Asparagus is one of the famous vegetables for a reason. It is healthy, easy to prepare, affordable, and most importantly, very delicious. This vegetable is also known as a good side dish served with pasta or steak and goes well with dip, salad, and other food.
If asparagus is often served at your table, it can be tempting to feed your canine friend a bit of this delicious veggie. But the question is, can dogs eat asparagus?
There are a lot of vegetables that are healthy for dogs, while some are not. Asparagus, however, can be both good and bad for your pooch. While it is not toxic, it can be risky. How? It depends on how you prepare and feed it to your dog.
Read further to know the benefits and how you can serve Asparagus for your dog.
Benefits of Asparagus
Asparagus provides a high nutritional value. That’s why it is good to include this veggie in your pet’s diet. Here are the reasons why vegetables are so advisable to your canine’s bowl.
1. It is rich in fiber
Asparagus is filled with fiber – soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber is good for your canine’s healthy digestion. It is responsible for your dog’s bowel movement. It also improves the renewal of cells found in your dog’s intestine.
Soluble fiber, on the other, is good for your dog’s healthy immune system. It is good for healthy bacteria in his colon. The soluble fiber keeps your dog healthy and prevents him from getting sick.
2. Lots of vitamins!
Asparagus contains various vitamins such as vitamins A, B9, C, E, and K.
- Vitamin A is an antioxidant vitamin. It is important for vision, reproduction, and overall immune health.
- Vitamin B9, also known as B complex, is vital for metabolism, DNA synthesis, and cell growth.
- Vitamin C, however, is a non-essential soluble nutrient. It is non-essential because our dog’s body provides this vitamin on its own. But having this vitamin on his food still benefits his overall health.
- Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient. It controls free radicals and oxidation. It is good for your dog’s coat, teeth, and skin.
- Vitamin K is also a fat-soluble nutrient. It helps improve your dog’s blood clotting mechanism. It is healthy for his bones and protects his immune system.
3. Contains Minerals
Asparagus is also filled with minerals such as copper, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron. While these minerals are known to be found in cucumber and lettuce, asparagus is filled with these nutritional values. These nutrients are responsible for their brain and muscle function. It helps repair cells, bones, and tissues.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Asparagus?
It is actually best to feed your dog with cooked asparagus. As much as it is important to feed your dog with cooked broccoli, it is likewise vital to feed him with cooked asparagus.
Cooked asparagus is easy to chew, which is best for younger dogs. When you cook asparagus for your dog, make sure not to use cooking oil and butter as these are not good for their health.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Asparagus?
Dogs enjoy eating raw vegetables. For them, these are yummy treats. However, dogs’ digestive systems are small and do not get many nutrients with raw veggies as humans do. If your dog’s stomach is sensitive, eating raw asparagus may lead to vomiting, gas, and diarrhea.
Can Dogs Eat Asparagus Stalks?
Dogs can eat that part of asparagus that humans can eat. Therefore, your canine friend can eat asparagus stalks, too. However, the stalks must be tender and cooked. Raw stalk asparagus is difficult for a dog’s stomach to digest and can also result in choking hazards.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Asparagus?
Canned asparagus also contains the nutritional value that your pooch needs to be healthy. Even if your dog doesn’t need canned asparagus for their diet, feeding them with this food won’t hurt them. Some canned asparagus is good for your dog’s overall health nutrition. But remember to check if there are any additives that may be harmful for your dog (like salt).
Conclusion
Just in case you still ask yourself: Can my dog eat asparagus? Well, the answer would be yes! Your dog can absolutely eat asparagus. It is not poisonous or toxic for pets, and it actually contains plenty of nutrients your canine companion’s health may need.
Remember, though, that even if they are allowed to eat asparagus, it doesn’t mean that you should feed them with it. Your dog can get the same nutrients from his dog food; thus, you are not obliged to feed them with this veggie at all.
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