The short answer is yes. Dogs can have broccoli. However, this is one veggie you’ll want to provide to your furry friend in small amounts. To answer, “can dogs eat broccoli?” in full, keep reading.
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Can Dogs Have Broccoli?
Can you feed dogs broccoli? Absolutely, you can. While this vegetable does have a few health benefits for your canine companion, you’ll only want to give it to your pup in small amounts once in a while.
Let’s go over some of the nutritional facts about broccoli.
Broccoli Nutritional Facts
Broccoli is about 90% water content, so it’s great for hydration. Also, it has almost no fat and is low in calories.
According to Healthline, one cup of raw broccoli contains the following:
- 31 Calories
- 89% Water
- 6 grams of Carbs
- 2.5 grams of Protein
- 1.5 grams of Sugar
- 2.4 grams of Fiber
- 0.4 grams of Fat
In addition, this green veggie contains many vitamins and minerals. For example, it contains vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin C, vitamin K1, iron, manganese, and potassium.
With that said, there are many benefits to feeding your furry friend broccoli.
What Are The Benefits Of Feeding Dogs Broccoli?
Is broccoli safe for dogs? In small amounts, yes, it is.
First, broccoli is rich in fiber. Fiber helps keep your dog’s digestive system on track and working correctly.
Together, the various vitamins support immune function, bone health, skin health, tissue growth, and cell function.
Vitamin K is especially ideal for active dogs. It’ll help boost their bone strength, so it’ll help in age, too.
On the other hand, vitamin C is great for their overall health and immune system.
Finally, the minerals prevent heart disease, help control blood pressure, and transport oxygen in the red blood cells.
Unfortunately, as with most human foods, broccoli can pose unhealthy benefits for your dog.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Feeding Dogs Broccoli?
Is broccoli bad for dogs? Not necessarily.
Broccoli is made up of two parts: the florets and the stalk. The stalk is okay to eat. However, it is rich in fiber, so too much can cause a stomach upset. On the other hand, if the stalk isn’t cut up into bite-sized pieces, it can pose a choking hazard.
In addition, the florets contain isothiocyanate. This is a small molecule that’s found in all cruciferous vegetables. So, for example, a cruciferous veggie could be cabbage, cauliflower, kale, or broccoli.
Too many isothiocyanates are toxic to dogs. For instance, it may cause gas, nausea, bloating, or diarrhea. In some cases, your dog may get extremely sick and possibly result in death.
Finally, you can provide raw broccoli to your canine companion, but it can have harmful bacteria, such as salmonella.
Symptoms of salmonella in dogs may include the following:
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Increased Heart Rate
- Lethargy
- Loss of Appetite
- Vomiting
Parts Of Broccoli Your Dog Can And Can’t Eat
There aren’t too many pieces of broccoli. But, believe it or not, your dog can eat all parts of the broccoli. You can see the chart below to see what your dog can eat.
| Part of the Broccoli | Safe for your Dog? |
|---|---|
| Broccoli Stalk (or Broccoli Stem) | Yes, in small pieces |
| Broccoli Florets | Yes |
As with all parts of broccoli, you should only provide them to your dog in small quantities and in moderation. Also, monitor your dogs for illness, food allergies, or choking.
How Much Broccoli Can Dogs Eat?
A dog’s diet should follow the 90/10 rule. Therefore, 90% of their diet should be high-quality commercial dog food. The other 10% should consist of treats.
Even though broccoli has many healthy properties, broccoli is not needed in a dog’s diet. Therefore, this veggie is considered a treat.
For example, dogs up to 20 pounds should have one to two small pieces. Dogs about 21 to 30 pounds may have two to three small pieces. Medium dogs, 31 to 50 pounds, can have about five to six small pieces.
In addition, large dog breeds that are 51 to 90 pounds may have a handful of broccoli pieces, while extra large dogs over 91 pounds can have two handfuls of broccoli pieces at once.
When feeding broccoli to your doggo for the first time, check in with your veterinarian first. They’ll help you decide if adding this veggie as a treat is a good idea or not.
If they give you the okay, only offer one or two small pieces of broccoli to your doggo for the first time. Monitor your pup to ensure they like the broccoli and the veggie agrees with their system.
How To Feed Your Dog Broccoli
The best way to provide broccoli to your pup is in small amounts, once in a while. Broccoli is healthy for them, but too much can make them sick.
When choosing broccoli at the store, try to buy organic. This way, you’ll know it was grown without herbicides or pesticides. Regardless, wash the vegetable thoroughly when you get home.
When serving the broccoli, ensure the pieces are cut up small enough for your dog to chew and swallow carefully.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Broccoli?
Yes, they can.
