Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
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We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
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Broccoli is one of those vegetables that some of us humans just love while others can’t stand it.
Whether you love or merely tolerate broccoli, we can all agree that broccoli is a vegetable that is packed with nutrients, vitamins and is a great source of natural fiber.
Maybe you like it cooked, steamed or chopped up in your soup or a healthy vegetable medley. The choices are endless.
But, the real question is can you share your broccoli with your dogs?
Yes, you can. But, of course, it should be in very small amounts.
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Is Broccoli Safe For Dogs?
While broccoli is safe for dogs in very small amounts, if your dog consumes too much broccoli, he might get an upset stomach.
Because broccoli has so much fiber, it is best to chop it up finely and just give your dog a small amount.
If you are feeding it with a small dog, it needs to be especially small pieces to avoid choking.
If you think you want to try broccoli, always start with a very small amount to make sure it digests OK and your dog doesn’t have a bad reaction to it.
If the broccoli doesn’t sit well and your dog has an upset stomach or diarrhea, make sure to take your dog to the vet right away.
Any solid pet insurance plan would take care of the bill for this incident as well as any extra care that your pup might need to have.
We recommend Healthy Paws as the #1 pet health insurance provider!
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
Benefits Of Broccoli For Dogs
Broccoli has many benefits with its high fiber and filled with Vitamin C. It is also very low in calories and fat free.
While dogs don’t necessarily need broccoli, it is safe to share either raw or cooked as long as it is plain and doesn’t have any seasoning or oil on it.
Make sure to rinse the broccoli and only give your dogs the top parts or florets.
Cooked broccoli is probably the better choice since it is softer and easier to digest.
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Can Broccoli Be Harmful To Dogs?
While broccoli is a safe vegetable snack, it does have what is called isothiocyanates in the floret portion of the vegetable and can cause an upset stomach in dogs.
The broccoli stalks can also cause a small dog to choke or get caught in your pup’s esophagus.
So it is important to cut the broccoli into smaller chunks and watch your dog as he eats it.
Smaller bites can also assess how your dog reacts to broccoli and if he likes it and more importantly can digest it.
Ask your vet if he or she thinks broccoli is safe for your dog or at least OK to sample.
Some dogs might have a mild allergic reaction to broccoli.
If your dog has any of the following after sampling broccoli, you should take your dog to your vet right away.
- Sneezing
- Diarrhea
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Gastric Upset
Different Ways to Add Broccoli Into Your Dog’s Diet
If your vet has given you the OK to add a little broccoli to your dog’s diet, you can try it slowly.
Of course, wash it first and cut the florets into bite-sized pieces.
Cooked broccoli is really the best way to feed it to your dog.
Steam the broccoli and you can do the following:
- Add a small amount to your pup’s wet food to add some crunch.
- Just feed it to your pup directly without any seasoning.
- Put a few pieces in his dry food to add some greens!
If your dog doesn’t like or react well to broccoli, there are some other vegetables and fruits you pup might like.
Other Vegetables and Fruit Your Dog Might Enjoy
Below are just a few that your dog might enjoy:
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Bananas
- Lettuce
- Mangos
Grapes (and raisins), as well as avocados, are NOT safe for dogs to eat and they should never sample either.
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Final Thoughts on Broccoli For Dogs
Broccoli can be shared with your dog in small amounts for some extra fiber and vitamins.
Just start slowly and make sure your dog is able to digest it and doesn’t have an adverse reaction to the broccoli.
If your pup does have a bad reaction, pet insurance would be such a relief to have to help cover the care that your dog needs.
The best pet insurance companies, like Petplan, Figo, and Healthy Paws would cover up to 90% of the treatment and bills associated with the particular broccoli incident.
Of course, pet insurance would cover any unexpected illness or condition that your dog might encounter which is why it has become so popular.
This all doesn’t mean that your dog can’t eat broccoli, it just doesn’t have to be a staple in your dog’s diet.
For some other information on the different human food that is safe for your dog to try our ultimate safe food guide can give you some other choices.
Other articles you may find helpful:
Is Exotic Pet Insurance Necessary?
The Best Pet Insurance By State
Fun Facts, Dog FAQ, And Unsolicited Dog Advice
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The Ultimate Guide to Safe Foods for Dogs
Finding safe alternative foods for your dogs to eat can be tricky. We have a long list of articles about every food you could possibly consider feeding your dog. One thing we recommend is that you consider looking into pet insurance for your pet and you can start by checking out the best rates for dog and puppy insurance.
What to do with a Picky Eating Dog
Can Dogs Eat Grapes and Raisins?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Broccoli Safe For Dogs?
Yes, broccoli is safe for dogs in very small amounts. However, too much broccoli can lead to an upset stomach due to its high fiber content. It is important to chop it finely, especially for small dogs, to avoid choking.
What are the Benefits of Broccoli for Dogs?
Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable for dogs, offering high fiber and Vitamin C. It is low in calories and fat-free. Whether raw or cooked, plain broccoli can be shared with dogs as a healthy treat.
Can Broccoli be Harmful to Dogs?
While broccoli is generally safe, the floret portion contains isothiocyanates that may cause an upset stomach. Broccoli stalks can also pose a choking hazard. Cutting broccoli into smaller chunks is recommended.
How to Add Broccoli to a Dog’s Diet?
If your vet approves, introduce broccoli slowly by washing and cutting the florets into bite-sized pieces. Cooking the broccoli makes it softer and easier to digest. Monitor your dog for any adverse reactions.
What if my Dog has a bad reaction to broccoli?
In case of a bad reaction, it’s essential to consult a vet promptly. A solid pet insurance plan can cover veterinary bills for incidents like this. It’s advisable to have pet insurance to handle unexpected health issues.
Are There Alternatives to Broccoli for Dogs?
Yes, there are other vegetables and fruits your dog might enjoy. However, some foods like grapes and avocados are not safe for dogs. Always check with your vet before introducing new foods to your dog’s diet.
Is Pet Insurance Necessary?
Pet insurance can be beneficial in covering veterinary expenses, especially for unexpected incidents. Reputable pet insurance providers like Healthy Paws may cover up to 90% of vet bills.
Final Thoughts on Broccoli for Dogs?
Broccoli can be a healthy addition to a dog’s diet in moderation. Starting with small amounts and monitoring your dog’s reaction is crucial. If unsure, consult your vet, and consider having pet insurance for financial security in case of health issues.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.