Can dogs eat asparagus?

Updated 01/04/2024

Packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, it's no wonder asparagus is a popular ingredient in our soups, risottos and fish dishes. And as such a popular springtime vegetable bursting with health benefits, we aren't surprised that many pet parents are wondering - can dogs eat asparagus too? Well luckily for your ever-curious furry friend, dogs can eat asparagus, as long as it's prepared properly for them and only shared as an occasional snack. For more on feeding dogs asparagus safely and some of the health benefits your pooch could reap from the stems, take a look below.

Related article: Can dogs eat edamame?

Is asparagus poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat asparagus safely, every time? Or is asparagus sometimes poisonous to dogs? Well we're glad to let you know that asparagus isn't toxic to dogs - it doesn't contain any compounds known to be poisonous to dogs. On the toxicity front, the main thing to be cautious of when treating your pooch to an asparagus stem is what it's cooked with. Often cooked with garlic, butter, and salt, the vegetable can quickly change from a healthy snack to a toxic one - alliums like garlic are highly poisonous to dogs, so always serve asparagus plain to your pooch.

Related article: Can dogs eat radishes?

Is asparagus good for dogs?

And can dogs eat asparagus and get any of the health benefits that we humans can? Or is asparagus bad for dogs for some reason? Well when it's served plain, asparagus is a perfectly healthy snack for your canine companion - explore below to find some of the key nutrients in the vegetable that your pup could be benefiting from. 

But, as you'll probably already be familiar with, asparagus is a pretty tough vegetable, and can even be quite stringy towards the bottom end. That's why you've always got to tread carefully when feeding your pup asparagus. It can be super difficult for dogs to digest raw asparagus so only treat them to the tips when they’re lightly steamed and cut into bite-size pieces. That way, you know there's little risk of choking and gastrointestinal upset.

Related article: Can dogs eat kale?

Health benefits of eating asparagus for dogs

As long as the asparagus you're sharing with your furry best buddy is served seasoning-free, bite-size and lightly steamed, it can be a pretty healthy snack. For a quick overview of the nutrients in asparagus and how they can benefit your pooch, have a skim below.

• Vitamin A. Supports a healthy immune system, bone growth and vision.
• Vitamin B1 (thiamin).  Supports the functioning of your pup's brain health, motor skills and nervous system. It also helps the body to produce energy.
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). Supports your pup's nervous system, the production of red blood cells, coat, and heart health.
• Potassium. Promotes the functioning of the heart, muscles and nervous system.

Related article: Can dogs have lime?

Feeding your dog asparagus

Now we can agree that asparagus and dogs can be a great mix, you’ll need to get clued-up on the best ways to feed dogs asparagus safely. If you’re someone who enjoys asparagus, you’ll know that the bottom end can be pretty tough and even chewy at times. It’s especially tough for our furry friends to gnaw through and digest once it’s in their system. In fact, trying to digest this end of the asparagus can cause gastrointestinal stress for our furry friends, so it’s best keeping this end for yourself rather than your pup. 

So, once you’ve prepared the stems so they’re dog-safe, simply steam until softened - this will make them a whole lot easier to digest. Once cool, cut into bite-size pieces to dodge any chances of choking, and resist the urge to add any seasonings - these are not only unnecessary for dogs, but can actually be harmful to their health. 

Can dogs eat raw asparagus?

Raw asparagus is especially difficult for dogs to digest - it's hard, chewy and sometimes stringy so always lightly steam the stems before serving up as a treat to your pooch.

Related article: Can dogs eat cilantro?

Other asparagus products

And can dogs eat asparagus cooked into some of your favorite dishes? What about risotto? Can dogs have asparagus soup, quiche or pie? Sadly we don't recommend treating your pup to asparagus in any other way than plain. The way we humans prepare our meals simply isn't dog-friendly - they're packed with salt, fat and seasonings that are bad news for canine health. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So now we’ve settled the question - can dogs have asparagus - take a look below for more foods dogs can eat.

• Celery
• Shrimp
• Peaches