Is Asparagus OK for Dogs? Is Asparagus Poisonous to dogs?
When two beautiful puppy eyes are begging for a treat – sometimes we want to give them what is at hand. But what if we are cooking with asparagus? Can dogs eat asparagus? Is it healthy for a dog to eat asparagus?
Dogs are our best friends. They are always right there, including during dinner time. It is normal to give your furry friend the occasional bite, but some foods are toxic to dogs.
It’s essential to know what fruits and vegetables are OK for dogs to eat before giving them a bite from your plate.
Can I Feed My Dog Asparagus?
Yes! Asparagus is packed with healthy vitamins and nutrients for humans, and it is fit for dogs as well. It is packed with everything from vitamins to antioxidants and more to promote health in your dog.
Is asparagus OK for dogs?
Yes, as long as it is appropriately prepared, there is no problem with asparagus for dogs. When cooked in salts or oils, you would need to be cautious.
Is asparagus poisonous to dogs?
No, asparagus is not poisonous to dogs. Although it is not necessary for the diet – asparagus is not toxic to dogs.
Is raw asparagus okay to feed to dogs?
Health wise raw asparagus is fine to feed to dogs. It is not toxic or poisonous. It is however very tough and can be a choking hazard. Be careful with such a tough snack as a treat!
Photo by mbtrama /CC BY
Most of Your Dogs Immunity Is in Their Digestive System
Your dog’s gut is packed with bacteria, fungi, and several other things. Fortunately, most of those bacteria are considered good bacteria.
They instantly attack anything harmful that enters your dog’s body. There are so many bacteria in a dog’s stomach that there are more bacteria than cells in a dog’s body.
This works out wonderfully because most dogs eat anything within reach. They need other bacteria to make sure that they stay healthy.
It’s also all the more reason to pay attention to what the dog is fed, including food from the table. You want to keep their digestive system as healthy as possible so that they do not get sick.
Possible Benefits of a Dog Eating asparagus
Fiber for Doggy Gut Health
Asparagus has more than enough fiber to help a dog form solid stools and make sure that a pet has regular bowel movements. This can be especially helpful for those that are still house training puppies.
Fiber also helps encourage cell renewal in the gut, something that is necessary to keep dogs healthy. It works as a wonderful probiotic by promoting healthy bacteria in the stomach, helping dogs maintain robust immune systems.
Vitamin C Is Not Relevant
As you continue to research asparagus, you will come across the vitamin C content quite a bit (Asparagus vitamin breakdown). Vitamin C is extremely healthy for humans because it boosts the immune system.
However, dogs do not need extra vitamin c from food the same way that humans do. Their bodies can produce this vitamin on their own. Giving them foods rich in Vitamin C will not necessarily help them, but it won’t hurt them either.
Control Free Radicals to Limit Aging and Cancer
Free radicals can be useful, or they can be harmful. Dogs are exposed to free radicals and the damage that can come with them just like humans. However, antioxidants and healthy foods help neutralize them, prevent potential damage, and slow the aging process.
The Vitamin E and specific antioxidants, such as flavonoids, provide additional protection against free radicals. This can help prevent premature aging and the problems that can come with the aging process in dogs. Free radicals are also known for causing cancer.
Photo by Andrew Bone /CC BY
Vitamin A for Eyes and Skin
Asparagus is also known for being packed with vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for healthy skin, bones, and a healthy immune system. Your dog does not produce enough Vitamin A on its own, so it’s necessary to include this in their diet.
A little bit of asparagus daily or a combination of foods with vitamin A can make sure that your dog stays healthy.
Phosphorus and Calcium for Bones and Jaws
Phosphorus and calcium team up together to promote healthy bones and healthy teeth. This happens in both humans and dogs. To help your dog be as healthy as possible, make sure they have plenty of both. Giving them asparagus can help with that.
Other Minerals (though the regular diet should cover these)
Asparagus is packed with other minerals that can be beneficial to dogs as well! Potassium is excellent for nerve function, the brain, and muscles.
Iron is vital for making sure that oxygen can get to the rest of the body. These minerals make sure that every part of the body is as healthy as possible.
