Is broccoli good for dogs

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially people foods. What might be okay for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.

Yes, adult dogs can eat broccoli. Its not toxic to dogs and contains health benefits, so its safe in small portions.

Puppies have different dietary needs than adult dogs, and their digestive systems arent as developed. The high fiber content in broccoli could cause problems for puppies, so its best to avoid feeding them broccoli.

Whether you want to give broccoli to your adult dog as a snack, or if they ate some when your back was turned, here are some safe feeding portions, health benefits, and concerns about dogs eating too much broccoli.

Is Broccoli Good for Dogs?

Broccoli is not just safe for dogs to eat; it contains many health benefits and nutrients for your dog, just like it does for you. In fact, some dog foods even contain broccoli. It is full of fiber, antioxidants, and digestible plant protein, and it provides vitamins and minerals like:

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin K

• Folic Acid

• Magnesium

• Sodium

• Potassium

• Chromium

Although broccoli provides a lot of great health benefits, your dog cannot rely on broccoli alone for their vitamins and minerals. Additionally, you should be careful not to feed your dog too much broccoli because it can cause intestinal upset.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Broccoli?

Yes, dogs can eat raw broccoli florets. If you make sure to wash them first, then cut them into small, edible pieces, they are safe and nutritious. In fact, eating broccoli raw or steamed is the best way to keep the most nutrients in the broccoli.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked or Steamed Broccoli?

Dogs can also safely eat cooked and steamed broccoli. If you steam broccoli for just a few minutes, it will retain more nutrients than if you cook it. But either way, its safe for your dog to eat.

Just make sure that its not too hot so they dont burn their tongues. And be sure to only feed your pup plain broccoli. That means no butter, oils, or seasonings. Not only are these added ingredients unhealthy for your dog, but certain seasonings like garlic and onion are toxic to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Stems?

Broccoli stems are not toxic for dogs, but they arent the best part of the broccoli to feed to your dog. The stems could become a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage. If you do feed stem pieces to your dog, make sure they are cut up into very small, easily edible pieces.

If your dog seems to be choking, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Broccoli?

Dogs can develop allergies from repeated exposure to a food. Food allergies in dogs usually cause skin issues, rashes, and ear infections. If this is the first time youre feeding your dog broccoli, you could see signs of food intolerance, which is different from an allergy. Signs of food intolerance include vomiting or diarrhea.

Does Broccoli Make Dogs Fart?

If youve wondered whether broccoli can make a dog fart, the answer is yes! Not only does broccoli contain a high amount of fiberwhich can cause an upset stomach and intestinal gasbut the broccoli florets also contain isothiocyanate.

This organic compound is thought to help prevent cancer. But it can also cause gastric irritation in dogswhich can also cause your pup to pass gas.

And although broccoli contains plant protein that dogs can digest, too much protein can also cause flatulence.

How Much Broccoli Can Dogs Eat?

If youre wondering how much broccoli is okay to feed your dog, check out our chart below. And remembereverything in moderation. That means that even healthy treats like broccoli should only make up 10% of your dogs diet. The other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food diet.

Below are some general guidelines for safe portion sizes to feed your dog broccoli, based on your dogs weight and breed size:

Examples: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs

Examples: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds

Examples: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs

Examples: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds

Examples: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees

If your dog ate some broccoli when you werent watching, or you accidentally fed them too much, keep an eye out for the following symptoms of an upset stomach. If you do notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away.

How to Feed Your Dog Broccoli

Ready to feed your pup some broccoli as a treat? Wash the broccoli thoroughly, cut it into small, edible pieces, and remove the stems to avoid any choking hazards.

Raw

Raw pieces of broccoli are the easiest and quickest way to share them with your dog while preserving the nutrients.

Steamed

Steamed broccoli takes just a few minutes, but this method also helps maintain the highest nutrient levels. Do not add other ingredients or seasonings.

Cooked

Cooking broccoli takes a little longer and may take strip away some of the natural nutrients, but its still very healthy! Dont add extra ingredients or seasonings to cooked broccoli either.

