Asparagus ends

Asparagus are a tasty addition to our dogs’ diets. Perhaps not as renowned as other vegetables as a source of nutritional value, vegetables like beetroot or pumpkin, but they do add fibre and other compounds. Not to mention enhancing variety for the all-important gut microbiome. (For more nutritional information, see the Asparagus post here.)

The ‘woody’ ends of asparagus are those bits – not always so small – on the wrong side of the ‘natural snapping point’ when bending and snapping the asparagus spear. Many of us who cook asparagus, including those who advocate cutting the spears as a less wasteful practice, still discard the remainder. Please don’t!

Even if you aren’t keen enough to follow tips from waste-conscious chefs and turn your leftover asparagus ends into a stock, puree or soup, they can be put to good use in treats for your dogs.

Most of the ends can be cooked, unless they’re *so* woody that they’d challenge a good sharp knife.

Puree

Although I’ve seen recipes that prescribe simmering for just 10 minutes, such a short cooking period has never worked for me. Especially not for a puree. I’ve found it helps if the ends are chopped small and parboiled along with the spears in the asparagus steamer. After removing the steamed spears, leave the ends in the water to cook them for a bit longer until they are really soft – soft enough to need minimal blitzing to become a smooth puree.

At this stage you can of course pass the mixture through a sieve, add some seasoning and eat it yourself. Try mixing asparagus puree with lima or soy beans, for example, and other ingredients to create a spread or give the mixture (without additional seasoning) to the dogs. In this house, they are guaranteed to lap it up – and get the extra goodness!

If you prefer, keep parboiled ends in the freezer until you have enough for a larger batch for a puree. The finished puree can also be frozen and is versatile in its use; from a topping to incorporation in baked products.

Woody parts together with spears in asparagus steamer

Asparagus puree can be used as a topping in its own right, or with fish and vegetables, as below.

Topping

Asparagus ends can also be used in toppings, such as my asparagus stalk, mushroom and flax seed topping, where I’ve combined the asparagus with mushroom and flax seeds in a fish broth.

No need to cook the asparagus for a longer period. The parboiled ends will finish cooking in the topping.

Decant the topping into containers and keep in the refrigerator or freezer. It does freeze well.

 

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • If you are feeding commercial food, check the label for ingredients before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.
  • I am not a professional nutritionist. I am sharing recipes that I have created and tested in my kitchen and that have been tasted and approved by our doggy friends.