Can dogs eat Courgette?
Yes - courgette is one of the safest vegetables you can give a dog. It is low in calories, mostly water, and works well raw or cooked.
Last reviewed
What happens
Courgette is genuinely unproblematic. There is nothing toxic in it, it is very low in calories, it is around 95 per cent water, and it carries a useful amount of fibre plus some vitamin C and potassium. That combination makes it a particularly good treat for a dog that needs to lose weight, since it adds bulk to a bowl without adding much energy. Dogs vary in whether they like it, and some will spit out a raw chunk and happily eat a cooked one. The only real caution is quantity: like any fibrous vegetable, too much at once means wind and soft stools. Bitter-tasting courgettes, which occasionally occur, are best discarded rather than shared.
How much is safe?
A few small pieces for a small dog and a handful of chunks for a large one is plenty. Treats overall should stay under about a tenth of daily calories, though courgette is so light that it is hard to overdo on calories alone.
How to prepare it
Wash it, top and tail it, and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Raw is fine; steaming or boiling makes it softer and easier to digest. Serve it plain - no oil, no salt, no seasoning, and nothing from a roasted vegetable tray cooked with onion or garlic.
Symptoms to watch for
Almost always nothing. Too much can cause wind or a loose stool that settles by itself within a day. Large raw chunks are a choking risk for enthusiastic swallowers, so cut them down.
When to call the vet
Rarely necessary. Only if a large piece appears to be stuck, or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or so.
Can dogs eat these?
Common questions
Can dogs eat raw courgette?
Yes. Raw courgette is safe and many dogs enjoy the crunch. Cut it into sensible pieces to avoid choking, and steam it if your dog finds raw vegetables hard to digest.
Is courgette good for overweight dogs?
It is one of the better options. It is mostly water and very low in calories, so it adds bulk and interest to a bowl without adding much energy. Swap it in for higher-calorie treats rather than adding it on top.
Can dogs eat courgette skin?
Yes, the skin is fine and holds much of the fibre. Wash it first, and cut the whole thing into pieces your dog can chew comfortably.
Looking for a food to feed instead? browse the directory or read the guides.
This is label analysis, not veterinary advice - if your dog has a health condition, talk to your vet before switching foods.