Can Cats Eat Butternut Squash?

Is butternut squash safe for cats to eat? Yes!

Although cats are primarily meat eaters, they do benefit from eating some fruits and veggies, and butternut squash is no exception! Butternut squash isn’t as common in commercial cat foods as other veggies like corn, beets, and green beans, but occasionally, you will see it in wet foods and treats.

Read on to learn about the health benefits of offering butternut squash to your kitty as well as recommended serving size and some things to consider when feeding squash to your feline friend.

Cats are notoriously picky, and food preferences vary from cat to cat, so some cats enjoy butternut squash, and others do not. Butternut squash has a slightly sweet flavor which might not be appealing to some kitties. Cats rarely show interest sugary foods because the taste receptors responsible for detecting sweetness aren't very sensitive.

If you're interested in serving butternut squash for its nutritional benefits, you may want to cook it soft and blend it with meats or wet cat food to encourage cats to eat it.

Although veggies aren't a necessity in your cat's diet, they still have many benefits when served in moderation.

Fiber

Some experts recommend feeding butternut squash to felines to help combat mild constipation since it is high in fiber and helps with digestion.

Vitamin A

Butternut squash is also high in Vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for many feline bodily processes and impacts your cat's vision, nerves, skin, and growth. Too little vitamin A can cause cats to develop night blindness, poor coat health, and have stunted development.

Potassium

Just two tablespoons of butternut squash has a whopping 73 mg of potassium, essential for your kitty's muscle, brain, and heart health.

Low fat

Butternut squash can be a calorie-conscious addition to your cat's regular food since it is low in fat but packed with nutrients.

Magnesium

Butternut squash is an excellent source of magnesium, which is crucial for a feline's urinary, muscle, and cardiovascular health. In fact, too little magnesium can cause a life-threatening condition in cats called hypomagnesemia.

Calcium

You might be surprised to learn that butternut squash contains a pretty substantial amount of calcium—84 mg per cup! Calcium is crucial for cats of every lifestage since it helps strengthen bones and aids in healing.

High water content

Butternut squash has a high water content, so it can help boost hydration — this can be especially helpful for cats who don't drink enough or struggle to stay hydrated.

It's best to give cats no more than two tablespoons of butternut squash a day. Moreover, butternut squash and other treats should not constitute more than 1/10th of your cat's food. Commercial cat food is formulated with the exact macro- and micronutrients cats need for optimal health, and consuming too many calories from other food sources could cause weight gain or malnutrition.

If you're wondering if your kitty can safely indulge in a dish of butternut squash soup, the answer is that it depends. Unseasoned boiled or baked butternut squash blended with water or cat-safe broth is paw-fectly fine for your cat. However, heavily-seasoned or dairy-based soups can cause digestive upset, as can flavor additions like onion and garlic. 

Too much butternut squash may be difficult for your furbaby to digest and could potentially cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Yes! Cooked butternut squash is a great remedy for mild constipation in cats because it is high in fiber and moisture.

When prepared correctly, butternut squash can be a tasty and nutritious addition to your cat's diet. Experts recommend baking, boiling, or steaming the squash until soft before serving. Since it is mild in flavor, it works well when blended with wet food, which can encourage picky eaters to try it when they otherwise might not. It's best to keep your cat's butternut squash intake down to a tablespoon or two a day since too much can cause tummy troubles.