Can Dogs Taste Asparagus?

Asparagus is a yummy veggie that many people love. It is versatile and packed full of nutritional benefits. With summertime approaching, asparagus is coming more into season, and is readily available in supermarkets. It is the perfect summer veggie and great to put on the grill to char a bit. 

Since asparagus is so popular and you likely have it in your home a lot, have you ever wondered if your dog can share some of this special green vegetable? If so, the good news is that your dog can safely enjoy asparagus and it is non-toxic to dogs! 

If you have had your dog for a while, it is easy to tell when they like a certain food and when they do not. Just like humans, a dog will have a reaction similar to how a person would respond when they like or dislike a certain taste. If you decide to give your dog a bite of asparagus and it is their first time having it, look out for some of the following signs to determine if they like the veggie or not. 

If your dog likes asparagus, the first sign to look out for is if they eat the veggie right away, chew, swallow, and seem interested in having more of the food. This confirms they like the veggie and would like to have more than just the one piece. 

Furthermore, your dog may also stare at you and the food intently, drool a lot, lick their lips, spin or pace around you like they are excited, and wag their tail! Some dogs may also resort to barking, crying, or whine if they are particularly desperate to get more of that tasty food.

If your dog does not like asparagus, they may snarl at the food, seem disinterested in more, spit it out, and then attempt to play with it instead of eating it. 

History dates all the way back to the 1st century. There are records that indicate this green veggie existed and was grown in Ancient Rome and Greece. Furthermore, we also have records that show Egyptians used and cultivated asparagus for medical purposes. For instance, the Egyptians used asparagus to help treat diarrhea and urinary tract issues and infections. 

Asparagus was so prised in the Roman Empire that they ate asparagus all year round, even when it was not in season. They would preserve the asparagus so they could enjoy the prized food even when they were not able to pick it fresh. 

Since asparagus was quite rare and such a delicacy, it is safe to say this special food was not shared with any dogs or animals. It was reserved for people, and most of the time, the wealthy and the royal family were the only people able to afford and have access to this veggie. 

Today, asparagus is readily available in all supermarkets and can be enjoyed by almost anyone. Although asparagus is not the most popular veggie to share with a dog and to include in their diet, it is perfectly safe for us to share this vegetable with our dogs! 

Asparagus is a very healthy food and it is filled with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Asparagus contains vitamin A, which can help protect your dog's eyes and correct any deficiencies they may have that can lead to eyesight issues. Asparagus also contains high levels of folate, vitamin K, vitamin C, beta-carotene, zinc, manganese, selenium, chromium, and asparagine. 

All of these vitamins and minerals help keep all of your dog's body systems functioning the best they possibly can. Adding the vegetable to their diet can give their health a boost and keep them healthy for many years to come.

If you want to add some asparagus to your dog's diet, it is perfectly fine to give it to them, but you want to keep a few things in mind before you give it to them. 

First, asparagus can be very tough and fibrous, so you should never give it to them raw. This is hard for them to both chew and digest and must be avoided. Therefore, cooked asparagus is the way to go and it tastes much better anyway! If you are giving it to your dog, you should simply cook the veggie in some unslated and boiling water. The plainer the better for your pooch. You can also choose the steam the asparagus without any salt or other seasonings. 

Once the asparagus is cooked you should chop up the veggie into small pieces so the big stalks are not a choking hazard. This is a particularly important step if you have a smaller dog. You can take the chopped up asparagus and try feeding it plain to your dog like you would a treat or as a snack. Some dogs may not be inclined to take the veggie this way so mixing it into their meals is another great way to get your pup to eat asparagus.