Do you like asparagus? Are you wondering if dogs can eat asparagus? And if so, is it safe or actually good to give your dog asparagus? Asparagus is not only perfectly safe to give to your dog, it is an extremely nutritional food that is loaded with vitamins and minerals that your dog needs. Obviously, you don’t want to give your dog too much. Actually, too much of anything can be bad. However, dogs can have asparagus in moderation as a healthy snack. Read on to learn more about why asparagus is good for dogs.
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Health Benefits of Asparagus For Dogs
Asparagus is actually one of the healthiest foods in the world, for both humans and dogs. For starters, it is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, and K, phosphorus, manganese, choline, potassium, zinc, protein, iron, copper, folate, and pantothenic acid. Working together, these nutrients can help keep your dog looking and feeling healthy.
Asparagus is also rich in selenium, which is a supplement often found in the best quality dog foods. It can help to prevent certain cancers, as well as cognitive decline, heart disease, and thyroid disease. Here are some more health benefits that asparagus offers up.
Antioxidants
Asparagus is rich in the antioxidant glutathione, which fights free radicals that harm healthy cells and that can lead to arthritis and cancer. Many of the vitamins in asparagus also have antioxidant properties.
Digestion Aid
Because asparagus is rich in dietary fiber, it is great for your dog’s digestive system. It can help if your dog has constipation, as it will promote regularity. Fiber makes foods bulkier in the stomach, so your dog will feel fuller. It is a good food to give to an obese dog that is on a diet.
Avoid Giving Asparagus Ferns to Your Dog
One thing to keep in mind is that ornamental asparagus ferns are toxic for dogs, so make sure that you never give your dog this plant. Eating the ferns, which are inedible anyway, can lead to intestinal issues, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is not likely to be fatal to your dog, but it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid asparagus ferns all together. If your dog does ingest this part of the plant, contact your vet right away.
Beware of Smelly Urine
If you are an asparagus eater yourself, you probably already know that eating this food can give your urine a very strong odor. This isn’t dangerous, just annoying. Unfortunately, it does the same thing to dogs.
Occasionally, eating broccoli can also cause dogs and humans to have green stools that are smellier than normal. So, if you have a puppy that is not yet house trained, it might be a good idea to avoid giving her asparagus until she is regularly doing her business outside. Otherwise, you could end up with a pretty stinky house.
Yes, Dogs Can Have Asparagus
Your dog can really benefit from eating a whole-food diet, and asparagus is one of the best foods you can give them. It is packed with a lot of the nutrients that they need to be healthy and happy, and they are going to love the taste. You can give your dog asparagus regularly as a treat, even a couple of spears a day, depending on the size of your dog. If you are unsure about how much asparagus, or any other whole food, would be good for your dog, talk to your vet to create a healthy diet that includes asparagus.