Squash is a delicious, flavorful delight of the fall season. Everybody loves it. But can dogs eat squash? The answer is a definite yes. Raw fruits and vegetables are great, healthy treats you may give to your dog occasionally, and squash makes no exception whatsoever. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about feeding squash to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Vegetables?
Some people think of dogs as carnivores that love eating meat and meat only. However, that’s only a popular misconception. Our vets indicate that our furry pets are omnivores, so they enjoy being offered a balanced diet that includes vegetables and fruits as well. These are a great source of vitamins and minerals your furry pet requires. Additionally, healthy behavioral treats are a great idea to train your pup and keep him satisfied and healthy at the same time!
The general rule is to keep the fruit and vegetable portions to no more than 20 percent. Also, make sure to introduce these treats gradually into your dog’s diet.
Can Dogs Eat Squash – Yes, Cooked Squash is Fine
Feeding your dog cooked squash is important. Raw squash might be too harsh for your dog’s digestive tract. To prevent him from suffering from stomach ache and indigestion, cooked squash is the best alternative. Do make sure you don’t season it in any way – your furry friend won’t sense the difference and salt and sugar are utterly harmful to the dog’s health. Besides that, it is also important to peel off the skin and remove the seeds. This way your dog won’t choke on them.
Also, when it comes to new vegetables, start mixing it with your dog’s regular food first. In this way, your dog won’t react to the new veggie negatively. This is a good idea when it comes to implementing new ingredients into your furry pet’s diet. Keep in mind that too many alternative snacks might alter the pH levels of your dog’s stomach, so the portions should be moderate.
Reasons to Feed your Dog Squash
This time of the year, squash is a great treat for your furry friend. It’s equally accessible and healthy. It is an excellent source of potassium, being effective in diminishing heart failure in dogs. Moreover, squash is rich in manganese, copper, magnesium and calcium. Besides that, it is also loaded with vitamin A, which your dog requires for a healthy skin and sharper vision.
At the same time, squash is a great source of powerful, natural antioxidants, while embodying anti-inflammatory benefits. It is believed that its consumption significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease. The bottom line is that adding it to your dog’s diet will improve his immune system and overall health.
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Preparing Homemade Meals for your Dog
Coming up with new recipes to surprise your furry pet is fun and educative. While you may improvise with homemade soups or other fun meals, remember that you shouldn’t include salt, or any other spices to the recipes. Additionally, you should consider avoiding canned soup, because it is high in sodium and that can be harmful to your dog’s health. You might not notice the detrimental results immediately, but in the long run, your dog’s health will be harmed. However, dogs genuinely love new, interesting dishes, so feel free to use your imagination in preparing homemade meals.
Butternut and Squash Dog Treats
You may opt to feed your dog steamed squash, as it’s quick and effortless to prepare. It takes approximately 7 minutes to make. However, if you have some extra time on your hands, you may want to cook this super-easy recipe for your furry pet.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup of squash puree
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 medium sized eggs
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- ½ cup flour used for rolling
Preparation
First, place the squash puree, eggs and peanut butter in a bowl. Next, add the flour to the mixture and keep on stirring until you obtain a dough that is dry and steady. You should bear in mind that this dough ought to be drier than the regular cookie dough. Spread flour on the table before rolling the dough. Next, you may use whatever cookie cutter you have around the house to cut the mixture. Also, make sure you preheat the oven to 350 degrees. They should be ready after 25 minutes. Their consistency is crunchy and hard, perfect for your greedy pet.
Let them cool down first before serving it to your dog. You should never feed your dog hot servings. After the cookies have cooled down, your dog can relish the treats you prepared especially for him.
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References:
http://canigivemydog.com/squash
https://www.dogtagart.com/blog/human-food-dogs-10-table-foods-dogs-can-eat
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