We bet you have several questions about butternut squash. Does it contain butter or does it even have any of the properties that make butter bad for dogs when taken in large quantities?
Hence, as concerned dog owners, it’s perfectly fine to stop and wonder, “Can dogs eat butternut squash?”
If you are hearing about this vegetable for the first time, it’s just understandable to be concerned because it can be easily associated with butter. And you may have heard that butter isn’t really a good ingredient to your dog’s foods.
Well, you can set your worries aside because butternut squash is in no way connected with butter, and it doesn’t have any of the components that make butter an unhealthy food for dogs.
It is believed that the name “butternut” squash came from its creator, Charles A. Leggett, who described its flavor as, “smooth as butter and sweet as a nut.”
What is Butternut Squash?
Butternut squash is a brightly-colored, bell-like shape veggie that is available all year round, though the peak season is during fall to winter. It can also be classified as a fruit, but it is mostly prepared as a vegetable.
While there are plenty of fruits and vegetables that are toxic to dogs, butternut squash is not one of them. In fact, it offers a lot of health benefits for both humans and dogs. All other winter squash varieties are also safe for dogs even when eaten regularly.
Butternut squash is packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, iron, potassium, magnesium, and soluble fiber.
Deep orange squashes just like the butternut are also rich in beta carotene. These vitamins and minerals aid in providing your dog a healthy vision, colon, muscles, and immune system, as well as in fighting off several diseases such as cancers.
Can Dogs Eat Butternut Squash?
Yes, they can! But, we’re not saying by all means since it’s not advisable to feed your dogs with raw butternut squash.
If you are going to add this vegetable into your dog’s meals, make sure to cook it first, and don’t add salt, sugar, fats, and spices.
And besides, it is already sweet and tasty, so you don’t need to add anything else to make it more palatable for your pooch.
Unlike the popular pumpkin, butternut squash is readily available all year round, and it also contains higher amounts of vitamins A, C, and iron. It also has twice as much dietary fiber as pumpkin, but it is very low in fat and relatively low in calories.
While it’s totally fine to feed your pooch with starchy vegetables like butternut squash, you should also be mindful of their weight while doing so.
If your pup is already overweight, then, consider giving butternut squash as a treat instead of making it part of your dog’s regular meal.
On the other hand, if your pet dog needs to gain some weight, then, go ahead and treat him with butternut squash so he could bulk up healthily.
What Are the Benefits of Butternut Squash for Dogs?
Feeding your dog with fruits and vegetables isn’t just a way to ensure that he is receiving a healthy and well-balanced diet, but it’s also necessary for providing variety in your dog’s meals.
This way, he won’t be easily bored with what he is eating, and he will always look forward to what is in store in his next mealtime. As they say, a happy dog is a healthy dog.
Aside from the fact that butternut squash is rich in nutrients, it’s also helpful in promoting healthy digestion.
And since it is also rich in fiber and folate, it is thereby helpful in the functions of your dog’s heart, as well as in fighting heart disease, and in maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Butternut squash is also rich in potassium, which is critical in keeping your dog’s bones healthy and strong, especially as they get older.
It also has high amounts of vitamin B6, which is important in maintaining optimum levels of functioning for your dog’s immune system and nervous system.
Moreover, with its high vitamin C content, it can be very useful in fighting off illnesses, and in calming your dog when he is anxious or stressed.
Furthermore, butternut squash is also rich in antioxidants. And we know that these are important in protecting cells from being damaged by unstable molecules called free radicals. And in the long run, it can help reduce your pup’s risk of acquiring chronic diseases.
Aesthetically, butternut squash also helps in keeping your dog’s skin hydrated and in ensuring that his fur is always healthy and shiny.
How to Train Your Dog to Eat Butternut Squash?
With all of the benefits of butternut squash to your dog, we can’t really think of a reason for you not to spoil him with this healthy treat, unless if he doesn’t want to. Even so, you can still train your dog to eat butternut squash without forcing him to do so.
To start, it’s important to always cook the squash before serving it to your pup. You can even roast it, steam it, and boil it or sauté it in a bit of olive oil or natural coconut oil. The important point is that you cook it first, and you peel it and remove the seeds, as well.
Preparing your dog’s meal at home is one way to ensure that he is eating a diet that is packed with the nutrients that he needs.
