Can Dogs Eat Asparagus?

Is it okay to feed your dog with asparagus? What could be potential health benefits? How about the side effects? These and more will be discussed here, so make sure to keep reading until the end![quads id=3]

While it seems like dogs enjoy vegetables and fruits as a snack, it is important to remember that their body is not similar to humans. Thus, particular foods that are healthier for us could pose a health risk to them.

How about asparagus?

Anyone knows how good asparagus is for humans. It is rich in minerals and vitamins. Many cultures have been enjoying it for thousands of years and adding it in various dishes.[quads id=2]

Can dogs eat asparagus?

Yes. Asparagus also brings much good stuff to the palate and body of your dog. However, it would be best if you only fed your dog with moderation. Too much consumption is not good for his health.

Plus, there are some things you have to keep in mind before feeding it to your dog. Moreover, we will tackle that in detail below.

Health Benefits of Asparagus to Dogs

As have mentioned earlier, asparagus contains plenty of nutrients that even dogs can benefit from. Such health benefits include:

• Packed with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals

One main reason why asparagus is good for dogs is that it has a variety of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that their body needs for day-to-day.

The veggie is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin C, vitamin E, copper, folate, and selenium.
Asparagus also comes with potassium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, pantothenic acid, manganese, and choline.

These vitamins and minerals are crucial in improving your dog’s immune system and keeping healthy organ as well as help with his growth, improve bone health and eye health, and strengthen teeth. Selenium can help prevent heart disease, thyroid disease, and even cancer.

• Antioxidant properties

The antioxidant properties of the nutrients in asparagus are relatively high, and they are also beneficial for your dog’s health. It fights off cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic conditions.

Glutathione is an antioxidant present in the vegetable, which is distinctly adept in warding off free radicals that damage healthy cells and cause arthritis, cancer, and inflammation.

• Regulate weight and improve digestive health

The dietary fiber contained in asparagus helps the puppy to have regular, healthy bowel movements. Here, the fiber controls and relieves diarrhea, constipation, and upset stomach among dogs. Additionally, fiber is a vital part of weight management as it helps reduce and prevent obesity.

While very beneficial to a dog’s health, too much amount of fiber can do the opposite. It can potentially cause digestive problems and upset the stomach of your dog.

• May aid in managing diabetes

Diabetes is one of the common issues among dogs. It poses serious health risks to him, and letting him suffer those diabetes-related problems is the last thing you want to happen.

You can add some pieces of asparagus into his diet to control diabetes mellitus – a typical canine metabolic condition. Thanks to the high fiber contained in the vegetable, it prevents vacillations and spikes in blood glucose levels.

• Includes inulin

Another advantage of giving your four-legged friend some pieces of asparagus is due to the inulin included in the veggie. It helps prevent allergies, stomach pain or discomfort, and even cancer.

Inulin is an essential carbohydrate/fiber that acts as a prebiotic for dogs as soon as it reaches the biggest intestine of the canine.

Probiotics are live microorganisms (known as the good beneficial bacteria) that cover the digestive tract. Probiotics help promote nutrient absorption, minimize the risk of colon cancer, and reduce allergies.

Is asparagus poisonous to dogs?

No ! But On the negative side, asparagus has a fair share of side effects as well.

• Can pose a choking hazard and cause stomach upset

As have mentioned above, asparagus is tough to chew and digest. This difficulty could also make it hard for the stomach of your pet. Not to mention, overeating the vegetable could potentially lead to gas, vomiting, diarrhea, and moderate to severe stomach pains.

So, it is always recommended and best to cook the asparagus before giving it to him. You can steam, grill, roast, or any types of cooking you want.

This way, he can find it very easy to chew, swallow, and digest the said vegetable. Please don’t give it to him whole, or else it can cause choking. Cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces.

• Causes discolored, stinking urine

You might notice that your dog starts producing smelly, discolored urine and occasionally, green stools. This is especially true if he overeats of this vegetable. These occurrences don’t cause for a severe alarm, but your house might suffer from hostile smell for a while.

• Often cooked in condiments and added oil

Be careful when feeding your dog cooked asparagus. It is best to give him pure vegetables than mixing it with other food items.

This is because some cooking additives, such as butter and oil, usually don’t sit well with the pet’s stomach. What’s more, those foods often contain high-fat contents and high calories.

You can still add some food items into the vegetable, but be mindful of what you are adding. You can ask help from a professional to assure you.

Can dogs have asparagus?

Just like humans, dogs may also find it hard to eat raw asparagus. Foods that are tough on their stomach could result in stomach ache, gas, vomiting, and diarrhea. Hence, cooked asparagus is much more recommended.

Cooking is beneficial in two ways:

1. Dogs find it a lot easier to chew the veggies; and
2. Asparagus tends to get processed efficiently even if your pet doesn’t chew as much as it should

You can boil, steam, or grill it first (whichever method you prefer) before giving to your dog. Although, the only disadvantage is that some nutrients will be taken away. Nevertheless, his health won’t be compromised.

You can only give him raw asparagus if he is already used to eating raw broccoli, carrots, or other vegetables. However, of course, you have to cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Read – 20 Healthy Home Made Dog Food Recipes

How Much Asparagus Can Puppies Eat?

Feed your dogs with reasonable and small amounts of asparagus only. It could be given as a reward or a snack. As for the portion size, cut off the vegetable into tiny, small pieces and give dog one to two of these pieces.

You don’t necessarily have to feed puppy asparagus often because he will get the bulk of nutrients that his body needs from the dog food he eats. Too much intake could cause vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach problems.

Things to Consider

While nutritious to dogs, there are certain things you should keep in mind so the health of your beloved friend won’t be put at risk.

Foul by-products
Those who love asparagus as part of their meal or diet know the unique smell this vegetable can impose on your urine. Dogs are susceptible to the aromatic powers of asparagus as well.

No matter how tiny or the massive amount it is, consuming this veggie can lead your pet to have some very foul-smelling urine and in some cases, green stools. Though, it is not necessarily a call for concern.

Asparagus ferns are harmful to dogs

Take note of this, especially if you own an asparagus plant. Asparagus Ferns are toxic to dogs. They can cause moderate to severe diarrhea, intestinal discomfort, and vomiting. Most are not lethal, so reduce your worry. When ingested, call a veterinarian immediately.

Always keep a close eye for any signs of digestive problems (e.g., vomiting or diarrhea) when feeding your pup. The veggie might not agree to his stomach, and that is commonly the case.

Additional tip: Can Dogs Eat Asparagus?

If you are supplementing fresh food to dog food, then take note of the ratio of 90% dog food and 10% veggies. You can balance that ratio a bit more if your dog requires additional nutrients or needs to lose weight.

If you want to supplement what your dog is getting in his diet with asparagus, you can crush or chop fine and then mix into his meals. While for treats, you might consider adding some peanut butter. However, make sure the peanut butter is dog-safe (no sugar, only pure peanuts).

Also when preparing asparagus, you can mix in salt, oil, butter, and other seasonings, but NOT with onion powder or garlic because these are considered harmful to dogs.

Can Dogs Have Asparagus? – A Conclusion

Yes, asparagus is also good for your dog, but in moderation. Make sure to chop up the vegetable into small pieces before giving to him to avoid choking. You can mix cooked asparagus with other vegetables or fruits, like oranges and broccoli.

You can continue serving him asparagus if you see no adverse reaction or side effects at all. However, if you are still unsure and want a complete assurance, it is better to consult a vet.