Can dogs eat broccoli?
Broccoli is packed with a lot of nutrients, Vitamin C and fiber. It is safe for your dog either in raw or cooked form but if cooked do not add spices or oils. Florets are something you should keep an eye on too, more below. Always introduce broccoli in small amounts and see how your dog tolerates it. Because of the high fiber content and certain components it might be safer to give broccoli a few times each month and not have it as a regular supplement for your dog’s food. If he loves broccoli then you can give it daily but always keep it less than 10% of his daily meals.
How is broccoli good for dogs?
Broccoli is a great source of potassium which is a vital nutrient for humans and dogs. Another benefit of this green vegetable is that the fiber in broccoli helps to reduce cholesterol which, when very high can cause hyperlipidemia resulting in an increased risk of stroke and heart disease. Other benefits of broccoli are the amounts of Vitamins C and K, zinc, protein and of Omega 3 fatty acids. These supplements promote strong dense bones, and help to decrease inflammation. Can dogs eat broccoli.. Yes, dogs can have broccoli.
Why is broccoli bad for dogs?
Broccoli, particularly the florets (Little treetops) contain isothiocyanate which can damage your dog’s digestive tract. Isothiocyanate can be dangerous if consumed in percentages over 10% of a dog’s regular diet. Anything more than that % can cause serious harm in dogs. This chemical compound is in most cruciferous vegetables (kale, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts) so don’t stew up this heady mixture. Also, remember to skip the spices and herbs as not all are pet friendly. Dogs do enjoy basil, oregano, and parsley, but save them for another dish.
How do you feed broccoli to your dog?
Dogs like broccoli raw or cooked so see which your pet prefers. Remember to use small pieces and to not give a puppy or small dog large stalks as it can be hard to digest. You can always make a broccoli smoothie with the addition of yogurt and perhaps some pineapple or strawberries to give it a fresh fruit taste. You and your dog could sit on the porch and each have your own broccoli treat, his in a bowl and yours in a glass.
A Healthy Recipe for dog treats containing broccoli-Broccoli Cheese Biscuits
This almost sounds like the broccoli casserole many of us ate when we were young but this is baked into biscuit form.
Ingredients: you need a food processor and oven preheated to 350 degrees
- 1 cup frozen or fresh broccoli
- ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- ½ cup flour
Place broccoli and cheese into the processor and pulse until well chopped. Place this mixture into a bowl with the plain yogurt and mix well. Add in the flour and mix to a sticky dough. Shape into balls that are about 2 inches in size, and place on floured parchment paper on a baking sheet. Flatten a bit and cook for 25 minutes or until brown. Remove from the oven and cool completely before sharing with your furry assistant. Store the extras in the fridge in an airtight container. Remember to only give one to two treats at a time as too many may cause stomach upset.
What do veterinarians and nutritionists have to say about broccoli and your dog?
While broccoli can benefit your dog with its naturally occurring vitamins, fiber and supplements you need to give your dog small quantities of this vegetable. Always remember that while the makeup of 10% of your canine’s daily meals is fine, a higher % intake of Isothiocyanate can be very dangerous to your furry friend. A large dog can reap the benefits from a larger helping so pay attention to your dog’s size and weight. You should always ask your vet when introducing any new food to your dog’s diet and use those suggestions. In the case of all new foods introduce a small amount and check for any signs of irritation or allergic reaction