As a dog parent, you’ve probably wondered, “what foods are safe for my dog?”. Luckily, many human foods are safe in moderation for dogs, and they can even make for a special treat for your furry friend. Asparagus is a delicious, crunchy treat with endless ways to serve and enjoy it. But is this stalky vegetable safe for your dog to eat?
Is asparagus safe for dogs?
Asparagus is one of those vegetables that is technically safe for dogs, but it doesn’t do much for them. Asparagus stalks are very tough, so they are hard for dogs to chew and digest. But, if you cook the asparagus to make it softer and easier to eat, it loses much of its nutritional value. Essentially, asparagus is safe to feed to your dogs, but you won’t gain anything by serving it.
Are there any risks?
If you do decide to feed your dog cooked asparagus, do not season it or add any oils, butters, creams, etc. These can make your dog sick. The only part of the asparagus plant that is not safe for dogs is the asparagus fern. Eating this part of the plant can give your dog diarrhea, severe stomach pains, and vomiting. So, if you’re insistent on feeding Fido some asparagus, only feed them the stalks.
Overall, asparagus stalks are safe but lackluster in value and benefits. Finding another vegetable or fruit to substitute their plant intake is better.
Author: Abigail Kurten
Hi! My name's Abigail, and I intern as a Content Writer for DogFriendly.com. I have one dog, a chocolate lab named Riley who's the best! My favorite breed of dog is a Bulldog or Saint Bernard, though.
