Is Butternut Squash Good for Dogs & Puppies to Have?
Life comes with some unexpected challenges. Some are easy to overcome, while others are much more difficult. One of the most challenging tasks for every human is saying “No” to a dog when they give the ‘Puppy-Dog Eyes.’
Many of us have been in this situation at one point or the other, and it is often when we are having something to eat. Nonetheless, there are times when you must learn to say no to your dog. This is crucial when whatever you’re cooking or eating contains substances that are toxic to our favorite animals.
Several foods come to mind, and these include:
- Raisins
- Onions
- Grapes
However, there are a few that are easy to ignore. Foods like butternut squash. Is it healthy? Is it not? Is it harmful to my dog? Can I give it a few strands without any consequence?
As you read on, you will find out all you need to make the right choices when giving your dog a meal or snack regardless of how difficult it may be to deny its ‘puppy-dog eyes.’ This article focuses explicitly on the butternut squash, which is the easiest to come by in the home.
Butternut Squash – What is it?
For everyone familiar with the regular squash, butternut squash can seem like a mix between the regular squash and a pumpkin, although it is an orange fruit. Many individuals use butternut squash in making casseroles and soups, thanks to its sweet taste.
Should I Let My Dog Have Butternut Squash?
Having your dogs eat butternut squash is safe. Also, it is a healthy addition to the diet of your pets. Despite the benefit of butternut squash, it is essential you only feed your dogs cooked butternut squash.
In its raw form, butternut squash, the seeds, or peels, can lead to intestinal blockage or serve as a choking hazard if swallowed. This is because of its highly fibrous nature and how difficult it is to chew.
Are There Health Benefits of Butternut Squash to Dogs?
The presence of minerals and vitamins in high quantities makes butternut squash nutritious to your dogs. Other benefits of squash include the following:
It is Rich in Vitamin A
The presence of vitamin A is crucial in enhancing the vision and immune system health of a dog. This makes it an essential nutrient. To avoid forcing your dog to take a vitamin tablet, you can provide butternut squash as a treat which supplies all the vitamin A they require.
It has a High Fiber Content
There are many reasons why fiber is an excellent addition to a dog’s diet. It assists in digestion, weight control, and controls stomach upsets, and prevents diarrhea. To help your dog enjoy all these benefits, adding a controlled amount of butternut squash can help.
It contains a high amount of Antioxidants
There are numerous antioxidants present in butternut squash. One of the most essential is the beta carotene, which assists in combating inflammation. This function can be helpful against heart diseases and hip dysplasia in dogs.
Other benefits of antioxidants in squash include combating free radicals to prevent certain diseases in your dog.
What is the Most Suitable Option When Feeding My Dog Butternut Squash?
Now that you’re gaining interest in butternut squash, you must understand the options available when feeding your dog. The first option is the simplest. Put the cooked squash in your dog’s feeding bowl.
Since dogs like a sweet treat, they will rush down the butternut squash without any effort on your part. However, some dogs find the texture of butternut squash unattractive. These are instances where this method will not work.
In this situation, get creative by baking dog treats using butternut squash. You can then add these treats to the dog’s diet. Another option is to mix the dog food with pureed or mashed squash. While the squash sweetens the food, the kibble eliminates any concerns about texture.
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Conclusion
As long as it is cooked, butternut squash is safe to feed your dog. It is an excellent idea to add this to your dog’s regular diet since it offers health benefits to the dogs.
You may need to mix it with regular food for some dogs, but most others appreciate squash as a treat. If your dog is experiencing stomach upsets or difficulty with digestion, squash’s high fiber content can be beneficial.
