Can dogs eat broccoli stems and stalks?
Yes! Your dog can enjoy both the stalk and stems of the broccoli. It’s advisable that you chop the broccoli stalk and stem into bite-sized chunks, and that you supervise them while eating – especially if your dog is a small breed – to reduce the risks of choking.
Is broccoli good for dogs?
Yes, broccoli is a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. It’s high in fibre which aids proper digestion, is low in fat and has lots of beneficial nutrients too.
An excellent source of vitamin C, it works to support your dog’s immune system and overall health. Vitamin K is vital for proper blood clotting, and vitamin A supports vision, bone growth, immunity and more. Broccoli also contains potassium which supports heart health, iron which transports oxygen through red blood cells, and the trace element manganese which aids bone and joint health too.
Can broccoli be harmful to dogs?
Broccoli is safe for dogs to eat as part of a healthy, balanced, complete diet, and there are very few risks associated with it. As mentioned above, it’s important that any broccoli you’re feeding your dog has been cut to an appropriate size to avoid choking. As with lots of things, too much broccoli can cause some gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, excess wind or discomfort, but these symptoms should pass on their own. Read more about foods that are toxic to dogs here.
Can dogs eat raw broccoli?
They most definitely can, in fact, you’ll find it in our raw dog food meals because of all the nutritional benefits it provides your pooch. You can read all about dog nutrition in these guides.
Can dogs eat cooked or steamed broccoli?
Another yes! Dogs can eat their veggies lightly cooked, some might even prefer the texture. If this is the case, we recommend steaming as this helps preserve the veggies goodness. Any cooked broccoli you offer your dog should be free from any seasonings, spices or fats like oil and butter.
Can dogs eat frozen broccoli?
They can! Frozen veggies on a summer’s day can be a great, healthy way to help your dog keep their cool. Just make sure that any frozen broccoli you offer is in manageable chunks so that it doesn’t pose a choking hazard.
Can dogs eat tenderstem broccoli?
Yes! Dogs can also eat tenderstem broccoli.
Can dogs eat purple sprouting broccoli?
Yep, just like regular and tenderstem, your dog can enjoy purple sprouting broccoli as part of a balanced diet.
How much broccoli can a dog eat per day?
As a general rule, we recommend treats (even healthy ones like broccoli) are fed in moderation and make up no more than 10% of your dog’s diet. Use this handy table to get an idea of how much broccoli is safe to feed your pup.
| Size of dog | Recommended amount per day |
|---|---|
| Extra small Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians | One or two small pieces daily, around 1 cm x 0.5 cm |
| Small Jack Russel, Beagle, French Bulldog | Three or four pieces daily, around 2.5 cm x 0.5 cm |
| Medium Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie, Basset Hound | Five to six pieces daily, around 2.5 cm x 0.5 cm |
| Large Boxer, Doberman, German Shepherd | A handful of broccoli pieces, cut into bite sized chunks |
| Extra large Irish Wolfhound, Newfoundland, Great Dane | A large handful of broccoli pieces, cut into bite sized chunks |
What to do if you feed too much broccoli?
If your dog is a bit of a broccoli fiend and sneaks lots and lots behind your back, or you accidentally overfeed them, you should look out for symptoms of an upset stomach such as decreased appetite, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in very very extreme cases, weakness and collapse. If you notice any of these symptoms or are worried, you should contact your vet. Our Bella & Duke customers get access to free 24/7 video vet care.
What is the best way to feed dogs broccoli?
The best way to feed your dog broccoli is in small, bite-sized chunks in the amounts outlined in the table above. It can be fed raw, frozen, or lightly cooked so long as it’s free from any seasonings, spices and extra fats. Offer it to your pet as a healthy treat to crunch, or incorporate it into their meals. For more tips, read our guide on how to feed your dog.
Is broccoli a choking hazard?
It can be, which is why we recommend cutting any broccoli up into bite-size pieces, proportional to your dog’s size. You should also supervise your dog when offering them any treats.
Does Bella+Duke raw dog food contain broccoli?
Yes, our complete raw dog food meals all contain broccoli as well as other seasonal veggies and some juicy berries too. We’ve expertly balanced our meals so you know your dog is getting the right amounts of meat, fruit, veg and healthy fats in every bite.
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References
- Baritugo, K. A., Bakhsh, A., Kim, B., & Park, S. (2023). Perspectives on functional foods for improvement of canine health and treatment of diseases. Journal of Functional Foods, 109, 105744. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2023.105744
FAQs
Is broccoli a laxative for dogs?
No, but it is high in fibre which aids healthy digestion, leading to more regular bowel movements, as well as supporting the growth of ‘good’ bacteria in the gut. If your dog eats too much broccoli, they can experience sickness and diarrhoea as well as other symptoms of stomach upset.
Can broccoli upset a dog's stomach?
Yes, if your dog eats a lot of broccoli, they can experience symptoms like bloating, excess gas, general discomfort, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in very extreme cases, weakness and collapsing. If you are worried that your dog has eaten too much broccoli, you should contact your vet for advice.
What vegetables can dogs not eat?
There are lots of dog-safe veggies that your dog can enjoy as part of a balanced diet. However, some should be avoided as they pose a risk to their health. These include onions, chives, corn on the cob (the cob can cause intestinal blockage), wild mushrooms, leeks, green potatoes, potato leaves and stems. For a complete list, see our guide to what foods are toxic to dogs. If you are worried that your dog has eaten any of these veggies, you should contact your vet as soon as possible.
What is the best vegetable for a dog?
A good variety of veg – fed as part of a balanced diet – is the best way to ensure that your dog is benefiting from a wide range of nutritious goodness. Some dog-safe veggies are: peppers, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, lettuce, spinach, courgette and cabbage.
Learn more about what vegetables cand dogs eat.
Can dogs be allergic to broccoli?
It’s very rare, but yes, dogs can be allergic to broccoli. Symptoms of broccoli allergy to look out for include diarrhoea, vomiting, itchy skin, and even difficulty breathing in severe cases.
Does broccoli make dogs fart?
Unfortunately yes, broccoli can make dogs fart if fed in excess due to the high levels of fibre. The florets also contain isothiocyanate which is an organic compound that’s thought to prevent cancer, but can also lead to tummy upset in dogs that can lead to farting.
