Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin and Squash?

Yes, dogs can eat pumpkins and squashes! Pumpkin is fantastic for dogs—it’s tasty, delicious, and nutritious. It’s often used to calm a dog’s stomach, especially if they’ve eaten something that doesn’t sit well. Most squashes are also great for dogs, as they are a good source of fiber, minerals, and vitamins!

a selection of pumpkins and squashes and a dog

Table Of Contents

Can dogs eat squash?
Different types of squashes and how we can share them with our dogs!
Can dogs eat raw pumpkin?
- Raw pumpkin is not dangerous for dogs
Top 4 benefits of pumpkin to dogs
Can dogs eat pumpkin puree and canned pumpkin?
FAQs

I love love love all things pumpkin! We eat it grilled, cooked, and baked; we buy large squashes and pumpkins and do meal prep all fall! I even buy canned and precooked pumpkin as a snack! And my dog loves it, too! Pumpkin is the first veggie I gave Ricco after he had an upset tummy, and my local vet told me to offer him some!

Did you know that cooked pumpkin and squash are the number one food for your dog’s upset stomach?! I’ll tell you all about it, so stay tuned!

Can dogs eat squash?

Yes, dogs can eat all types of squash! Cooked and baked squash can be a great source of fiber for your dog. Cooked squash is easy to digest, and it’s a comforting food choice for both us and our dogs.

Preparing squash for your dog is similar to how you would prepare it for yourself. Peel it, remove the seeds, bake or cook it, but don’t add any salt or seasonings. Also, avoid drizzling olive oil on top when you bake it. Also, unlike some other veggies that we like to bake, like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or eggplant, squash has a soothing effect on the stomach and won’t make your dog gassy!

All types of squash are rich in nutrients that are beneficial for your dog’s health:

Vitamins: Squash is rich in vitamins like A, which is important for good vision, and vitamin C, which supports overall health.

Minerals: Squash contains potassium and magnesium, which help keep muscles healthy.

Fiber: The fiber in squash supports healthy digestion. Like pumpkin, it can help dogs with constipation or diarrhea.

Different types of squashes and how we can share them with our dogs!

First, let’s analyze the best and most popular squashes we usually eat and buy. All of these are delicious and nutritious and can be a great part of both your and your dog’s diet!

Acorn squash is something we usually eat “sweet” with added cinnamon and sometimes nutmeg, as it tastes a bit nutty and sweet. Prepared like this it’s not something you should give to your dog, but acorn squash is safe for dogs without all the spices!

I’ve tried to bake spaghetti squash and use it as a pasta substitute, but I’ve learned that pasta substitutes are not my thing. It’s rich in fiber, has a crunchy texture, and is as good for dogs as any other squash.

Butternut squash is a staple in my kitchen for all soups and stir-fries! We also eat it baked, drizzled in olive oil, and with lots of garlic. If you’re wondering if dogs can eat butternut squash, you’d be happy to learn they absolutely can! My dog loves it, but I don’t add spices, oils, or garlic to his portion.

Kabocha squash is often roasted or made into soups, particularly in Asian dishes. It has a rich, sweet, and dense flavor. Dogs can eat kabocha squash as long as it’s cooked plain and seasoning-free.

Chayote squash is best boiled or sautéed, often with garlic and olive oil. It has a mild, crisp, and slightly sweet taste. Chayote squash is safe for dogs to eat when cooked plain without any added seasonings.

Delicata squash is typically roasted with olive oil and herbs, and it has a sweet, creamy, and slightly nutty flavor. Dogs can eat delicata squash when it’s cooked plain.

Winter squash is amazing when roasted or pureed for soups or casseroles. It has a sweet flavor with a dense and creamy texture. It’s simple and absolutely safe for dogs.

Calabaza squash is best in soups and stews. It tastes sweet and is also good roasted, like butternut squash, and dogs can enjoy it, too!

Honeynut squash tastes amazing if roasted with some honey and cinnamon! It’s so rich and nutritious, but for dogs, it’s best roasted and plain!

Can dogs eat raw pumpkin?

While raw pumpkin is not toxic to dogs, it’s not something your dog should eat! Raw pumpkin is incredibly hard to digest, and the pumpkin peel can be very tough on their stomach. Also, while dogs can eat raw pumpkin seeds, you need to make sure to remove the shell first!

Since raw pumpkin is hard to chew on, there’s also a risk of choking, so don’t give your dog raw pumpkin, even if they ask you for it!

Raw pumpkin is not dangerous for dogs

By the way, nothing in raw pumpkin is toxic to dogs, and this includes the skin and the seeds. All parts of pumpkin are okay; just not all are recommended.

Top 4 benefits of pumpkin to dogs

So not only is pumpkin safe for dogs, but it’s also very healthy and nutritious! As I mentioned at the beginning, pumpkin was the first food I gave my dog for diarrhea. It’s the number one food for an upset stomach!

Here are the top four benefits of pumpkin for dogs!

#1 Pumpkin is full of vitamins and minerals

Pumpkin is rich in fiber, and as a part of your dog’s diet, it can contribute to well-balanced digestion.

Similar to carrots, pumpkin is a good source of vitamin A that helps with vision, healthy skin, and the immune system. Pumpkin is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and E, all of which reduce inflammation.

It also has several essential minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and some iron.

#2 Pumpkin for diarrhea in dogs

When dogs have diarrhea, pumpkin is one of the best natural remedies! It’s mild, comforting, and rich in fiber.

