Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?
Dogs can eat broccoli! It’s rich in nutrients, safe for dogs, and easy to prepare. Broccoli is one of the favorite foods for immune support since it’s rich in antioxidants, but as with all other veggies, especially from this family, it’s important not to overdo it. No amount of “superfoods” can make up for the fact that too much fiber will cause bloating and gas.
Similar to cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, and collard greens, broccoli is also incredibly healthy, but also can be extremely gassy for our dogs! Not all dogs can handle these veggies, so you should really give them a floret or two once per week with some cooked protein, and that’s about it. If your dog can’t handle broccoli that well, then give them some other veggies that are easier to digest (like cucumbers or bell peppers).
Is broccoli good for dogs?
Broccoli is definitely safe for dogs, and it can be good for them too. I know you’ve probably read online that broccoli can be dangerous because of its isothiocyanates. But here’s the real truth: when you look at the research and numbers (which I did because I can’t stand misinformation!), you’ll see that broccoli isn’t nearly as risky as some sources claim.
Let’s break it down.
What makes people worry about broccoli?
Broccoli contains natural compounds called isothiocyanates (ITCs), which are formed when the vegetable is chewed or chopped. These compounds are part of what makes broccoli so healthy. And broccoli is not the only vegetable that has isothiocyanates (ITCs). Some other cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale, and collard greens also have ITCs. But broccoli has a high concentration, especially in sprouts. But we mostly cook and eat broccoli florets and stems, and they have much less isothiocyanates (you see where I’m getting here, it’s not all that dark and scary!).
However, what’s a scientific truth is that isothiocyanates can irritate your dog’s stomach with symptoms like gas, diarrhea, or vomiting.
But here’s the thing: the amount of broccoli it takes to reach that irritation threshold is significant. For dogs to experience issues, broccoli would need to make up more than 25% of their daily food intake. That’s A LOT of broccoli—far more than what you’d reasonably feed your dog at home.
It’s more than you would eat daily, even if you were some sort of GOOP-reader, or health food enthusiast who passionately loves broccoli.
The numbers don’t lie
On average, broccoli contains 6.9 μmol of isothiocyanates per 100 grams (about 1 cup). For a medium-sized dog eating 50 grams of broccoli (half a cup), the isothiocyanates intake would be roughly 3.5 μmol, a perfectly safe amount. Even at the higher end of the isothiocyanates range (18.1 μmol per 100 g), that’s still far below what would cause irritation for most dogs.
What the research shows about isothiocyanates and dogs
Studies also show that cooked broccoli has lower levels of glucosinolates that turn into isothiocyanates. So if you’re not giving your dog raw broccoli, you’re reducing the chances of irritation.
Some health benefits of broccoli for dogs
Broccoli is rich in antioxidants and vitamins C and K, which makes it a great vegetable. You can steam it lightly and serve it with some cooked chicken or turkey. It’s low in calories and will keep your dog full for a long time, but it can cause gas. So, if your dog has issues with that, be ready for some smelly farts!
How to safely give broccoli to your dog
All parts of broccoli are safe for dogs! Dogs can eat broccoli stems and florets, but it’s best to cook them before serving. While raw broccoli is not toxic to dogs, it’s hard to digest, and there’s a potential danger of internal blockage if your dog swallows a large piece.
Cooked is always better, so make sure you don’t use raw broccoli as a chewing toy (like some people do with cabbage).
And remember, only plain, simple, unseasoned broccoli is safe for dogs. Forget about broccoli soup, casseroles, stir-fries, and other stuff. Fats, oil, butter, and seasonings can irritate your dog’s stomach, so make sure to serve only plain broccoli if you want them to get the benefits.
By the way, this goes without saying: if your dog doesn’t like broccoli or any other vegetable, that’s okay. You’re not missing out on anything, and it’s perfectly fine for your dog not to eat certain veggies. Mine only eats a couple of things, and I know that’s okay because he gets complete nutrition from high-quality dog food. So, please don’t force your dog to eat anything they don’t like.
Love, life, and fur forever!
FAQs
Can dogs eat broccoli sprouts?
Yes, dogs can eat broccoli sprouts as they are not toxic, but it’s best not to give them to your dog. I wrote earlier about broccoli sprouts having much higher levels of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates compared to mature broccoli, so check it out. While nothing bad will happen to your dog if they eat a small amount of broccoli sprouts, it’s better not to give them any on purpose. Large quantities can irritate their stomach.
Can dogs eat frozen broccoli?
Yes, dogs can eat frozen broccoli once it’s cooked. The actual frozen broccoli in its frozen state is not something you should give your dog. It can be very hard on their teeth and digestion. If they eat some by accident, don’t worry too much, but keep an eye on them to make sure they’re feeling okay.
Can dogs eat raw broccoli stalks?
Yes, dogs can eat raw broccoli stalks, but it’s not something I recommend. Raw broccoli stalks are hard to digest, and there’s no real reason to give them to your dog. If they somehow find and eat them, don’t worry too much, but make sure they’re not showing signs of discomfort or suffering from an internal blockage.
Can dogs eat Chinese broccoli?
Yes, dogs can eat Chinese broccoli (gai lan), just like regular broccoli! Just make sure to avoid any seasonings, oils, or garlic commonly used in Chinese broccoli dishes, as these can be harmful to dogs.