My Kid Gave The Dog Asparagus. Is It Safe?

Question: My kid gave our dog the asparagus off his plate. Will our dog be okay?

Answer: Kids aren’t usually big fans of vegetables, and it isn’t uncommon for them to pass it off to the family dog. While asparagus is great for humans, it may not always be good for your dog.

Asparagus is not toxic or poisonous to dogs, however, it can be a choking hazard that may put your dog in great discomfort. Before giving your dog any form of human food, be sure to consult your vet to find out if it is safe.

How To Make Asparagus Safe For Dogs

Asparagus can be a great addition to your dog’s diet, especially if you were advised to add green vegetables to meals. It is chock full of vitamins and nutrients such as Vitamins A and B6, fiber, potassium, thiamin, and folic acid.

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Do not serve raw asparagus to your dog since it is hard to digest and may cause choking and stomach issues such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Instead, boil or steam the asparagus without adding any seasoning or salt. This will soften it up sufficiently for easy digestion.

Only give your dog the softer parts of the stalk and the top, as the ends can still be too tough even after boiling. Though nutritious, it should not be considered an entire meal and should only amount to a tenth of your dog’s diet.

Your dog will likely enjoy this addition to his/her diet, however, if you notice any issues, contact your vet for more details!