Last Updated on July 24, 2026 by Shannon
If your garden is overflowing with zucchini or you’re simply looking for an easy homemade dog treat recipe, these Cheesy Zucchini Bites are worth adding to your collection.
These zucchini dog treats are made with just four simple ingredients. They come together quickly and bake into bite-sized treats that many dogs love.
The cheddar cheese adds plenty of flavor, while the zucchini helps keep the treats moist without adding lots of extra calories.
Luna never seems to complain when these are on the menu. In fact, she usually appears in the kitchen the moment she smells the cheese coming out. Waiting for them to cool is easily the hardest part for her. Getting the first taste is definitely her favorite part.
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Why You’ll Love These Homemade Dog Treats
- Only four simple ingredients.
- Easy to make with just a food processor and one mixing bowl.
- Great way to use extra zucchini during garden season.
- Easy to make larger or smaller depending on your dog’s size.
- Perfect for everyday treats, enrichment toys, or rewarding your dog during training sessions.
Why Dogs Love These Cheesy Zucchini Treats
Every dog has their own preferences, but many dogs enjoy the combination of cheesy flavor and soft texture in these treats.
Zucchini has a mild flavor and a high moisture content that helps keep these treats soft after baking, while also being a relatively low-calorie vegetable that works well in homemade treats.
Cheddar cheese is often the highlight for many dogs thanks to its rich smell and savory flavor, making the treats especially tempting, though it’s best to be mindful if your dog is sensitive to dairy.
Rolled oats help hold everything together and add a hearty texture, creating a soft bite once baked that many dogs enjoy.
The egg acts as a binder, keeping the mixture together while adding protein and richness to the finished treats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh zucchini, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
Ingredient Notes
Zucchini
Fresh zucchini works best. Fresh zucchini works best. There’s no need to peel it; just wash it well before shredding or chopping.
Rolled Oats
Rolled oats and old-fashioned oats both work well in this recipe. Quick oats may change the texture slightly, while steel-cut oats are not recommended.
Cheddar Cheese
Freshly shredded cheddar mixes easily into the batter, but pre-shredded cheddar works just fine if that’s what you have on hand. Mild or medium cheddar are both good choices.
Egg
One large egg helps bind the ingredients together. If your mixture seems especially wet because of a very juicy zucchini, you can let it sit for a few minutes so the oats absorb some of the moisture before forming it into treats.
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Place the oats in a food processor and process until a fine powder forms.
Add the zucchini and the egg to the food processor.
Process until well combined.
Pour into a medium-sized bowl.
Add the cheese and mix until well combined.
Take small amounts of the mixture and form into roundish shapes about ¼ inch thick.
Place them on the parchment-lined cookie sheet.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until firm and starting to turn golden brown.
Let cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Don’t forget to give one to your dog! This is Luna’s favorite step.
This was also Morgan’s favorite part of making dog treats.
Tips
You can use either rolled oats or old-fashioned oats in this recipe.
If your zucchini is especially watery, you may need to let the mixture sit for a few minutes before working with it so the oats can absorb some of the moisture.
Always consult your veterinarian before giving any new foods to your dog, especially if they have any known health conditions or allergies.
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
The Dog Treat Cookbook
Now available for purchase is The Dog Treat Cookbook, a compilation of 42 recipes from this blog. Available for purchase in color on Amazon as both an ebook and a paperback book. A black and white copy is also available here. Click the buy now button to be taken to my author page on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat zucchini?
Yes, plain zucchini is generally considered safe for most dogs when fed in moderation. Introduce any new food slowly and check with your veterinarian if your dog has dietary restrictions or health concerns.
Can I freeze these treats?
Yes. Place the cooled treats in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to three months. Thaw a few treats in the refrigerator as needed.
How should I store them?
Store the cooled treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can I use a different cheese?
Cheddar works particularly well in this recipe, but other dog-friendly cheeses may work too. Keep in mind that some dogs are more sensitive to dairy than others.
Can I make smaller training treats?
Absolutely. Absolutely. Simply make the treats smaller before baking. They’re easy to portion based on your dog’s size and training needs.
My mixture seems sticky. Is that normal?
Yes. Yes. The mixture is naturally soft and can be a little sticky when forming the treats. If needed, let it sit for a few minutes so the oats can absorb some of the moisture before shaping.
Are these treats suitable for puppies?
Many puppies can enjoy these treats, but it’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods, especially for very young puppies or dogs with special dietary needs.
More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
Looking for more homemade dog treat ideas? Here are a few other favorites your dog might enjoy:
- Peanut Butter Applesauce Dog Treats
- Zucchini and Banana Balls
- Frozen Strawberry Pineapple Dog Treats
- Peanut Butter and Zucchini Icy Bites
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Zucchini Bites are a good reminder that homemade dog treats don’t have to be complicated.
With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can make a batch of tasty treats your dog will look forward to.
Personally, I love recipes that use simple ingredients and don’t leave me with a sink full of dishes afterward. These have become one of those recipes I come back to whenever I have extra zucchini on hand, and Luna certainly doesn’t mind when I make another batch.
If you give these treats a try, I’d love to hear how they turn out. Every dog is different, so let me know whether your dog enjoyed them.
Cheesy Zucchini Bites
These Cheesy Zucchini Bites are soft, homemade dog treats made with just four simple ingredients. They're an easy way to use extra zucchini and make a tasty treat many dogs will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh zucchini, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the oats in a food processor and process until a fine powder forms.
- Add the zucchini and the egg to the food processor.
- Process until well combined.
- Pour into a medium-sized bowl.
- Add the cheese and mix until well combined.
- Take small amounts of the mixture and form into roundish shapes about ¼ inch thick.
- Place them on the parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until firm and starting to turn golden brown.
- Let cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
