While we love to share all food with our dogs, we always have to first ask if it’s a good idea. So can dogs eat asparagus?
Asparagus is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which is why it often has a place on our table. But is it ok for your dog to eat it?
The most straightforward answer is yes, but there’s more you need to know about it:
- Can Dogs Eat Asparagus?
- Is Asparagus Safe for Dogs?
- Can Dogs Eat Raw Asparagus?
- Can Dogs Eat Cooked Asparagus?
- Benefits and Side Effects
Can Dogs Eat Asparagus?
Before we answer that question, let’s keep in mind that dogs should have a primarily meat-based diet, and vegetables should take only 10% of their everyday servings.
Plus, are all veggies good for the dogs? Well, no. For example, every dog owner should know that onions and garlic are toxic for dogs.
Luckily, asparagus isn’t harmful. It’s among the healthiest vegetables for humans and dogs.
This green veggie is rich in fiber and minerals but low in sugar, so we recommend it for dogs with weight problems. Also, it’s widely believed that asparagus can reduce joint pain, inflammation, and, to some extent, the risk of cancer.
So can dogs have asparagus? Can it harm them in any way? Let’s find out.
Is Asparagus Safe for Dogs?
While asparagus is generally safe for dogs, they should have it in moderation. The important part is how you serve it.
Once you start introducing the green vegetable to your dog, you should offer it separately and in tiny portions. That way, you can see your puppy’s reaction to it. If you notice diarrhea or other digestive upset, stop feeding your dog asparagus.
If everything seems fine, and you see that wagging tail asking for more, the serving is up to you. You can give asparagus to your dog separately as a healthy treat or combined with other veggies and meat.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Asparagus?
Yes, but it’s hard, making it somewhat indigestible for your dog’s stomach. So, the best way to offer it raw is to chop it into small parts and give it as a threat. Also, this will prevent your dog from choking as asparagus is very hard.
Once served, watch out for any abnormality, like vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms will tell you if your dog’s digestive system can’t handle asparagus.
Still, vomiting or diarrhea aren’t always signs of intolerance, but instead of your pup eating too much asparagus. The recommended intake is one to three tablespoons daily, depending on the dog size.
Can Dogs Eat Asparagus Stems and Asparagus Spears?
Yes, but you should know a thing or two about that.
Cut the stems into smaller pieces to prevent choking. The spears are also edible, and you could serve them as a crunchy treat from time to time.
What makes asparagus toxic are its ferns or leaves. But they can be dangerous to your dog only if you have the vegetable plant at home.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Asparagus?
It’s one of the best ways to give asparagus to your dog, especially if it’s boiled or steamed until it’s soft and easy to chew. But don’t use any oil or butter, as that can cause bowel movement and gas.
One of the best ways to use asparagus is to mix it with other vegetables and bone broth. It’ll turn into soup or stew.
But can dogs eat asparagus soup? They can. You can boil the asparagus with carrots and potatoes for a delicious soup. But since dog meals should have more meat, you could add some bone broth for an even tastier meal.
If you’re eating an asparagus soup, before you offer your plate to the dog, be mindful of other ingredients in it. Oil, garlic, or butter aren’t good for your dog.
What other dog recipes can you try with the green veggie? Can dogs have asparagus with rice and chicken broth? That’s one of our favorites.
Add the asparagus in the last 10 minutes when cooking this meal. It’s a yummy and easy to digest dish that will help your dog get all the good vitamins and minerals of the green veggie.
Asparagus Benefits and Side Effects
The list of benefits is massive. Asparagus is full of dietary fiber, low in sugar, and a powerful antioxidant that’s highly recommended for people with bowel movement issues. Of course, it’s excellent for dogs, too.
Here are the essential advantages of asparagus for dogs:
- Rich in fiber
- Powerful antioxidant
- High in folic acid
- Potassium
- Thiamin
- Vitamin A, C, E and K
- Copper
- Low-fat
- Low-sugar
Like any other food, asparagus can cause a few side effects, as well. But let’s first explore its benefits in-depth.
Benefits of Asparagus
Due to its spectrum of powerful ingredients, studies show that asparagus can be anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, and even reduce the risk of cancer in humans and animals.
Since this veggie contains 93% of water, it’s very low in calories. So it’s an excellent snack for dogs that need to lose a few pounds. In contrast, the low-sugar content of asparagus makes it amazing for dogs with diabetes or breeds prone to the disease.
Last but not least, the fibers in this veggie can help settle down an upset stomach and support your dog’s bowel movement.
Can Dogs Eat Asparagus Everyday?
Regardless of the many vitamins and minerals in asparagus, we don’t recommend giving this veggie to your puppy daily. Twice per week is enough.
If your dog is obese, discuss with your vet how often to serve asparagus to it.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Like any other food, asparagus can still have side effects for your dog. So it’s vital to introduce this vegetable separately and in moderation. First, ensure asparagus itself doesn’t cause any problems to your pup.
We like to mix our vegetables for a more complex taste, and it’s essential to know which veggies pair with cooked asparagus and dogs. No matter how many tasty meals include onion and garlic, they’re toxic for dogs. Besides, they can cause terrible stomach and bowel movement issues.
You should also remember that if you’re preparing dinner for your pet, cooking oil or butter isn’t an option. That can cause pancreas inflammation. Instead, consider using olive oil for dogs, which also has benefits in moderation. In any case, it’s best to boil or steam asparagus for dogs.
Last but not least, after your dog eats asparagus, don’t worry if you smell a specific pet urine odor or see a change in its stool color. Studies show that due to the many vitamins and minerals in asparagus, it’s normal for your dog to get a greener stool and a different urine odor after eating it. If that’s the case, you can always use a pet odor eliminator to freshen the air at home.
Wrap up — Is Asparagus Good for Dogs?
Asparagus contains so much fiber, vitamins and minerals, that it’s safe to offer it to your dog. Plus, you can ensure that your dog is getting the necessary nutrients for a healthy life if you do. Still, if you can’t bear the smell after, dog vitamins will do the same job without an unpleasant odor hanging in the air.
In contrast, if you’re set on preparing some elaborate asparagus dishes for your dog, you should know how to prepare them. Put aside the rough end of the stalk. Then steam or boil it until it’s soft and chewable. Finally, cut it in small pieces to prevent choking hazards. So can dogs eat asparagus? Yes, they can. Go and try it on your pet to discover a new healthy treat!
