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
Pet safety reference
Acorn Squash
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.
Acorn SquashCucurbita pepoWinter Squash
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Vining
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
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.
Source evidence
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.
Questions about Acorn Squash
Is acorn squash toxic to cats?
Acorn squash (Cucurbita pepo) is non-toxic to cats. It is considered generally safe and is not known to cause poisoning.
What happens if my cat eats acorn squash?
Most cats will have no reaction, but ingesting large amounts of fibrous plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.
How much acorn squash would make my cat sick?
Acorn squash is non-toxic, so there is no poisonous dose — but large quantities of any fibrous plant material can irritate your cat's digestive system and cause temporary vomiting or diarrhea. A small nibble is very unlikely to cause any issue.
Should I be worried if my cat ate acorn squash?
Acorn squash is non-toxic, so there is no cause for alarm after a small ingestion. If your cat consumed a large amount and shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, contact your veterinarian.
Is acorn squash toxic to dogs?
No, acorn squash (Cucurbita pepo) is non-toxic to dogs. It is considered generally safe for household pets, with a high confidence rating based on an ASPCA provenance audit conducted in May 2026.
What happens if my dog eats a lot of acorn squash?
Large amounts of fibrous plant material like acorn squash can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting or diarrhea. The plant itself is non-toxic, so symptoms are typically a result of overindulgence rather than poisoning.
What should I do if my dog ate acorn squash and is having digestive problems?
Monitor your dog for persistent vomiting or diarrhea. Since acorn squash is non-toxic, a small amount is unlikely to cause serious harm, but if digestive distress continues or worsens, contact your veterinarian.
Can dogs eat the skin and seeds of acorn squash?
The classification data does not specifically address the skin or seeds, but the plant as a whole is considered non-toxic to dogs. That said, the tough fibrous skin and hard seeds are more likely to cause gastrointestinal upset or a potential obstruction risk — plain cooked flesh in small amounts is the safest option if you choose to share it.
Often compared with
Same genus
More from the Cucurbita genus
Buttercup Squash
Cucurbita maxima
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
Cucurbita moschata
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.
Fig Leaf Gourd
Cucurbita ficifolia
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
Other plants with the same verdict
Bullbrier
Smilax rotundifolia
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
Cucumis anguria
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
Cucumis melo
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
Smilax glabra
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
Plants for the same room
American Chestnut
Castanea dentata
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.
Apple
Malus sylvestris
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.
Apricot
Prunus armeniaca
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
Poinciana gilliesii
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.