Can Dogs Eat Squash?

One of the great gifts of summer is the squash. Whether you grow it in your garden of fill your basket at the grocery store, many people love this yellow vegetable that seems to grow and grow. But, did you know that dogs love squash, too? It’s true! And, squash is good for your dog!

Lots of squash!

Actually, the squash family is quite large and the yellow crookneck squash is not the only member. Zucchini is another popular summer squash but there are others. Winter squash include the acorn squash, the butternut squash, the spaghetti squash, and pumpkins. All of these squash are very good for you and they have benefits for your dog as well.

Is squash good for your dog?

Yes, squash is good for your dog. You have to prepare squash in different ways, depending on the type of squash, but all of them contain lots of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Your dog is probably getting all of the nutrients he needs if he’s eating a dog food that is complete and balanced but most dogs enjoy these vegetables. Small pieces of squash make excellent treats. They can also be used in recipes for dog cookies and they won’t add a lot of calories to your dog’s diet.

How much squash can you give your dog?

Even though squash, such as the yellow squash https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2632/2, is a healthy food and it’s good for your dog, it is high in fiber. Too much squash can result in diarrhea or gastrointestinal upset. Treats should never make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily food consumption, even if the treats include vegetables such as squash.

How to give your dog squash?

As with all foods that you give your dog, it’s important to make sure that the squash is cut into small pieces so it won’t pose a choking hazard.

Squash can be pan-fried, pureed, steamed, or you can give small pieces to your dog raw. A few small pieces mixed into your dog’s regular dog food can increase enthusiasm for his normal meal. If you are cooking squash for your dog at the same time you are cooking some for yourself, remember that your dog should not have anything with onions. Keep foods simple for your dog. Only a little salt and pepper and perhaps just a drop of oil if you are frying the food in a pan.

No sweet treats made from squash

Other than dog cookies that use squash, zucchini, or pumpkin as an ingredient, you should not give your dog any human desserts that contain squash, zucchini, pumpkin, or other kinds of squash. That means no zucchini bread and no pumpkin pie. The fat, sugar, and spices in these desserts can be harmful to your dog in multiple ways. Some of these foods, if purchased in a store, can also contain xylitol (a sugar substitute) which can be deadly to dogs.

Conclusion

The yellow squash, along with popular squashes such as zucchini, pumpkin, and butternut squash, are all very nutritious for your dog. Make sure that you cut squash into small pieces before giving any to your dog so it won’t be a choking hazard. Remember that your dog should only have treats such as squash in moderation. Squash is high in fiber and too much can lead to digestive problems.