Can dogs eat broccoli?

Updated 19/04/2024

Broccoli: it’s a nutrient-packed, antioxidant-brimmed bright-green veggie that's no stranger to our dinner plates. And as such a regular at supper time, you might be wondering whether it's safe for dogs to eat, too. Can dogs eat broccoli and get all the nutritional benefits we humans can? Or should it be avoided altogether, like other popular ingredients we humans love like onions and garlic? Well your pup's tail will be wagging at this one - dogs can eat broccoli in small quantities. But, like with any 'people food', broccoli should only be a treat for your pooch every now and then, making up less than 5% of their calorie intake. We'll get into why below, plus we'll explore some of the health benefits your pup could be reaping from snacking on the vitamin-packed florets.

Is broccoli poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat broccoli in any way, shape or form, or does it have to be prepared in a particular way for safe canine consumption? Well luckily for your pup, they can chomp on broccoli either cooked or raw, so there is no need to panic if a few flakes or even a floret of broccoli falls off the side of a plate and next to your snack-crazy canine. Broccoli does however contain a compound called isothiocyanate, which is fine for your pup in small quantities, but can cause an upset stomach if too much is ingested at any one time. Thankfully the amount needed to be eaten to cause these side effects is quite large. That's why we only advise sharing broccoli with your pooch as an occasional treat, rather than a regular snack. 

And can dogs be allergic to broccoli? Or can dogs eat broccoli, with no risk of any nasty reactions? Well just like with us humans, there is a small chance that your pup could be allergic to broccoli, but the frequency of broccoli allergies is very, very low in dogs. So, when trying your furry friend with new ingredients (granted you're sure they're not straight-up toxic to dogs), start with tiny amounts and keep an eye on their behavior and toileting afterward. A severe allergic reaction usually shows within one to two hours, so make sure you are at home to check up on your pooch during this time frame. 

Related article: Can dogs eat quinoa?

Is broccoli good for dogs?

So can dogs eat broccoli and get any vitamin or mineral kicks out of it like we humans can? Well as you'll know, broccoli is packed with vitamins that we humans can benefit from, which means our furry friends can benefit from these health benefits as well. With that said though, your pooch doesn't need broccoli to make up a healthy diet. Why? Well unlike us, the dog foods on the market are specifically formulated so that they contain all the nutrients a pup could need for their specific age and breed. And of course, share broccoli with your canine pal in small amounts and as a treat or meal garnish to avoid any stomach upsets.

Related article: Can dogs eat dates?

Health benefits of eating broccoli for dogs

So, now that we've tackled the question - can dogs eat broccoli - let's take a look at the micronutrient makeup of the veggie and some of the benefits your pup could be getting if treated to the odd floret every now and then.

• Vitamin C. Helps to reduce inflammation and preserves cognitive function.
• Vitamin K1. Essential for healthy blood clotting functions.
• Folate. Helps with DNA synthesis and red blood cell production.
• Potassium. Helps with the functioning of electrical charges in the heart, nerves, and muscles.
• Manganese. Helps with the production of healthy bones and cartilage, especially for puppies.

Related article: Can dogs eat wheat?

Feeding your dogs broccoli

So, now you know that broccoli is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities, you might be wondering whether there are any recommended ways to prepare the vegetable so that it's super safe and fit for canine consumption. Take a look below for tips on preparing broccoli for dogs and answers to questions pet parents often have on the topic.   

Preparing broccoli for dogs

Besides not overfeeding your pup with broccoli (as this can cause a stomach upset), the main thing you need to be cautious of is the choking hazard that the vegetable poses for dogs. As you'll know, our furry friends aren't exactly delicate eaters, so anything you put down needs to be small enough to not cause any nasty blockages in your dog's gastrointestinal tract. Just chop the veggies nice and small, and you should be good to go.  Cooked broccoli is often easier for your pooch to chew, so it is preferable to feed cooked over raw broccoli.  

Can dogs eat broccoli stems?

Broccoli stems do pose a choking hazard for dogs - they can be pretty tough to chomp through (especially when served raw). So, always slice the stems nice and small so that if your pup does only chomp through it once or twice, it won't have any chance of causing any choking.  

Can dogs have raw broccoli?  

Raw broccoli is harder to chew and digest, so cooked broccoli is preferable. 

Can dogs eat frozen broccoli?

Frozen broccoli is perfectly safe for dogs if served in small, bite-size chunks after it has been defrosted and cooked.

Are broccoli leaves toxic for dogs?

Fortunately, all parts of the broccoli are perfectly safe to share with your furry friend as a treat every now and then, including the leaves. 

Related article: Can dogs eat tofu?

Other broccoli products

And can dogs have broccoli if it's cooked into a cheesy dip or boiled and then smothered in gravy? Or what about a nutritious stir fry dressed in soy sauce? Well sadly it's a no on this one - your pup shouldn't be chomping on the veggie in any other form than plain. Why? Well far too many of the ingredients we humans use in our cooking will either cause an upset stomach in dogs, or are just plain toxic. 

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now we know that dogs and broccoli are a pretty safe match, get clued-up on some of the other foods dogs can eat.

• Blueberries
• Tomatoes
• Nuts (within reason)

Related article: Can dogs eat grapefruit?

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.