About Butternut squash
A member of the winter squash family, butternut squash is believed to have its origins in the Western Hemisphere, primarily, the Americas. Although mainly used as a vegetable, butternut squash is technically a fruit.
Nutrients in butternut squash
Butternut squash is a great source of vitamins A, C, E and K. It’s also a good source of magnesium, manganese, iron, copper and potassium.
Want more? Okay, it’s also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, zinc and vitamin B9 (also known as folate or naturally occurring folic acid).
More? Okay, what about thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine and alpha and beta-carotene. Butternut squash is blessed with all of those. Butternut squash for dogs seems to have an awful lot going for it. That’s why I sing its praises so frequently!
Benefits of butternut squash
This fabulously healthy squash provides high levels of cancer fighting antioxidants. It’s also considered to have anti-aging properties. It’s exceptionally good for a dog’s digestive system, and helps support a healthy immune system. Butternut squash is also good for skin and eye health due to its high levels of vitamin A. The fruit also has anti-inflammatory properties which could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and kidney problems.
As you may have gathered, butternut squash has many nutritional benefits to offer our dogs. It’s a particularly useful standby for when a dog is feeling under the weather. Many vets recommend chicken and rice for a poorly dog. But it’s becoming increasingly common for vets to recommend butternut squash and chicken as a viable alternative. Particularly because of the fruit’s calming effect on a dog’s digestive system. I actually prefer it to the chicken and rice alternative for a poorly tummy.
