Broccoli is one of the healthiest foods in our diets.
We all know that broccoli is rich in vitamins and minerals and it's a great source of dietary fiber, this is why we should start adding broccoli to our table. But what about dogs, can dogs eat broccoli? And If so, is there a certain way you should prepare it?
In this article, we will see broccoli as a plate for dogs. Can really dogs eat broccoli? Is Broccoli Healthy for My Dog? How much broccoli can dogs have? And More...
Read on to find out the answers to these questions!
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?
The answer to this question is YES
Dogs are omnivores, and they profit from many different fruits and vegetables for the same reasons humans do (Low in fat and sugar, and high in vitamins and fiber )
So, yes your dog can absolutely enjoy broccoli in all forms, including raw and cooked varieties. but you should be careful and don't add any extra seasonings or oils.
Read Also : BROCCOLI: The King Of Vegetables ( Nutrition and Health Facts )
Is Broccoli Healthy for My Dog?
The principal concern with broccoli is a naturally occurring compound named isothiocyanate.
It is true that broccoli packs lots of vitamin C and healthy fiber, but it also includes a potentially dangerous ingredient identified as "isothiocyanate" that can cause severe abdominal pain and digestive issues if a dog eats too much broccoli.
isothiocyanate :
Broccoli florets contain small molecules called isothiocyanates. Present on many different kinds of cruciferous vegetables, these can irritate your dog's gastrointestinal tract when consumed in large quantities.
Isothiocyanate is also existing in other cruciferous vegetables, like cauliflower, kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
of course, a tiny quantity of isothiocyanate is safe and harmless, but The actual danger starts if a dog eats large quantities of broccoli, about 25% of his daily calories. At that high concentration, isothiocyanate can become a deadly toxin.
How much broccoli can dogs have?
As we said, Dogs can have broccoli in moderation.
If you want to give your dog broccoli, it should be included in the 10% treat limit per day of a dog’s total food intake. Most veterinarians will agree that broccoli is ok for dogs.
If you will serve your dog broccoli, be sure to chop it up into bite-sized pieces and to cook it before serving. Broccoli can be fibrous, so test the pieces to make sure they’re very soft and easy to chew.
The Risks of Serving My Dog Broccoli
The real risk occurs when your dog's diet is comprised of more than 25% broccoli. and can cause significant health issues or even death if your dog eats an extreme amount of broccoli on a daily basis.
Excessive servings of broccoli for dogs can cause:
- Gas.
- Weariness and fatigue.
- Constipation associated with overconsumption.
- Obstruction in the throat.
- Vomiting due to digestive blockage.
- Pain-related to GI upset.
- Diarrhea.
- Loss of appetite from gastrointestinal obstruction.
What are the Benefits of Broccoli for Dogs?
It is okay to feed your dog broccoli but with small quantities, your dog won't just enjoy the taste of broccoli. He'll also reap some pretty amazing health benefits when he chows down, too.
Vitamin K and Bone Density
Broccoli contains the highest amount of Vitamin K
Vitamin K and Bone Density helpful for older dogs who have started to lose bone density and have limited mobility as a result. At the same time, it's also great for young dogs who live an active lifestyle and need tough bones to keep up with their daily activities.
Vitamin C and Disease Prevention
The first thing you should know the fact that dogs produce Vitamin C naturally, while humans are required to take a daily dosage of Vitamin C to live a good and healthy lifestyle, dogs don't need it in as high of quantities.
But, as they get older, dogs tend to have a more difficult time producing enough quantity of Vitamin C on their own.
Vitamin C helps aging dogs ward off certain diseases and cancers, helping them feel their best for as long as possible.
Soluble Fiber and Lower Cholesterol
Broccoli is a proven prevent in the fight against high cholesterol. This is because it contains a high quantity of soluble fiber, which serves to extract cholesterol from your dog. This is why Consuming it in small quantities can help prevent cholesterol from building up around your arteries over time.
Which Parts of a Broccoli Can a Dog Eat
A dog can eat:
- broccoli stalks.
- broccoli florets.
- dried broccoli.
- steamed broccoli.
- Your dog should not eat leaves from the broccoli.
How to Prepare Broccoli for Your Dog
Some people prefer to puree broccoli for their dogs, but cooked, cut up pieces of broccoli are safe for your dog to eat.
When serving your dog broccoli, don’t oil or season it. Even salt and pepper can upset a dog’s stomach. Both raw and cooked broccoli is okay for a dog to eat in moderation, but as we discussed earlier, broccoli has the potential to upset your dog’s stomach, so it is necessary to only give him a couple of florets at a time, and watch how he reacts to it.
Broccoli can be a choking hazard, so make sure to cut the broccoli florets up into smaller chunks to make it easier for your dog to eat.
Some people prefer to puree broccoli for their dogs, but cooked, cut up pieces of broccoli are safe for your dog to eat.
Check Also these Varieties if Your Dog Can Eat it
Can dogs eat tomatoes?
be careful, Large quantities of tomato should not be fed to dogs; ingested in great enough volumes, naturally occurring chemicals in the fruit can cause heart and nervous system problems.
Can dogs eat avocado?
Parts of the avocado tree and fruit contain a natural antifungal agent called persin, which is hazardous to dogs when consumed in great enough quantities. However, it’s safe for dogs to eat the green, fruit part of an avocado in small amounts.
Can dogs eat onions?
No.
Eaten by dogs, onions cause red blood cells to break down, a condition called hemolytic anemia. The breakdown of red blood cells means that the dog gets less oxygen. The more concentrated the onion, the more quickly it works.
Can dogs eat corn?
While the kernels of ripe corn are okay for dogs, the cob itself is a bit more dangerous. Ingested by a dog, even small pieces of corn cob can tear at and cause damage to the walls of a dog’s digestive tract.
Conclusion :
Dogs can eat broccoli in moderation.
Broccoli is in fact a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals.
Broccoli shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet, so served as a treat or snack is perfect!
Broccoli should be cooked before serving.
And always remember to cut it into bite-sized chunks to suit your pooch, and leave the stems behind.
And most important, Over-feeding broccoli could in fact be fatal.
