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Can dogs eat yellow squash?

Zoe Bradley for purrch

Pets are an important part of the home. And with that, most pets become more than just companions as they are considered part of the family. National Geographic reports that in America, pet adoption rates, particularly for dogs, grew throughout the pandemic. The number of foster pets increased by 8% in the past year, and studies show that these furry companions aid in lowering blood pressure and alleviating loneliness. They are intelligent beings that offer immense amounts of support.

Those who love their four-legged friends want to be able to provide enough love and care to ensure that their pets are healthy. One way they can do this is by looking after the diet of their dogs. Dogs are classified under the Carnivora order, which leads people to think that they're carnivorous, but they're actually also omnivores who enjoy eating plants. For example, as outlined in ‘Why Do Dogs Eat Grass’, we detailed how munching on greenery can actually help in keeping their bodily functions, like digestion, in check. It is certainly safe for them to consume it as long as it is chemical-free. Another food you may want to consider feeding your dog is yellow squash.

Can Dogs Have Squash?

The short answer is yes — dogs can eat squash. In fact, it might be a good idea to include some in your dog's regular diet because it is known to have significant nutritional benefits. Here are some of the things you need to know about cooking this vegetable and why you should add it to your pet's next meal:

It is important to buy from trusted sellers

This advice may not be on a lot of people's minds when buying vegetables for their pets, but it is something to consider. Cucurbitacin is a compound found in many variations of the squash family and it may cause the crop to become toxic. This can lead to poisoning in dogs and humans alike. It can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dizziness in people and pets. Factors like poor growing conditions or cross-pollination with wild plants can increase the rate of this compound, so it is important to buy yellow squash from retailers you believe cultivate the vegetable safely. Though it is rare to suffer from toxic squash syndrome, it is still necessary to take extra steps to prevent it from happening.

It is packed with nutrients

Many people know that vegetables typically hold a lot of benefits for those who eat them because they contain lots of vitamins and minerals that are important for staying healthy. SymptomFind states that yellow squash has vitamins A, B, and C, while also containing magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, and fiber. Feeding yellow squash to your dogs will allow them to acquire all the nutrients in the vegetable, making sure their bodies are physically healthy and in top condition. And since it's a fiber-rich food, it will help their internal organs to maintain proper function, making sure they are less susceptible to diseases and other afflictions.

It is easy to prepare

One of the biggest pros of incorporating yellow squash into your dog’s diet is that it is easy to prepare. All you have to do is boil the vegetable with no seasoning before mashing it up to serve. Adding flavorings to it is not only unnecessary but can actually cause harm. Veterinarian Dr Tim Watson explains that salt in itself is not dangerous for dogs, but much like humans, too much of it can cause toxicity. This can manifest as dog vomiting or even dog seizures. It is also important to remember that your dog cannot live on vegetables alone, so be sure to add yellow squash together with either dog food or meat.

Looking out for the health of your animal should be the main priority of pet owners everywhere. For dogs, it is important to add healthy foods to their diet to keep them strong and well. Yellow squash is just one of the vegetables that have many benefits for your furry friend. Adding it to their diet will help keep them in good shape.

Join the Conversation on Purrch

Now that you're armed with a bit more information on the benefits of yellow squash, we're inviting you to join in on the conversation with other pet parents interested in this same topic. Have you ever incorporated yellow squash into your dog's diet?  Has your vet ever recommended yellow squash in small amounts to ease dog diarrhea? Interested in checking out a yellow squash dog recipe shared by another pet parent?  We believe the best advice comes from pet parents sharing real-life experiences. Join us!          

For more articles on pet health and care, be sure to check out Purrch.

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