Broccoli is often a staple veggie on the dinner plate for us, but what about our furry friends? Can dogs eat broccoli, and is broccoli safe for dogs? Read on as we answer all your questions about broccoli for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?

Ever wondered, “Can my dog eat broccoli?” Maybe your pup is looking at you with those eyes you can’t say no to as you chow down on dinner.

The short answer is yes, adult dogs can have broccoli, but in moderation. Broccoli is part of the same vegetable family as Brussels sprouts and cabbage. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals and is a great source of fiber. Raw, cooked, or frozen, broccoli can be an occasional healthy treat for adult dogs. When introducing any new food to your dog’s diet, it’s important to start in small amounts. 

While adult dogs can eat broccoli, puppies should avoid it. Puppies have sensitive digestive systems that are still developing. Broccoli contains fiber and isothiocyanates, both of which can cause some tummy upset. Puppies also have different nutritional needs than adult dogs.

Is Broccoli Good for Dogs?

While we know that we should be eating our five-a-day, dogs don’t need to follow the same rules. Fruits and veg can be a healthy part of a dog’s diet in moderation, but they don’t need to have them in large amounts.  

When our furry friends eat a whole and balanced diet from food like Jinx, they don’t need to have extra fruit and vegetables. Our kibble uses the perfect blend of high-quality protein and nutrient-rich superfoods—fruits and vegetables full of vitamins and antioxidants. This means that your pup gets all the nutrients they need from Jinx. But don’t worry, fresh fruits and vegetables can still be a fun and healthy treat, as long as human food or treats don’t make up more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. 

In moderation, broccoli can add a little extra goodness to your dog's diet, as it includes several beneficial nutrients.  

• Vitamin A - supports healthy vision and skin.
• Vitamin C - protects against cell damage and supports the immune system.
• Vitamin K - essential for healthy bones and blood clotting. 
• Potassium - helps maintain healthy nerves. 
• Calcium - supports strong teeth and bones. 
• Magnesium - essential for metabolic processes, energy production, and muscle relaxation. 
• Fiber - helps keep tummies happy and aids healthy digestion.

What Part of Broccoli Can Dogs Eat?

So, dogs can have broccoli, but can they eat the whole thing? Should we cook it?

Let’s break down broccoli into parts: you have the tree-like florets and the stems or stalks. Dogs can technically eat both parts of broccoli, but it’s important to be cautious in preparing them safely. 

The florets of broccoli contain isothiocyanate, a naturally occurring compound. Isothiocyanates are known for their pungent flavor and potential health benefits. These compounds are generally safe for dogs, but in large amounts, they can cause tummy upset. So, it’s essential to be mindful of your broccoli floret portions when giving them to your pup. 

Broccoli stalks contain lots of fiber but can be a choking hazard, especially when raw and in large pieces. Cooking broccoli can help soften it, as well as cutting it into small pieces.

How to Feed Broccoli to Dogs

Broccoli is a treat and not a staple in a dog’s diet. When introducing any new food, start small and then watch for reactions. If you do spot a reaction, like a tummy upset, then stop giving them broccoli. 

Is raw broccoli good for dogs, or is it better to cook it? If you’re looking to give your pup some broccoli as a little snack, you can offer it raw or cooked. When you cook or steam broccoli, it can make it easier to digest and reduce the risk of choking as it softens the vegetable. Make sure to cut down broccoli into small chunks and avoid giving whole raw broccoli stems. 

Remember that if you plan on sharing your meal, watch out for any seasonings and oils. While we like to season foods for extra flavor or add a sprinkle of salt, food for dogs should be plain. Dogs have a lower tolerance for salt than we do and shouldn’t be eating a diet high in salt. Cooking oils can also be harmful to dogs, leading to extra calorie intake and other health problems. 

Plain steamed broccoli can be an occasional treat for an adult dog, but dog treats keep it simple and tasty. Don’t feel like cooking? Let us take care of it! Jinx  dog treats contain real, high-quality ingredients without any junk. Your pup gets a nutritious boost with every treat while being low in calories and packed with flavor. 

How Much Broccoli Can Dogs Eat?

