Broccoli is a delicious vegetable that is a staple at the dinner table, But should you share broccoli with your puppy? Can dogs eat broccoli? The short answer is yes, dogs can eat broccoli. They are a nutritious and delicious treat for your dog. However, they are some things you’ll need to consider before serving broccoli to your dog.
Is Broccoli Good for Dogs?
Broccoli is considered a superfood for humans because it is packed with nutrients including fiber, iron, and potassium. This green veggie also has more protein than other vegetables. Broccoli is very beneficial to the overall health of your dog as well. Because it’s rich in fiber, it supports your dog’s digestive system.
Broccoli contains Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K which can promote your dog’s health and influence the quality of skin and fur. Broccoli also has anti-inflammatory properties, Although dogs are omnivores, vegetables such as broccoli can be a great addition to their diet. Keep in mind though, that broccoli has a reputation for causing gas.
What Are the Concerns?
As we’ve mentioned above, eating broccoli can cause gas in dogs. In some cases, frequent gas may indicate that your dog has a digestive issue.
If you’ve detected a bad smell some period after you’ve given them broccoli, it’s nothing to worry about. But if there’s excessive gas then you might want to call your veterinarian and see if there’s a more serious issue with your dog. It’s also important to check if your dog is allergic to broccoli.
Here are some other things you want to consider before feeding your dog broccoli:
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Portion Control
Giving your dog to eat broccoli is safe, however, you should not overdo it. Eating too much broccoli can cause gas in dogs and may lead to gastrointestinal distress.
And you do not want that kind of situation. So, feed your dog broccoli but be careful with the amount of the proportions. You can follow the 90/10- rule which means that broccoli should not make more than 10% of your dog’s meals. If you follow this rule, you will avoid health complications caused by this veggie.
Broccoli contains isothiocyanate which is why it is not good to give broccoli in large quantities to dogs. Combined with fiber and sugar, isothiocyanate can cause digestive distress in dogs. Dogs can suffer from stomach upset, diarrhea, and even blockages.
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Choking Hazard
Did you know that broccoli stems pose a choking risk to dogs? Yes, they are edible for humans but they are problematic for dogs. Broccoli stems can cause obstruction in the esophagus, especially in small dogs.
It’s important that you cut broccoli into small pieces before adding it to your dog’s meal. This will prevent choking. It’s also a good idea to stay close while they’re eating their broccoli so you can spot if there’s any sign of distress.
You might be interested : Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Bones
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Harmful Bacteria
There are many different ways in which broccoli can be served including boiled, raw and steamed. You might want to be careful when you feed your dog raw broccoli because there is a risk of the bacteria called salmonella.
Dogs are not immune to this bacteria and can become very ill from it. It results in food poisoning including symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. It can also cause a loss of appetite, fever, dehydration, increased heart rate, low energy, and lethargy.
If you spot any of these symptoms in your dog after eating broccoli do not give broccoli to your dog anymore and contact the veterinarian immediately.
So can dogs eat broccoli ?
Yes, they can. This is a delicious treat for your puppy as long as it’s in moderation. Remember to follow the 90/10 rule with which broccoli makes 10% of your dog’s entire meal.
You might also be interested :
Is it Safe for Dogs to Eat Asparagus ?
Is it OK to Give Your Dog Carrots ?
Is it Safe for Dogs to Eat Berries ?
