Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources

Cucurbita pepo
Acorn squash is a popular edible winter squash known for its ribbed, dark green skin and sweet, yellow-orange flesh. It is widely cultivated for culinary use and is considered safe for household pets.
Safety status
Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
None typical; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is non-toxic. If your cat consumes a large quantity and exhibits persistent digestive distress, please contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None typical; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is non-toxic. If your dog consumes a large quantity and exhibits persistent digestive distress, please contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Acorn Squashis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
Shop on AmazonSome links earn us a small commission. They never affect our safety classifications.
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Acorn squash is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Cucurbita pepo is a widely grown vegetable species including pumpkins and various winter squashes.
Often compared with
Same genus

Buttercup squash is a popular winter squash variety known for its sweet, nutty flavor and dense, orange flesh. It is considered safe for pets, though large ingestions of raw plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Butternut squash is a popular edible winter squash that is considered safe for pets to consume in moderation. While non-toxic, large quantities of raw or fibrous material may cause mild digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.

The Fig Leaf Gourd is a fast-growing, vining plant often cultivated for its edible fruit and seeds. It is considered non-toxic to household pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same safety verdict

Bullbrier is a hardy, woody vine native to North America, often recognized by its prickly stems and rounded leaves. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Bur Gourd is a vining plant in the cucumber family known for its small, spiky, edible fruits. It is generally considered safe for household pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Casaba melon is a variety of muskmelon known for its sweet, pale flesh and thick, wrinkled rind. While the plant is considered non-toxic, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Cat Brier is a hardy, woody vine known for its tough stems and foliage. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions

The American Chestnut is a deciduous tree known for its historical significance and edible nuts. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.

The apple tree is a deciduous fruit-bearing plant known for its edible fruit, though the seeds and foliage contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. While the fruit flesh is generally safe, the plant parts containing amygdalin pose a risk to pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

The apricot tree is a fruit-bearing species in the rose family. While the fruit flesh is generally considered safe, the stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be harmful if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Barbados Pride is a flowering shrub known for its striking yellow flowers and long red stamens. It contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.