Spaghetti squash is a low carb pasta alternative that’s delicious this time of year, but can dogs eat spaghetti squash? And if so, are there any benefits of spaghetti squash for dogs?
Like most members of the squash family, spaghetti squash is low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals, such as beta carotene, fiber, and vitamins C and B6.
If you find yourself preparing spaghetti squash for dinner, you’re probably wondering if you can share some with your dog. Can dogs eat spaghetti squash safely, or is it toxic to them?
Can Dogs Eat Spaghetti Squash?
Yes, dogs can eat spaghetti squash. In fact, it’s quite healthy for dogs! As with other types of squash, like zucchini and yellow squash, it’s rich in fiber, potassium, and manganese, as well as antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C.
It even contains omega-3 fatty acids. All these minerals protect and support the health of your dog’s immune system, vision, and digestion.
To prevent choking and digestive issues, always cook the spaghetti squash before serving it to your dog. Also, skip the salt and seasonings. Don’t forget to remove the seeds and skin, either. While not toxic, seeds and skin may cause gastrointestinal issues, so they’re best discarded.
Is spaghetti squash good for dogs?
Spaghetti squash has loads of nutritional benefits for dogs. For this reason, it’s often added to a dog’s regular diet. Some of the biggest health benefits of spaghetti squash include the following:
- Eases digestion
- Enhances and protects the immune system
- Maintains skin, coat, and eye health
- Protects heart health
- Improves kidney function
- Prevents blood sugar from rising after meals
- Helps combat inflammation
- Helps iron absorption
What Is the Best Way to Serve Spaghetti Squash to Dogs?
Keep It Plain: When feeding your dog spaghetti squash, keep it plain and simple. Before serving, steam, bake, or boil the fruit and chop it up into bite-sized pieces. Don’t cook it alongside vegetables like onions and garlic or add seasoning.
Rind & Seeds: Remove the shell as it’s tough and hard on a dog’s stomach. The same is said for the seeds. If you want to serve it raw, chop it up into tiny pieces so you can make it easier to chew and swallow.
Puree: For elderly or picky dogs, mash or puree the squash and mix it to their regular meal. This would make a great addition to frozen KONGs!
Start Small: As with most foods, gradually introduce the fruit to your pup. Give him a little taste and monitor his reaction throughout the day. If he seems okay, you can start adding it to your dog’s meal or give it to him as a snack or treat.
Go Organic: If possible, opt for organic spaghetti squash to reduce the likelihood of pesticide exposure. Otherwise, make sure to thoroughly wash the squash before preparing the fruit for your dog.
Conclusion
Spaghetti squash comes with an array of health benefits. Not only does it help maintain and protect a dog’s skin, coat, and eyes, but it also eases digestion and boosts immunity.
As with most dog-friendly fruits and vegetables, always serve spaghetti squash in moderation. Don’t use it to replace your dog’s regular diet. It can be added alongside his meal every few days, but it shouldn’t consist of more than 10% of your dog’s meal.