Can Dogs Eat Asparagus? Everything to Know About This Spring Veggie
Asparagus is not toxic for dogs, so yes, dogs can eat asparagus on occasion. However, the asparagus fern plant itself is toxic for dogs, so your pup should not be allowed in a garden where asparagus is growing. We talked with a veterinarian on all the details regarding asparagus for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Asparagus Safely?
There's nothing particularly toxic for dogs in asparagus stalks, according to Renee Schmid, DVM, DABVT, DABT, a veterinarian toxicologist who works with Pet Poison Helpline.
Schmid hasn't heard of a case, even with a small-breed dog, of choking on asparagus either. "Asparagus is not a problem, raw or cooked. I think choking would be unlikely, even though the stalks are long. A dog would chew it up."
Cut up asparagus stalks into small pieces before sharing with your dog, and chop off the tough, stalky ends while you're at it.
Asparagus is high in fiber (which is good for our dogs' digestive systems), but too much fiber can lead to digestive upset. Lightly cook or steam the asparagus before feeding it to your dog to avoid any potential gas, diarrhea, or constipation.
Schmid does warn that asparagus-loving pet parents should avoid adding extras to asparagus you plan to share with your dog.
"If dogs are eating it cooked, avoid seasonings that include onion or garlic products," she says, which are both toxic to cats and dogs. Onions and garlic are members of the Allium plant family, which also includes chives and leeks.
Additions like butter and salt should also be avoided—dogs don't need the unnecessary fat and calories from butter or the extra sodium from the salt. Too many excess calories over time can lead to obesity.
What About Asparagus Plants?
While the asparagus stalks themselves are not toxic for dogs, parts of the asparagus plant can be toxic, according to resources at Pet Poison Helpline. Keep asparagus ferns out of reach of your curious, will-eat-anything dog in your garden.
RELATED: These Plants Are Safe for Dogs in Your Home or Yard
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Other Vegetables Dogs Can Eat
Are you excited by the idea of introducing fresh, healthy vegetables into your dog's daily diet?
First, keep in mind that commercially produced dog food or a homemade diet prepared under veterinary guidance are nutritionally balanced to make sure dogs get all the nutrients and micronutrients they need to be healthy. Asparagus is safe, but that doesn't mean a lot of it is necessarily healthy.
Second, experts recommend that 10 percent or fewer of your dog's daily calories should come from incomplete sources of nutrition or snacks. Always check with your veterinarian if you have questions about changing your dog's diet or treat options, and always test out a little bit of a new food first to see whether it agrees with your dog's particular digestive system.
Below are a few other veggies your dog might enjoy:
Remember, if you're going to share any fruits or vegetables with your pup, offer them in smaller pieces to avoid a choking hazard and get rid of everything that might be hard to digest (like stems, rinds, seeds, etc.).