The reason why pumpkin is good for diarrhea in dogs is because the soluble fiber in pumpkin absorbs water. That means it adds bulk to your dog’s poop, helping it firm up! This is really helpful for mild cases of diarrhea that can happen all the time (diet changes or minor digestive issues).

Fiber also acts as a prebiotic, which means it grows good gut bacteria crucial for healthy digestion. Soluble fiber improves the water balance in the system, which stops the food from moving in the intestines. Therefore, it relieves diarrhea! A spoonful of cooked pumpkin, without any salt or spices, is what most vets recommend for diarrhea in dogs.

#3 Pumpkin for passing foreign objects

If your dog swallowed something they shouldn’t, like a piece of plastic, something small, maybe a bolt, pumpkin can help the object pass through!!

Now, this only works when your dog is in no pain or distress and seems fine. Also, when the object is not toxic or sharp. In other cases, call your vet!

Pumpkins are full of fiber, both soluble and insoluble, and they create a gel-like texture that coats and surrounds foreign objects in the stomach. They help create a compact mass that can move through the digestive tract smoothly without hurting them.

As I mentioned above, fiber also adds bulk to the stool, so your dog has a better chance of passing out the object quickly.

While this won’t always work, and it’s best you call the vet, it can seriously help your dog deal with foreign objects and digestive discomfort.

Remember, pumpkin can be a great first aid tool if your dog swallows something small and non-toxic. Its fiber helps coat and move the object through the digestive tract smoothly, but always consult your vet if you’re unsure!

#4 Pumpkin is good for constipation

Now, you may wonder how something can be good for diarrhea and help dogs with constipation! Well, pumpkin can do both!

If your dog has diarrhea, pumpkin’s soluble fiber absorbs extra water in the intestines, forming a gel-like substance that helps firm up loose stools. It works by slowing down digestion and balancing moisture in the gut, which is why vets often recommend a spoonful of plain pumpkin to help soothe an upset stomach.
On the other hand, if your dog is dealing with constipation, the insoluble fiber in pumpkin adds bulk to the stool and stimulates the digestive tract, encouraging regular bowel movements. It helps push things along in the digestive system, making pumpkin a great natural remedy for both diarrhea and constipation.

So, the combination of both types of fiber allows pumpkin to regulate digestive health, making it a superhero for dog poop issues!

Can dogs eat pumpkin puree and canned pumpkin?

Pumpkin purée is perfect for dogs!

Dogs can eat pumpkin purée, and it’s a great way to add fiber and support their digestion. It’s also a good option for any tummy issues.

But if you’re buying store-bought pumpkin purée, you’ve got to be careful. Brands like Libby’s, Farmer’s Market Organic, and Whole Foods 365 usually sell pure pumpkin with no extras, which is what you want for your dog. Just make sure to check the label for any added sugars, spices, or preservatives—those can be harmful to dogs.

When it comes to baby pumpkin purées, like Gerber or Beech-Nut, they might seem like a good option, but check for other ingredients to see if they are okay for dogs. They usually have extra ingredients like water or other veggies or fruit, which is all fine; sometimes, they may have a fruit that’s not meant for dogs.

For either option, stick with the simplest version—just pumpkin! That way, you’re giving your dog all the goodness without any unnecessary additives.

Dogs can eat canned pumpkin but without additives

Canned pumpkin is usually safe for dogs, but it must be free from artificial sweeteners like xylitol, other additives, and spices like nutmeg. Plain canned pumpkin is okay.

The key here is to use plain canned pumpkin, which is typically labeled as “100% pumpkin.” This kind of canned pumpkin is excellent for dogs because it’s rich in fiber and nutrients.

Avoid canned pumpkin labeled as “pumpkin pie filling” because it usually contains added sugar, spices, and sometimes even nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs! Stick with plain, canned pumpkin for all the digestive benefits without the risky ingredients.

In the end, both squash and pumpkin are safe and healthy options for your dog. They are both superfoods when it comes to digestion and a really good choice for any tummy troubles!

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

These are the most common questions. If you have more questions or suggestions, feel free to comment below!

Can dogs eat raw pumpkin guts?

It’s better not to feed your dog raw pumpkin guts. While they’re not toxic, the stringy, raw texture can be hard for dogs to digest and might upset their stomach. Cooked pumpkin is much easier on their system and more nutritious for them.

Can dogs eat fresh pumpkin?

Yep, dogs can eat fresh pumpkin, but it’s better if it’s cooked. Fresh, plain pumpkin is full of fiber and nutrients, but raw pumpkin can be tough on their stomach. It’s always a good idea to cook or bake the pumpkin first—just keep it plain with no added spices.

Can dogs eat pumpkin every day?

Pumpkin is fine for dogs to eat regularly, but maybe not every day. Fiber is great for digestion, but too much could throw things off. A spoonful mixed into their food a couple of times a week is a good amount, but don’t overdo it.

Can dogs eat butternut squash skin?

You’ll want to skip giving your dog butternut squash skin. The skin can be tough to digest and might cause stomach issues. Stick to the cooked flesh of the squash instead—it’s much safer and easier for them to enjoy.

Can dogs eat fried squash?

Fried squash isn’t the best choice for dogs. The oil and batter used in frying aren’t good for their digestion and can lead to weight gain. It’s better to stick with plain, baked, or steamed squash for a healthier option.