Certain vegetables are healthy for your dog, and broccoli is one of them. Can dogs eat broccoli and what advantages and disadvantages broccoli has on your dog’s health. Here I am going to discuss that.

Can dogs eat broccoli in 2020

Nutritional requirements of a dog?

Species have their own nutritional requirements. A dog also needs carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vitamins in an adequate amount. These are the major nutrients that are essential for the proper functioning of your body. Proteins are the building blocks of amino acids that are important for the development and growth of your dog.

A study suggests that a dog requires about 1.2 grams of protein per pound of body weight. Vegetables contain about 2.9 grams of protein, and broccoli contains about 2.6 grams of protein, so an excellent diet for a dog in terms of nutritional profile.

Fats are another essential nutrient for your dog. A dog requires about 0.5 grams per pound of body fat.

Omega fatty acids will keep your dog skin shiny and help in developing a robust immune system. They also provide you valuable vitamins.

These vitamins have several vital functions, which include maintaining eye health, developing bones, strengthening the immune system, regulating blood calcium level, faster metabolism, and many more. Thus fats play an essential role in dog nutritional profile.

Carbohydrates are another nutrient of high nutritional value. Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy. A single gram of sugar contains nearly 4 grams of calories. Broccoli contains about 6 grams of calories. So an essential ingredient in fulfilling the energy requirement of dog. These are the nutrient requirements of dogs.

Is broccoli healthy for dogs?

Yes, broccoli is healthy for dogs. Broccoli contains vitamin C, E, K that are important in maintaining a healthy body. In addition to that, broccoli also contains riboflavin and pantothenic acid, niacin, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron.

These vitamins and minerals help in developing a robust immune system and maintaining body heath. Broccoli also protects the body against heart disease and cancers. It also contributes to better digestion. Broccoli is a good source of fiber. It contains about 2 to 4 percent fiber.

Broccoli side effects

Broccoli contains isothiocyanates, which have a significant role in reducing dog fertility. Isothiocyanates also have a considerable impact on the liver, causing hepatotoxicity. Too much eating cause diarrhea and upset stomach. So it affects the gastrointestinal system severely. There are also some cases of bloat and gas associated with feeding too much broccoli. Thus giving broccoli in an appropriate amount is the key.

How to give broccoli to your dog?

Always consult with your veterinarian before giving broccoli to your dog. Treats should not make more than 10 percent of a dog diet. Taking too much of them will lead to severe consequences.

Do not feed raw broccoli to your dog. Broccoli is cruciferous; It can cause an upset stomach and disturb the gastrointestinal tract.

You can give broccoli to your dog by the following procedure. First, wash the broccolis properly and then cut the stems. Stems can cause a choking hazard, so do not feed them to your dog. Then put the broccolis into the steamer and steam them for 5-7 minutes and give them to your dog.

There are some other ways that you can give broccoli to your dog. Boil the rice and chicken properly. When broccolis are adequately cooked, put the broccoli into the recipe. Allow it to cool properly. Then serve it to your dog.

Possible risks of feeding broccoli

There are some risks while feeding broccoli. Excessive feeding can cause :

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Liver problem

Isothiocyanates toxicity

Fatigue

Gas formation in the stomach

Alternatives for broccoli:

If your dog does not like eating broccoli, there are some alternatives available:

Cranberries

Mangoes

Blueberries

Peaches

Carrots

Bananas

Celery

Apples

Cucumbers

Potatoes

Pineapple

Raspberries

Strawberries

If you noticed any adverse effect while feeding broccoli, consult it with your veterinarian. There are some frequently asked questions about Can dogs eat broccoli, and I am going to provide you the answers

Frequently asked questions

Broccoli belongs to which vegetable family?

It belongs to the cabbage family.

What are the advantages of eating cruciferous vegetables?

They prevent your dog from cancer and heart disease.

When to avoid feeding broccoli to your dog?

When your dog shows signs of hypothyroidism, then avoid giving broccoli. Broccolis also cause gastric irritation, so avoid giving them to dogs with gastric problem.

How many broccolis can we offer to our dog?

Broccolis should not make more than 10 percent of a dog diet. Feeding them up to 25 percent are highly toxic to your dog

Is broccoli good for weight loss?

Broccoli is a low-calorie diet, so it is excellent if you want your dog to lose weight.

Conclusion

Thus broccolis are the powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. Feeding them a sufficient amount will give your dog excellent health benefits. Always break the stem before giving broccoli and properly steamed it and then give it to your dog. If you like can dogs eat broccoli, do share your comments in the comment box. FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US FOR ANY INFORMATION. Read more about dog food for sensitive stomach.