Like many different food types, knowing “can dogs eat asparagus” can help ease the stress of finding a dog happily chewing a bunch of asparagus. Of course, for many more owners, it can simply be a case of understanding whether raw asparagus or cooked asparagus can be given to your dog, when you have leftovers.
As such, we’re here to answer any and all questions related to whether there are any issues to expect when dogs eat asparagus. As well as whether feeding asparagus is beneficial to a dog’s diet or if there are any concerns regarding the impact of asparagus on a dog’s digestive system. So, sit back, enjoy learning everything there is to know about dog-asparagus interactions, and feel safe in your newfound knowledge!
Can Dogs Have Asparagus?
First thing’s first – can dogs eat asparagus? Well, for those who rushed to the internet after discovering their dog eating asparagus, you’ll be pleased to know that asparagus for dogs is completely healthy. Of course, there are a few things you should be aware of, here.
For starters, while asparagus for dogs is generally perfectly fine, like all things large amounts can lead to an upset stomach. So, pet owners who have had to manically turn to search engines with the classic “can dogs eat asparagus” may need to check the quantity of asparagus their dog got through before they were discovered. The amount can change, depending on the size of your pooch and what their general diet is like. So it’s worth considering what your dog eat, asparagus or not.
Secondly, it’s important to note that fresh asparagus, which is still growing, can flower. The small, red berries that appear are toxic to both humans and dogs. As such, never give your dog asparagus that is flowering and has these berries.
In addition, whether your dog has cooked asparagus or a raw asparagus stalk matters. So, before you give asparagus to your dog, check out the quick guides to both types, below.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Asparagus?
Yes, dogs can eat raw asparagus. However, because raw asparagus is so fibrous, you may find that your dog will struggle to chew and eat it. Also, when it comes to your dog, raw asparagus won’t have the same range of health benefits as cooked varieties since cooking the vegetable, before giving them asparagus, allows all the vitamins and minerals to be more easily released, during digestion.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Asparagus?
Cooked asparagus is definitely preferred and is the safest way for your canine companion to eat asparagus. Whether it’s as homemade treats, a part of a balanced diet when added to normal dog food or as occasional healthy snacks. Regardless of how you feed your pup the asparagus, they’ll be able to get the best range of benefits. If you’re not sure on the best way to feed asparagus to your dog, we give some inspiration, below.
Is Asparagus Good for Dogs?
When cooked properly, with the necessary precautions, asparagus is absolutely good for your pooch! Packed with vitamin C, plain asparagus is excellent for your dog’s coat, as well as their brain and major organs.
They can also aid your dog’s digestion, and help to maintain regular bowel movements, thanks to all the dietary fiber. However, many dogs can also benefit from the antioxidants that are packed into each spear – helping to fight free radicals and keep your pup happier and healthier, for longer.
When is Asparagus Bad for Dogs?
We’ve mentioned a couple of risks in passing, when it comes to worrying about the risks of this veggie for your pooch. However, the main things to remember is that any food you give your pup, should be given in moderation. Especially as too much of a good thing can lead to a poorly stomach!
Do be aware that veggies shouldn’t make up more than 25% of your dog’s daily diet, per day. Ideally, this should be less than 15% of the total diet every day, since most animal foods and treats will include some vegetables in their recipe, too. However, for those who give their pup a raw food diet, using one of the recipes below can be a great help to maintaining your dogs’ overall wellness.
Similarly, small dogs may struggle with asparagus stalks, as these can be a choking hazard. If you have a toy breed or a smaller puppy, you should be wary about the size of the asparagus – and always stay near to your canine companion, when they’re chewing on a stalk.
Finally, remember that some pups can be allergic to asparagus. So, if this is the first time you’re giving your pooch an asparagus treat, do be sure to watch for any signs of choking or struggling.
How Much Asparagus Can a Dog Eat?
As with all things in life, too much of a good thing can often lead to bad things! Do be careful when giving your pup asparagus or any other vegetables, as too much dietary fiber can cause problems, down the line. That being said, since asparagus is made up mostly of water (like many veggies!), your dog should remain happy and healthy with roughly 10% of their diet being made up of appropriately-sized asparagus.
Simple Homemade Asparagus Recipes for Dogs
Dog Asparagus Recipe – Quick and Easy!
Easily the simplest and quickest way to cook asparagus is as follows:
Chop up your asparagus into bite-sized pieces. This can change, depending on your breed of dog – so bear in mind that to keep asparagus safe for your pooch to eat, you might need smaller sizes for toy breeds, while large dogs can handle larger pieces. This helps reduce the risk of the food becoming a choking hazard.
Next, boil the pieces of asparagus in a bone broth or chicken broth. Using these will help entice your pup – and all smart dog owners know just how much their canine companion loves the smell of real meat. If you’re so inclined, you can also combine these with sweet potatoes, for some carbohydrate-goodness, too.
You may also like our article on: How To Make Bone Broth For Dogs
Dog Asparagus Recipe – A Bit Longer, But Totally Worth It!
One of the best ways to give your pup asparagus is to dehydrate them (along with other dog-safe veggies, such as sweet potatoes, green beans, and bell peppers) and feed them as treats. To do this, simply follow the steps above to boil the food.
Then, dehydrate them by placing everything on an oven-safe dish and cook on low heat (roughly 110 degrees) for 8 hours. If your pet prefers their sweet potato, asparagus and peppers to be a little chewier, pull them out a little earlier.
Note: Do not use onion powder (as some recipes call for) or cooking oil, as these can be bad for your dogs.
FAQs:
Q: How often and how much asparagus can dogs eat?
A: Since, like all things, cooking asparagus usually means grabbing as much as possible during asparagus season and boiling it in large quantities, it’s worth noting how much is too much for your dog (and you!). However, for all the essential vitamins and minerals that asparagus provides – and a very low caloric density to boot – it’s good to know that asparagus is actually made up of around 90% water.
As such, there’s very little risk of harm, if you’re looking to feed your dog asparagus. However, since your dog’s digestive system is mainly designed to work with meat, do try to keep this to an occasional treat. Just like with other veggies, the key is maintaining moderation. Doing so will keep your dog’s digestive health in tip-top condition.
Q: Can dogs be allergic to asparagus?
A: Dogs can be allergic to almost anything – including healthy foods and other vegetables. So it’s always worth keeping an eye on your dog, whenever you feed them anything new. Just because a healthy vegetable also happens to work as a healthy treat for your dog, it doesn’t mean that every dog owner should assume every dog is the same.
Check out our article on the Best Dog Food for Dogs with Allergies.
Q. Is the asparagus fern poisonous for dogs?
A: OK, so this one isn’t necessarily related to the asparagus food itself, but we figured it would be best to answer this – just in case. A growing asparagus plant is toxic to your dog, so be sure to keep asparagus plants away from your pup – both indoors and outdoors.
The plant can definitely make your dog sick, if your dog decides to have a munch on this, so be sure to check your backyard before purchasing a new pup! And, if you think your dog has eaten some of the plant, call your veterinarian immediately.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – now, you not only know the answer to the question “can dogs eat asparagus?”, but you know how to prepare it and feed your dog – without the risk of causing any digestive upset! Just remember that if anything seems different about your pup – or if you’re simply concerned – to call your local vet for veterinary advice. They will help you if you want to know more or simply want additional peace of mind.
