Broccoli, the mini trees of the vegetable world, are a staple at the dinner table. But can dogs have broccoli? And should you offer them a couple of pieces from your dinner plate? Keep reading to find out.
Can dogs eat broccoli?
In small quantities, yes, dogs can eat broccoli. Cooked, green veggies such as broccoli can make a reasonably healthy dog treat, but owners should only offer it in moderation. This is because broccoli contains isothiocyanate, a substance that can cause digestive issues if ingested in large quantities.
As long as you follow the guideline that treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calorie intake, dogs should be able to enjoy their broccoli without unwanted gastric consequences. However, if broccoli seems to cause stomach upset in your pet, it is better not to keep feeding it.
Is broccoli good for dogs?
Broccoli has good levels of vitamin C and fibre, but these nutrients should already be part of your dog’s balanced diet if you are feeding them a complete, species-specific pet food.
How to offer broccoli to dogs?
If your dog has developed a taste for vegetables and you want to offer them broccoli as a snack, small portions can be fed either raw or cooked. However, large pieces can become a choking hazard, so make sure you offer it in chunks that can be easily handled by your pooch, particularly if feeding it raw. Don’t forget to keep an eye on them until they’ve finished munching on their last bite. This way, if the dog gets into trouble you can react quickly and help them.
Broccoli can be steamed in water, without any seasonings or flavourings. It may not sound like the best dinner ever for our human taste buds, but when it comes to a dog’s treat, it is better to keep it simple.
Can broccoli be dangerous for dogs?
Due to the presence of the isothiocyanate component, broccoli is not a good treat to give often or in large quantities. If you’re worried your dog might have eaten too much broccoli, the symptoms you need to watch out for include an upset tummy or any other sign of digestive distress.
Another reason why you should stay near your dog when they’re enjoying their broccoli is the choking hazard posed by the stems. You can reduce the risk significantly by cutting the vegetable into bite-sized chunks for your dog.
If you notice an unusual reaction, be prepared to contact the vet and ask for help if you fear your dog is in distress and you can’t help them.
Do you want to know more about what dogs eat? Learn if dogs can eat blueberries, or discover more about feeding your dog pork.
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