✓ Reviewed against PDSA, Blue Cross & Animal PoisonLine guidance · Last reviewed: 2026-07
Can dogs eat courgette (zucchini)?
The full picture
Courgette (called zucchini in the US) is a consistently well-tolerated vegetable for dogs. It's 95% water, very low in calories, and gentle on the stomach — a good option even for dogs with sensitive digestion. Raw or cooked both work. Spiralised courgette 'noodles' are a common diet filler for overweight dogs. Avoid fried courgette (too much oil) and courgette cooked with garlic/onion. Courgette flowers are also safe and edible.
Risks to watch for
- Diarrhoea if eaten in huge amounts
- Rare allergies
Potential benefits
- Very low calorie
- High water content
- Fibre
- Gentle on stomach
Safe portion size
Several small pieces as a treat, or a spiralised portion alongside normal food.
And while you're thinking about what's good for your dog, keeping on top of flea and parasite prevention is just as important as diet.
Raw vs cooked courgette
Both are safe. Raw courgette (also called zucchini) is crunchy and low-calorie, making it a popular training treat or snack substitute; cooked (steamed, boiled, or lightly sautéed with no oil, salt, garlic, or onion) is softer and easier for dogs with sensitive teeth or digestion. Neither form offers a meaningful nutritional advantage over the other — the choice comes down to texture preference and how you're already preparing it for yourself.
How much and how often?
Courgette is genuinely low-risk and low-calorie, so a few slices a couple of times a week is a reasonable, unremarkable amount for most dogs. As with any new vegetable, introduce it gradually the first time to check tolerance — courgette's high water content means very large amounts can cause loose stools, but this is a mild, self-limiting effect rather than anything serious.
How much and how often?
A few slices, a couple of times a week, is a reasonable amount for most dogs — courgette's low calorie count means it's genuinely difficult to overfeed in a way that causes harm, unlike richer treats. It's a good default vegetable to reach for if you want to add variety without much risk.