Yes, dogs can eat broccoli. There are a variety of different fruits and vegetables that dogs can consume which offer a multitude of vitamins and minerals and natural health benefits, and broccoli is one of them!
Let’s look at broccoli, its benefits to dogs, and how it should be prepared.
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Is broccoli good for dogs?
Yes, broccoli is good for dogs.
Dogs that are fed a good quality, reputable dog food should not require any additional supplementation. Their diet should contain everything that a dog needs in order to function correctly.
Whilst dogs do not need vegetables, such as broccoli, in order to live a healthy life, vegetables can provide an extra boost of goodness for their bodies to benefit from.
In fact, broccoli has so many health benefits that it can be considered a superfood for dogs!
If you are unsure of what diet to feed your dog, speak with your veterinary surgeon or canine nutritionist.
- High in Vitamin C
Broccoli contains high levels of Vitamin C, which supports our dogs bodily functions in a variety of different ways. Vitamin C acts as a natural antioxidant which helps to protect the cells of the body from damage. This can reduce the risk of some diseases and cancers.
- Acts as a natural anti-inflammatory
Broccoli can act as a natural anti-inflammatory. This can help with inflammation in the body, as well as with conditions such as arthritis. Do not try to treat conditions, such as arthritis, with broccoli alone.
Whilst broccoli may help to ease symptoms, prescription medication from your veterinary practice will help relieve symptoms considerably better.
- Good source of fiber
Fiber is important in a dog’s diet and broccoli offers a great source of fiber which contributes to a healthy gastro-intestinal tract.
Fiber is processed by the gut to form healthy bacteria, helping to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria as well as repairing any damage to the intestines.
- Low in fat
Broccoli is low in natural fats, making it a great addition to a dog’s diet who may be suffering from the condition pancreatitis.
Fatty foods can affect the performance of the pancreas and can often lead to inflammation of the pancreas organ. This is often a painful condition requiring medication.
If you are worried that your dog has pancreatitis, do not try to treat it with broccoli. Always seek veterinary advice.
Is broccoli bad for dogs?
No, broccoli is not bad for dogs if it is offered in small amounts and is part of a wider, more varied diet.
We’ve all heard the phrase “too much of a good thing” and broccoli can fall into this category, if a dog has too much broccoli it can potentially cause a few issues:
- Gastro-intestinal upset
Due to the high levels of fiber found within broccoli, the vegetable can cause a gastro-intestinal upset. Whilst the gut does need a certain amount of fiber to function, if it is then overloaded by too much fiber, your dog can experience an upset stomach.
Symptoms such as diarrhea, an increased need to pass feces and looser stools than normal are all common if too much fiber is ingested.
An increase in fiber can also cause less nutrition to be absorbed by the gut. If your dog has eaten a large quantity of broccoli, speak with your veterinary practice for advice.
- Choking hazard
Choking hazard – Broccoli can be seen as a choking hazard, especially in its raw form. If you are wanting to offer broccoli to your dog, no matter if it’s raw or cooked, then either chop the broccoli into small pieces or mash the broccoli into a pulp.
If you think that your dog is choking, seek urgent veterinary attention.
Can dogs eat raw broccoli?
Yes, dogs can eat raw broccoli. In fact, raw broccoli can contain higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals that could be lost or diluted due to cooking.
Raw broccoli should ideally be purchased from an organic supplier and then thoroughly washed with water before being eaten by your dog. This removes any insects or pesticides which may have the potential to be harmful to your dog.
Can dogs eat cooked broccoli?
Yes, dogs can eat cooked broccoli. In fact, if I’m having broccoli, I usually cook an extra couple of florets for my handsome pooch, Barney!
Cooked broccoli should be either steamed, boiled, or baked. You should refrain from using cooking oils and not season with salt or pepper.
Steaming broccoli retains a substantial amount of vitamins and minerals. Boiling broccoli is also okay, but the “good stuff” can often seep away into the cooking water, leaving less goodness within the broccoli.
If you’re offering cooked broccoli to your dog, ensure that it has cooled down before giving it to them.
Can dogs eat broccoli stems?
Yes, it is safe for dogs to eat broccoli stems. However, due to their size and width, they can potentially become a choking hazard. If you are offering broccoli stems to your dog, either cooked or raw, ensure that they have been cut into bite-sized pieces.
Broccoli stems offer the same level of nutrients as the florets but the stem of the broccoli is often discarded. Be kind to our planet and reduce your waste by utilizing the broccoli stem in your own cooking, as well as your dogs.
What is broccoli?
Broccoli is an edible plant that is part of the cabbage family. Broccoli consists of small leaves, a thick stem, and a large flower head, all of which are edible.
Broccoli is available across the globe and is used in a variety of dishes from Western, to Asian cultures. It is a versatile vegetable that can be eaten raw, fried or steamed.
Alternatives to broccoli
Whilst broccoli does offer a good boost of vitamins and minerals for our dogs, there are a variety of different vegetables, herbs, and even spices that can boost our dog’s overall health.
- Carrots
Carrots are a great source of goodness for our dogs’ health, but they can also help to look after their teeth! Carrots help to reduce plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth and provide an array of vitamins and minerals.
- Bean Sprouts
Packed full of calcium, Vitamin C, amino acids and antioxidants, bean sprouts are a fantastic way to offer a variety of health benefits for our canine companions.
- Ginger
Containing high levels of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is a powerful spice that can help relieve a variety of ailments, such as arthritis.
- Beets
Beets – Beetroot contains good levels of minerals such as potassium and magnesium, as well as Vitamin C. They are a great addition to your dog’s diet if offered in moderation.
- Basil
Fresh Basil has a variety of health benefits which help to act as a digestive aid, as well as supporting dental hygiene.
- Turmeric
Similar to ginger, turmeric contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antioxidants and having antiviral effects.
- Turkey
Turkey is a brilliant protein option for dogs, containing minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus. Turkey is also a low fat meat, making it a great source of food for dogs with pancreatitis.
Can dogs eat broccoli - Final thoughts
Broccoli can provide our dogs with an extra boost of vitamins and minerals, as well as acting as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
Broccoli can be offered to your dog both in its raw and cooked form, just ensure that cooking oils are not used and neither are seasonings, such as salt and pepper.
When offering broccoli to your dog, make sure that it has been chopped into bite-sized pieces to avoid choking. Be aware that if too much broccoli is offered to your dog, it may cause a gastrointestinal upset.
