When I think of spaghetti squash, I think of the various sweet smells of fall, Pumpkin spice latte, and the beauty of golden brown leaves on roads and pavements.
I love fall.
And, spaghetti squash is one of the reasons why I look forward to this season.
This is one of the healthiest foods of the season and works as a substitute for pasta and grains.
I try to use this in as many dishes as I can.
As always, my dog likes to beg me to feed him whatever I’m making!
Dogs aren’t the best judges about what they should and shouldn’t eat.
After all, they like to dig in the trash can and eat inedible stuff like cotton balls, milk boxes, etc.
So, you have to make the call.
In this article, I’ll answer the question, “Can dogs eat spaghetti squash?” to the best of my ability.
Let’s begin!
Yay or Nay: Can Dogs Eat Spaghetti Squash?
Yes, dogs can enjoy spaghetti squash with you!
This isn’t just true for spaghetti squash, though.
Other varieties of squash such as pumpkin, acorn squash, and zucchini are all safe for your dog to consume.
In fact, spaghetti squash can be used to replace grains for dogs on a grain-free diet.
Isn’t that just amazing!?
What to Avoid While Feeding Him Spaghetti Squash
There are a few things you should know before feeding your dog some spaghetti squash.
Let’s take a look.
- Scoop the meat (the stringy noodles inside) out of the squash and feed it to your doggy friend as this part is packed with nutrients
- Keep in mind that the stringy noodles are safe for your dog to eat, but the rind may not be. Rinds from summer squashes are perfectly fine for dogs to eat but, those of winter squashes like those of the spaghetti or acorn squash are thick and not recommended for dogs
- Squash shells are not necessarily toxic to dogs but, can still be dangerous. It could cause digestive problems or may even choke on them! So, make sure you keep them away
- Remove the seeds from the spaghetti squash before feeding it to your dog as seeds of fruits and vegetables can be toxic to dogs and must be avoided
The Dangers of Spaghetti Squash rinds for Your Doggy Friend
The pieces of rinds can cause intestinal obstruction and may have life-threatening consequences and may even need surgery to remove!
If your dog has some, make sure to monitor your dog for signs of intestinal blockage. These include:
- Inability to vomit or have a bowel movement
- Lethargy
- Refusal to eat
Call the vet immediately if you observe these signs.
Final Words
Yes, dogs can eat spaghetti squash without having any long-term adverse health effects.
In fact, spaghetti squash can be used to replace grains in your doggy’s meal.
This squash is high in fiber and packed with micronutrients so, it is perfect for your dog’s health.
However, there are a few precautions you need to take before you feed it to your furry friend:
- The stringy noodles can be given to dogs
- The rind and shells should not be given to the dog
- Seeds must be removed before giving it to your dog
I hope this article is helpful in answering the question, can dogs have spaghetti squash.