If you are like most cat owners, you surely let your cat sniff every kind of food in your pantry. While some stop at a whiff, some may nibble on unusual veggies too. And to much surprise, one of those veggies is asparagus. But have you been hesitant to chop in some asparagus and serve it too?
Can Cats Eat Asparagus?
Yes, most breeds of cats can eat asparagus. In this article, we are answering most of your doubts about cats and asparagus. Read on.
Do Cats Like Asparagus?
If we are being completely honest, the taste buds of a cat will always surprise us humans. However many cat parent have reported that their cats do enjoy the taste of asparagus. One reason why cats like asparagus could be its texture. Due to its unique texture, asparagus feels good on their gums, especially if they are suffering from gum-related diseases.
Is Asparagus Good for Cats?
Asparagus can truly be a superfood for your cat, a carnivore, even though it’s a vegetable. It is low on calories and high in essential nutrients making it an ingredient you may want to introduce in your cat’s food.
Good Digestion:
Being a rich source of dietary fiber, asparagus is good at promoting healthy digestion in cats. This fiber helps your cat with issues like constipation and diarrhea.
Weight Management:
With low fiber and calories in asparagus, it is easier for your cat to feel full once they nibble on some asparagus. This comes as great news for cat parents trying to manage their cat’s excess weight.
Nutrient-Rich:
Asparagus comes with tons of good vitamins and nutrients that are essential for your cat’s good health. It’s loaded with vitamin C which is proven to boost the immune system. Vitamin K helps prevent any sort of blood clot and Vitamin A improves vision too. Additionally, asparagus comes with the goodness of folate which supports your cat’s muscle function.
Here is a nutritional breakdown of goodness in 90 grams of cooked asparagus.
Calories: 20
Protein: 2.2 grams
Fat: 0.2 grams
Fiber: 1.8 grams
Vitamin C: 12% of the RDI
Vitamin A: 18% of the RDI
Vitamin K: 57% of the RDI
Folate: 34% of the RDI
Potassium: 6% of the RDI
Phosphorus: 5% of the RDI
Vitamin E: 7% of the RDI
How Much Asparagus Can You Feed Your Cat?
If this is your first time feeding your cat asparagus, start with a small amount. And if you aren’t sure of this addition to their meal, it’s always best to consult your vet first. You can feed your cat raw asparagus but it’s easier for them to chew boiled or steamed asparagus. And never season it with anything as the excess salt in it can be dangerous for your cats.
A whole cooked asparagus spear has 3 calories and even if it feels low, it's advised to limit the intake to two teaspoons per serving. This is because asparagus also contains a high alkaline content and can affect the pH of your cat’s urine and cause bladder issues. Additionally, if our cat has had a history of UTI or cystitis, it's best to avoid asparagus completely.
The best way to serve asparagus to your cat is the way you would give them some treats. Follow the 90/10 rule. Which is 90 of the goodness coming from the cat food and just 10% from their treats.
How To Prepare Asparagus for Your Cat?
There are some ways to add asparagus to your cat’s meal. Cats can try both cooked and raw asparagus, but it's always preferred to feed your cat cooked asparagus to help avoid choking hazards.
Here are some ways to serve asparagus to cats:
Raw Asparagus: Stringy and tough in texture, it may be hard for your cat to be a fan of raw asparagus. In that case, you can chop some tender tips off it and serve it to your cats.
Cooked Asparagus: Cats like their asparagus just as you enjoy it. Well-cooked and easy to bite on. You can sauté the stems on a medium flame without oil to cook them well.
Steamed Asparagus: Add a few stems of asparagus to boiling water, and do not season it with salt. Once all softened up, you can cool it down and serve it as sides with the cat food.
Once your asparagus is cooked, you may add a bit of butter to it but in all cases avoid garlic or onion seasoning.
Remember to always cut the asparagus in bite sizes and to feed it quite sparingly.
What Can Happen If Your Cat Eats an Unusual Amount Of Asparagus?
If your cat ends up savoring more asparagus than usual, it isn’t something concerning as it isn’t toxic to your cat. However, below are some potential risks you need to be aware of.
Upset Stomach: Chewing more asparagus can lead to an upset stomach for cats. Some symptoms that may be concerning are vomiting, diarrhea, and overall discomfort.
Digestive Issues: Cats are carnivores in nature, which means their digestive system responds well to animal-based proteins. However, asparagus contains fibers that are harder for cats to digest which may lead to digestive problems.
Urine Odor: when your cat eats too much asparagus, you may notice an unusual urine odor. This is mainly because often the high content of sulfur in asparagus that is excreted in the urine.
While the answer to the question can cats eat asparagus is yes, it’s always advised to keep a check on the quantity of its servings.
Which Cats Should Not Eat Asparagus?
Cats with Digestive Sensitivities: If your cat has a history of a poor digestive system, they may not be able to tolerate asparagus well as it contains fiber. In that case, do not serve your cat asparagus in any form.
Cats with Allergies: Much like any other food, your cat just might be allergic to asparagus. Always look for signs of an allergic reaction.
Cats with Specific Dietary Requirements: Cats have a specific dietary need as they are carnivores and need animal-based proteins. In that case, feeding too many vegetables can create an imbalance in their diet.
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Conclusion
Whether your cat loves vegetables or is strictly a carnivore, if you're wondering whether cats can eat asparagus, the answer is yes! But remember, different cats will have different preferences. Just because your cat can eat asparagus doesn't mean that they will want to. That being said, Asparagus is a healthy treat option for your cat; just remember that moderation is key.
Now that you know cats can eat asparagus you can try yummy recipes for your cat.
The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.
