Is broccoli or cauliflower bad for dogs
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?
Yes, dogs can eat broccoli. Dogs can eat the vegetable both cooked and raw, as long as there are no seasonings or oils added. However, this vegetable should always be given in very small quantities, especially because the florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause gastric irritation in dogs.
Benefits of Broccoli for Dogs
While dogs dont actually need large amounts of fruits and vegetables to live healthy lives, certain onesdo make suitable treats on occasion and can even provide health benefits.
Broccoli is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. It is safe for dogs to eat, raw or cooked, as long as no seasonings are added.
Hazards of Broccoli for Dogs
However, AKC Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, warns that broccoli also contains a potentially harmful ingredient. The florets of this vegetable contain isothiocyanates, which can cause mild-to-potentially-severe gastric irritation in some dogs.
Dr. Klein also states, Broccoli is considered safe in dogs if the total amount ingested is less than 10% of their daily intake; more than 25% is considered toxic.
In terms of the 10 percent rule (that treats should make up no more than that percentage of a dogs diet), we have to remember that the actual amount differs depending on the size of your dog. Furthermore, every animal is unique. Some pets might react more strongly to broccoli than others, so its very important to monitor individual dogs to see how they react to broccoli or any new food item, and also to talk to your vet.
Choking Hazard for Dogs
Also, broccoli stalks have been known to cause obstruction in the esophagus, especially in small dogs, says Dr. Klein. Therefore, make sure you cut up the broccoli into bite-size chunks to avoid choking; keep an eye on your dog as they eat.
Small bites also make it easier to measure the amount of broccoli your dog consumes. As with any new food, start with a very small piece of broccoli to make sure your dog has no negative reactions before feeding them more. Ask your vet if you have any questions about how much broccoli is safe for your dog or if broccoli is the right treat for your dogs health.
Learn more about which fruits and vegetables that dogs can and cant eat here.
Here at the AKC, we field many queries from anxious dog owners about what is and isnt safe for their canine companions to eat. Questions range from the obvious (Can dogs eat steak bones?) to the trendy (Can dogs eat quinoa?) Check out more Can dogs eat articles on AKC.org to see what foods could be harmful to your dog, includingcherries,avocados, andonions.
Can Dogs Eat Cauliflower? A Vets Analysis of Risks and Benefits
Diets are a tricky business, whether youre feeding yourself or providing for your family and pets. There are so many options and conflicting advice out there, and everyone has a different opinion.
There is no single right answer for nutrition (nothing is perfect), but unfortunately, there are many wrong answers. Lets look at elements of your dogs diet and what is safe to include.
We know that vegetables are an essential part of a varied diet for both people and dogs, but can cauliflower be appropriate for your dog?
WillCauliflower Make My Dog Sick?
The good news is that cauliflower is very safe for dogs and is not toxic it will not make dogs sick. However, as with all parts of a diet, your dog should eat cauliflower in moderation. Eating vast quantities at once might cause a bit of a tummy upset, including diarrhea and gas. But when fed in normal amounts, as part of a balanced diet, there is no danger. Even if a dog were to become unwell after eating a lot of cauliflower, symptoms would usually be short-lived.
As long as cauliflower is clean, its safe for dogs to eat. It is also a good choice for most dogs with sensitive digestions or food allergies, as cauliflower is unlikely to cause reactions or intolerances (although every dog is different, so use caution if your dog is very vulnerable to tummy upsets).
If using pre-processed or store-bought cauliflower, it is worth checking that there are no additives or extra ingredients that might be bad for your dog. Plain cauliflower is safe, but additives like onion or garlic may be dangerous for your dog, so check the ingredient list before feeding.
Are The Leaves and Stems Safe for Dogs?
Cauliflower leaves and stems are also very safe for dogs and people. Some people prefer cooking and eating these parts of the plant over the cauliflower head itself. Again, large quantities may cause a bit of a tummy upset, but if fed a reasonable amounts as part of a balanced diet, there should be no problem.
It is worth mentioning that if dogs (especially smaller dogs) swallow large chunks of stem whole, there is a risk of these causing a gut blockage (a bowel obstruction), so avoid feeding large solid pieces when possible.
