Can dogs eat broccoli?

Dogs are omnivores. This means they can digest fruit and vegetables as well as meat. Plus it’s beneficial for them to ingest some of the vitamins found in these foods.

That said, some types of fruit and vegetables are not suitable for dogs as they can upset their digestive systems. So it’s always worth checking whether it’s safe before you pop a veggie treat in your dog’s bowl.

Another way to take care of your furry friend is to make sure they have peace-of-mind dog insurance.

So is it ok for dogs to eat broccoli?

The short answer is yes, they can! Both raw and cooked. But only in small amounts.

Broccoli contains isothiocyanates, which can cause gastric irritation in dogs. So only feed it as a maximum of 10% of your dog’s daily food intake to avoid this issue.

What to bear in mind when feeding your dog broccoli

Some dogs react more sensitively to broccoli than others. Start by giving them just a tiny bit, and then you can increase the amount slowly.

And only feed broccoli as an extra to your dog’s regular food. Nutritionists recommend these extras should only take up 10% of your dog’s daily calorie needs anyway*, so feed sparingly. If the broccoli your dog eats accounts for 25% of their daily intake, this amount would be considered toxic.

Whether you give your dog broccoli, cooked or raw, only feed it without seasoning as salt is poisonous to dogs. You should avoid cooking it in oil too.

The best way to prepare broccoli for your dog is to boil or steam it. This will soften its texture, making it easier for your dog to chew and digest.

Make sure you cut the broccoli into small pieces for smaller dogs to avoid it becoming a choking hazard.

*Please note that the 10% rule is just a rule of thumb. All dogs are different, and some may be more sensitive to certain foods than others. If you think a certain food is upsetting your dog’s stomach, the safest thing to do is to cut that food out of their diet.

Broccoli recipes for dogs

Fancy yourself as a bit of a dog chef? Here are some dog-friendly broccoli recipes for your four-legged friend:

• Broccoli stems & chicken pucks For dogs by Dog Child
• Broccoli & banana dog treats by OlverIndulgence
• Homemade turkey & vegetable dog food at allrecipes
• Barking beef, broccoli & rice stir fry at TrustedHousesitters

What other foods can my dog eat?

It’s always good to know what foods your dog can and can’t eat, to avoid mistakenly feeding them the wrong thing. Here’s a selection of commonly asked questions about what you can safely give your dog to eat:

• Can dogs eat apples?
• Can dogs eat carrots?
• Can dogs eat cheese?
• Can dogs eat chocolate? (Plot spoiler: absolutely not!)
• Can dogs eat cucumber?
• Can dogs eat grapes? (Again, no)
• Can dogs eat nuts?
• Can dogs eat oranges?
• Can dogs eat sweetcorn?
• Can dogs eat tomatoes?
• Can dogs eat watermelon?

To find out more about your dog’s health, check out our diet and nutrition guides for dogs, and also a list of substances which are toxic to dogs.

Also, find out what to do if an object gets stuck inside your dog’s mouth, and how to safely get it out without hurting them.