Can Dogs Eat Broccoli? Small Florets Only

Broccoli offers fiber and vitamins and is low in calories. But the florets contain compounds called isothiocyanates, which can irritate the digestive system in larger amounts. For this reason, broccoli should be a small extra and not a big part of a dog's meal.

Wash it, cut off tough stalks, and serve small florets raw or lightly steamed without seasoning. Cooked broccoli is easier to digest for many dogs.

• Wash and trim.
• Cut into small pieces.
• Steam lightly if desired.
• Start with one or two florets.

Stalks can be a choking hazard or cause a blockage if swallowed in large chunks. Too much broccoli can cause gas, loose stools or vomiting.

Skip broccoli casseroles, cheese sauces and anything with garlic, onion, butter or salt. Extras like this should stay a small part of the day's food. A common vet guideline is that treats and extras make up no more than about 10 percent of daily calories. This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Dogs differ by size, age and health, so ask your veterinarian if your dog has a medical condition, is a puppy, or is on a special diet.

A common rule of thumb is that vegetables like broccoli should make up only a small part of what a dog eats in a day. A couple of small florets is plenty. If your dog develops gas, a bloated belly, loose stools or vomiting after broccoli, stop feeding it.

Raw stalks are tough and fibrous. They can be a choking risk and may cause an intestinal blockage in small dogs. Leaves are fine in small amounts if clean. Lightly steamed broccoli, cut small, is gentler on the digestion than raw.

Cheesy broccoli, broccoli casserole, stir-fry and broccoli soup contain salt, cheese, butter, garlic and onion. The ASPCA lists onion and garlic as harmful to dogs and warns about excess salt. Do not share these dishes.

A couple of florets is enough for most dogs, and one for a small dog. Larger amounts can cause gas and stomach upset because of the compounds in broccoli. It should stay a minor extra.

Introduce it slowly.

Common mistakes include giving big raw stalks, giving broccoli with cheese or butter, and feeding a large amount in one go. Another is assuming that because it is healthy, more is better.

If your dog swallowed a large stalk and vomits or strains, call your vet.

Puppies can have a tiny floret, but their stomachs are sensitive. Seniors may prefer lightly cooked broccoli. Dogs with thyroid or digestive conditions should only have it with vet approval.

If you are unsure, ask your vet.

Many vegetables are suitable for dogs when plain and in small amounts. Carrots, cucumber, green beans and sweet potato are common choices. Broccoli is a little different, because of compounds that can irritate the stomach in larger amounts, so it should be a smaller extra.

Some vegetables are not suitable. The ASPCA lists onions, garlic and chives as harmful, and Pet Poison Helpline lists green potato among foods to be careful with. When you try a new vegetable, give a small piece and wait a day before offering more, and prepare it plainly without oil, salt or seasoning.