Before sharing some broccoli slices with your dog, you may wonder if dogs can eat them and whether this veggie is healthy for your dogs.
Read on to find out if you can give your dog a quick bite of this mineral-packed mini-tree next time they beg for it.
Is broccoli good for dogs?
Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, broccoli is an excellent addition to your dog’s diet.
Moreover, you can feed broccoli to your dog in any form — raw, cooked, steamed, or roasted.
The health rewards provided by a nutrient-rich broccoli treat are uncountable; some of them are:
It boosts digestive action: Broccoli has a high fiber content, which helps your dog’s digestive system to function smoothly.
In increases bone density: Vitamin K, a nutritional powerhouse that enhances bone density and provides a multitude of other benefits is also present in broccoli. In fact, broccoli carries the highest amount of Vitamin K found in vegetables. Bone density levels decrease as the dogs age and can reduce their activeness. Feeding older dogs some broccoli might help them stay active and vibrant for longer.
It promotes immunity: Broccoli contains vitamin C, which helps with the absorption of iron and maintains excellent functioning of the immune system. It also provides anti-inflammatory properties. Being a water-soluble vitamin, it passes in their urine if they receive too much, and thus, can’t be overdosed on it.
It strengthens the nervous system: Broccoli contains an abundance of minerals like chromium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and plenty others that strengthen your dog’s nervous and immune systems. These minerals also help produce and maintain healthy cells.
Can broccoli be unhealthy for dogs?
While broccoli certainly has various benefits, there are also some potential issues to consider when feeding it to your pet.
This veggie contains isothiocyanate, a naturally occurring compound that’s known to provide the cruciferous vegetables their trademark flavor.
Although useful to the plants as it wards off insects and bacteria in addition to flavoring them, isothiocyanate can cause gut infection and moderate to severe irritation of the digestive tract in your pets.
Having a small amount of isothiocyanate is safe, but if your dog eats more than 10% of its calories from broccoli, isothiocyanate can cause painful stomach inflammation!
The real threat is when your dog eats a lot of broccoli — about 25% of its overall calorific intake. At a concentration that high, isothiocyanate can be deadly toxic for dogs.
Thus, moderation is key when feeding broccoli to your pets. It should never be given more frequently than an occasional treat.
Additionally, if you feel like offering your dog a few slices of cooked broccoli, do so without adding any other ingredients like onions, tomatoes, or oils that could give them digestive issues.
Can dogs eat broccoli stems?
Some dog parents give their pups a broccoli stem as chew toys when they’re teething, thinking it’s a healthier and safer option. It’s not.
The fiber content in the broccoli stem is too high for your dogs to digest. It is worse for puppies, as they may swallow large pieces of the stem and potentially have a choking hazard.
While it’s generally safe and healthy for your dogs to eat broccoli in moderation, its stem shouldn’t be anywhere near their mouths.
Can dogs have too much broccoli?
If it may be possible your dog ate too much broccoli, watch carefully for any symptoms of stomach issues.
Symptoms could include fatigue, reduced appetite, apparent discomfort, vomiting and/or diarrhea, decreased water consumption, and/or increased licking of lips, objects, or the air.
Contact your veterinarian if you observe these symptoms.
Learn more helpful tips for mastering dog care at The Dog’s Avenue.
Editor’s Note
This article is intended for educational purposes only. It is not to be used as a replacement for veterinary advice. Factors like a dog’s age, health, and diet can impact the safety of a food, activity, or product for the dog.
You should regularly consult with your dog’s veterinarian to learn how you can provide the best care for your dog. Always ask your dog’s veterinarian before giving your dog a new food or trying out a new activity or product.