If your dog has swallowed a large chunk of cauliflower whole and becomes unwell (showing lack of appetite, vomiting, and pain), then contact your local veterinary clinic as soon as possible. The symptoms usually appear within 4 to 24 hours. Stems and leaves are safest when chopped small and cooked, making them softer and easier to digest. But, in general, they are acceptable to feed to your dog.
Is Cauliflower Good for Dogs?
Like humans, dogs are omnivores, so their gut is developed to process many different food types. In fact, dogs require a varied diet for optimal health.
Vegetables like cauliflower provide:
- Vital fiber
- Vitamins (like C and K)
- Minerals (like calcium, potassium, and iron).
These are essential for your dogs long-term well-being and are present in all parts of the cauliflower plant.
These dietary elements support all parts of your dogs body, and fiber is also good for gut health. The leaves and stems contain lots of nutritional goodness as well. Cauliflower is relatively filling but low in calories, making it a valuable part of any dogs weight management plan. If your dog is always looking or begging for food, vegetables can be a good treat to distract them and fill them up without providing empty calories.
How Should I Feed It To My Dog?
Cauliflower can be fed frozen, raw, or cooked all are beneficial and full of nutrients. It is worth taking your dogs individual needs and personality into account when choosing which form is best. For example, frozen cauliflower might damage your dogs teeth if he is likely to crunch on it heavily. In this case, defrosted raw cauliflower might be a better choice.
For small dogs, smaller chunks might be better to avoid the risk of any gut blockage if swallowed whole bigger dogs can tolerate bigger pieces. For older dogs or those with sensitive tummies, cooked cauliflower might be better, as it is softer and a little easier to digest. All cauliflower should be washed and chopped to a reasonable bite-size for your dog.
Frozen or Raw vs. Cooked Cauliflower
Frozen or raw cauliflower is likely to contain the most nutrients, but these may not be accessible to your dogs body. This is because the plant material has to be digested to release its nutrients and allow absorption by the gut but raw plants are very tough to digest. Herbivorous animals must work extremely hard to extract the good stuff from plants. While raw or frozen cauliflower provides the most fiber, it may not allow the greatest nutrient absorption.
Cooking cauliflower breaks down some of the plants toughness and allows nutrients to be extracted by the guts more easily. You can also reduce bloating and gas when you cook cauliflower, making it easier to digest. The downside is that heat damage may reduce the total nutrient content. Any method is fine; however, often, it is simplest to go by trial and error, discovering what works best for your dog.
How Much Cauliflower Can They Eat?
In terms of how much cauliflower to feed remember too much can cause tummy upset and excessive gas, so give the appropriate amount for your dogs body size. A small dog might just need one or two pieces of cauliflower per day (equivalent to what you might give a very small child). Bigger dogs might eat 4-5 pieces of cauliflower per day (comparable to the amount for a 10-year-old child). Cauliflower should form part of a balanced diet along with many other different vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cauliflower upset a dogs stomach?
If your dog consumes cauliflower in large quantities, it could upset their stomach usually in the form of diarrhea or excessive gas. This can also be true if it is contaminated, even if only from soil.
Large chunks of cauliflower could cause a bowel obstruction in smaller dogs. If you are concerned about your dog, then contact your local veterinary clinic as soon as possible.
Can dogs eat frozen cauliflower?
Frozen cauliflower is safe for dogs to eat, but be careful your dog doesnt crunch it too hard or swallow big pieces whole. Frozen produce can damage teeth if dogs attack them too heavily, and big chunks might cause a gut obstruction. If you are in any doubt, allow the cauliflower to defrost first.
Can dogs eat cauliflower rice?
Cauliflower rice is usually grated or processed cauliflower, so this should be absolutely fine to add to your dogs diet. If you are using store-bought or commercial cauliflower rice, just ensure no extra ingredients have been added (such as onion or garlic) that might be toxic for dogs. The rice itself is safe for dogs but may cause bloating or other upset stomach symptoms if you feed a large amount.
What vegetables can a dog eat?
