Can dogs eat squash?

Updated 18/04/2024

Bursting with vitamins and minerals, members of the squash family certainly are a vibrant addition to any fall-themed meal (desserts included, naturally). And as such a low-calorie, antioxidant-rich group of vegetables, we wouldn't blame you for wondering - can dogs eat squash? Certainly - in fact, pups can reap a whole host of health benefits from the veg, so when shared plain and fully cooked, a member of the squash family makes an ideal treat for your furry family member. So to find out about the best ways to treat your pooch to squash and for answers to questions pet parents often have on the topic, take a look below. 

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Is squash poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat squash here, there and everywhere or is the vegetable sometimes toxic to dogs somehow? Well luckily for your snack-crazy canine, members of the squash family aren't toxic to dogs in any way, but there are naturally a few hazards to avoid. We'll explore the best ways to prepare squash for dogs below, but one of the most important things to remember is to always serve it plain. Seasonings can upset your dog's stomach, and aromatics like garlic are simply poisonous to dogs.

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Is squash good for dogs?

So can dogs eat squash without any risks, whatsoever? Or is squash a simply perfect snack for our furry pals? Well like with any addition to your dog's diet, squash should never take up more than 10% of your pup's calories. Why? Well there are a whole host of essential nutrients vital to maintaining your dog's health that they'll need to ingest through dog food, without going over their recommended calorie intake. And of course, always completely remove the stalk, skin and seeds, cook thoroughly all the way through and serve cool, in bite-size pieces to dodge the risk of choking.    

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Health benefits of eating squash for dogs

So, can dogs eat squash and reap all the health benefits we can from the veg? Or are members of the squash family simply a harmless yet tasty snack for dogs? Well as you might already know, dogs are omnivores, which means their bodies need a combination of nutrients from both plants and animals to stay healthy. So, feeding your pooch squash as a snack is not only delicious for your pup, it's also a highly nutritious addition to your dog's diet of dog food. So without any further ado, let's take a look at some of the micronutrients in squash that your furry friend could be benefitting from.

• Fiber. Keeps your pup's gut in working order, helping to regulate stools.
• Beta-carotene. This antioxidant works to counteract free radicals in your pup's body and prevent cell damage.
• Vitamin A. Helps to support vision, reproductive health and the immune system.
• Pantothenic acid  (vitamin B5). Supports the energy production of cells.
• Pyridoxine (vitamin B6). Supports the growth of red blood cells, supports your pup's nervous system, coat and heart health.
• Vitamin C. Counteracts free radicals and reduces inflammation.
• Manganese. Helps with the growth of healthy joints and bones.
• Potassium. Helps to maintain the functioning of electrical charges in the heart, muscles and nerves.
• Copper. Helps with the production of red blood cells. 

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Feeding your dog squash

So, now we've settled the question - can dogs eat squash - let's explore the best ways to prepare squash for dogs, and the members of the squash family safe for canine consumption.

Preparing squash for dogs 

While squash is a health option for your canine companion, you'll need to make sure you prepare it so that it's safe to eat. Firstly, remove that tough skin - it's a challenge for canine stomachs to digest and could pose a choking hazard. Next, remove the seeds - these can also cause choking. Then, once you're left with the flesh, cut into bite-size pieces and simply steam, roast or boil until it's soft, then serve at room temperature or mix into your pup's favorite kibble.

Can dogs eat butternut squash?

Yes, butternut squash is safe for dogs, so long as it's cooked with no additional fat, flavorings or seasonings. 

Can dogs eat butternut squash skin?

The skin on a butternut squash is incredibly tough for dogs. In fact, it poses a serious choking hazard and could get lodged in their gastrointestinal tract, causing a blockage.

Can dogs eat yellow squash?

Yellow squash is perfectly safe for canine consumption, as long as it's peeled, served at room temperature and cooked all the way through without any additional seasonings or ingredients.

Can dogs eat spaghetti squash?

If you’re thinking about serving spaghetti squash to your pup, make sure you cook it all the way through and chop up the long strands to dodge the risk of choking.

Can dogs eat acorn squash?

Acorn squash is safe for dogs - just make sure it's served as a treat every now and then, and doesn't make up more than 10% of your dog's daily calories.

Can dogs eat raw squash?

You should never feed raw squash to your furry friend - it poses a serious choking hazard. Instead, remove the skin and seeds, then cook thoroughly all the way through without any seasonings or fat.

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Other squash products

So, dogs and squash are a good mix, but can they feast on say, a pumpkin pie or squash curry? Sadly not - squash served up to your pup should only ever be completely plain. Why? Well our furry friends have rather sensitive stomachs and many of the additional ingredients we humans enjoy regularly are toxic to dogs, irritate their guts, or make them unwell.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

Now we've settled the question - can dogs eat squash, you might be wondering - what 'human' foods can dogs eat? Take a look at a few other popular 'people foods' safe for your furry friend to munch on.

• Cashews
• Peanuts
• Fish

Meet our veterinary expert, Hannah

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCV.

Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and worked in mixed practice for a few years before focusing on small animal work. Clinically, she worked in a busy, multi-center hospital practice until 2018, where she underwent training in advanced canine and feline dentistry and began working towards a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. She then moved to a local independent practice to care for the pets nearby, allowing more time to focus on other career avenues, which include writing for a diverse range of pet websites, vet practices, drug companies, journals, and veterinary educators.