Smoothie

If youre feeling fancy, you could blend together a little bit of broccoli with some dog-safe fruits like blueberries and bananas, plus a scoop of completely plain, sugar-free, xylitol-free yogurt. You can add this on top of your dogs food, or even freeze it in your dogs KONG toy as a cold treat for later.

Featured image: iStock.com/petesphotography

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli? (and Is It Safe?)

Before sharing your veggie tray with your pup, you may wonder if dogs can eat broccoli and if it is good for dogs?"

The short answer is yes: broccoli is a safe, tasty treat for our canine friends. It may even have some health benefits. But there are a few things you'll want to consider when serving this vegetable to your pup.

Is Broccoli Good for Dogs?

It's hailed as a superfood for humans because of its high nutritional value, but broccoli may benefit dogs in a number of ways, too.

It's chock-full of fiber, which can aid in digestion and weight management. And it's loaded with vitamins including A, B, C, D, E and K that may help promote overall well-being. Broccoli also contains lutein, a nutrient that supports eye and heart health, and other antioxidants that curb inflammation.

While dogs are omnivores, vegetables like broccoli can be a healthy addition to their meal plan. However, cruciferous vegetables have a reputation for causing gas, so it might make your pup a bit gassy.

What Are the Concerns?

Speaking of gas, this side effect of eating broccoli may be a cause for concern. Excessive gas may indicate that your dog has a digestive issue. So if you're feeding your pup broccoli for the first time and the resulting smell becomes downright unbearable, give your veterinarian a call to rule out anything more serious.

Additionally, here are three other concerns to bear in mind when giving your dog broccoli:

1. Portion Control

The saying too much of a good thing also applies to broccoli. Although it's OK for dogs to eat, consuming too much broccoli may cause your pet gastrointestinal distress, according to The World Small Animal Veterinary Association. They explain that this veggie should make up no more than 10% of your pup's daily meals in order to avoid any health complications. Broccoli contains isothiocyanate, a naturally occurring compound that along with fiber and complex sugars can cause mild to extreme digestive distress, including gas, stomach upset, diarrhea and blockages.

You'll also want to keep an eye on your dog's vitamin C intake. "While humans require vitamin C from (their) diet, the bodies of cats and dogs can make their own," explained the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

2. Choking Hazard

Broccoli stems are edible, but they pose a high choking risk to dogs. According to the American Kennel Club, broccoli stems "have been known to cause obstruction in the esophagus, especially in small dogs."

To prevent choking, cut broccoli into bite-size pieces before sharing it with your dog. Additionally, you may want to stay close by while they're enjoying their snack to keep an ear out for any signs of distress.

3. Harmful Bacteria

Broccoli is versatile and can be served steamed, boiled, baked or raw. However, if you serve it to your dog raw, be sure to clean it thoroughly because of an increased risk of lingering bacteria such as Salmonella. "Although dogs and cats may be more resistant to these bacteria [than humans], they are not immune and can become very ill," according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection in dogs include:

• Vomiting
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Loss of appetite
• Increased heart rate
• Lethargy

If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms after eating broccoli, stop feeding broccoli and contact your vet right away for treatment options.

So, can dogs eat broccoli? Absolutely, so long as it's in moderation. Broccoli should be regarded as a nutritious snack not a meal. Offer this veggie alongside a well-balanced dog food formulated for your pet's specific nutritional needs.

Contributor Bio

Christine O'Brien

Christine Brovelli-O'Brien, Ph.D., is a professional member of the Cat Writers' Association (CWA), a STEAM educator and a devoted cat parent. She writes about pets, education, women's health, and STEM-y stuff. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?

How to offer broccoli to dogs?

If your dog has developed a taste for vegetables and you want to offer them broccoli as a snack, small portions can be fed either raw or cooked. However, large pieces can become a choking hazard, so make sure you offer it in chunks that can be easily handled by your pooch, particularly if feeding it raw. Dont forget to keep an eye on them until theyve finished munching on their last bite. This way, if the dog gets into trouble you can react quickly and help them.

