Can my dog eat Asparagus?
Yep! It’s another green veggie that has lots of benefits for your dog. Remember to stick to adding no more than about 20% total volume to the bowl for all your additive ingredients and be sure to rotate them around — but if you have leftovers or cut off the lower parts of the stems that you don’t like (without getting to the very bottom hard parts) — give them to the dog after a light steam.
Benefits of Asparagus For Dogs
High in fiber. This can be helpful if your dog needs a little more regularity, movement and bulk in his poop.
Asparagus is a good prebiotic feeding good gut bacteria and boosting the immune system.
Nutrient-Rich in Vitamins, including Vitamin A, C and K which we know to be helpful for oxidative stress and supporting healthy cells against free radicals. That’s right - Asparagus is an antioxidant! Asparagus contains antioxidants that may aid in neutralizing harmful free radicals in your dog's body, potentially supporting their immune system.
Minerals include potassium, copper, calcium, iron, and phosphorus
Urinary Health: Asparagus has natural diuretic properties that may assist in preventing urinary tract infections and supporting a healthy urinary system for your dog.
Dental Health: The crunchy texture of asparagus can help naturally clean your dog's teeth and gums, promoting better oral health.
Low in Calories: If your pup needs a snack without the extra calories, asparagus is a great option. It's low in calories, making it a guilt-free treat.
Anti-inflammatory properties of asparagus may contribute to joint health in dogs, especially beneficial for older pups or those with arthritis.
Asparagus Cancer-Fighting Properties
Cooked asparagus puree or even canned asparagus puree daily has been said to offer exceptional cancer-fighting properties. Raw asparagus should not be given to cancer patients. A surprisingly simple treatment of using pureed asparagus daily for cancer over extended periods of time, discovered by Richard R. Vensel, D.D.S. 740 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, Pa. His work showed cases of recovery in bladder, lung, and lymph categories when other methods had failed.
It has been reported by the US National Cancer Institute, that asparagus is the highest tested food containing glutathione, which is considered one of the body's most potent anticarcinogens and antioxidants
There is also documented evidence of benefits to kidney health and kidney stones. I personally would definitely try!
This protocol is tucked in my bag of tricks if every I or my clients need it. But let’s just also say we do some periodic asparagus bonuses in the bowl just because we can.
Safely Storing Asparagus
When preparing asparagus, do not prep & retain more than a couple of days worth at a time. It does not keep well as it is a low acidic food and could develop food-borne botulism with no visible signs.
Although the active anti-cancer agent in asparagus isn't known with certainty, there are several theories. According to biochemist Karl B. Lutz, 653 Racine Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa 15216, in a letter to "Prevention" magazine, February, 1974: "Asparagus contains a good supply of proteins called 'histones' that are believed to be active in controlling cell growth. For that reason I believe asparagus can be said to contain a substance that I call Cell Growth Normalizer. That accounts for its action on cancer and in acting as a general body tonic."
Warning — if you’re growing your own asparagus, don’t let your dog eat the seedpods. These are toxic and will cause vomiting and diarrhea.
(Reminder statements are not approved by the FDA and we make not attempt to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. Do your own research and discuss with your health care professional before considering any changes or protocols for your medical needs.)