It has become common for dogs to prefer eating fruits and vegetables. This is true despite the fact that their body differs from that of humans. However, it is because of this fact that some foods, which are fine for humans may not be healthy or safe for dogs. One such food item is asparagus.
Asparagus is a delectable veggie containing several minerals as well as vitamins. This is why it is healthy for us. However, is it healthy for these carnivorous creatures whose main source of nutrients is animal-based food? At least, is it safe for dogs to eat asparagus? Let us find out!
Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Asparagus
Yes! Asparagus is not toxic to dogs. However, the fact is dogs should not be given too much of it, as they are carnivorous. It is perfectly fine to give cooked or uncooked recipes of this vegetable. However, it is easier for dogs to digest cooked asparagus.
Usually, nutritionists never suggest having cooked veggies in case you intend to consume the full quantity of nutrition. This is because if they are cooked or steamed, the heat takes away several vitamins. However, in the case of dogs are to consume asparagus, it is essential to cook it.
Cooking or steaming makes it soft enough to chew and swallow. Although many nutrients shall go away, it shall definitely keep choking away. Puppies usually are at the risk of choking if a full stalk is in their bowl, as it is the stalk’s firm stance that contributes to the risk.
Is It Healthy for Dogs to Eat Asparagus
Asparagus has many essential nutrients. However, one of its most commendable contents is dietary fiber. The amount of this fiber in this vegetable contributes to regular bowel movements. The consequent benefits shall be weight loss and detoxification. When waste moves out from the body at a steady rate, it becomes faster for the body to digest other foods while increasing metabolism. Thus, it is fine to consider giving asparagus in moderate amounts if you wish your dog to lose a few pounds.
One of the most commendable benefits of asparagus is the result of a strong digestive system, which is a strong immune system. Thus, toxins go out even more quickly than desired. Asparagus can reduce toxins, waste, and pounds in your dog’s body.
In case your dog is on a diet, the level of hunger is likely to be more than normal in the initial few weeks. This is the time when the extra asparagus fiber shall keep him fuller. By being on diet, your dog may snatch more items from the table or kitchen counter, as the pet does not know why there is a special diet plan for him. At this time, if you give asparagus, he might become less susceptible to snatching all the food he sees.
In addition, these studies by doctors concluded that this vegetable decreases the risk of a few disorders, including cancer and joint inflammation. This is because of the robust antioxidants in it, which fight against these ailments. One of the antioxidants namely glutathione is exclusively effective in fighting against free radicals.
These radicals otherwise can lead to cell damage and consequently inflammation and cancer. However, it is worth noticing that these studies had people as their subjects, not dogs. Still, it is presumed that the body structure of humans and animals are similar. This is in terms of cell functions and internal systems functions, which would have a similar reaction to nutrients of asparagus.
Is There Anything to Take Care of While Giving Asparagus to Dogs?
Yes! There are some things to take care of. First, it is vital to know that the stalks of asparagus stalks are hard. This makes it tough to chew. This is the reason why we humans also do not consume it raw. This same applies to dogs, as even they can face this hardship. It is better to cut it into small pieces if at all you are planning to include in the dog’s diet plan.
Your dog’s digestive system can find it tough to digest raw asparagus. If your dog consumes raw asparagus, he is likely to go through some sick experiences such as diarrhea or gas. If he has experienced this once, it is wise to cooking asparagus lightly the next time you wish to give it to him as his food.
Just slightly cooking it makes chewing easier. Consider just steaming or boiling the vegetable. Do not add any oil or butter to the cooking asparagus, as it can make your favorite pet ill. It is a fact that cooking asparagus reduces its nutrient contents. However, slight cooking is fine and it does not take away all the nutrients.
Another important point to bear in mind prior to feeding asparagus to your dog is that it can lead to odorful urine. The urine shall smell unpleasant, which is also the case with humans. However, this is not problematic in case the dog is completely housebroken.
Special Abstinence from Asparagus Fern
While asparagus is not at all toxic for dogs, its fern is! The asparagus fern is the indigestible part, which proves to be harmful to pets regardless of whether they are carnivores or not. Consuming fern leads to diarrhea, vomiting, and grave stomach pain. Take special care if you are planting asparagus in your lawn or garden. In that case, consider adding a fence to ensure that your pet does not consume the toxic part of the plant.
So, can dogs consume asparagus? Yes is the straightforward reply. However, it may not make a big difference to your dog, if he is having enough nutrients from his present diet. Well, this may not be the case with several dogs who are meat eaters. Such diets are always deficient in terms of vitamins and minerals that plant foods tend to provide. Therefore, you can plan to include green veggies such as asparagus but only in small amounts and on an occasional basis.
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