Can dogs eat asparagus?
Yes, dogs can eat asparagus if it’s cooked!
Not only is asparagus a delicious, vitamin-rich veggie, but this snack is also generally safe for dogs to eat. Just don’t be alarmed if your dog’s pee smells a little strange after enjoying this snack, it’s nothing to worry about.
Read on to learn how to best cook asparagus before serving it to dogs and what vitamins make up this dog-friendly snack.
(Even though asparagus is generally safe for dogs, always consult your vet before introducing a new food item to their diet.)
Is asparagus good for dogs?
Before introducing asparagus (or any new food item) to your dog’s diet, reach out to your veterinarian. If they give you the OK to share this bite with your best friend, you’ll be happy to know that it's full of vitamins and nutrients. According to our on-staff vet Dr. Aliya McCullough, here are some of the stand-out vitamins and nutrients found in asparagus:
+ Calcium: helps muscle and bone health
+ Magnesium: supports bone, muscle and nerve health
+ Phosphorus: main component of dogs’ teeth and bones
+ Potassium: acts as an energy source and maintains muscle and nerve health
+ Vitamin A: promotes vision, dental, skin and coat health
+ Folate: necessary for normal cell replication
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How to feed your dog asparagus
Always start by asking your veterinarian how much asparagus is OK for your dog to eat. Once they give you a proper serving size, it’s best to cook the asparagus before serving it, Dr. McCullough says. It’s also a good idea to chop the ends of the asparagus off as they may be too hard for pups to digest.
“Raw asparagus may be too tough and fibrous for dogs to eat, causing stomach upset and posing a choking hazard,” she says.
If you think your dog is choking, look out for pawing at their mouth, gagging or retching, coughing, turning blue, silence or collapsing. When a dog is choking, it’s important to act fast. Swipe your dog’s throat using your finger, perform the Heimlich maneuver or do CPR.
Are dogs allergic to asparagus?
Your veterinarian can help determine if your pup is allergic to asparagus. While dogs can have asparagus allergies, Dr. McCullough says it's not common. However, if you think your pup is having an allergic reaction after trying asparagus, contact your veterinarian ASAP and watch out for signs of upset stomach, itchy skin, and skin and ear infections.
If your pup doesn't enjoy asparagus, they can try other human foods. Raw carrots and green beans are a popular snack option for dogs, Dr. McCullough says — just remember to talk to your veterinarian before serving your pet anything new.
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The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
