Can Dogs Eat Broccoli? Safe or Risky?
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli? Everything You Need To Know About Feeding Your Dog Broccoli
Broccoli, often referred to as the mini trees of the vegetable world, is considered a superfood because of the health benefits it can offer us humans. Remember being told to ‘eat your greens’ when you were young? But, does the same apply to your canine companion — will this veggie make them strong and healthy?
Can dogs eat broccoli? Is it safe to share with our furry friends?Can Dogs Eat Oats? Contents
How Is Broccoli Good for Dogs?
When Is Broccoli Bad for Dogs?
Is Cooked Broccoli Good for Dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?
Indeed. Dogs can consume broccoli without harm.
Known to be one of the healthiest and most nutritious cruciferous vegetables, broccoli is prominently used in many commercially available organic dog foods and fresh food diets for dogs of all breeds and sizes.
However, it should only be given in moderation alongside a well-balanced diet. What’s more, you need to prepare it properly.
How Is Broccoli Good for Dogs?
Abundant with nutrients, broccoli also boasts anti-inflammatory properties. And, as a rich source of dietary fiber, broccoli is suitable for dogs who need more roughage in their diet.
| NUTRIENT | BENEFIT FOR DOGS |
|---|---|
| Vitamin K | Helps to maintain strong and healthy bones. |
| Vitamin C | An antioxidant that helps to boost your dog’s immune system and works as an anti-inflammatory. |
| Vitamin A | Essential for maintaining healthy eyesight. |
| Folic Acid (B9) | Produces and maintains healthy cells in your pup. |
| Fiber | Maintains a healthy digestive system and satiates a dog’s appetite. |
Furthermore, broccoli serves as an excellent mineral source — including magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chromium — all of which contribute to bolstering the immune and nervous systems in dogs.
When Is Broccoli Bad for Dogs?
Although broccoli can provide plenty of health benefits for your pooch, you shouldn’t rely on this veggie alone for your dog’s daily intake of vitamins and minerals.
In addition to the beneficial nutrients, broccoli also contains the compound, isothiocyanate. This can cause severe stomach upset and other digestive complaints in canines.
So, you may be thinking, is broccoli safe for dogs?
Fortunately, this veggie isn’t toxic to dogs. No scientific studies so far have shown that isothiocyanate causes toxicity in canines.
Our digestive systems differ from a dog’s, with isothiocyanate acting as an anti-inflammatory in humans — offering many benefits for those who suffer with arthritis, and potentially cancer.
However, when a dog consumes too much of this compound, they can develop a serious stomach upset. You may also notice your dog is more gassy (yuck!) and may even suffer diarrhea.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Broccoli?
Although dogs are traditionally carnivores and will prefer the taste of meat-based snacks, broccoli is one of those cruciferous vegetables that are ok for dogs to eat raw.
However, please ensure you thoroughly wash the veggie beforehand. This will remove any pesticides or harmful bacteria that could be lingering.
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Stalks?
While the floret may be the most appealing part of broccoli, the stalks are safe for dogs to eat.
This part of the vegetable doesn’t contain isothiocyanates — it’s only found in the floret — so it’s ess likely to cause your dog an upset stomach. That said, it can still trigger tummy troubles when eaten in large quantities.
What’s more, don’t offer them whole — the fibrous nature of the broccoli stalk can be difficult for your pooch to chew. Always cut/chop broccoli stems to reduce potential choking hazards.
Can Dogs Eat Frozen Broccoli?
Yes, absolutely. You may be surprised how excited your pooch gets over the idea of a few frozen florets of broccoli as a treat. As above, it’s important to chop the broccoli into small pieces to avoid choking. And, don’t feed your pooch too much as the high fiber content may upset their stomachs.
Is Cooked Broccoli Good for Dogs?
Yes.
Preparing broccoli through cooking can enhance its chewability, ease of swallowing, and digestibility for your dog.
Here are a few pointers on how to prepare this veggie:
- Steaming preserves nutrients better than other cooking methods, but boiling broccoli is also ok.
- Keep it simple and serve plain. Ingredients like butter or oils aren’t healthy for your pup. Plus, certain seasonings, containing garlic or onion, for example, are toxic for dogs.
- If boiling broccoli, avoid adding salt to the water — too much salt in a dog’s diet can be harmful and also dehydrate your pup.
- Always allow cooked broccoli to cool down before feeding it to your dog — you wouldn’t want them burning their delicate little tongues!
How Much Broccoli Should Dogs Have?
This will vary according to their size. However, it's important to adhere to the 10% calorie intake rule for treats — ensuring that broccoli falls within this percentage.
If broccoli was to make up more than 25% of their diet, it may not be lethal, but digestive issues could cause your canine distress. What’s more, the resulting smells from the build-up of gas won’t be fun for the both of you either.
In line with the 10% rule, the portions are as follows:
- A portion for a small dog may only be half/one floret.
- Medium-sized dogs, like the Border Collie, could enjoy 5-6 pieces (1-inch wide by ¼-inch thick) or about two florets.
- Larger dogs — such as Labs or German Shepherds — should be able to cope with a generous handful of broccoli pieces and stay within the limit.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating broccoli into your companion’s diet is a wholesome choice, provided it’s prepared and served correctly. It's packed full of nutrients, all of which can contribute to enhancing your pet's overall well-being. However, it’s crucial to feed broccoli in moderation and be vigilant for any signs of adverse reactions.
Can dogs eat broccoli? Yes. Should dogs eat broccoli? Absolutely. The nutritional and mineral benefits of this veggie far outweigh the risks of that isothiocyanate content when served in smaller quantities. What’s a little gas between friends anyhow?
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli? FAQs
Are Broccoli Sprouts for Dogs Good?
Broccoli sprouts are the germinated seeds of a broccoli plant — they’re basically 3-5 day-old broccoli plants. Just like the full-grown veg itself, broccoli sprouts are a powerhouse of nutrition that dogs can eat safely.
Your pooch will even enjoy a boost of sulforaphane found more generously in the sprouts of broccoli. Sulforaphane helps protect your dog against cancer, improves their general heart health, and is a natural painkiller.
How Often Can I Feed My Dog Broccoli?
It’s not a case of how often, but rather how much. You can offer broccoli daily, but it should only make up about 10% of their daily nutritional intake as part of a balanced diet.
As with all new foods, start slowly and closely monitor your pooch for any adverse reactions. If you should notice severe gastrointestinal symptoms or diarrhea, stop immediately and consult your vet.
What Vegetables Can Dogs Not Eat?
Adding broccoli to your pooch’s plate — in moderation — is a healthy choice for your canine. However, you should avoid certain vegetables, no matter how much they beg! These include:
Asparagus.
Wild mushrooms.
Garlic.
Chives.
What Other Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?
If you’re looking to add some plant-based goodness and vitamins to your pup’s daily routine. Here are some more dog-friendly veggies:
Carrots.
Celery.
Green beans.
Peas.
Cauliflower.
Can Dogs Eat Purple Sprouting Broccoli?
Yes. Dogs can have purple sprouting broccoli or calabrese broccoli. Although it offers little benefits over regular broccoli or broccoli sprouts for dogs, all forms of this vegetable are safe for your pooch to enjoy in moderation.
