Simple Zucchini Dog Treats (Easy 4-Ingredient Recipe)

These easy zucchini dog treats take about 45 minutes and use four basic ingredients: grated zucchini, an egg, oat flour, and xylitol-free peanut butter. Plain zucchini is safe for dogs, according to the American Kennel Club. The one thing to check is your peanut butter label.

Zucchini season gets out of hand. You end up with more squash than you can eat. This dough is soft, easy to roll, and a good home for the extra.

This post contains affiliate links.

Recipe Snapshot

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 to 25 minutes
• Total time: About 45 minutes
• Yield: About 36 small (1-inch) treats
• Difficulty: Easy
• Storage life: 5 days in the fridge, 2 months in the freezer

Is zucchini safe for dogs?

Yes. The AKC calls zucchini perfectly safe for dogs, and says large pieces can be a choking risk, so chop it small. The AKC also notes that zucchini is the squash dogs digest most easily. That is why it works well in a soft biscuit.

Too much of anything can upset a tummy. The AKC warns that a large amount can cause digestive upset. Start with one treat and watch your dog.

What do I need to make zucchini dog treats?

Here is the full recipe card.

Ingredients

• 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium), squeezed dry
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup xylitol-free peanut butter
• 2 cups oat flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 to 2 tablespoons water, only if the dough is crumbly

Steps

1. Heat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Grate the zucchini with the small holes of a box grater.
3. Wrap the zucchini in a clean towel and squeeze out the water.
4. Stir the zucchini, egg, and peanut butter in a bowl.
5. Add the oat flour and stir until a dough forms.
6. Add 1 tablespoon of water if the dough crumbles. Add a little flour if it sticks.
7. Roll the dough ½ inch thick on a floured surface.
8. Cut into 1-inch shapes with a small cutter or a knife.
9. Place the treats on the pan, close together.
10. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges are golden and dry.
11. Cool fully on a rack before you serve.

Dog-Safe Ingredient Check

• Peanut butter must be xylitol-free. NC State’s veterinary school says xylitol can cause low blood sugar, liver failure, and death in dogs, and some peanut butter brands now contain it. Read the full ingredient list, not just the front of the jar. (NC State College of Veterinary Medicine)
• Keep it plain. The AKC warns against squash seasoned with onion or garlic salt, which are toxic to dogs. Use no salt, no seasoning, and no butter.
• Skip sweetened zucchini bread mixes. The AKC says baked goods add calories, fat, and sugar, and may contain a toxic sweetener.

Pro Tip: Do not skip the squeeze. Wet zucchini makes a sticky dough that spreads on the pan. A dry towel and a good twist fix it.

How many zucchini treats can my dog have?

Count calories, not treats. The AKC says treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog’s diet. If your dog eats 400 calories a day, 10% is 40 calories.

Here is rough math from typical package labels. The whole batch is near 1,400 calories, so each 1-inch treat is about 40 calories. Your brands will differ, so add up your own labels.

• Small dogs: Break one treat into pieces.
• Medium dogs: One treat a day.
• Large dogs: One or two treats a day.

For more on daily limits, read how many treats a dog should have a day. I also like these for training. Break them into pea-sized bits. You can see what works in what treats professional dog trainers use and clicker training for dogs. If you want a full training plan, try Brain Training For Dogs.

Can I swap ingredients?

Yes. Here are the swaps I would try.

• Peanut allergy: Use ¼ cup plain pumpkin puree in place of peanut butter. Use plain pumpkin, since pumpkin pie filling can contain xylitol. You may need a little extra flour.
• Egg allergy: Add another ¼ cup pumpkin puree and a bit more flour. The treats will be softer.
• Different flour: Use whole wheat flour in the same amount if your dog does fine with wheat.
• Grain-free: I have not tested a grain-free version of this recipe. Ask your vet, or try the sweet potato dog treats.
• Bigger dogs: Cut 2-inch shapes and bake 5 minutes longer.
• Bigger batch: Double everything. Use two pans, and rotate them halfway through.

Vet Tip: Add a new food one at a time. If your dog gets loose stools, itching, or vomiting, stop and call your vet.

If you would rather skip baking, here are some ready-made dog treats I’d look at.

Want more veggie ideas? Try carrot treat bites, green bean treats, or spinach treats. Curious why homemade can win? Read are homemade dog treats healthier.

How do I store zucchini dog treats? Can I freeze them?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. These are soft, so they spoil faster than hard biscuits. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw a few at a time.

Toss any treat that looks soggy, moldy, or off. A dog health tracker helps you log new foods and how your dog handled them. You can read a full review here: the best dog health tracker.

Are zucchini dog treats safe for puppies?

They can be, in tiny amounts. Puppy tummies are sensitive, so ask your vet first. Offer a crumb-sized piece and wait a day.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to squeeze the water out of the zucchini? A: Yes. The dough turns sticky and spreads if you leave it wet. Squeeze it in a clean towel first.

Q: Do these need to be refrigerated? A: Yes. They are soft. Keep them in the fridge for 5 days or freeze them.

Q: Can dogs eat raw zucchini? A: Plain raw zucchini is fine in small, chopped pieces. The AKC says to chop it small or steam it for dogs that struggle to chew.

Q: Can I use zucchini bread for my dog? A: No. The AKC says sweetened baked goods add fat and sugar, and can contain a toxic sweetener. Use this recipe instead.