If you are like most cat owners, you may let your cat sniff every kind of food in your pantry. While some cats stop at a whiff, some may choose to nibble on unusual veggies. And to much surprise, one of those veggies could be asparagus. But can cats eat asparagus?
Can Cats Eat Asparagus?
Yes, most cats can eat asparagus in moderation.1 In this article, we'll answer most of your questions about cats and asparagus.
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 may feel good on their gums, especially if they are suffering from gum-related diseases.1
Is Asparagus Good for Cats?
Asparagus can truly be a superfood for your cat, a carnivore, even though it’s a vegetable. I's low on calories and high in essential nutrients making it an ingredient you may want to introduce in your cat’s food.1
Good Digestion:
A rich source of dietary fiber, asparagus is good at promoting healthy digestion in cats. This fiber can help 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 fuller 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 blood clot and Vitamin A helps improves vision too. Additionally, asparagus has folate which helps supports your cat’s muscle function.
Here is a nutritional breakdown of goodness in 90 grams of cooked asparagus.1
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 can be dangerous for your cat.
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.1
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 usually preferred to feed your cat cooked asparagus to help avoid choking hazards.2
Here are some ways to serve asparagus to cats:
Raw Asparagus: Stringy and tough in texture, it may be hard for your cat to chew 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 help 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.
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 recommended, here are some potential risks you should be aware of:1
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.2
While the answer to the question "can cats eat asparagus?" is yes, it’s always advised to only feed it in moderation.
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.
Expert Insights From Spot
While sharing our favorite foods with our pets can be tempting, it's important to remember that not all human foods are safe for our felines. Spot's internal data shows that pet insurance claims for dietary indiscretions average $642*, highlighting the importance of caution and research before sharing snacks with your pet.
How Spot Pet Insurance Can Help
We know that cats can be mischievous when they want to be and can end up getting in trouble. Our cat insurance plans can help cover the unexpected accidents or illnesses with up to 90% cash back on eligible vet bills and access to a 24/7 Pet Telehealth helpline so that you can always have someone by your side to help guide you through questions you may have about your pet’s health or behavior.
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 can be 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!
I’m Charlie: canine enthusiast with a knack for figuring out why my dog, Dallas, is more infatuated with tennis balls than me. My lifelong passion for dogs has created a dedication to help other pet parents better understands their furry family members!
*Jan 2019 to Aug 2024 administrator claims data. Individual reimbursement results and coverage vary based on plan type.
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.
