Can dogs eat asparagus?

Yes: cooked asparagus is safe for dogs. Raw asparagus is too tough and hard to digest. Nutritionally, asparagus offers dogs only limited value: other vegetables for dogs such as carrots or pumpkin are more nutritious.

What asparagus offers dogs

Asparagus contains vitamin K, folate, vitamin C and potassium. It is very low in calories, at around 20 calories per 100 g. The asparagusic acid it contains can lead to stronger-smelling urine, just as it does in humans: this is harmless.

What to watch out for

Never feed raw asparagus: the tough fibers are hard for dogs to digest and can cause gastrointestinal problems. Always boil or steam it.

Cut off the woody ends of the asparagus: they stay too tough even after cooking. Cut it into small pieces so your dog can't choke on it.

Don't feed the asparagus cooking water: it may contain bitter substances. Cucumber is the better choice for a low-calorie vegetable snack.

How to feed asparagus

Wash the asparagus, cut off the woody ends and boil it in unsalted water. Cut it into small pieces and mix it into your dog's food as a side, or offer it as a snack. No butter, hollandaise sauce or seasonings.

Nutritional values and amount

100 g of cooked green asparagus contains about 20 kcal, 2.2 g protein, 2 g fiber, 41 µg vitamin K and 202 mg potassium. White asparagus has similar values, but less chlorophyll and vitamin A. With just 20 kcal per 100 g, asparagus is one of the lowest-calorie vegetables.

Guideline by body weight (cooked, cut into small pieces, per meal):

• Small dogs (up to 10 kg): 1 to 2 spears (about 30 g)
• Medium dogs (10 to 25 kg): 2 to 3 spears (about 60 g)
• Large dogs (over 25 kg): 3 to 5 spears (about 100 g)

Don't cook asparagus for longer than 8 to 10 minutes, so the vitamins are preserved. In the fridge, fresh asparagus keeps for about 3 days wrapped in a damp cloth. Use cooked leftovers the same day.

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