If you have an abundance of fresh zucchini or you just want an easy dog treat recipe that is also a healthy treat, then this Zucchini Treats for Dogs recipe is for you!
This recipe uses only four ingredients with grated fresh zucchini being the star of the show. The great thing is that this tasty treat is done in under 30 minutes!
I’ve said many times in my other dog treat posts that making your own homemade dog treats is much better for your furry friend than any store-bought treats. You control the ingredients and can feel good knowing your treats contain wholesome ingredients without any preservatives or additives. Check out our Dog Food/Treat category for more dog treat recipes like this one.
This healthy snack is a great way to get a fresh nutritious veggie into your dog’s diet.
Ingredients for Zucchini Treats
Zucchini: One packed cup of freshly grated zucchini, about one small-medium size zucchini. Either grate using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. After grating the zucchini, squeeze out the excess moisture using a thin kitchen towel or paper towel.
Peanut Butter: 1/2 cup of all-natural peanut butter with no sugar added or xylitol which can be poisonous for dogs.
Oat Flour: 1 1/2 cups oat flour. If you do not have oat flour, you can easily make it by adding old-fashioned oats to a food processor or high-speed blender and processing until flour texture.
Egg: 1 egg beaten together.
How to Make These Healthy Treats
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a cookie or baking sheet with parchment paper. If you do not have parchment paper, then oil the pan to prevent sticking.
- Grate zucchini using the large holes of a box grater or food processor. Squeeze shredded zucchini using a kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the shredded zucchini and peanut butter. Stir to combine.
- Add the beaten egg to the zucchini mixture and stir to combine.
- Next, add the oat flour and stir until the dough begins to form. These zucchini dog treats are soft, so the dough will be a bit sticky, similar to cookie dough.
- Using a tablespoon scoop, scoop the dough into your hands and roll it into a ball. Then flatten into a 1/4 inch round and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool thoroughly.
Ensure these treats are thoroughly cool before giving them to your furry friend.
This recipe yields about 20 – 2 inch round – 1/4 inch thick treats.
Storage
Cooled zucchini dog treats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, at room temperature for 3-5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When I make a batch of dog treats, I put a few in the freezer so that we always have some on hand.
These treats are soft, so it is not recommended to leave them at room temperature for more than 3-5 days, or less if you live in a humid area.
Can Dogs Eat Zucchini?
People often ask, “Is zucchini safe for dogs?” The answer is yes. According to the American Kennel Club, cooked zucchini is safe for dogs. Zucchini is rich in Vitamin B6 and fiber. It is low in calories, so it is an excellent snack for a dog on weight management.
Tips/FAQ’s
Substitutions
Can I substitute the zucchini with other squash? According to the American Kennel Club, dogs can eat cooked squash as long as the “skins, peels and rinds have been removed”.
Oat Flour: Can be substituted with whole wheat flour if you do not have oat flour.
Peanut Butter: Can be substituted with almond butter. If your dog has a nut allergy, check out this Bacon Cheddar Dog Treat recipe as an alternative. You can also substitute pumpkin puree; however, you will need to add more flour so that the dough forms without being too mushy.
Tip
Remove excess moisture from zucchini: It is important to remove the excess moisture, otherwise your dough will be too sticky and baking times would need adjusting.
Please note: If your dog has allergies, consult your local veterinarian before adding anything new to their diet.
I hope your pup enjoys these delicious dog treats as much as ours! Magnus loves them as you can see by the photo above! Leave a comment below if you try this recipe!
Other Easy Simple Dog Treat Recipes
Zucchini Treats for Dogs
Ingredients
- 1 cup zucchini shredded, packed
- 1½ cup oat flour
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 egg beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a cookie or baking sheet with parchment paper. If you do not have parchment paper, then oil the pan to prevent sticking.
- Grate zucchini using the large holes of a box grater or food processor. Squeeze shredded zucchini using a kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the shredded zucchini and peanut butter. Stir to combine.
- Add the beaten egg to the zucchini mixture and stir to combine.
- Next, add the oat flour and stir until the dough begins to form. These zucchini dog treats are soft, so the dough will be a bit sticky, similar to cookie dough.
- Using a tablespoon scoop, scoop the dough into your hands and roll it into a ball. Then flatten into a 1/4 inch round and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool thoroughly.
Notes
- This recipe yields about 20 – 2 inch round – 1/4 inch thick treats.
- Storage: Cooled zucchini dog treats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, at room temperature for 3-5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