Broccoli can be steamed in water, without any seasonings or flavourings. It may not sound like the best dinner ever for our human taste buds, but when it comes to a dogs treat, it is better to keep it simple.

Can broccoli be dangerous for dogs?

Due to the presence of the isothiocyanate component, broccoli is not a good treat to give often or in large quantities. If youre worried your dog might have eaten too much broccoli, the symptoms you need to watch out for include an upset tummy or any other sign of digestive distress.

Another reason why you should stay near your dog when theyre enjoying their broccoli is the choking hazard posed by the stems. You can reduce the risk significantly by cutting the vegetable into bite-sized chunks for your dog.

If you notice an unusual reaction, be prepared to contact the vet and ask for help if you fear your dog is in distress and you cant help them.

Do you want to know more about what dogs eat? Learn if dogs can eat blueberries, or discover more about feeding your dog pork.

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli? What Parts Are Safe & How To Serve

As dog owners, were always looking for ways to boost our pups diet. Broccoli is a healthy vegetable that many humans eat due to its nutrient content and health benefits. It makes sense for owners to want to add this healthy veggie to their pets diet, but can dogs eat broccoli? Is it safe for our pups? As with many other vegetables, broccoli is safe but only in moderation and certain preparations. Theres a little more to it than a simple yes or no when it comes to feeding a dog this green veggie.

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?

Adult dogs can eat broccoli, but only in small amounts. The stalks, stems, and florets are all edible for canines, but you should only give them as occasional treats. While safe in strict moderation, this green veggie should not be an everyday treat. Treats of any kind should comprise at most 10% of your canines daily calorie intake. Additionally, your furry friend should get all the nutrients, vitamins, and dietary balance he needs from his pet food. Vegetables like this can be a tasty and nutritious treat but should not replace their regular, high-quality, balanced dog food.

Is Broccoli Good For Dogs?

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable from the cabbage family (Brassica oleracea). It can add nutritional benefit to your pups diet when given as a treat in combination with a well-balanced dog food.

Some of the nutritional benefits of broccoli include:

• It contains healthy dietary fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive system and bowel movements.
• Vitamin A works to maintain healthy vision and eye health.
• Vitamin B is a reliable source of folate.
• Vitamin C works as an anti-inflammatory and helps to bolster the immune system. It fights illness and aids in physical healing.
• Vitamin K supports healthy bones and joints.
• Minerals, including chromium potassium, magnesium, and sodium, support the nervous and immune systems. Iron supports heart health.
• Folic acid supports the health of cells, as well as the production of oxygen. Folic acid helps in the production of red blood cells, the elevation of blood oxygen, fat metabolism, and DNA synthesis, as well as supporting healthy growth and development.
• It can aid in weight management. Also, it is beneficial to enhance the gut lining for dogs suffering from leaky gut.
• Nutrients like lutein support heart health. These veggies can help reduce triglycerides and lower cholesterol, help clean the blood, and lower the risk of disease, including cardiac disease.
• Cruciferous vegetables are a healthy source of zinc. Zinc is important to help prevent heart disease, skin concerns, blindness, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Low in sugar and fat and high in plant protein.
• This crucifer works to reduce oxidative stress. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells, DNA, cell membranes, and proteins. Free radicals lead to cancer, heart disease, chronic disease, brain disorders, and premature aging, among other health concerns. The plant contains compounds like vitamin C and sulforaphane, which decrease inflammation, remove carcinogens, help stop the spread of cancer, and fight free radical damage.

Is Broccoli Safe For Dogs?

Broccoli is safe but only in small servings. Pups can eat it fresh, frozen, cooked, or raw. However, puppies should not eat broccoli. Cruciferous vegetables are hard to digest, and a puppys digestive system is not fully developed. So, leave the fresh green vegetables to the adult pups. Canines can also eat broccolini and broccoli rabe, also called rapini. Broccolini is a cross between Brassica oleracea and Chinese broccoli, also called Chinese kale. Rapini, which looks similar, is more closely related to the turnip. Its also safe for canines in small amounts.

