As we say goodbye to the last traces of winter and welcome the spring … it means it’s asparagus season!
With so many different foods, it can be difficult to know what to feed your dog! Some fruits and veggies are healthy for your dog … and then there are others that can be harmful (like grapes and onions).
So… can dogs eat asparagus?
Keep reading to find out the benefits and downsides of feeding asparagus to your dog.
4 Health Benefits Of Giving Asparagus to Your Dog
Here are my top reasons why and how this vegetable is so great in your canine’s bowl!
#1 Fiber
Asparagus is packed with fiber! It has two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble.
Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps support regular bowel movements. It also helps encourage the renewal of the cells that line your dog’s intestine.
Soluble fiber helps the digestive system and supports immunity. It feeds the good bacteria in the colon … making it an excellent prebiotic. Prebiotics help grow and maintain healthy gut flora. 80% of your dog’s immune system is in his gut … so that supports your dog’s immune system.
#2 Vitamins
Asparagus provides vitamins A, C, E, K, and B9.
But providing a natural source of this vitamin still benefits your dog. Free radicals are damaged cells that steal from other cells. They harm the DNA of other cells and are dangerous for your dog.
Feeding antioxidants helps control the free radical damage … and can help slow the aging process.
#3 Minerals
Asparagus provides potassium, copper, calcium, iron, and phosphorus.
#4 Antioxidants
Earlier I mentioned some vitamins are antioxidants.
But asparagus also provides your dog with polyphenols and flavonoids.
Remember…antioxidants help fight free radical damage in your dog’s body.
Antioxidants can help control inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Downsides Of Asparagus
While asparagus provides so many powerful nutrients … too much of anything is never a good thing. And it needs to be properly prepared for your dog to get the best from it.
Follow these rules to reap the benefits of asparagus.
Feed Small Amounts
Asparagus is non-toxic, but in large amounts, it could cause your dog some digestive upset and gas (pee-ew!). So start slowly if your dog’s not used to it, or you could be in for some smelly nights!
Help Digestibility
Raw asparagus and other veggies can be quite indigestible for your dog.
You can make any vegetation you give your dog more digestible by:
Doing this helps break down the cell wall to get the wonderful nutrients into your dog!
Prep It Properly
With a tougher plant like asparagus, there are some extra steps to take before feeding it to your dog.
Keep in mind that humans eat the soft stalk of the plant and cook it until tender.
Feeding the whole stalk would be very harsh on your dog’s digestive system … and could stop him from getting its health benefits.
So… how should you prepare it?
Caution: If you grow your own asparagus, don’t let your dog eat the red seedpods that sprout from the plant after the females’ flower. They’re toxic and will cause diarrhea and vomiting.
How To Give Your Dog Asparagus
So now you know the wonderful benefits of this plant, how much should you give your dog?
The rule of thumb is that vegetation should be no more than 10% of your dog’s diet.
So, as a general guideline:
You can give your dog asparagus…
Now that you’re armed with the information on asparagus… use it!
Although your dog should eat a mainly meat-based diet … some non-starchy plant matter can support his health in lots of ways.
Filled with vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, fiber, antioxidants, and more … asparagus is another great addition to your dog’s bowl this spring!
