Can dogs eat broccoli?

You’re putting together a plate of veggies and planned on enjoying it alone. But, while you were quickly grabbing the hummus from the fridge, your pup managed to snag a broccoli off the tray. If this happens, you should know two things: First, you have a very sneaky pup, and secondly, broccoli is generally safe for pups to eat.

(Even though broccoli is generally safe for dogs, you should always consult your vet before introducing new foods to your pet’s diet.)

Is broccoli good for dogs?

Broccoli, when served properly, is a great, low-fat treat for pups. The following benefits of broccoli are great additions to your pup's diet, but occasional bites here and there aren't enough to drastically improve their well-being:

• Vitamin C: supports the immune system, helps with healthy aging, offers an energy boost
• Fiber: promotes a healthy gut and helps dogs feel full
• Magnesium: supports bone, muscle and nerve health
• Potassium: provides an energy boost and maintains nerve and muscle health
  

Is broccoli bad for dogs?

Broccoli has its downsides, too. With all new foods, if your dog shows signs of an upset stomach while or after enjoying broccoli, stop serving it and contact your veterinarian.

The stalk of the broccoli can be a choking hazard, so it’s not a vegetable that should be enjoyed solo. If you think your dog is choking on a piece of broccoli, look out for pawing at their mouth, gagging or retching, coughing, turning blue, silence or collapsing. When a dog is choking, it’s important to act fast. In an effort to remove the object, swipe their throat using your finger and perform the Heimlich maneuver — you may need to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), too. Read our article to learn how to act fast in emergency pet choking situations.

RELATED: Can dogs eat carrots?

How to serve your dog broccoli

Dogs can enjoy raw, steamed or cooked broccoli in small amounts. Skip adding seasonings to this vegetable because they can cause an upset stomach. Too much salt in their life can lead to an unbalanced diet and potential illness. And even though broccoli is healthy for dogs, it shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Your veterinarian can help you determine proper portions based on your pet's specific needs.

What happens if a dog eats broccoli?

If your dog eats a piece of broccoli, don’t sweat it — it’s generally safe for dogs to enjoy. Monitor your pup for any signs of upset stomach (especially if the food is new to them) and don’t let them eat broccoli without your supervision.

Happy snacking

Small amounts of raw, cooked or steamed broccoli without the seasonings is a great treat for pups to enjoy. If you’re cutting broccoli up and notice your drooling dog next to you, feel free to treat them to a bite-sized piece.

We're confident that broccoli isn’t the only human food your dog would love to sink their teeth into (cue the drool). Check out our series "Can dogs eat … ?" to learn more about which human foods are off-limits and what's fair game.