Squash contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, riboflavin, potassium, copper, and manganese, thiamin, B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, niacin, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. Here's just a few ways that these vitamins and minerals help your dog...
Vitamin E keeps dog’s skin and coat healthy and shiny.
A deficiency in riboflavin or Vitamin B2 in dogs can impair puppy growth and can lead to anorexia. Deficiency in adult dogs can lead to bilateral corneal opacities.
Vitamin B2 has been proven to be essential to normal growth, muscle development, and hair coat.
The presence of copper in dogs is important in the formation of collagen, absorption or iron and development and maturation of red blood cells.
Manganese plays an important role in the actions of enzymes responsible for energy production.
Thiamine or Vitamin B1 functions for the metabolism of carbohydrates, maintenance of normal growth, and transmission of nerve impulses. Thiamine deficiency results in loss of appetite, weakness, loss of reflexes, loss of nerve control, and eventually death.
Vitamin B6 helps the body metabolize fats and proteins.
Pantothenic acid or Vitamin B5 is required for the synthesis of certain proteins and fatty acids.
Niacin or more commonly known as Vitamin B3 also helps with the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Niacin deficiency can cause weight loss, inflammation around the mouth and throat, black tongue, salivation, blood in the saliva and bloody diarrhea and stomach ulcers.
Iron is important in the blood production, and a low iron level can lead to anemia.
Magnesium regulates calcium movement into smooth muscle cells, and is important for the muscle's capability to contract.
Phosphorous works together with Calcium in the body to maintain the growth and structure of the skeletal system.
With all the nutritional value squash contains and the amazing health benefits of squash for dogs, there is no doubt that this is a super food. After knowing how this simple squash plant can do so much to your best friend, you will never look at those fall decorations the same way again.
Do you feed your dog squash? Or have you in the past?
If so, let us know in the comments below. We would love to hear your experience and hear any great squash recipes you have for your dog.