Yes, dogs can eat broccoli, either cooked, steamed, or raw, just without any additional seasonings or spices. Broccoli offers a ton of natural nutrients that can help promote better nose-to-tail health. But, as with all “people food,” moderation is key. While we may consider broccoli as a super-green, healthy food, it still falls under the treat category for dogs. So, it’s best to only give your dog a measured serving of this nutrient-dense vegetable.
In this article, we’ll go over all the questions that bubble up when you ask, “Can dogs eat broccoli?” We’ll discuss how to serve broccoli to your dog and show you a recommended serving based on your dog’s weight. Broccoli might’ve been our least favorite vegetable as kids, but many dogs wag their tails at the sight and smell of it. And who could blame them? With that notable crunch, broccoli is a fun food that dogs love to snack on.
Key Takeaways
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Broccoli is a safe and nutritious treat for dogs, but only in moderation.
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Always chop broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
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Raw broccoli offers the most nutrients, but steamed or cooked (without seasoning) is also safe.
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Too much broccoli can lead to digestive upset due to isothiocyanates.
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Follow the 90/10 rule: 90% dog food, 10% treats/human food.
How Much Broccoli Can Your Dog Have?
Before you place a whole broccoli floret in your dog’s bowl, measure out the recommended serving for their size. Here’s a general guideline based on your dog’s weight. For a more tailored recommendation, consult your veterinarian.
First, chop the broccoli into small pieces, around ½-inch wide by ¼-inch thick.
Extra small dogs (2-20 pounds): Up to two pieces (½-inch wide by ¼-inch thick).
Breeds in this range include Dachshunds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Rat Terriers, and Yorkies.
Small dogs (21-30 pounds): Up to three apple slices (1 inch wide by ¼-inch thick).
Breeds in this range include Cocker Spaniels and Bull Terriers.
Large dogs (31-90): Up to six apple slices (1 inch wide by ¼-inch thick).
Breeds in this range include Border Collies, American Staffordshire Terriers, Australian Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers.
Extra-large dogs (90+ pounds): Up to a half an apple (1 inch wide by ¼-inch thick slices).
Breeds in this range include Bullmastiffs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards.
If your pup’s new to broccoli, give them a small serving and let them sniff it out. Dogs are often wary of new foods at first. Once your dog has eaten the broccoli, keep an eye on them. New foods can often cause an upset stomach in dogs.
Is Broccoli Good for Dogs?
While broccoli is nutrient-rich, it’s still considered a treat for dogs. So, moderation is always important. Raw broccoli will carry the most nutrients, letting your dog get the most from this vegetable. But remember to always chop broccoli into small bites, as they can often become a choking hazard for dogs of all sizes.
What Nutrients Are in Broccoli?
Broccoli carries a number of vitamins and minerals, like:
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Fiber
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Antioxidants
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Vitamin C
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Vitamin K
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Folic Acid
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Magnesium
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Sodium
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Potassium
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Chromium
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Stems?
Yes, dogs can eat broccoli stems, but they aren’t really the best part of the vegetable. Broccoli stems can pose a choking hazard for dogs. So, if you want to feed your dog the stems, just make sure to chop them up into small, bite-sized pieces before serving.
Can Dogs Eat Steamed or Cooked Broccoli?
Raw broccoli offers your dog the most nutrients (and crunch), followed closely by steamed broccoli, and then cooked broccoli. All of these variations are safe for dogs to eat. Just make sure they don’t have any seasoning, spices, butter, or oils.
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Every Day?
While broccoli might be healthy for us to eat every day, it’s not always recommended for your dog’s daily diet. When you’re feeding your dog “people food,” it’s best to follow the 90/10 Rule. This rule suggests that 90% of your dog's daily caloric intake should come from food specifically designed for dogs, such as kibble or homemade dog food. The remaining 10% can then be allocated to treats or human foods, like broccoli.
Can Puppies Eat Broccoli?
Yes, puppies can eat broccoli in small servings once they’ve graduated to solid foods. When you give your puppy broccoli, make sure to keep an eye on them. New foods can upset their little tummies.
Can Broccoli Be Bad for Dogs?
Eating too much broccoli can have adverse effects on your dog’s digestion. This fibrous vegetable contains isothiocyanates, which in large amounts can impact your dog’s digestion and gut health. So, only give your dog a small serving based on their weight.
Does Broccoli Help With Your Dog’s Digestive Health?
Broccoli does offer a ton of nutrients, but this vegetable isn’t the best solution for supporting your dog’s digestive health. To fortify their gut health and promote a happier, healthier dog, check out our Probiotic Dog Chews, made with natural prebiotics and probiotics for better gut health and digestion.
More FAQs About Dogs & Broccoli
Do you have to chop broccoli up for your dog?
Yes, always chop up broccoli into tiny, bite-sized pieces before serving it to your dog. Too big of pieces can become a choking hazard, regardless of your dog’s size.
Can dogs eat carrots?
Yes, dogs can eat carrots, and most love this vegetable’s fresh crunch. But, as with all “people food,” make sure to serve small, bite-sized amounts.
Can dogs eat cauliflower?
Similar to broccoli, dogs can eat cauliflower in moderation, either raw, cooked, or steamed without spices, seasonings, oils, or butter.
