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Yes, dogs can eat butternut squash. Butternut squash is very healthy for your dog and can be a great snack to add to their diet. The winter vegetable contains four-fifths water and is excellent hydration support.

Butternut Squash
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Safe: This food is generally considered safe by the veterinary community. Dogs can eat this food sometimes or in small amounts but contains little to no nutritional value.

Food Safety Safe in moderation
Nutritional Value Vitamins A and C, vitamin B6, high fiber, calcium
Potential Risks Choking hazard
Every dog is different. For specific feeding guidelines, including quantities and beneficial foods that are best for your dog, please consult your vet.

How to Feed Your Dog Butternut Squash?

You can incorporate butternut squash into your doggy’s diet in different ways. You can mash the vegetable and mix them up with your dog’s regular food. Butternut squash has multiple health benefits for humans, and can be a good way to provide your dog a well-balanced meal.

You can also boil or bake butternut squash until they are soft and serve them in small pieces. Butternut squash can be hard to chew and digest in large pieces. Hence, you cooking it before serving is a good idea.

TIP: When preparing butternut squash for yourself, prepare some separately for your dog without any spices or seasonings and enjoy the food together.

How Much Butternut Squash Can Your Dog Eat?

Let’s say you are feeding them a puree. For a small dog, one or two teaspoons are enough. If your dog is large, give them one or two tablespoons of butternut squash. Butternut squash is safe to eat as long as it is in moderation. Overfeeding your dog can affect their health in the long term.

Remember to test new food for allergies before making it a part of your dog’s diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Raw butternut squash can be hard to chew and swallow. It is also difficult to digest. So, cook or puree the vegetable before giving it to your doggy.

  • If your dog has eaten a lot of butternut squash and is visibly in pain and distress, contact your vet and follow their guidelines to treat your dog.

About the Writer
Dan Greco , Dog Dad

Having been a dog dad for 5 years, I know how hard it is to make sure your dog gets the right nutrients and stays away from hazardous foods. With the help of a veterinarian who specializes in nutrition, I created this blog to help dog owners quickly access food information they need.

photo of vet holding a pup
About the Contributor
Dr. Hillary Wolfe , Veterinarian & Certified Food Therapist

Dr. Wolfe holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University and holds nutrition certifications from the NAVC and CIVT. Her business, Tula Veterinary Nutrition, hosts online courses that teach owners how to cook for their pet for optimal health and longevity. Follow her on Instagram at @doctorwolfe.dvm for dog nutrition tips, recipes and insights.