Is Broccoli for Dogs on the Yes or No List?

As pet parents, we always want to give our animals the best. That means lots of exercise, play, love, and, of course, great food. We’re big believers in adding fresh to the bowl, whether you feed a raw diet, home-cooked, or kibble. And vegetables play a big part in that. There are so many different vegetables that you can rotate through to add a variety of nutrients: vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, polyphenols, etc.

Is broccoli for dogs on the list? Is it a yes for all dogs, or are there times to avoid it? And if it’s a go for your pup, is there anything to keep in mind before treating them to these tiny, tasty trees?

Why We Love Broccoli for Dogs

Yes, dogs can eat broccoli! In fact, it’s one of our favourite veggies for our canine companions. This nutrient-packed vegetable can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet when fed correctly (don’t worry, we’ll cover that in a few).

To start, broccoli is rich in essential nutrients, including:

• Vitamins C and K: Support immune function, bone health, and overall vitality.
• Fiber: Aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
• Potassium: Supports muscle function and heart health.
• Antioxidants: Help combat free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

And these things have major benefits for our furry friends:

• Low in calories: Perfect for weight management. They’re great to use for treats if your pet is carrying a little extra holiday weight 😉
• Rich in fiber: Supports regular bowel movements and gut health, which contributes to overall health!
• Cancer-fighting properties: Sulforaphane, a compound in broccoli, is linked to cancer prevention. Cancer prevention? Enough said.
• Healthy bones: Vitamin K and calcium contribute to stronger bones. This can help prevent joint problems and hip dysplasia.
• Fight inflammation: Free radicals can cause cartilage damage, and such damage can cause joint issues over time. Antioxidants can help reduce cartilage damage, thereby reducing pain and inflammation.

Now, it’s a definite go, so how do you feed it?

How to Feed Broccoli to Dogs

If you’re a regular feeder of broccoli, awesome. If not, here are a few tips:

1. You can feed all parts of the broccoli. If you’re not a fan of the meaty stalks, don’t waste them! Your dog will love ’em.
2. How to feed it:
   – Raw: Wash thoroughly and cut into small pieces. You want bite-sized that’s appropriate for your pup.
   – Steamed or Boiled: Cook until soft but without adding salt or seasoning. This makes broccoli easier to digest.
   – Frozen: Some dogs enjoy crunching on frozen broccoli as a cool treat. Our recommendation is to cut it up yourself so you can make it the right size for your dog.
3. Mix it up: Add small pieces of broccoli to your dog’s regular meals for added variety. Rotate it with other vegetables (we have some more faves below to choose from).
4. Like everything else, you want to feed it in moderation. We recommend no more than 10% total veggies as part of the diet (not just broccoli, all veg). You don’t want to overdo it.

**Note: Broccoli contains isothiocyanates, which may irritate a dog’s digestive system in large amounts. If your dog is new to broccoli, you might notice they’re a little gassier than usual. Our dogs both get the toots when they eat broccoli, and they eat it regularly. A little gas isn’t anything to worry about, but if their tummy gets upset, cut back.

Other Vegetables That Are Good for Dogs

Broccoli isn’t the only veggie that can benefit your dog. Here’s a list of other dog-friendly vegetables:

1. Carrots: Great for dental health and rich in beta-carotene.
2. Green Beans: Low in calories and high in fiber.
3. Cauliflower: Cauliflower is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin K, and vitamin C.
4. Spinach: A good source of iron and magnesium, but feed sparingly due to oxalates.
5. Cabbage: Cabbage leaves are low in calories, but high in vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants – all things we really like!
6. Cucumber: Hydrating and low in calories, perfect for a summer snack.
7. Zucchini: A versatile and gentle veggie on the stomach.
8. Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a fibre-rich food that also contains many valuable vitamins and minerals. It’s great for the digestive tract, and can be helpful for both diarrhea and constipation, ironically.

Broccoli for dogs is a nutritious and safe treat when fed in moderation. Whether you serve it raw, cooked, or frozen, your pup can enjoy the benefits of this superfood. By incorporating a variety of vegetables into your dog’s diet, you can provide them with the nutrients they need to thrive. Happy crunching!