Dogs can safely eat cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, celery, green beans, peas, cucumber, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and sweet corn (but not on the cob the corn cobs can be dangerous). All of these are nutritious but low-calorie options for your dog that can be really useful and healthy as part of a balanced diet. In general, you can feed washed vegetables raw or cooked but, if in doubt, its worth cooking them, just in case.
Are there any vegetables a dog shouldnt eat?
Dogs should not be allowed to eat anything from the allium family (i.e., onions, garlic, leeks, shallots) in any form. Most other vegetables are fine. Some fruits are hazardous for dogs, including avocado and grapes (including raisins). Also, beware of fruit pits as they can be dangerous. Do not let your dog eat pits from apples or cherries, but the flesh is fine. And if you want to know each and every type of produce to avoid, heres a comprehensive list of fruit and vegetables that are not dog-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Dogs are omnivores like us and require a regular, varied, and balanced diet for optimal whole-body, long-term health. Vegetables like cauliflower are safe to feed to dogs in moderation. Veggies are a really important part of the diet, providing lots of fiber, vitamins, and minerals without a high-calorie count.
Plain cauliflower in any form is a safe and healthy option to include in your dogs diet. It can also be a great help for dogs trying to lose weight. Always prepare cauliflower in a suitable form for your dog, and dont feed too much. Other than that, feel free to try incorporating vegetables like cauliflower regularly for mealtime.
What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat? A List of Good (& Bad) Veggies For Dogs
To help you make an informed decision regarding your pets diet and nutrition, weve compiled a detailed list of all the vegetables dogs can eat safely, as well as those that are toxic and should be avoided.
Table of Contents:
Pro Tip: Pet insurance can help you cover the costs of veterinary care if your doggy ingests something theyre not supposed to. Your pet insurance plan can reimburse you for medications, x-rays, hospitalization, surgeries, and more.
Benefits of vegetables for dogs
While it is true that dogs love (and should consume) plenty of meat, veggies can also provide your pet with nutrients that are absent in meat.
Vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, phytonutrients, and antioxidants, all of which have disease-fighting potential. They also contain enzymes that aid digestion and are an excellent source of hydration due to their high water content.
However, unlike humans, dogs cant thrive on vegetables alone. Your pet should eat a variety of foods in order to maintain well-balanced nutrition and for that reason, veggies should make no more than 10% of your pups daily calorie intake.
So, if youre looking to supplement your dogs diet with some healthy treats but dont know where to start, heres a complete list of vegetables dogs can eat and those that are better to avoid.
What vegetables can dogs eat?
Celery
Can dogs eat celery? Absolutely, the plant is rich in vitamin A, which helps improve your pets vision, as well as vitamins B, C, and K, potassium, and manganese. This low-calorie vegetable is a great natural breath freshener for dogs and many pups love to chew its crunchy texture, but be careful about the amount you serve. Celery is a natural diuretic, so if fed in large amounts, it can make your dog urinate more frequently.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a good source of fiber, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and contains almost no fat. Make sure to chop the stalks into small pieces as they can easily get lodged in your pets throat. It should also be noted that broccoli florets contain isothiocyanate, a potentially harmful ingredient present in all cruciferous veggies such as cabbage, cauliflower, and kale, which can cause stomach pain in some dogs.
Cabbage
This cruciferous vegetable contains vitamins C, B1, B6, and K, as well as phytonutrients that work to improve the overall health of your canine companion. However, cabbage should only be fed in moderation, as it will make your pet gassy. Raw cabbage also contains thiocyanate, which can suppress the thyroid gland and lead to hypothyroidism in dogs if consumed in large amounts.
Carrots
Carrots are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins B, E, C, D, and K, and low in calories. When eaten raw, these orange veggies can help keep your doggys teeth clean. However, raw carrots can be difficult to digest, which is why it might be a better idea to serve them steamed.
Asparagus
Asparagus is rich in vitamins B6, C, E, and K, thiamin, niacin, and minerals like copper, potassium, chromium, and selenium. Raw asparagus for dogs make a great alternative to chew sticks. Consider grilling or steaming the spears to make them easier to swallow.
