Can Dogs Eat Broccoli? Vet-Approved Answer & Feeding Guide

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Yes, dogs can eat broccoli in moderation, and this cruciferous vegetable can offer some health benefits. However, before adding broccoli to your pup’s diet, there are a few important factors to consider. While fresh broccoli without added seasoning or oils is generally safe, some preparations—like broccoli cooked with garlic or onions—can be harmful to dogs. Plus, what about broccoli stems versus florets? Is raw or cooked broccoli a better option? Can too much broccoli cause digestive issues or gas? This guide will explore the benefits, potential risks, and the safest way to incorporate broccoli into your dog’s diet.

Is Broccoli Good For Dogs?

Yes, when offered in moderation, broccoli can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet.

Remember to serve plain broccoli, raw or preferably cooked (steamed for easier digestion), without any seasonings, oils, or additives. Ingredients like garlic and onions are toxic to dogs and should be avoided. Stick to small portions and do not feed daily as broccoli contains isothiocyanate, and overconsumption can cause stomach irritation.

Benefits

100 grams (3.5-ounce oz) of broccoli contains the following nutrients:

Broccoli Nutrition Chart (100g)

Nutrient Analysis

Risks & Considerations Before Feeding Broccoli to Dogs

While broccoli can be a safe and nutritious treat for dogs when given in moderation, there are several risks and considerations to keep in mind before feeding it to your canine companion:

Can Dogs Eat Raw or Cooked Broccoli?

Both are safe for dogs, but steaming makes broccoli easier to digest.

Raw Broccoli: Raw broccoli retains its natural crunch, which some dogs may enjoy. However, its fibrous nature can be harder for some dogs to digest, potentially leading to gas or other digestive issues.​ Thoroughly wash the broccoli to remove any potential contaminants. Cut it into small, manageable pieces to reduce choking hazards, especially for smaller dogs.​

Cooked Broccoli: Lightly steaming broccoli helps retain most nutrients while enhancing digestibility. Steaming or boiling broccoli without adding seasonings, oils, or butter is recommended over feeding it raw. Cooking softens the vegetable, making it easier to chew and digest.​

Are Dogs Allergic to Broccoli?

Risks

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to broccoli.

What to Do If A Dog Reacts Badly to Broccoli

Dogs showing worsening symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

1. Contact a veterinarian immediately: Even if your dog seems fine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline right away. This includes services like the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also schedule an at-home veterinary appointment with The Vets, a mobile veterinary service that provides at-home vet care nationwide for just about everything.

2. Gather important information:.When speaking to a vet, provide: Quantity consumed (estimate if unsure), time of ingestion and dog’s weight and breed (to assess potential risk).

3. Follow veterinary instructions: The vet may suggest monitoring at home, or emergency treatment at the clinic.

• Keep your dog calm and prevent them from eating anything else.
• Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet quickly if advised.
• Bring any remaining broccoli or packaging to help the vet assess the situation.

How to Safely Feed Broccoli to Dogs

When feeding broccoli to your dog, it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines to keep them safe:

Ways to Feed Broccoli to Dogs

As with any new food, gradually introduce broccoli to give your dog’s digestive system time to adjust.

Best Broccoli Dog Food

​Incorporating broccoli into your dog’s diet can be achieved through The Honest Kitchen’s One Pot Stews: Simmered Salmon & Chicken Stew with Brown Rice & Broccoli Wet Dog Food. This chef-crafted, human-grade stew combines wild-caught salmon, cage-free chicken, brown rice, and broccoli with a hint of coconut. It’s designed to provide a balanced and nutritious meal for dogs of all life stages, serving as a complete meal or a healthy topper. The inclusion of wholesome ingredients ensures your dog receives essential nutrients, promoting overall health and well-being. ​

Get 40% OFF your order with code 40CANINEBIBLE — Just use this link to get started.

Best Broccoli Dog Treat

Buy already-made treats that include broccoli to provide your pet with the nutritional benefits of broccoli. ​Dole for Pets Broccoli Freshly Fetched Dog Chews offer a plant-based, vegan treat option for your canine companion. Flavored with real vegetables, these chews come in assorted broccoli and carrot shapes, providing a fun and engaging snack experience.

How Much Broccoli Can Dogs Eat?

Treats should only constitute 10% of your dog’s diet, with the remaining 90% coming from well-balanced dog food. This guideline also applies to healthy treats like Broccoli. Below, you’ll find general guidelines for safely portioning broccoli based on your dog’s weight.

Dog Size	Serving Size (Occasionally)	Breed Examples
Extra-small (2-15 lbs.)	1-2 small florets (about 1 tbsp chopped)	Shih Tzu, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese
Small (16-25 lbs.)	2-3 small florets (about 2 tbsp chopped)	Boston Terriers, Beagles, Dachshund
Medium (26-60 lbs.)	3-4 florets (about ¼ cup chopped)	Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Border Collies
Large (61-90 lbs.)	5-6 florets (about ⅓ cup chopped)	Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers
Extra-large (91+ lbs.)	6-8 florets (about ½ cup chopped)	Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Can Puppies Eat Broccoli?

​Puppies have developing digestive systems that may not handle high-fiber foods like broccoli well. It’s best to avoid feeding broccoli to puppies unless advised by a veterinarian.

Can Dogs Eat Canned Broccoli?

It’s best to avoid giving dogs canned broccoli. Canned broccoli often contains added sugars or syrups that can harm dogs, leading to digestive issues or obesity and dental problems. Fresh, raw broccoli without any additives is a healthier option.

Alternatives

Here’s a list of alternatives to broccoli that are just as safe and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Broccoli can be a healthy and nutritious addition to a dog’s diet when served in moderation. Packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, it supports overall health, digestion, and immune function. However, pet owners should be mindful of potential risks, such as digestive irritation from isothiocyanates and choking hazards from stalks or large pieces. Cooking broccoli, especially steaming it without additives, can enhance digestibility and safety. While occasional feeding is beneficial, broccoli should not make up more than 10% of a dog’s daily intake to avoid adverse effects. Always introduce new foods gradually and consult a veterinarian if you have concerns, especially for puppies or dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Whether you’re introducing broccoli or any new food, unexpected reactions can happen. Having the right pet insurance ensures you can handle any vet visits with peace of mind. Check out our guide to the best pet insurance plans to keep your furry friend covered in every situation. If you’re looking for other healthy snack options, check out the best dog treats to find safe and nutritious alternatives.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.