We’ve talked about whether broccoli is okay for dogs, but let’s dive into the amount of broccoli dogs can eat. A general rule to follow is that vegetables shouldn’t take up more than 10% of your dog's daily food. This doesn’t include the vegetables we want to avoid feeding our pups altogether, like onions, leeks, and garlic. 

The exact amount of broccoli dogs can eat will depend on their breed and size. But stick to small portions and remember that moderation is key. Dogs should get the majority of their nutrients from a well-balanced and high-quality dog food. 

Here are some general examples of how much broccoli dogs can eat:

• Small dog (up to 25 pounds): 2-3 pieces
• Medium dog (25-50 pounds): 3-4 pieces
• Large dog (50-90 pounds): 5-6 pieces (a handful of broccoli pieces)
• Extra-large dog (over 90 pounds): 7-8 pieces (a large handful of broccoli pieces)

This is a rough guideline. Other factors can influence the right amount, like your dog’s age, activity level, health, and individual tolerance. 

Can Broccoli Make Dogs Sick?

Yes, broccoli can make dogs sick. The vegetable isn’t toxic to dogs, like chocolate and garlic. Broccoli contains isothiocyanates, which can lead to tummy troubles in large amounts. Eating too much broccoli can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like digestive discomfort, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. That’s why it’s so important to give broccoli to dogs in small quantities. 

Broccoli is generally safe for pups in the correct amounts and size. But in any case, it’s always a good idea to speak with your vet before introducing a new food if you have any concerns. They know you and your pup best and can advise on nutritional needs and restrictions. 

FAQs

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Stems and Stalks?

Yes, technically dogs can have broccoli stems and stalks, but they can be tough to digest and pose a choking risk. Cooking or steaming broccoli helps to soften it, which makes it both easier to swallow and digest. Still, you should always cut broccoli down into smaller and more manageable pieces to avoid any blockages. 

Can Dogs Eat Frozen Broccoli?

Yes, dogs can safely eat frozen broccoli. Freezing broccoli is also a great way to store veg and use it later, helping to reduce food waste. Just make sure to chop the broccoli down into small pieces before freezing. Too much broccoli can be harmful to dogs, so moderation is important. Frozen broccoli can be a good treat for your pup, especially on a hot and sweaty summer’s day! 

Can Dogs Eat Raw Broccoli?

Yes, dogs can eat raw broccoli, but be careful with how you serve it up. Raw broccoli stems can be super tough and easy to get stuck while eating if they're in large pieces. Cooking does help to soften the stem, which can make it easier for your pup to eat. Whatever way you give your pup broccoli, remember that too much can lead to tummy upset. Like any raw fruit and vegetables for dogs, give broccoli a good wash beforehand to get rid of any bacteria that could make your pup sick. 

Should You Cook Broccoli for Dogs?

Yes, it’s best to cook broccoli for dogs. Because cooking broccoli makes the veggie softer, it means that it’s easier for your pup to eat, swallow, and digest. When preparing broccoli for your dog, make sure to leave seasoning and oils off the menu. Plain broccoli may be a bit boring for us, but it is ideal for dogs. 

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Broccoli?

Yes, it’s possible for dogs to be allergic to broccoli. It’s not very common for dogs to have an allergy to broccoli, but dogs can develop food allergies after repeated exposure. Signs of a food allergy in dogs include itchy skin, ear infections, stomach issues like vomiting or diarrhea, and excessive chewing or licking. 

Dogs can also have a food intolerance to broccoli. Both an intolerance and an allergy can cause digestive problems, but a food intolerance isn’t as severe as an allergy. If your dog shows any symptoms after eating broccoli, it’s best to speak to your veterinarian. They can pinpoint the cause and recommend the right treatment. 

Does Broccoli Make Dogs Fart?

Yes, it’s normal to notice a bit of extra gas from your furry friend after a helping of broccoli. Between the fiber and isothiocyanates in broccoli, the room may start to smell a little off, to say the least. If you notice a lot of excess gas, it may be best to limit or avoid broccoli altogether in your pup’s diet.

Now you know all about broccoli for dogs, you can choose whether it fits into your dog’s diet as an occasional treat. In the meantime, Jinx has your pup’s nutritional needs covered. 

At Jinx, we're here to upgrade the way you care for your dog by providing holistic nutrition made with thoughtful formulation, real ingredients, and a whole lot of love.