Cooked broccoli is a great way to provide this veggie to your furry friend. Having it cooked means it’s softer for your pup to chew. Also, if the pieces are small enough, it’ll be much easier for your doggo to consume.
You can add a small number of cooked pieces to your dog’s meal for something extra.
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Raw?
Yes, your dog can eat raw broccoli, too.
You’ll want to be careful feeding raw broccoli if it’s too harsh for your doggo to chew. Also, be wary of how big the pieces are.
You can provide small raw pieces to your pup as a treat.
Can Dogs Eat Steamed Broccoli?
Absolutely. In fact, steaming broccoli only takes a couple of minutes of your time and holds the most nutrients for your pup.
Can Dogs Eat Frozen Broccoli?
Dogs can eat this frozen veggie, too. First, wash it well and cut it into bite-sized pieces before freezing it. Then, you can give it to your dog once it’s frozen.
Can Dogs Eat Pureed Broccoli?
Finally, your pup can also eat pureed broccoli. Once again, be sure not to add too much, or your pup may get sick.
However, remember that broccoli is mainly made up of water. So, if it’s a hot day and you need to give your doggo an extra boost in hydration, you can puree and then freeze them in molds to make a pupsicle treat your doggo will surely enjoy.
Broccoli Dog Treats
If you don’t want to provide this vegetable to your pup, you can buy broccoli-flavored dog treats at the store.
For instance, you can try Punk N Pye’s brand or Smiling Dog’s brand. These brands are healthy, contain real broccoli, and contain all-natural ingredients.
Dog-Friendly Recipes That Include Broccoli
If you want to create homemade dog treats that include broccoli, you can certainly try these recipes at home.
Question Corner: FAQs About Dogs Eating Broccoli
There’s much more to know about dogs eating broccoli. To learn more, read through the frequently asked questions answered below.
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Stems?
Yes, however, the stems may be tough to chew. So, you’ll want to cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. Also, the stem can be a choking hazard.
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Rabe?
Yes, they can. Similarly to broccoli, rabe should be consumed in small quantities, only once in a while. Check with your vet first before giving it to your dog.
Can Dogs Be Allergic To Broccoli?
Unfortunately, yes. Food allergies are common in dogs, and they can be allergic to anything. So, when feeding them broccoli for the first time, monitor them closely to ensure they don’t have a bad reaction to the veggie.
Can Broccoli Make Dogs Gassy?
Yes, it can. Broccoli is high in fiber, so even small amounts may make your pup gassy. So give your dog small amounts once in a while to ensure they don’t get too much fiber in their diet.
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli And Cheese?
Dogs can eat cheese, but too much can cause issues. Adding cheese to broccoli won’t be a good mix, mainly depending on the type of cheese. For instance, melted cheese on broccoli is a no-go. It’s best to stay away from broccoli and cheese altogether.
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
No, broccoli cheddar soup isn’t a good idea for dogs. This soup has other ingredients in it that are not safe for dogs. In addition, it could make your pup have an upset stomach if they eat this.
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Every Day?
Dogs shouldn’t eat broccoli every day. Remember, it should only consist of 10% of their diet (including other treats). If your pup loves broccoli, you can provide small amounts to them about once a week or every other week, depending on their size.
Can Dogs Have Seasoned Broccoli?
No. It should always be plain if you feed your doggo broccoli. Any added seasonings, oil, or toppings will harm your furry friend.
When Can Puppies Eat Broccoli?
Puppies have extra needs since they’re still growing and developing. Broccoli may be challenging for puppies to chew, and they don’t contain the nutrients puppies need. So, it’s best to keep puppies away from broccoli. However, you can provide this veggie to your dog when they become a mature adult.
Can Senior Dogs Eat Broccoli?
Yes, senior dogs can eat broccoli. However, broccoli may be a hit or miss depending on their age and health needs. You can provide this veggie if you need your pup to get extra hydration. However, ensure you give them steamed or cooked broccoli to soften it for them to chew well.
Should You Give Your Dog Broccoli?
Overall, there’s nothing wrong with sharing a few pieces of broccoli with your furry friend once in a while. However, broccoli can make a dog sick, so you’ll want to ask your veterinarian about it first. Otherwise, if your dog enjoys this veggie, it’ll be a happy pup.
Rachel Poli is a content writer and author, but her real job is being a stay-at-home pet mom. Her zoo currently consists of a dog, a cat, two turtles, and two fish tanks. She’s also an avid pet sitter for a few local families, caring for various animals.
After realizing how little information there is for pet sitters on the internet, Rachel decided to start her own animal website. She strives to educate pet parents and pet sitters about the overall care of our furry friends.