Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?

The short answer: Yes.

The long answer: Broccoli is a good source of fiber, antioxidants, as well as vitamins A, C, and K. Your dog can benefit from munching on this low-calorie treat in small quantities (less than 10% of his daily intake) because too much of it may lead to stomach irritation caused by the ingredient isothiocyanates.

How to feed broccoli to your dog: Dogs can consume either raw or cooked broccoli. However, it is advisable not to add any seasoning or oil to the cooked broccoli.

Some dogs enjoy chewing on broccoli stalks, but these may accidentally block the esophagus of smaller dogs, so it’s best to chop them into bite-sized chunks before serving them to your pet. Keep a close eye on your pooch as he eats it.

Here are three ideas for broccoli treats your dog will love:

1. Serve up a bowl of cooked broccoli with brown rice and ground beef.
2. Chopped broccoli goes well with diced chicken breast.
3. For a vitamin boost, puree broccoli with other vegetables like carrots and kale so they can be absorbed easily by your pet. Mix a few spoonfuls into their regular meals.

In summary: Check with your vet before introducing broccoli to your dog’s daily diet. Start by feeding him a small piece to see if the vegetable agrees with his stomach. And if it does, giving him this low-calorie treat on a regular basis will surely benefit his digestive tract! Discover which human food dogs can safely eat in our “can dogs eat” category.

References:
Food dogs should not eat and some they should
Does your dog food have these 6 vegetables?

*Feature photo by CJ Dayrit on Unsplash