Can Dogs Eat Asparagus?

Key Points:

• Yes, dogs can safely consume asparagus as long as it’s cooked.
• Asparagus provides dogs with essential vitamins like A, K, and B-complex.
• Dogs should avoid eating the fibrous base of the asparagus stalk.

Asparagus is to steak what your pooch is to you: the perfect companion. But have you ever wondered if those green spears were safe for your pup to eat?

Yes, most dogs can eat asparagus. As long as you know how to prepare and serve this vegetable for pups, your dog can get a great boost from its nutritional benefits.

Here, you’ll learn about asparagus’s nutritional value, as well as guidelines for dog-friendly preparation and serving sizes.

Nutritional value of asparagus for dogs

Asparagus is low in calories, fats, and sugar. This makes it an acceptable healthy treat for your dog — if your dog thinks green veggies are ‘treats,’ that is. If your dog is a picky eater and you try to toss them some healthy, crunchy asparagus, don’t be surprised if they cock their head at you in confusion. 

This low-calorie veggie provides many nutrients, such as:

• B-complex vitamins
• Vitamins A, C, and K
• Micronutrients like potassium, zinc, and iron
• Powerful antioxidants to combat cell-damaging free radicals
• Loads of dietary fiber 

Overweight and diabetic dogs can benefit from eating this veggie instead of high-fat commercial treats. As always, be sure to check with your veterinarian before offering them to your dog. Also, be sure to follow the 90/10 rule: 90% of your dog’s daily caloric intake should come from well-balanced dog food, while 10% can come from treats.

Health benefits of asparagus for dogs

Thanks to its high nutritional content, asparagus offers several benefits for a dog’s health and well-being. 

Let’s take a look at the good things that happen when dogs eat the right amount of this vegetable:

Asparagus gets rid of toxins 

Asparagus is packed with antioxidants, which eliminate toxins and other harmful elements that speed up aging and lead to disease.

Boosts your dog’s immune system 

The zinc, iron, and vitamin C found in asparagus builds your dog’s defenses against illnesses. For example, a zinc deficiency can leave your dog prone to infections, so healthy snacks that contain zinc can keep your dog healthy.

Maintains a healthy coat

Dog parents know that their pooch’s fur isn’t just for aesthetics. A healthy coat of fur helps dogs maintain a healthy body temperature, and asparagus is great for dogs’ coats.

Boosts eyesight

The vitamin A in asparagus is good for your dog’s eyes. Besides its well-known benefits for eyesight, vitamin A also plays an important role in healthy bone growth and a strong immune system.

Strengthens teeth and bones

Asparagus’s iron content promotes strong teeth and bones in your pooch. Iron deficiency is highly common among dogs, and asparagus can help your pup get enough of this essential mineral.

Can puppies eat asparagus?

Do you have a new puppy? Good news: This veggie is okay for puppies that are eating solid foods. 

When serving asparagus to your puppy, make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces and serve it in moderation.

Risks for dogs eating asparagus

Not all parts of the asparagus plant are safe for your dog. If you have a backyard garden with an asparagus plant, know that the berries from the asparagus fern are toxic to dogs and humans.

As for the veggie itself, asparagus is high in both insoluble fiber and soluble fiber, which can be a lot for your dog’s digestive system. An excess of dietary fiber can cause gassiness, vomiting, and an upset stomach

Asparagus also contains asparagusic acid, which leads to foul-smelling urine when digested. This isn’t harmful to your pup, but the odor could be unpleasant if your pooch is not yet fully housebroken — you’ve been warned!

Lastly, food allergies can be a risk when eating asparagus for the first time. Always monitor your pooch for any signs of an allergic reaction when feeding them new foods. Symptoms of an allergic reaction in dogs include itching, hives, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. Contact your vet if your pup is showing any of these signs. 

Pet Pro Tip: If you have a dog that is prone to ‘snacksidents’ – you should consider getting a dog insurance plan as soon as possible. It can help you afford the best care in the future by covering eligible vet bills for digestive illnesses, toxic ingestion, and more.

How to prepare asparagus for dogs

While asparagus has plenty of good stuff for dogs to digest, it’s important to prepare and serve it properly. Raw asparagus isn’t toxic for dogs, but it can be tough and difficult for dogs to digest, so it’s best to cook this veggie before adding it to your hungry pup’s bowl.

Here’s how to prepare asparagus before feeding it to your dog:

• Chop the asparagus into bite-sized pieces 
• Avoid serving the fibrous bottom end
• Serve plain without butter, onion, salt, or garlic, which are harmful to dogs

The best way to cook asparagus is to steam or boil it without harmful additives. You can also blanch cut-up pieces of asparagus and dry them out in a dehydrator. This homemade alternative is safer than the store-bought variety as it is usually packed with salt. 

The right portion size for your dog depends on their size. For example, small and medium-sized dogs should stick to only a couple of small pieces of asparagus, while larger dogs can have several spears. With all human food for dogs, moderation is important to avoid digestive upset or weight gain. 

Tasty ways to serve asparagus to dogs

While boiling and steaming asparagus is a safe way to prepare the veggie, you can explore creative ways to serve this treat to your dog. Try these tasty, nutritious options that will make your dog happy with asparagus:

• In a smoothie: Blend healthy, dog-friendly fruits and vegetables with plain, Greek yogurt, asparagus, and sweet potatoes for a tasty, nutritious, and dog-approved smoothie. 
• In a bowl: Chop stalks into small pieces and add them to your dog’s food bowl as a food topper. The fiber fills them up and keeps them satisfied for longer. 
• Hand-fed treats: Offer a plain, unseasoned morsel to your canine when they need a snack between meals.

Other vegetables that dogs can eat

Aside from asparagus, here are other vegetables you can feed your pet:

• Broccoli is rich in fiber, digestible plant protein, and folic acid. It helps dogs maintain good gut health.

• Cauliflower is packed with calcium, potassium, and folate. It has antioxidant properties that boost your dog’s immune system.

• Lettuce is a good source of hydration. It helps ensure that your dog gets sufficient water content.

• Zucchini is high in vitamins B6, C, and K.

• Bell peppers are filled with lutein. They promote skin and eye health.

• Carrots are low in calories and high in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A when consumed by dogs.

Dogs are omnivores so their diet can consist of meat, vegetables, and fruits. Veggies like asparagus can provide plenty of nutrients that will keep your dog’s tail wagging.

Bottom line: Your dog can have asparagus

Feeding asparagus to your dog is safe, so long as you cook it, serve it in bite-sized pieces, and remove the bottom part of the stalk that is tough for dogs to digest. As always, serve treats in moderation to keep your pup happy and healthy. For pet owners who want the very best for their best friend, a Pumpkin Pet Insurance Plan can help protect your pup and your wallet if unexpected accidents or illnesses arise in the future.

FAQs

Lynn Guthrie

Writer, Mom of a Fab Fur Fam of Five

Lynn is a writer and long-time Learning & Development Manager at a large PNW retailer. She's also mom to 3 dogs & 2 cats!