The asparagus season is starting and many dog owners are wondering: Can my dog eat asparagus? Yes, he can. The white or green vegetables are actually very healthy.
The asparagus season begins in Germany from mid-April. By the end of June, many dog owners will be asking themselves: Can my dog actually have some of the vegetables?
Can dogs eat asparagus?
First of all, dog parents should know that their four-legged friend can enjoy asparagus without hesitation. The stick-like vegetable is actually extremely healthy for dogs. On the one hand, both green and white asparagus, with a water content of around 93 percent, are a valuable source of fluids and contain very little fat, making them a particularly low-calorie snack. On the other hand, the four-legged friends benefit from its healthy nutrients, including numerous vitamins (B1, B2, B9, C, K, E and H) and minerals (magnesium, iron, copper and manganese), but also digestion-friendly fiber. The beta-carotene also contained is a precursor to vitamin A and is converted into it by the body.
The potassium it also contains supports various body functions, including the heart, muscles and kidneys. Calcium and phosphorus are important for the metabolism of dogs and essential for bone development in puppies. Read here how you can make a healthy source of calcium for dogs from eggshells.
In addition, asparagus is known for its draining and diuretic effect due to the protein building block asparagine - which also develops its full power in dogs. So after a meal rich in asparagus, remember that your dog will have to go out the door more often. It is also normal for your dog to feel more thirsty afterwards. You should therefore offer him enough to drink. If you are wondering whether your dog can eat honey, here is the answer.
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Good to know: Green asparagus is healthier than white asparagus
As
PetDoctors
informs, green asparagus is even healthier than white asparagus because it grows above ground. It is therefore exposed to sunlight and contains more vitamins and minerals than white asparagus. Due to the vital substances it contains, green asparagus in particular not only has an anti-aging effect, but also a positive effect on dogs' memory and concentration.
Be careful: Which dogs shouldn't eat asparagus
But the health benefits of the elongated vegetable do not outweigh the health benefits for all dogs. In particular, four-legged friends who have damaged kidneys, for example suffering from kidney failure or struggling with urinary tract problems, should not be fed asparagus. Existing kidney damage could be worsened by the diuretic effect of asparagus.
Even though asparagus intolerances are rare, they can occur naturally, especially if your four-legged friend eats the spears raw. In addition to diarrhea and vomiting, symptoms of intolerance can also include flatulence.
By the way: If your dog also loves strawberries, you can read here how many of them he should eat.