Can My Dog Eat That? Broccoli

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat broccoli?” Read on!

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?

Yes, whether it’s cooked or straight from your garden (washed of course), dogs can eat broccoli. However, you’ll want to make sure broccoli makes up less than 10 percent of your dog’s total calorie intake to avoid any nasty effects on their digestive system. These effects could be as simple as noticing some stinky gas coming from your dog’s nether regions or more severe (and messy) effects like diarrhea.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Broccoli?

Whether it’s steamed broccoli or broccoli that’s cooked any other way, eating cooked broccoli is safe for dogs in moderation. Just make sure it doesn’t have any seasonings or toppings on it that could upset your dog’s digestive system (e.g., lots of cheese) or that are toxic to dogs (e.g., garlic and onion). Even though the stems are softer when cooked, make sure you cut them up into bite-sized pieces to avoid a choking hazard.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Broccoli Florets?

Just like other vegetable treats that are crunchy when raw, like carrots and cucumbers, dogs can eat broccoli that is raw. Just make sure it’s washed and cut into bite-sized pieces, especially for puppies or small adult dogs, so any gulped pieces don’t cause an obstruction.

Is Broccoli Good for Dogs?

If you’re looking for a healthy low-calorie treat for dogs, broccoli is a great choice — in moderation. How much broccoli your dog can eat depends on the individual dog; like with any treat, broccoli should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s recommended daily calorie intake. What’s not so good is that broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates — if your dog eats too much broccoli, isothiocyanates can cause an upset stomach and digestive tract.

Some of the nutritional benefits of broccoli include that it’s a good source of fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K. However, if you’re feeding your dog a commercial dog food that is complete and balanced, all nutritional needs are fulfilled by your dog’s food. There’s no need to supplement them with other food. So while broccoli is good for your dog in small amounts, they don’t need to eat broccoli as a nutrient source — just as a treat.

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Stems?

Yes, dogs can eat the stem part of the broccoli; however, it’s best to cut them into bite-sized pieces, particularly for small dogs. That way you can reduce the risk of your dog or puppy choking or the broccoli stalks causing an obstruction. Cooking the broccoli stems will also make them softer and easier to eat and digest.

Can Dogs Have Cauliflower?

If all this talk of broccoli has got you thinking about other vegetables dogs can eat and you’re wondering whether dogs can eat cauliflower, the answer is yes! Like broccoli, it contains vitamins C and K, and is a healthy treat for dogs in moderation. But it is also a cruciferous vegetable, so it contains the isothiocyanates that can cause stomach upset or diarrhea in excess amounts. Make sure you cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces and feed your dog small quantities.

Can You Give Your Dog Broccoli?

Broccoli for dogs is a nutritious snack (in moderation) that also has some nutritional benefits. Just remember that too much broccoli could cause some digestive issues for your dog, and to always cut the broccoli into small pieces to avoid it being a choking hazard.