Zucchini
Zucchini is low in calories, rich in fiber, and offers an abundance of vitamins and minerals that strengthen dogs bones, kidneys, and hearts. Its best to steam the zucchini before serving it to your pet to soften the skin.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower provides omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, manganese, phosphorus, as well as vitamins B, C, and K, all of which are great for strengthening the immune system. Similar to other cruciferous vegetables on this list, cauliflower is safe only in small amounts as it can make your dog gassy. Raw cauliflower is difficult to digest so its best to serve it to your pet lightly cooked (steamed).
Beans
Black, pinto, red kidney, and butter beans are a great source of plant protein and nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and folate. However, they can easily cause gas, so they should be fed in moderate amounts. Green beans are great for dogs because theyre full of nutrients and can be served raw, steamed, or even canned, as long as theyre plain.
Potatoes
Dogs can safely consume potatoes, as long as theyre well cooked (boiled, baked, or steamed) all served plain. Never feed your pet raw potatoes, as they contain solanine, a compound that can be toxic to dogs. Fried potatoes should also be avoided because theyre high in fat.
Spinach
Dogs can eat spinach, a great source of iron, magnesium, vitamins A, C, and E. All these nutrients make this leafy green very effective in preventing inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. On the flip side, spinach contains oxalic acid, a compound that blocks the absorption of calcium in the body and can cause damage to the kidneys, so it should be fed in moderation.
Kale
Kale is considered a superfood for humans and they offer health benefits for dogs, too. Rich in vitamins A, K, and calcium, this dark, leafy vegetable is great for canines vision, immunity, and bones. Its also a good source of iron, the mineral responsible for healthy red blood cells. However, kale also contains calcium oxalate, a building block of some bladder stones, and isothiocyanates, which can cause gastric irritation in dogs and may even be toxic if consumed in large amounts.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Its also low in calories, tasty, and aids digestion. Lightly cooked pumpkin is easiest for dogs to digest and, if fed in small quantities, it can help alleviate constipation in dogs. Canned pumpkin is also safe for dogs as long as it doesnt contain sugar or additives. Pumpkin seeds can also be fed to dogs, but make sure theyre plain (no salt, butter, or oil).
Beets
Beets are rich in vitamin C, folate, manganese, potassium, and dietary fiber. Avoid feeding raw beets as they can be a serious choking hazard and obstruct your dogs digestive tract. Cooked beets, on the other hand, contain oxalate, and should be avoided by dogs prone to bladder stones. These bright red veggies are also acidic in nature and can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or vomiting in some dogs.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are rich in vitamins B1, C, and K, as well as biotin, copper, potassium, and magnesium. Theyre very low in calories, which makes them an ideal snack for dogs that are overweight. Cucumbers are also 96% water, so they make a perfect refreshing snack on a hot summer day.
Peppers
Peppers contain three times as much vitamin C as oranges which, combined with beta-carotene, helps strengthen the immune system, protect eyesight, and act as a natural anti-inflammatory. The best way to serve peppers is by steaming them in order to soften their exterior skin. If you decide to serve them raw, be sure to cut them into small pieces. Dont forget to double-check if youre feeding spicy pepper varieties to your pet.
Peas
Sugar snap, English, snow, and garden peas are all good for dogs. These little greens balls are rich in vitamins A, B, and K, minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, as well as fiber, protein, and lutein. Be sure to serve them in moderation as large amounts can cause diarrhea. Peas should not be given to dogs with kidney issues as they contain purines which can be difficult for the kidneys to process.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes and yams are very rich in fiber plus vitamins B6 and C. Like carrots, they also contain beta-carotene which improves skin and vision. Similar to regular potatoes, these orange veggies should only be served cooked (boiled or baked) and without any seasonings.
Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a great source of vitamins C and K, which makes them great for boosting immunity and improving bone health. They also contain antioxidants that fight against inflammation. Brussels sprouts aid digestion and can help if your dog is constipated, but they can also cause gas and result in flatulence. Be sure to cook the sprouts before offering them to your pet.
Lettuce
Similar to cucumber, lettuce contains a lot of water (90%), which makes it a perfect snack for overweight doggies. Be sure to chop the lettuce up before feeding to avoid a choking hazard.
What vegetables are bad for dogs?
Onions
As part of the allium plant family, onions and chives are toxic to dogs. If your dog has eaten onions and you notice symptoms like dark yellow urine, decreased energy levels, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, be sure to contact your vet right away.
