Can Dogs Eat Squash?

The short answer: Yes.

The long answer: An aid for stool stiffening, squash is a natural produce that your dog can safely consume. It contains high amounts of beta-carotene (promotes eye health), manganese (boosts bone strength and helps the body process fats and carbohydrates), as well as vitamins A, B6, and C, folate, fiber, riboflavin, phosphorus, and potassium. These vitamins and minerals help improve your dog’s digestion, vision, and immune system. 

How to feed squash to your dog: Squash should be washed properly with the seeds and skin removed to prevent choking. Slice the squash into smaller bite-sized pieces, and cook it before feeding it to your pet. That way, he’ll be able to digest it properly. 

Turn your squash into soup, spaghetti, and other culinary concoctions. Do not add any sugar, salt, butter, or other herbs and spices (onions and garlic, to name a few) that may be harmful for him.  

Here are three ideas for squash treats your dog will love:

1. Create homemade dog food with quinoa, blueberries, and butternut squash.
2. Boil and mash a few pieces of squash for him, then top it over his meal.
3. Make a fun “turdoggen” by following this video. Recreate it using butternut squash, zucchini, carrot, oatmeal, and egg.

In summary: Usually mistaken as a vegetable, squash is a sweet-tasting fruit that your dog can consume on a regular basis. It is packed with vitamins and minerals that will aid his immune, digestive, and nervous systems. Consult with your veterinarian before feeding it to your canine. Let your dog try a small, cooked, unseasoned piece, and observe how his body reacts to it in the next 24 hours. If your pooch has constipation issues, it’s best to limit his squash consumption. 

References: 

Can Dogs Eat This? The Ultimate Guide To 105 Food Items

Can My Dog Eat Butternut Squash?

What You Should Know Before Feeding Your Dog Squash!

What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?

Is Squash a Fruit or Vegetable?