Anal gland (actually anal sac) expression is often demonstrated by dogs sitting and pulling (scooting) themselves across flooring or grass. The scooting is marveled at by children while adults are usually disgusted, but it is actually an act of distress for companion dogs.
Canned pumpkin is frequently the “go to” healthy food topper for companion dog parents to help give dogs that may have trouble expressing their anal glands (anal sacs). The soluble fiber in pumpkin helps put pressure on the anal sacs to alleviate an impaction, and reduce or eliminate the scooting across the floor. It is a simple and easy solution.
What might be even healthier? Now that it is harvest season for pumpkin, pumpkins from your local farmers market!
Now, you are thinking to yourself about all of the seeds and mess of carving up a pumpkin might bring. We understand.
So…we have another alternative! Butternut squash! In fact, it may be a good idea to switch up the source of soluble fiber sometimes to achieve the desired effects.
With the growing popularity and now abundance of butternut squash, we noticed that one butternut squash was the same price as a can of pumpkin at a local farmers market.
Just like pumpkin, butternut squash is also jam-packed with soluble fiber. However, a butternut squash is much easier and faster to work with because the seeds are minimal and concentrated in the bottom instead of the entire core like a pumpkin.
Indeed, pre-cut butternut squash is usually readily available at grocery stores and cooperatives than pre-cut pumpkin, and is a good alternative. However, you are paying for someone else to cut it.
So, how do you choose, cut up, and serve butternut squash to your companion dogs? It literally takes a few minutes.
Choosing a Butternut Squash
#1. You want it a darker shade of matte beige, not shiny beige.
#2. If it has a few green patches, it is not ready yet for carving. However, you can let it ripen on your kitchen countertop or indoor window sill.
#3. Tap it. If it sounds hollow, you are good to go.
Carving a Butternut Squash
#1. Lay the squash on its side and cut off the bottom and the top. Are you finding this particularly difficult or fear you might slice and dice your finger? Poke the squash with a fork and place it in the microwave for approximately 2 minutes to soften the rind.
#2. Now grab your vegetable peeler. You can certainly use a vegetable peeler that is traditionally used for carrots, but a y-peeler is a better option as it covers more surface area with each swipe.
#3. You can leave the squash on its side to peel, but we find it easier to stand it upright and peel with long downward strokes, and then getting the excess rind bits off laying on its side.
#4. Cut it lengthwise. If you are finding this difficult as well, you can cheat and cut above the bulbous portion of the squash. Then, cut both halves lengthwise.
#5. Scoop out the seeds.
#6. Now slice the squash into bite-size pieces or so that it is easily freezable.
Preparing Butternut Squash
#1. Grab a steamer pot or a steamer and a pot.
#2. Pour 1-2 inches of water into the pot.
#3. Bring to a boil.
#4. Place the cut pieces of squash into the steamer basket.
#5. Gently boil 1-3 days worth of squash for approximately 12-15 minutes. If frozen, boil for 20-25 minutes.
#6. Mash it with a fork while still warm.
#7. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You probably have a lot of fresh squash leftover on your countertop. So, what to do with it? Freeze it!
Freezing Butternut Squash
Cookbooks or cooking websites will tell you to flash freeze, blanch and then freeze, or puree and then freeze.
Flash freezing is the simplest. You simply lay out the individual pieces – making sure none are touching – on a cookie sheet and place it in the freezer overnight. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer-bag.
However, flash freezing may be too involved because that would create another project: rearranging the entire freezer.
The purpose of flash freezing is so the individual pieces do not stick together when you go to use them. It’s about creating convenience on the frontend instead of the backend.
If you do not have the space or the time to rearrange your freezer to accommodate a cookie sheet for a few hours, we understand.
You can simply toss the individual pieces into a freezer bag or freezer-safe container for later use. When you go to prepare them, simply break apart the serrated pieces with your hands or gently with a fork and pop them in the steamer basket.
Serving Size for Companion Dogs
Start off with a small amount for small dogs and work your way up to a tablespoon per day. For bigger dogs, work up to two tablespoons per day. Once the butternut squash pieces are soft and malleable after boiling, you can easily smoosh them into the measuring spoon.
And with that…Bon Appetit!