Garlic
Similar to onions, this smelly vegetable is healthy for humans but toxic to dogs. If eaten in small amounts, garlic can result in diarrhea and vomiting, but bigger amounts can cause red blood cells to burst, leading to anemia. This leads to loss of energy, weakness, and collapse.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms bought in the supermarket are generally not harmful to dogs, as long as theyre served plain and in small amounts. However, some wild mushrooms are very toxic and should never be given to dogs. Signs of mushroom poisoning include diarrhea, excessive drooling, poor coordination, collapse, and death. If your dog ingests a wild mushroom, contact your vet immediately.
Corn
Corn itself isnt harmful to dogs but it also doesnt offer much nutritional value for them. If you decide to give your dog corn, offer it in small quantities. Never give your pet corn cobs as they can cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage if swallowed.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a member of the nightshade family, which means that they contain solanine, a toxic chemical that can cause seizures and tremors. Although ripe tomatoes are generally safe for dogs, the stems, leaves, and green produce of the plant contain higher amounts of solanine. Therefore, be very careful if you have a vegetable garden that your pup can rummage around.
Eggplant
Eggplant is another member of the nightshade family and is linked to allergic reactions in some dogs. Be sure to start with a small quantity of cooked eggplant, to see if your dog tolerates this veggie or not.
Radishes
Radishes arent toxic to dogs but the shape can be quite dangerous. If your pet swallows a whole radish, they might end up with serious intestinal obstruction. So, if you decide to feed radishes to your pet, be sure to slice them thinly first.
Pro Tip: Pups can be guilty of ingesting strange items and forbidden foods, causing their owners lots of worries and astronomic vet bills. Pet insurance is designed for unpredictable accidents and illnesses that could happen to your four-legged companion.
What vegetables can puppies eat?
Small pieces of dog-safe vegetables, such as pumpkin, carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, broccoli, or cauliflower make delicious and healthy treats for puppies, as long as they are cooked, finely cut, and served plain.
However, bear in mind that treats shouldn't comprise more than 5% of your puppys diet, so veggies should be offered in small amounts and as occasional treats.
Consult with your vet about your puppys nutrition and whether it is safe to feed them the vegetables included in our dog-safe list.
How to feed dogs vegetables
Just like with any new human food, its best to introduce vegetables into your dogs diet slowly. Start with a small amount and keep an eye on your pup. If they dont show adverse reactions like diarrhea, vomiting, or excess gas, increase the amount gradually.
As a rule of thumb, if humans can eat a certain vegetable raw, so can dogs. So, its perfectly fine to offer raw celery or green beans, but you must always cook veggies like potatoes and yams.
Be sure to always cut the veggies into small, bite-sized pieces in order to reduce the risk of choking.
Serve the vegetables plain, without any salt, butter, spices, or oils. By adding any of these, you will not only destroy the nutritional value of vegetables but also cause harm to your four-legged friend.
In general, gently cooking (steaming, grilling, or blanching) will make the vegetables easier for your dog to digest and absorb all the nutrients.
For maximum benefits and digestibility, vegetables can also be blended into a puree. You can feed the pureed vegetables right away or pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze to make a healthy and refreshing summer treat.
Dont forget that moderation is key. Although vegetables are good for your dog, they should make up to 10% of their daily calorie intake. Eating too many veggies can negatively change the gut flora or increase alkalinity and cause kidney issues.
Here's a recap on the list of vegetables dogs can eat alongside the vegetables dogs can't eat:
| Vegetables Dogs CAN Eat | Vegetables Dogs CAN'T Eat |
|---|---|
| Broccoli | Onions |
| Cabbage | Garlic |
| Carrots | Mushrooms |
| Asparagus | Corn |
| Zucchini | Tomatoes |
| Celery | Eggplant |
| Cauliflower | Radishes |
| Beans | |
| Potatoes | |
| Spinach | |
| Kale | |
| Pumpkin | |
| Beets | |
| Cucumbers | |
| Peppers | |
| Peas | |
| Sweet potatoes | |
| Brussels sprouts | |
| Lettuce |
