Zucchini Chicken Pupcakes Dog Treat Recipe

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Looking to spoil your pup with a fun and tasty treat?

Zucchini Chicken Pupcakes are the perfect combination of protein-packed chicken and hydrating zucchini, all wrapped up in a fun, cupcake form that will have your dog begging for more.

These savory “pupcakes” are not only delicious but also nutritious, giving your dog a treat that supports their health while satisfying their taste buds.

Made with simple, dog-friendly ingredients, Zucchini Chicken Pupcakes are a great way to show your pup how much you care.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating your dog to something extra, these pupcakes are sure to become a favorite.

Let’s get baking!

Why Zucchini and Chicken?

Chicken is a lean, high-protein meat that dogs love.

It’s great for building muscle, supporting their immune system, and providing the necessary energy for their daily adventures.

Plus, it’s easy to digest, making it a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Zucchini is packed with water, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a great low-calorie, hydrating vegetable to include in your dog’s diet.

Zucchini supports healthy digestion and is low in sugar, so it’s safe for pups of all sizes.

It’s the perfect complement to the protein-rich chicken, creating a balanced and satisfying treat.

Now let’s jump into the recipe and see how easy it is to whip up these Zucchini Chicken Pupcakes!

The Recipe: Zucchini Chicken Pupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded (you can use rotisserie or boiled chicken)
• 1/2 cup grated zucchini (be sure to remove excess moisture)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for healthy fats)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for flavor, but avoid using garlic in large quantities, as it’s toxic to dogs)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for a fresh, dog-friendly herb)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, or lightly grease it with coconut oil or non-stick spray to ensure the pupcakes don’t stick.
2. Prepare the chicken: If you haven’t already, cook your chicken (either by boiling or using a rotisserie chicken). Once cooked, shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces or finely chop it so it’s easy for your dog to chew.
3. Grate the zucchini: Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Zucchini has a high water content, so be sure to gently squeeze out any excess moisture with a paper towel or clean cloth to avoid making the batter too wet.
4. Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, grated zucchini, egg, applesauce, olive oil, chicken broth, garlic powder (if using), and parsley (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Add the flour: Slowly add the whole wheat flour (or oat flour) to the mixture, stirring until everything is evenly incorporated. The batter should be thick but still spoonable.
6. Fill the muffin tin: Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup with the batter, about 3/4 of the way full. This ensures the pupcakes will rise and not overflow while baking.
7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pupcakes are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so be sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a pupcake.
8. Cool: Let the pupcakes cool completely in the muffin tin before serving. This helps them firm up and makes them easier for your dog to eat.
9. Serve: Once cooled, remove the pupcakes from the muffin tin and serve them to your furry friend. You can even get creative and top the pupcakes with a small amount of plain yogurt or a little peanut butter for an extra treat! These pupcakes make great training rewards, birthday treats, or just a special snack.

Why Make Homemade Pupcakes?

There are so many great reasons to make Zucchini Chicken Pupcakes at home:

• Simple ingredients: These pupcakes use common, wholesome ingredients that are safe for your dog and free of preservatives and additives.
• Affordable: You don’t have to spend a lot on fancy dog treats. With chicken, zucchini, and a few pantry staples, you can make a batch of pupcakes that will last for several days.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to fit your dog’s specific dietary needs. For instance, swap the whole wheat flour for a gluten-free flour like oat flour or rice flour, or opt for a different protein source like turkey or beef.
• Fun presentation: Shaped like cupcakes, these treats are not only delicious but also visually fun and perfect for any special occasion like a birthday or “Gotcha Day.”

Customization Tips

• Toppings: After baking, you can top the pupcakes with a dollop of plain yogurt (unsweetened, unflavored), which provides probiotics for digestive health. You could also drizzle a little peanut butter on top for an added treat (just make sure it’s xylitol-free).
• Flavors: Want to change things up a bit? Consider adding some shredded carrot, a spoonful of pumpkin puree, or a sprinkle of turmeric for additional health benefits.
• Storage: Store these Zucchini Chicken Pupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate them for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the pupcakes for up to 2 months and thaw as needed.

Nutritional Information

Each Zucchini Chicken Pupcake (based on a batch of 12 pupcakes) contains approximately:

• Calories: 100 per pupcake
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 1g

These pupcakes are a good source of protein and healthy fats, making them a great snack to support your dog’s muscle development and overall health.

Final Thoughts

Zucchini Chicken Pupcakes are a fun, nutritious, and customizable treat that your dog will absolutely love.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just showing your pup some extra love, these savory treats are sure to bring a smile to their face (and a wag to their tail).

Best of all, they’re easy to make and full of healthy ingredients that you can feel good about giving to your dog.

So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and treat your furry friend to these delicious, homemade pupcakes today! They’ll thank you with tons of tail wags and puppy kisses.