Vegetable
Can dogs eat courgette?
Courgette (zucchini) is safe and low in calories for dogs, raw or cooked, as long as it is plain.
By Maya HartHow much, how often
A few slices.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Slice or grate raw, or steam lightly
- No oil, butter, garlic or onion
- Avoid very bitter home-grown courgettes, which can contain cucurbitacins
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs Safe
Yes. Courgette (zucchini) is safe and low in calories for dogs, raw or cooked, as long as it is plain.
How much: A few slices.
Cats In moderation
Plain cooked courgette is safe for cats in small amounts, though they gain little from it.
How much: A small cooked piece.
Can cats eat courgette?The details
Occasionally, home-grown courgettes and squash taste extremely bitter. The bitterness comes from cucurbitacins, which can cause severe stomach upsets in people and pets. Shop-bought courgettes are bred to avoid this, but if a courgette tastes bitter to you, throw it away rather than sharing it.
Questions owners ask
Can dogs eat courgette?
Yes. Courgette (zucchini) is safe and low in calories for dogs, raw or cooked, as long as it is plain.
How much courgette can a dog have?
A few slices.
What should I do if my dog ate courgette?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Is courgette safe for cats too?
Plain cooked courgette is safe for cats in small amounts, though they gain little from it.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
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