Asparagus are healthy vegetables fully loaded with vitamins and minerals. It is very popular among humans and is served with steaks, pasta, and salads. People love to eat asparagus at dinner but what about dogs? Can your four-legged friend eat asparagus? Is it safe for your pet?
You have to be very careful about giving food to your dog as they are very sensitive about diet. Talking about asparagus, can dogs eat asparagus? Well, yes, asparagus is one of those vegetables that are safe for dogs and they can enjoy it full-heartedly.
Asparagus is not harmful to dogs, but it can be risky sometimes. There are a few things that you should keep in mind while feeding asparagus to your dog. Let’s give a quick read to find out the truth about “CAN DOGS EAT ASPARAGUS?”
While talking about vegetables, here are few more vegetables like cabbage, cilantro, basil, sauerkraut, and sesame seeds that are safe for dogs, do give them a read
Can Dogs Eat Asparagus? 4 Essential Benefits of Eating Asparagus
Asparagus is considered healthy for humans as well as your dog. It contains a rich amount of sodium, potassium, folate, and is a good source of fiber and vitamins.
Asparagus contains antioxidants that help dogs boost their immune system, maintain healthy fur coating, strong bones, teeth, etc.
Besides these, asparagus contains another huge list of benefits when it comes to feeding it to your dog. Let’s discuss the other benefits that dogs can have while eating asparagus.
1.1. Fiber:
Dogs need fiber to maintain a healthy lifestyle and asparagus is rich in fiber. However, there are two types of fibers:
- Insoluble fiber that supports bowel movements and creates new cells in the intestines.
- Soluble fiber keeps your digestive system in order and helps in making prebiotics.
1.2. Vitamins:
Asparagus is rich in vitamins. It contains numerous amounts of vitamin A, B9, C, E, and K.
Vitamin A helps your dog in the betterment of the eyes, skin, bones, and reproductive system. Vitamin B9 is essential for the metabolism and creation of new blood cells.
And Vitamin C and vitamin E are antioxidants that help dogs in fighting free radicals. Lastly, Vitamin K is more important because it boosts the immune system of your dog.
1.3. Minerals:
Minerals in the asparagus control the brain and muscle functioning of your dog and keep the nerve impulses in control.
1.4. Calcium:
Calcium can provide your dog’s cartilage development and it is crucial for blood clotting and maintaining the neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems.
Can Dogs Eat Asparagus? Serving Precautions for Asparagus
Asparagus is not toxic for your dog but it can cause some health risks. Avoid giving raw asparagus to dogs as it is hard and your pet may find it difficult to digest it.
To avoid any problem, you should be a precautionary measure when serving asparagus to your dog.
2.1. Serve in Small Pieces:
Asparagus is available in large pieces but when it comes to feeding it to your dog. Feed him small pieces as large pieces can get stuck in the throat and cause choking or digestion problems.
2.2. Preparation Guideline:
You should not feed raw asparagus to your dog as it will lead to bloating, diarrhea and vomiting. So, how asparagus should be served? Well, we will tell you the preparation guideline for asparagus serving.
At first, remove the rough skin from the vegetable, then boil it properly. After boiling, blend it a little and served it by cutting it into small pieces.
How Much Asparagus Is Safe for Your Dog?
Now, when we got to know that dogs can eat asparagus, we should also know how much of the amount is safe to eat for dogs? Normally, you should add 10% of the asparagus to their diet. Avoid giving them direct asparagus.
The quantity of asparagus also depends on your dog’s size, e.g.; small dogs should be given one tablespoon per day. Medium size dogs can consume two tablespoons and large dogs can have three tablespoons of asparagus in their diet.
Can Dogs Eat Asparagus? Conclusion:
You are still having doubts about can dogs eat asparagus? Yes, they can eat asparagus but in a moderate amount. Asparagus is full of nutrients and vitamins that can provide your dog many health benefits.
asparagus also contains some risks and precautions that you should follow whenever feeding it to your dog. If you feed asparagus to your dog for the first time, wait for at least 24 hours.
If you didn’t observe any strange behavior, continue feeding him. Otherwise don’t give more of it or your dog might get sick.