For humans, fruit and veggies are part of a nutritious diet. Turns out it’s just as important for our dogs, too. Vegetables provide natural vitamins and minerals that help keep them healthy and strong. One of those all-important foods is broccoli.

Can dogs have broccoli? Yes, it’s perfectly safe to include this veggie in your pup’s diet. It’s a healthy food and it provides great benefits to our furry friends. That’s why new age dog food brands like Sundays include broccoli in their human-grade recipes. 

However, too much of a good thing is not good. If you’re introducing your dog to broccoli, pay attention to the size of the pieces and feed it in small amounts. Read on to learn more about adding this veggie to your dog’s diet.

Is broccoli good for dogs? 

We all want the best for our dogs. Whether that’s giving them enough exercise or feeding them the best meals. If you’re considering healthier diets for your pup, feeding your dog broccoli is a great start. 

Broccoli has many natural health benefits and is a great addition to your dog's diet. It's is rich in many nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium. Fiber can support your pup's digestive tract. 

Thanks to broccoli's rich nutrient content, it's perfect to add to meals or feed as a high-value treat. Just make sure you’re keeping an eye on how much of this cruciferous vegetable they consume. 

How much broccoli can dogs eat?

Large servings of broccoli can lead to some unpleasant side effects for your dog, due to this veggie’s high fiber content. This could look like excess gas or an upset stomach, and even diarrhea. 

When it comes to dogs and broccoli, keep the 10% snack rule in mind. This best practice states that snacks should make up less than 10% of your pup’s daily food intake. 

Tips for Feeding Your Dog Broccoli 

If you plan on feeding your dog broccoli, there are several ways to prepare it for your pup. Remember, your vet is always a good resource for questions about first-time foods and serving sizes. They will advise you on any potential allergies that could be triggered by introducing new foods.

Can dogs eat raw broccoli? It’s best to avoid feeding your dog raw broccoli. Boiling or steaming broccoli is a great way to soften the hard stem and prevent choking or digestion issues. Broccoli can be a choking hazard, so be mindful of the size of the pieces you’re serving. 

Another option when serving broccoli on its own is to puree it. This makes for a nice topper to your dog’s regular meals. You can also blend it with other foods, like yogurt, and serve it as a smoothie. 

Can dogs eat broccoli stems? Absolutely -- but first cut off the florets and then chop up the stem into small pieces. 

The florets of this vegetable contain isothiocyanates. This can cause gastric irritation in some dogs, and an excessive amount could even be toxic. If you’re sticking to the 10% rule, you should be okay. Just be sure that broccoli isn't more than 25% of their daily food intake to avoid serious illnesses. 

Conclusion

If your dog is into veggies, broccoli is a great food to add to their meal or as a snack. Not only does this add variety to their diet, but there are also great health benefits for your furry friend. Keep serving size and texture in mind to avoid any negative side effects from overconsuming this veggie. 

Here at Sundays for Dogs, we love finding the best ingredients to incorporate into our recipes. Broccoli is one of our favorite ingredients in our human-grade dog food because of its natural nutrient content. Give your pup the best of real whole foods with Sundays’ dog food and save 20% on every subscription order! 

FAQs About Dogs and Broccoli

Can dogs have raw broccoli?

Yes, dogs can have raw broccoli in moderation. It’s rich in fiber and vitamin C, but should only be a small part of their diet to avoid digestive upset.

Can dogs eat raw broccoli?

Dogs can safely eat raw broccoli, but it’s best to cut it into small pieces to prevent choking. Too much raw broccoli may cause gas or stomach cramps. 

Is broccoli good for dogs?

Broccoli can be a healthy treat for dogs since it’s packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. Just feed it in moderation and watch for any signs of discomfort.