgette slices as low-calorie fillers. Worked a treat. The dog felt full, and the vet was chuffed with the progress.
Or think about raw feeders. They’re always looking for fresh options to balance out the meal. Courgette fits in nicely with lean meats and other veggies.
It also helps if your dog’s on a restricted diet due to allergies. When you’ve ruled out all the usual proteins and grains, plain veggies like courgette feel like a win.
What Not To Do
Don’t go wild and think courgette is the next superfood for dogs. It’s good, yeah, but it’s not going to fix health problems or make up for a poor diet.
Also, skip the courgette recipes meant for humans. No courgette bread, no stir fry leftovers. All the garlic, oil, and onions we love? Not dog safe.
And absolutely don’t use moldy or cooked courgette that’s been sitting in the fridge for a week. If you wouldn’t eat it, your dog shouldn’t either.
Keep It Simple And Watch Your Dog
The best thing about trying out something like courgette is that it doesn’t have to be a big deal. Offer a small piece. See what your dog thinks. You’ll know right away if it’s a hit or a miss.
Some dogs will spit it right out like you’ve personally offended them. Others will beg for more like they’ve just discovered a new favourite. Either way, you’ll learn something about your dog.
Just remember, no veggie is worth a full-on upset stomach. Keep an eye on how your dog reacts, and always ease into new foods slowly. No need to turn snack time into a science project.
Wrapping It All Up
Courgette’s one of those nice little surprises in the dog-friendly food world. It’s safe, easy to prep, and it won’t wreck your kitchen budget. Whether you’re looking to add variety, trim calories, or just mix up treat time, courgette’s worth a go.
Nothing fancy. No magic. Just a crunchy little veg that could make your pup’s day.
Have you tried feeding courgette to your dog before or are you thinking about it for the first time?