Proper Preparation Is Necessary
Asparagus is a rather tough vegetable. This can make it harder for dogs to eat. It can also present a choking hazard if it is not prepared correctly.
To avoid choking hazards and make sure that your furry friend can eat asparagus, take a few extra steps to soften the vegetable.
Steaming, boiling, and blending can help make this vegetable soft enough for a dog to eat quickly.
Sautéing and other methods of cooking can work as well. Still, it is vital to ensure that healthy fats are used for cooking to ensure that dogs get as many health benefits as possible.
It’s essential to cook the vegetable until it is tender. Some pet owners also cut the rough parts of the stalk off completely to prevent choking. It’s always better to be safe instead of sorry.
After cooking asparagus, cut it into smaller pieces. This is another way to prevent choking. As you cut the vegetable, make sure to pay close attention to any pieces that may be too hard for dogs to chew. Toss these out or cook them longer.
A Little Bit at A Time
Some dogs have a hard time digesting large amounts of asparagus. It gives them gas, indigestion, and diarrhea.
Start by feeding dogs a small amount of asparagus. Larger dogs can start with two teaspoons. Smaller breeds will need a smaller amount, such as one teaspoon. If dogs can eat this with no problems, they can eat a little bit more next time. Still, it is unnecessary to feed dogs more than that for them to enjoy the health benefits that asparagus has to offer.
In addition to how much asparagus the dog is being fed, it’s important to pay attention to how frequently the dog is fed asparagus.
Some dogs can eat asparagus once weekly, while others may be able to handle asparagus daily. Pay attention to signs and symptoms of indigestion to make sure that dogs are not overeating.
How to Feed Your Dog Asparagus?
Cooked asparagus is not exactly something one wants to hand their dog with their palm. Some dogs will altogether refuse asparagus as well.
They might not like the smell or may reject it because it is a new food. There are several ways to feed dogs asparagus to ensure that they get their dose of healthy vegetation.
With Their Food
As with anything, most dogs will eat what is in their food. This is an excellent way to give medicine and to sneak some healthy vegetables into their diet. Dogs that do not object completely to asparagus may eat it just as they do anything else. Simply put a teaspoon on top of their food and watch them devour it.
If dogs turn their nose up at a teaspoon of asparagus on top of their food, try mixing it in with their food. It’s easier to do this with wet dog food, but it is possible with the dry dog food. Some dogs will not notice it is there if you feed them a large portion of food and only mix in one teaspoon.
Inside Treats or as part of a Kong
They make treats that have a hollowed out inside. This is usually used to help dogs take medicine, specifically if it is in pill form.
However, you can get creative and put some asparagus inside instead. Most dogs devour the treats so quickly that they do not realize they are eating something else until it is well on its journey to their stomach.
This is an exceptional idea for dog owners that are also in the middle of training their dogs using treats. Simply purchase ones with a hollow inside instead. Then, use a small spoon to put the asparagus inside the treat.
Alternatively, stuff a Kong or make a frozen Kong for a delightful, mentally enriching activity.
Dehydrated Asparagus for Dogs
Dog owners that have a food dehydrator can easily make their dehydrated foods. Instead of cooking and attempting to feed your dog fresh asparagus, take the time to make dehydrated asparagus.
This is often softer than asparagus usually is, making it a preferable option for dog lovers that are worried about their pets choking. Also, dehydrated asparagus has a different smell, appealing to some dogs that do not want to eat their vegetables (dogs can eat certain olives as an aside) (dogs can eat certain olives as an aside).
As A Treat or Reward!
Dogs that enjoy eating asparagus will happily eat this leafy green vegetable for a treat. Make some dehydrated asparagus, and cut it into cubes. Then, as the dog is trained, give them a piece when they are good.
This is a healthier choice than many dogs treats on the market and still helps provide dogs with the reward that they would like. Some consider healthy at home treats to be the ultimate solution for dog owners striving to give their dogs a healthier diet.
Is Asparagus OK for Dogs Conclusion
Dogs can eat asparagus! It offers a wide array of health benefits that dogs can benefit from, such as healthier bones, less premature aging, and healthier teeth.
Make sure that it is not a choking hazard. Be careful not to feed dogs too much asparagus to avoid digestion issues.