While this crucifer is safe, it can have some adverse side effects. Like other cruciferous vegetables, it can cause pups to have gas. Because its so high in fiber, this veggie can cause canines (and humans!) to fart. Along with the fiber, the florets also contain isothiocyanate, which can cause digestive upset. It can range from subtle to severe depending on the amount eaten and how sensitive a pup is.

Gastrointestinal symptoms can include stomach pain, gas and flatulence, diarrhea, and, in some cases, blockages. If your pup seems uncomfortable or shows any of these symptoms after eating crucifers, its best to contact your vet for advice. Never feed this or any other veggie to a pup in an amount that is excessive. A little goes a long way.

How To Serve Broccoli To A Dog

When feeding your dog any veggie, prepare it specifically for them. Canines should only eat plain crucifers, with no added seasonings or other ingredients. Its preferable to serve it to your pup boiled or steamed. This cooking process only breaks down a little of the nutrient value and makes the vegetable soft, pliable, and easy to eat.

Any time you feed a dog a new food for the first time, start with a tiny amount. Try just a bite or two at first. Observe your pup during and after eating. Take note of any odd symptoms directly following or even the next day as the veggies work through the gastrointestinal tract.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Broccoli?

Dogs can eat the raw crucifer if its plain. Whether cooked or raw, you should cut it into bite-sized pieces or chop it up into very small amounts and mix it with their kibble. There is some risk of salmonella bacteria from raw vegetables, so you should wash it thoroughly before serving. Do not feed your pup any raw or cooked veggies with butter, cheese, ranch, or any other kind of sauce or dressing.

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Stems?

The stems are safe, but only if cut into small pieces. The stems and stalks are more fibrous but can become choking hazards if the chunks are too big. The stalks and stems are not toxic but do not taste the best, so they are not a top pick to feed your pup.

What Other Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?

Canines can eat a variety of vegetables and fruits. However, owners should always research first. Though many are healthy snacks for humans, some can be very dangerous for canines. Onion and garlic, for example, are toxic and should not be fed to pets. Learn more about what foods are not safe for dogs. If youre worried about your pup being overweight or not getting the proper nutrients, discuss these concerns with your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist.

Even though this food is safe for dogs when given in moderation, your pet is sure to encounter unexpected dangers throughout its life. Pet insurance can reduce the financial burden so you can focus on your dogs health in an emergency.

Our Personal Experience With Dogs Eating Broccoli

My dogs enjoy eating broccoli, and we know it is good for them. However, after one or two small pieces, it is a gaseous disaster in our home! Because of this, we try to keep the portions very small when we give them broccoli to snack on.

Michelle Schenker, Rescue Dog parent

One of my dogs enjoys eating raw, frozen, and cooked broccoli. She will happily scarf it up. It does make her fart, so this is a very limited snack. My other dog will not touch it in any preparation and will eat around the veggies if broccoli ends up in his bowl.

Looking For Other Treat Options?

Treats can be part of a nutritionally balanced diet but should always be served in small quantities. There is a wide selection available from freeze-dried meat treats, vegan treats, CBD treats, and treats for special needs like calming mood treats and options for pets with diabetes.

If youre considering supplements for your pet, we also review several of them. Supplements can be beneficial for allergies, joint pain, other ailments. Always discuss adding supplements with your veterinarian, especially if your dog has any special medical considerations.

Wondering What To Put In Your Dogs Bowl?

Vegetables can be a healthy and flavorful treat but are not enough to sustain a healthy canine. If youre wondering what to feed your pup, you have plenty of healthy options. Fresh food made from human-grade ingredients like The Farmers Dog, Spot & Tango, and Ollie are top picks, and several are available by delivery. If you are considering raw food, We Feed Raw, BARF, and Maev are excellent options.