Asparagus can be a delightful source of nutrients for us humans, but what about our canine companions? When you hear about the health benefits of veggies for humans, you may be tempted to slide some off your plate for your dog the next time you prepare some for dinner. There’s only one problem: the digestive system of a dog is vastly different from a human.
Dogs may process some foods slightly differently than humans. This can prompt your pup to get sick from food that you may casually offer them off your dinner plate without thinking. While raw asparagus may offer dogs some antioxidant and nutrient benefits, there are some significant risks with offering them this food choice.
Use this guide to help you learn the vital information about adding asparagus, raw or cooked, to your pet’s diet. Find out the health benefits this food can offer to your dog, as well as the dangers and limitations. Use this information to help you give your dog the best food options for their health and safety.
Is It Safe For Dogs To Eat Asparagus?
Asparagus is not toxic for dogs to consume but still isn’t particularly safe for dogs to consume. There are a few reasons that this veggie can be dangerous to your canine. One is that the stalks, in particular, are tough to chew. This might tempt your canine to swallow it whole, potentially causing them to choke. For this reason, it is recommended to leave the stalks out or chop them into small pieces and feed them to your dog individually.
The tough composition of the stalk on raw asparagus can also cause problems for your dog’s sensitive digestive system. If they manage to swallow the stalk without choking, they may later become sick, experiencing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or gas. Cook the stalks lightly if you plan on serving them to your dog to help ease and minimize potential digestive concerns. Lightly cooking will also help with the choking concern as it will soften the veggie.
The Benefits of Asparagus For Dogs
As with humans, dogs benefit from added vitamins and minerals in their diet. Asparagus is a rich source of these health benefits and includes an impressive roster of valuable components for you and your pet’s health. These include:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Selenium
- Potassium
- Manganese
- Thiamin
- Vitamin B6
- Dietary fiber
- Folic acid
- Phosphorus
Consuming nutrients and antioxidants like this can help to rid your dog’s system of toxins. It can also benefit their immune system, coat of fur, teeth, bones, and even eyesight. These are all wonderful benefits that can improve your pet’s overall health, but raw asparagus isn’t the only supplier of these benefits.
Did you know that your pet can get many of these same health benefits from advanced multivitamin soft chews without having to worry about the potential dangers of raw asparagus? These benefits include vitamin D and over 20 other essential nutrients and vitamins that help your dog stay healthy, happy, and strong. Taking a multivitamin can be a great way to substantiate your pet’s diet without having to worry about the concerns that surround raw veggies. Both provide a valuable source of vitamins and minerals.
Will Asparagus Hurt My Dog?
Asparagus does have the potential to hurt your dog, and this is for a few reasons. Read the sections below to learn about the potential ways that this vegetable could end up being more harmful than beneficial for your pup.
Choking Hazard
The asparagus’ stalk can be challenging to chew and swallow when served raw or even lightly cooked. This can present problems if your dog attempts to eat the stalk whole when they cannot chew it effectively. It can quickly become stuck in their throat, restricting their air intake and potentially requiring emergency veterinary care. This choking hazard concern isn’t as much of a problem for the softer top part of the asparagus, especially if cooked.
Toxic Plant
While asparagus itself isn’t toxic to eat, the plant it comes from does have some parts that can cause your pet to become sick if consumed. This is why if you are growing asparagus, or if you purchase more than just the stalk, be sure not to let your pet consume any part of the asparagus fern. Keep it out of reach, concealed, or behind a fence or gate. If ingested, it will likely induce vomiting, diarrhea, or severe abdominal pain.
