Why dogs can have it
Courgettes are not toxic to dogs. They are high in water and fibre, contain vitamins and potassium, and have very few calories, so they suit a dog whose weight needs watching too.
How the courgette is prepared matters. Fried in oil, or with garlic, onion or cheese, it is not suitable for a dog. If a courgette tastes unusually bitter, do not give it: the bitterness comes from cucurbitacins, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs and people alike.
How to give it
- Wash it and cut it into small pieces or grate it.
- Give it raw or cooked, without oil, salt or spices.
- Do not give a courgette that tastes unusually bitter.
- The first time, give very little and watch how your dog feels.
What to watch out for
- Too many courgettes can cause diarrhoea or bloating.
- An unusually bitter courgette can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Courgette fritters, stews and fried courgettes with garlic or onion are not suitable for dogs.
- A dog may swallow a large, hard piece without chewing it.
What to give instead
- Cucumbers Yes, fresh cucumber is fine for dogs: it is mostly water and low in calories, but do not give pickled cucumbers. Safe
- Carrots Yes, carrots are fine for dogs: raw or cooked, unseasoned and cut into pieces, they make a crunchy, low-calorie treat. Safe
- Pumpkin Yes, plain cooked pumpkin flesh without sugar or spices is fine for dogs, but not the skin, the stem or pumpkin pie filling. Safe
- Bell peppers Yes, sweet bell peppers are fine for dogs: washed, without seeds or stalk, raw or cooked without spices, they make a good treat. Safe
Looking for a treat?
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