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Can Dogs Eat Asparagus? Vet-Approved Health & Safety Facts

Jana Blagojevic

By Jana Blagojevic

Can Dog Eat asparagus

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Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Amanda Charles

Veterinarian, BVSc GPCert (Derm) MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Like us, dogs need their diet to be diverse and balanced to keep them healthy and fit. Many dog owners need clarification on what to feed their canine companions—can you feed your dog human food, and should they eat vegetables or fruit? Some vegetables, such as asparagus, are alright for our dogs to consume, but they come with certain risks. While this vegetable is not toxic for your dogs, it may not be the best choice.

If you want to learn more about feeding your dog asparagus, how safe it is, and in what amounts, stick with us.

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Proper Diet for Dogs

As we mentioned, a proper diet for your dog is crucial for their overall health. Dogs are omnivores and their digestive tract can digest both meat and plants. To remain healthy they need six essential nutrients in their diet in the correct amounts, which will partly depend on their life stage. These are water, carbohydrates ( including fiber), vitamins, minerals, fat, and protein.

When deciding what food to feed your dog, you should always look for food with quality ingredients and high nutritional value. Look for the nutritional adequacy statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) which helps you identify products that will meet your dog’s nutrient requirements and seek advice from your vet.

An essential factor in your dog’s diet is the amount of food you feed them. Some dog breeds are prone to obesity, so monitoring your dog’s eating and body condition is very important to stop these situations from happening.

Depending on your dog’s age, you should determine how many times you should feed them daily. Young dogs should eat more frequently than adult dogs. Puppies are usually fed around three times a day but when it comes to adult dogs, feeding them once or twice a day should be enough.

Asparagus
Image Credit: JumpStory

Safe Vegetables for Dogs

Since dogs are omnivores, certain fruits and vegetables can be a great occasional snack for your canine friends. Even though vegetables can be a healthy snack for your dog, you should always be careful about what vegetables you feed because some can be toxic, like onions. Some vegetables cause gas in your dog, like peas or brussel sprouts. Here is a list of some vegetables that are safe for dogs:

Is Asparagus Safe for Dogs?

Asparagus is a healthy vegetable often found in our kitchen and one of many people’s favorites. Luckily, asparagus isn’t toxic for your canine. But even with the high nutritional value of asparagus, before you give it to your dog, you should take a few things into consideration. One of these is the importance of cooking the asparagus properly and giving them minimal amounts to reduce the risk of digestive issues.

Nutritional Value of Asparagus in 100 g:

Water: 93.2 g
Energy: 20 kcal / 81 kJ
Protein: 2.2 g
Total Lipid: 0.12 g
Carbohydrate: 3.88 g
Fiber: 2.1 g
Sugars: 1.88 g
Glucose: 0.65 g
Fructose: 1 g
Calcium: 24 mg
Iron: 2.14 mg
Magnesium: 14 mg
Potassium: 202 mg
Sodium: 2 mg
Asparagus
Image Credit: JumpStory

Risks of Feeding Asparagus

Giving asparagus to your dog in large amounts and without cooking it can cause problems such as diarrhea, choking, and vomiting. We all know that asparagus isn’t the easiest for us to digest, but it is even harder for dogs. Because of the hard surface of the asparagus and the fast eating of many dogs, choking and intestinal obstructions are potential risks. So before you give asparagus to your dog, you should remove the tough bottom end of the stalk, and boil it until it becomes softer and easier to swallow and digest. You should also avoid using butter or any cooking oil—boiled it plain is best. Asparagus can also cause a foul smell of your dog’s urine, so keep that in mind.

Feeding Asparagus to Dogs

If you decide to give asparagus to your dog, you should be careful about the amount you give. We already discussed cutting and boiling before giving it to the dog, but giving your dog small portions is also essential. Larger quantities can cause gas and diarrhea but in general treats and additions to your dog’s diet should only account for up to 10% overall. The other 90% should come from a high quality, well-balanced dog food.

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Final Thoughts

We all want what’s best for our canines, and a proper diet is crucial for your dog’s overall health. Vegetables can be a fantastic source of vitamins and other nutrients your dog needs. But when it comes to asparagus—even with its high nutritional value—it isn’t usually the best choice. Even if it’s not directly toxic for dogs, it’s always best to check with your vet before adding any new foods to your dog’s diet. Asparagus can cause choking, gas, and diarrhea, so if you still want to use it, keep this in mind.

You should also monitor your dog after feeding them new food, and if you see that they have an unusual reaction, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

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