Can dogs eat asparagus? Yes, dogs can eat asparagus. Asparagus is packed with dietary fiber, antioxidants, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, and trace minerals. These nutrients are crucial for dogs as they are vital for maintaining healthy body functions.
Although asparagus is a nutritious veggie snack for dogs, it has some drawbacks dog owners should take note of. Read on to find out the amazing health benefits asparagus offer and how to best prepare this vegetable for your dog.
Can dogs have asparagus?
Asparagus, raw or cooked, is generally safe for dogs to eat. However, some parts of the asparagus plant can be harmful to our furry companions.
Learn more about this vegetable’s health benefits and the potential risks before feeding asparagus to your dog.
Smelly Urine
You may have noticed that asparagus makes your urine smell funky. It contains asparagusic acid, a non-toxic compound with sulfur, which causes urine to smell pungent.
Our furry companions can experience the same thing. This may become a problem if your dog is not yet house-trained.
Toxic Fern
If you’re growing asparagus plants in your backyard, consider that asparagus fern is toxic to dogs. If ingested, it can cause intestinal discomfort, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Place a fence around the plant to keep your dog from getting his paws on it.
Poisonous Seeds
Asparagus seed pods, which look like small red balls, are poisonous to dogs and humans.
Eating asparagus seeds can cause stomach pains, vomiting, and diarrhea. Make sure to serve only fresh, full-grown asparagus to your pup.
Choking Hazard
Asparagus is not exactly the easiest vegetable to chew. The tough part of the asparagus is a choking hazard, especially for small dogs.
Some dogs also tend to scarf down their food without chewing, making it even more dangerous. Cut up asparagus into bite-size pieces to prevent it from getting stuck in your dog’s windpipe.
Upset Stomach
Asparagus is hard for a dog to digest. It is also packed with water and dietary fiber. One asparagus contains around 90% water and 3 grams of dietary fiber.
If the asparagus is not prepared correctly or is given in large quantities, it can cause constipation, stomach gas, diarrhea, and vomiting. To prevent health issues, give asparagus in small amounts.
Is asparagus good for dogs?
Asparagus is one of the most nutritious vegetables for dogs as it contains nutrients that provide several health benefits to dogs.
Below are essential vitamins and minerals found in asparagus that help to keep your dog strong and healthy.
Vitamin A
- Essential for maintaining healthy eyesight
- Vital in keeping the reproductive system in good shape
- Boosts skin and bone health
Vitamin B9
- Necessary for producing methionine
- Fundamental in cell growth, DNA synthesis, and amino acid metabolism
Vitamin E
- Boosts eye, skin, and coat health
- Prevents oxidation and gets rid of free radicals
Vitamin K
- Strengthens the immune system
- Ensures proper blood-clotting and healing of wounds
Copper
- Helps in the production of blood cells
- Aids in bone, collagen, and connective tissue formation
Digestive Fiber
- Promotes a regular bowel movement
- Aids in renewing cells lining the intestine
- Encourages healthy gut health
Methionine
- Enhances bone strength
- Encourages collagen formation
- Helps with glutathione production
Selenium
- Prevents cardiovascular and heart diseases
- Inhibits the development of cancer
Inulin
- Lessens allergic reactions
- Prevents colon cancer
- Helps with nutrient absorption
How much asparagus can dogs eat?
Stick to the 10% rule that vets often advise pet owners. Treats, including fruits and vegetables, should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
Dogs have a sensitive digestive system, so if you decide to add asparagus to your dog’s meal, do it gradually and in small amounts. Suddenly changing your dog’s diet may cause an upset stomach and other digestive problems.
Can dogs eat canned asparagus?
Canned asparagus is high in sodium and contains artificial preservatives and additives that may be harmful to your dog. Opt for fresh asparagus instead.
Can dogs eat raw asparagus?
Dogs can eat raw asparagus, but it is not recommended because the asparagus stalks are hard to munch on. They are a choking hazard and can damage your dog’s teeth.
If you still prefer feeding raw asparagus to your dog, cut the stalks into smaller pieces so that they’re easier to chew and swallow.
Can dogs eat frozen asparagus?
Frozen asparagus is a refreshing treat, especially on hot summer days. However, do not serve your dog frozen the whole asparagus because, just like raw asparagus, it is also a choking hazard. So, chop them into small pieces and freeze them.
Can dogs eat cooked asparagus?
The safest way for your dog to consume asparagus is by cooking it. This will also soften the vegetable, making it easier to chew and digest. On the downside, the heat will dissolve some of the vegetable’s vitamins and minerals and reduce its nutritional content.
Lightly boiling or steaming asparagus in water will retain the nutrients. When cooking the asparagus, do not use oil, butter, salt, spices like onion powder, and other ingredients, as these may negatively impact your dog’s health. It is best to serve plain cooked asparagus.
How to prepare asparagus for your dog
- Consider purchasing organic asparagus because it has low exposure to harmful chemicals and pesticides.
- Wash the asparagus properly to get rid of any dirt and chemical residue.
- Cut the asparagus into bite-size pieces and serve it to your dog.
Home-made Asparagus Dog Treat
Some dogs are picky eaters and may not enjoy eating asparagus. To make it tempting to your dog, try this homemade tasty asparagus dog treat recipe:
Asparagus Biscuits
Ingredients
- 1 stalk of asparagus
- 1 green bean
- 1 cup of spinach
- 2 tablespoons of fat-free yogurt, plain
- 1/4 cup of applesauce, unsweetened
- 1 cup of whole wheat flour, plus 1/2 cup for rolling
Procedure
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Chop asparagus and green beans into one-inch pieces.
- Put asparagus, green beans, and spinach into the food processor.
- Blend until the mixture resembles small flakes.
- Transfer processed vegetables into a large bowl.
- Add yogurt and applesauce. Mix until well-incorporated.
- Add flour, 1/4 cup at a time, to the mixture.
- Stir after each addition.
- Knead the flour and wet mixture into a ball of dough. Add flour if needed.
- Spray your baking sheet with non-stick spray.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a sheet 1/2 inch thick.
- Using a cookie cutter, cut the dough into small rounds.
- Place the rounds 1/2 inch apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for twenty minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool.
- Serve to your dog. Place leftovers inside a resealable bag or airtight container and store them in the fridge.
