Broccoli is an excellent addition to humans’ diet and tops the list when it comes to nutritional value. However, as dog owners, you’re probably asking: Can dogs eat broccoli?
You often need to badger kids to eat these miniature trees. But dogs will more or less munch on these without hesitation (given their fondness for anything grassy). So, yes. Feeding this to your pup is going to be easy. But, the more important question here is: Is broccoli safe for dogs?
Luckily, you’ve clicked on the right website. Why? When it comes to friendly, healthy, and age-appropriate dog food products resources, you can count on Dog Food Guide to give you all you need to know.
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?
As responsible pet parents, you know by now that not all human foods are safe for your canine companion. Some of the most healthy foods for people can be fatal to your pooch.
What about broccoli? Are they safe for dog consumption? The short answer here is YES, but in moderation.
Health Benefits Of Broccoli
Broccoli has always been known for its cancer-fighting nutrients. Not just that, it also promotes oral, dental, brain, and heart health and so much more.
This just makes this earthy vegetable deserving of its title – Superfood. Packed with yummy vitamins and minerals, it’s good to know that your dog can eat this tree-like vegetable and that it is safe for dogs.
Yes, by safe, we mean that your canine companions also get the same health benefits we humans get. Dogs are omnivores by nature and are capable of digesting both plant and animal food resources.
In fact, they can live on plants alone despite being meat-eaters. When it comes to broccoli, your dog can break this food down to absorb all its nutrients.
Want to know what “feeding your dog broccoli” equates to? Here’s a rundown of some of the vitamins and minerals your dog will get from munching on a few pieces of broccoli:
Vitamin C. While dogs can manufacture Vitamin C on their own (thanks to their liver), giving these antioxidant-filled vegetables can help reduce cognitive degeneration. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Vitamin A. Apart from promoting good vision, this fat-soluble vitamin also supports the proper functioning of your dog’s immune system, nerves, muscles, bones, and cells.
Vitamin B6. This vitamin is also vital for dogs to achieve optimal health. Red blood cell production, protein synthesis, and hormone management are possible thanks to this B Vitamin.
Vitamin K. This is another vital fat-soluble vitamin. Getting sufficient quantities of this vitamin in your dog’s system activates their blood-clotting ability. It also makes bones stronger and improves bone density.
Calcium. Apart from supporting your dog’s growth and bone and oral health, calcium also promotes healthy muscles, nervous system, and heart.
Magnesium. Another essential nutrient in a dog’s diet, this macromineral is needed by your dog in significant quantities since it supports 300+ of their body’s biochemical reactions. This includes blood glucose level regulation, immune system health, and energy production.
Potassium. A mineral that the body needs to work properly, potassium assists in the normal functioning of your dog’s heart, muscles, and nerves.
Fiber. Humans love broccoli for its high fiber content since it aids in producing firmer stools and developing a healthy digestive system. The same goes for your dog.
Folic Acid. If your dog is pregnant, giving broccoli as a snack encourages their pup’s healthy formation. It also promotes normal metabolic functions such as red blood cell generation and DNA synthesis.
Risks Of Broccoli For Dogs
Now that you know that broccoli is good for dogs, you might want to know if feeding broccoli to your dog warrants some concern.
Like all the other people food and dog foods out there, having too much of something (even if it is healthy) can have drastic effects.
Broccoli is not an exemption. The truth is, it is not one of the most recommended vegetables for dogs. Why? Here’s a list of all the possible dangers your pup might encounter when eating broccoli.
Brocolli florets contain Isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanate is commonly found in all cruciferous vegetables, including kale and cabbage.
This is hailed for its ability to protect humans from digestive system cancers. However, isothiocyanates are considered fatal in large doses for dogs and cause mild to severe gut problems and even death.
Isothiocyanate is considered safe when ingested in small amounts. Thus, dogs can safely eat broccoli florets as long as it is only given to them as an occasional treat.
As a general rule, dog treat products and snacks should not exceed 10% of your dog’s caloric consumption. The amount to give will depend on your dog’s size.
Important Note: In case your dog’s broccoli intake goes overboard (around 25%), consider this a red flag. According to Dr. Klein of AFC, this amount is toxic.
Choking Hazard
The broccoli stalks of these tree-like vegetables have high-fiber content and are hard to digest. If you plan to serve this raw, make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Since dogs tend to swallow their food without chewing, large pieces can get stuck in their digestive tract. A better way to feed this to your dog is by serving it baked, steamed, pureed, or roasted.
How To Feed Broccoli To Your Dog?
Yes, dogs can eat broccoli, and it is a good addition to their meal. However, given the hazards of broccoli for dogs, it’s always best to keep these tips in mind to avoid any unpleasant situation:
Give a small amount if you’re giving this veggie for the first time. Remember that dogs have varying nutritional needs, and one dog may have adverse reactions while the other will be A-OK.
Broccoli can be served raw and cooked, but make sure to serve it in small, easy-to-chew bites.
Like all other snacks, seasonings, spices, and oils are a No-No. If you think you’ll have a hard time feeding your dog broccoli minus the seasonings and oils, don’t be. Dogs love this plain and unseasoned.
Since broccoli contains isothiocyanate, we can’t help but reiterate the importance of portion control. The same applies to other treats like fruits.
Giving broccoli to puppies is not advised. Puppies need to eat a diet specific to their age since their nutritional needs are different from adult pups.
Is your pal tired of eating fruits and celery as a snack? Instead of settling on sugar-packed cookies, give your pooch a special treat. Here are a few recipes worth trying:
Preheat oven to 350F and spray large baking sheet with oil.
Puree the broccoli in a blender and then add to a bowl. Add the applesauce, oats and flour to the broccoli. Stir well until everything is incorporated.
Take a spoonful of the mixture and place on the baking sheet. Flatten with a fork and try to shape in a round shape. Do the same with remaining mixture and fill the baking sheet.
Bake for 15-16 minutes. They should be golden in color and will be still a little soft in the middle. Allow to cool on the sheet.
In a large bowl mix all ingredients one at a time, stirring well after each addition.
Divide the dough into fourths and place each ball of dough on to a piece of wax paper.
Shape the dough into rolls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and wrap each in plastic wrap or foil and allow to chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
To bake, slice rolls about 1/4 inch and bake on prepared baking sheet for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool and refrigerate.
*The rolls can be frozen for about four weeks, if working with frozen rolls it is best to let the stand at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes before slicing.
Is broccoli toxic to dogs?”
Dogs can eat broccoli. Dogs can eat both cooked and raw broccoli, 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.
Does broccoli make dogs fart?
Broccoli is full of fiber and is a member of the brassica family, so feeding too much of it to your dog can cause GI irritation and bad gas.
Can cooked broccoli hurt dogs?
Broccoli can be a safe and healthy treat for dogs to eat, but only in moderation. However, broccoli also has more calories and fiber than cauliflower. While broccoli is a dog-friendly vegetable and is not toxic to dogs, they can suffer harm if too much broccoli is fed to them.
What foods make a dog fart?
It can be difficult to resist a begging dog, but human food is the most common cause of dog farts. Specifically, foods such as soybeans, peas, beans, dairy products, high-fat foods, and spicy foods can make your pup extra gassy.
A freelance writer and huge animal advocate, with 6 dogs and 3 cats. Graduated with a medical degree and is now spending time running a shelter and rescuing animals in need. Loves a good book, travel and spend time with family and pets.
