While eating vegetables used to be a chore growing up, there are many fun ways to consume them as adults. With all the sauces and recipes out there, eating green can be both nutritious and delicious. And even though they can’t have extra seasoning, our dogs actually enjoy vegetables just as they are. But what about asparagus? Is asparagus good for dogs? Today we will evaluate its health score for canines.
Can Dogs Eat Asparagus?
It might make your pee stink, but there’s no denying that asparagus is healthy for humans. But how does it fare for dogs? In short, the American Kennel Club (AKC) rules that asparagus is not toxic for dogs to eat.
As long as you follow certain guidelines, dogs can also enjoy the many vitamins and nutrients that this green vegetable can provide. However, because asparagus is difficult to chew and digest in its raw form, you might want to search for an easier veggie to serve to your pup. But if you want to stick with this stalk, read on to discover more about asparagus for dogs.
How to Serve Dogs Asparagus
Before we delve into nutritional content, let’s review serving safety. Asparagus is a bit of a tricky vegetable to prepare for pups. For one, asparagus stalks are very tough. In order to avoid having your dog choke, always cook the asparagus thoroughly and chop it into smaller pieces.
Unfortunately cooking vegetables decreases their nutrient level. However, this is necessary when it comes to asparagus for dogs. Not only is raw asparagus very tough, but it might cause gas, diarrhea, or vomiting in dogs if consumed.
It is best to serve dogs plain, steamed asparagus. Of course, be sure to not add any butter, cooking oil, salt, or seasonings. Though asparagus will make for a safe snack, be aware that your dog really will have some stinky urine.
Lastly, never feed your dog asparagus fern. This part of the plant is both inedible and toxic for dogs. This means if you have a home garden you should take extra caution to keep your dog out.
Is Asparagus Good for Dogs?
Though it’s highly advised to cook asparagus before feeding it to your dog, which lessens the nutrient level, asparagus is still a nutrition-packed vegetable choice. So how is asparagus good for dogs? Is the stinky pee really worth it?
Healthline reviewed the top seven health benefits of eating asparagus, and there are a lot of things that asparagus is doing right. For one, asparagus packs a ton of nutrients into a very low calorie snack. Half a cup of cooked asparagus only contains 20 calories, and it provides 2.2 grams of protein and 1.8 grams of fiber. It also has only 0.2 grams of fat.
Looking for more nutrients? Asparagus contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, folate, potassium, and phosphorous. This veggie also has small amounts of iron, zinc, and riboflavin, as well as a high antioxidant count.
That isn’t even the end of asparagus benefits. Asparagus can improve digestive health and help your dog (and you!) lose weight. It is also linked to lowering blood pressure. Your mom really wasn’t lying when she said vegetables are good for you. And the great news is your dog can reap the same benefits from this veggie.
Asparagus Answers
Is asparagus good for dogs? Yes, asparagus is a very healthy veggie. However, it is problematic to serve dogs raw asparagus. Therefore if you’re looking for a quick doggie snack, you might want to stick to a veggie you can serve raw.
To read about healthy vegetables for dogs, check out these articles on cucumber, lettuce, and celery for dogs.
