If you’re looking to add some greens to your dog’s diet, you might be eyeing that head of broccoli in your fridge. But is broccoli safe for dogs?
In This Article
Yes, dogs can eat broccoli. Dogs can eat the vegetable both cooked and raw, as long as there are no seasonings or oils added. However, this vegetable should always be given in very small quantities, especially because the florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause gastric irritation in dogs.
Is Broccoli Good for Dogs?
While dogs don’t actually need large amounts of fruits and vegetables to live healthy lives, certain ones do make suitable treats on occasion and can even provide health benefits.
Broccoli is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. It’s safe for dogs to eat in small amounts, raw or cooked, as long as you don’t add any seasonings.
Potential Hazards of Broccoli for Dogs
However, AKC Chief Veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, warns that broccoli also contains a potentially harmful ingredient. The florets of this vegetable contain isothiocyanates, which can cause mild-to-potentially-severe gastric irritation in some dogs.
Dr. Klein also states, “Broccoli is considered safe in dogs if the total amount ingested is less than 10% of their daily intake; more than 25% is considered toxic.”
In terms of the “10% rule,” which states that treats shouldn’t exceed that percentage of a dog’s diet, remember that the actual safe amount varies depending on the size of your dog. Additionally, some pets might react more strongly to broccoli than others. It’s very important to monitor your dog’s reaction to broccoli, and always talk to your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
Preventing Choking in Dogs
Broccoli stalks can cause esophageal obstruction, especially in small dogs, says Dr. Klein, so it’s important to cut up the broccoli into bite-sized chunks to prevent choking. Be sure to keep an eye on your dog as they eat to ensure their safety.
Small bites also make it easier to measure how much broccoli your dog consumes. As with any new food, start with a very small piece of broccoli. Make sure your dog doesn’t have an adverse reaction before feeding more. Ask your vet if you have any questions about if broccoli is the right treat for your dog’s health.
Here at the AKC, we field many queries from anxious dog owners about what is and isn’t safe for their canine companions to eat. Questions range from the obvious (“Can dogs eat steak bones?”) to the trendy (“Can dogs eat quinoa?”). Check out more “Can dogs eat…” articles on AKC.org to see what foods could be harmful to your dog, including cherries, avocados, and onions.