Just like for humans, fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of nutrients for our dog’s body. Dogs usually ask for human food and they enjoy eating human snacks. Some of them are super healthy and a great source of nutrients and vitamins for them, but some of them are toxic to their health. Can dogs eat asparagus?
This vegetable is one of the most controversial foods for dogs. There are some concerns about feeding your dog with this asparagus, and we will discuss them in this article.
First of all, can dogs eat asparagus?
The answer is yes, dogs can eat asparagus. Asparagus is not toxic to dogs. In fact, it is a great source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and antioxidants. However, there are some things you should take into account before feeding it to your dog.
Can dogs eat asparagus? 3 Useful Tips
Try to avoid raw asparagus. Raw vegetables are an amazing source of nutrients, but sometimes, they can be harmful to your dog’s stomach. If your dog experiences vomiting, gas, or diarrhea after its consumption, you should try cooking the asparagus beforehand, at least for a few minutes. Can dogs eat asparagus cooked? Yes, dogs can eat cooked asparagus much more safely than raw asparagus.
If you grow your own vegetables, don’t let your dog come near the plant. The red seedpods from the asparagus fern plant are highly toxic for dogs. Even though this part isn’t edible, if you have a plant at home, dogs can ingest it by accident, so be extremely careful. If you are growing vegetables at home, it should always be in a remote and hard-to-reach place.
Cut asparagus into bite-size pieces. Due to its shape and size, chewing asparagus poses a choking risk for your dog. If you are going to feed your dog with asparagus, make sure to cut this veggie into small pieces to avoid choking hazards.
Is Asparagus Good for Dogs?
Yes, asparagus is safe for dogs. However, there are some toxic foods you should avoid feeding your dog and it’s never a bad idea to recap them. Here is a shortlist:
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Grapes and raisins: Its consumption can cause vomiting, dehydration, and even kidney failure. Even if it's one grape, avoid feeding your dog with it.
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Mushrooms: They are super toxic to your dog. Even though there are some mushrooms more toxic than others, we strongly recommend you to fully avoid them.
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Nuts and nutmeg: There are certain types of nuts that can be toxic to dogs. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, macadamia, and pecans. Besides, its high fat content can cause your dog to develop pancreatitis and diabetes.
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Broccoli: Even though it makes excellent food for humans, your dog’s stomach (digestive upset) can get irritated easily. This vegetable should be always given in small quantities.
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Seeds: They can cause intestinal blockage, and depending on the seed, they can even be a choking hazard.
- Avocado: Yes or no? This is an ongoing topic of discussion. Some specialists say it should be forbidden and some say it's completely harmeless. However, you need to know that avocado contains a toxin named persin which can have different side effects on every dog. It's rarely toxic, but it can hurt your pup's stomach.
Can dogs eat asparagus?
Feeding your dog with fruits and healthy vegetables is always a good idea. They are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. So, can dogs have asparagus? Yes, they can. However, you should choose your vegetables wisely: there are some vegetables that, even though they aren’t toxic, interfere with your dog’s digestion and can cause diarrhea or stomach pain, while other vegetables contain the same nutrients and do not harm your dog. Besides, you should always feed him small quantities, since large quantities of any vegetable can also be harmful to your pup.