By making your dog’s meals, you can be sure that he only eats healthy fats, and that he consumes enough proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
If your dog is not used to eating homemade meals, you can try to incorporate it little by little. Observe his body language to determine whether he likes the butternut squash or not. You can incorporate the vegetable with your dog’s favorite meats like turkey, ground beef, or chicken.
After cooking the squash, you may cut it into cubes and give them as treats. You can mix the squash to your dog’s kibbles or add it as toppings of his favorite canned pet food, or homemade dish.
And while your pup is enjoying his hearty meal, you should also observe him just to ensure that he isn’t allergic to butternut squash.
The common symptoms that you should watch out for are nausea and vomiting, fever, lethargy, and itching or increased grooming.
Quinoa, Blueberries and Butternut Squash Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Protein such as Chicken or Turkey and Peas
- 1 cup Red Quinoa
- 1 cup Fruit & Vegetables Apples, Blueberries and Butternut Squash
Instructions
- Cook until firmest Vegetables/Fruit are tender.
- Remove from heat.
- Toss all ingredients together.
- Serve when cooled.
Notes
Butternut Squash Dog Treat Recipe
Equipment
- KitchenAid Prep Mixer
- Dog Themed Cookie Cutters
- Mixing Bowl
- Cookie Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butternut Squash organic
- 1/4 cup Peanut Butter natural
- 2 tbsp Flax Seeds ground
- 2 tbsp Pumpkin Seeds ground
- 1 1/2 cups Oats ground
- 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
- Bake butternut squash (cut in half and bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 mins) and allow to cool. Scrape out butternut squash flesh and place in bowl and mix.
- Grind flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and oats. Add to butternut squash mix.
- Add peanut butter and cinnamon to squash mix.
- Mix the ingredients together, and then use hands until mixture is thoroughly incorporated into a dough ball.
- Place dough between two sheets of parchment paper and flatten out the dough ball.
- Once flattened, use a rolling pin to roll out mixture to 1/4" thick.
- Use dog-themed cookie cutter to cut out treats.
- Place a clean parchment paper onto a cookie tray.
- Place treats on the covered cookie tray.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, depending upon your oven and the texture your dog likes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool. Store in the refrigerator for a week. Can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months – but they won't last that long!
Healthy Dog Birthday Cake
Equipment
- oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup Quaker oats
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil divided
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Honey
- 1/2 cup Butternut squash grated
- 1/4 cup Peanut butter natural
- 50 g Beef stick + wild game gibier selvaggina finely chopped, divided (or use any other treat)
Frosting
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup Peanut butter
Instructions
- Grease the two mini cake pans (10 cm diameter) ,with about 1 tsp olive oil and preheat the oven to 180o C.
- Put the grated butternut squash in a microwave container and cook on medium high for 3 minutes. Set aside to cool. Discard any visible water from the pumpkin.
- Combine oats and baking soda.
- In a large bowl, put the egg, peanut butter, honey and remaining olive oil ind whisk for a few seconds.
- Add the grated butternut squash and mix.
- Add the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
- Divide the batter evenly into two equal parts.
- Add half of the beef treat in one.
- Bake cakes for about 25 – 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Let the cakes sit in the pans for 10 minutes until the cool completely. Run a knife along the edges and flipping them over.
- For the icing: Stir yogurt and peanut butter together until a smooth paste; decorate the cake on top and on the sides.
- Top the cake with the remaining beef treat to make your dog’s special day that much better!
Is Butternut Squash safe for dogs to eat?
Butternut squash is a delicious, brightly colored veggie that is versatile and carries a multitude of health benefits for both humans and dogs. There are some fruits and veggies that are toxic to dogs, but all winter squash varieties are safe for dogs to consume on a regular basis – including butternut squash.
Can Squash give dogs diarrhea?
Squash is tough and very high in fiber, raw squash may be tough on dog's stomach, causing diarrhea or vomiting. It's best to steam or light bake squash before giving it to your pup. Leave out unnecessary butter or oil and skip garlic or onions, which can be toxic for dogs.
How much butternut squash can dogs eat?
Depending on the size of your dog, a medium-size dog you can give them one or two pieces of cooked butternut squash every now and then. However, please skip adding sugar, salt or fats before giving it to them.
Does butternut squash help dogs poop?
Butternut squash also helps your dog's digestion, much as pumpkin can do. If your dog is suffering from diarrhea, for example, a small spoonful of cooked squash mixed into their regular food can help.