Ask a Paw

It may be hard to get your 4-year-old to eat their broccoli, but your four-legged family member would probably love to get their paws on the popular tree-like vegetable. The good news is that dogs can eat both cooked and raw broccoli, as long as there are no seasonings or oils added. However, this vegetable should always be given in very small quantities because the florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause gastric irritation in dogs.

Is Broccoli Safe for Dogs?

The short answer is, yes, broccoli is safe for dogs—provided you don’t offer your pet a heaping plateful or sauté it in garlic or butter. While most dogs get all the nutrients they need from their diets, adding certain vegetables into the mix can absolutely provide them with some important benefits. Like humans, dogs can benefit from broccoli's high levels of vitamin C, A and B, as well as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and other minerals. Best of all, its low fat content and satisfying crunch makes it irresistible to many of our four-legged friends.

Can Eating Broccoli Benefit Dogs?

The nutrients in broccoli can help improve everything from your dog’s eyesight to their nervous system, and even promote better healing from wounds. It’s extremely rich in vitamin K, which is believed to improve bone density in dogs and help your dog develop stronger, healthier bones—which is a very important benefit for older dogs as well as a younger, energetic dog or working breed to support their more active lifestyle. Broccoli's vitamin C levels may also help aging dogs ward off certain illnesses, while the potassium it contains is a mineral that can help promote healthier heart in both humans and dogs alike.

Broccoli can be offered to your dog either raw or cooked, but like humans, dogs often have an easier time digesting high-fiber foods that have been cooked. However, be sure that there are no spices, oils, or seasonings added during the cooking process, like butter, as they can be harmful to your dog. Popular additions such as garlic or onions are actually toxic for dogs.

The Dangers of Broccoli for Dogs

Like all “people” food, broccoli should only be offered in moderation (and with the OK from your pet's veterinarian). There is a small danger associated with the crucerfoerous veggie; the florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause gastric irritation in some dogs, ranging from mild to severe. Isothiocyanates are a naturally-occurring sulfur-based plant compound that can be found in many dark green vegetable varieties, including broccoli, kale, and cabbage. Humans can safely consume isothiocyanates—they’re even believed to help protect our bodies from certain forms of cancer or the growth of tumors—but in dogs, eating too much broccoli could actually prove fatal.

Every dog is unique, and what irritates some dogs is perfectly fine to feed others. As always, be sure to check in with your veterinarian before offering broccoli, and monitor your dog closely after offering a small amount the first time to ensure that their digestive system can tolerate it.

If you believe your dog ate too much broccoli, the first symptoms to watch out for are diarrhea, vomiting, or other signs of stomach upset, such as whimpering. These symptoms will require immediate veterinary attention.

In addition to potential stomach upset or even dangerous toxicity, broccoli stalks have also been known to be a choking hazard, as they can lead to an obstruction in the esophagus, particularly in smaller breeds. When offering broccoli to your pet, it should be offered as bite-sized chunks and, ideally, softened first by steaming. Steamed broccoli stems are also acceptable to serve, but to help your pup better digest the broccoli—and prevent choking—be sure to peel the harder skin on the outside first prior to steaming and slicing the broccoli for your pooch.