Zucchini is one of those versatile veggies that’s great for sneaking into your dog’s treats. It’s mild in flavor, packed with nutrients, and adds a nice texture to homemade snacks.
Plus, it’s easy to find and budget-friendly!
Whether you’re looking to bake or dehydrate, zucchini dog treats are a tasty and healthy option your pup will love. Let’s cover our top three favorite recipes!
Homemade Zucchini Dog Treat Recipes
#1 Carrot, Spinach, Zucchini Dog Treats
This recipe is packed with healthy veggies. It’s a great way to sneak some extra nutrition into your dog’s diet while keeping it delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
- 1 zucchini, shredded
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and eggs until smooth.
- Add the Veggies: Stir in the shredded carrot, zucchini, and chopped spinach.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the oats and whole wheat flour until a dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Shape the Treats: Roll the dough out and cut into shapes, or just roll into balls and flatten slightly on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the treats are firm and golden.
- Cool and Store: Let them cool before serving and store in the fridge for freshness.
#2 Banana, Peanut Butter, Zucchini Dog Treats
This combo of zucchini and banana makes for a sweet, nutrient-packed treat your pup will love. With a touch of peanut butter and a hint of cinnamon, these are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter
- 2 cups oat flour
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mash the Banana: In a large bowl, mash the banana with a fork, then mix in the peanut butter and egg until smooth.
- Add the Zucchini: Stir in the grated zucchini and mix until everything’s well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the oat flour and cinnamon, mixing until a dough forms.
- Shape the Treats: Roll the dough into small balls or flatten into cookie shapes and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown and firm.
- Cool and Store: Let the treats cool completely before serving. Store in the fridge or freeze for later.
#3 Zucchini Dog Chews
These savory zucchini chews have a tasty chicken bouillon flavor that your dog will go crazy for! With just a few ingredients, they’re easy to whip up and perfect for a crunchy snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 large zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dry ground mustard
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prep the Zucchini: Slice the zucchini into thin rounds (about ¼ inch thick) and place them in a bowl.
- Coat the Zucchini: Drizzle the olive oil over the zucchini slices, then sprinkle with ground mustard and chicken bouillon. Toss to coat each slice evenly.
- Bake Low and Slow: Lay the zucchini slices in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the zucchini chews cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.
Benefits of Zucchini for Dogs
Zucchini is a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet. It’s low in calories but loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and potassium.
These nutrients support your dog’s immune system, keep their skin and coat healthy, and even aid in digestion. Zucchini is also high in fiber, making it a great option for dogs that need help with regular digestion or weight management.
Plus, it’s easy to digest, making it a perfect treat for pups with sensitive stomachs!
Can People Eat Zucchini Dog Treats?
Good news—yes, you can! All the recipes are perfectly safe for humans, especially since they’re made from wholesome, everyday ingredients.
They may not be as sweet as your typical baked goods, but if you’re curious, feel free to try one. Just make sure you’re okay with the dog-friendly flavor profile—after all, these are designed for your four-legged friend!