Pet owners can be confused while feeding fruits and vegetables to their pets. The same question arises for broccoli. Is it good for dogs? If yes, then what is the ideal amount? And the list of such questions goes on. The basic answer to the question is “yes”, dogs can do eat broccoli. Broccoli is one of the human foods that can also be consumed by dogs. The story does not end here. There are certain precautions and risks associated with the process of feeding broccoli to your lovely pet.
Nutrients in broccoli:
Contents
Broccoli is often referred to as a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. Being a green vegetable, it is full of useful nutrients, low in fats, and packed with essential minerals and nutrients that boost the immunity of the body. Dogs should consume broccoli in a moderate quantity. A general diet of dogs should contain carbohydrates, proteins, and fats along with minerals and vitamins. Let’s have a look at the following table to check out the nutrients present in the broccoli:
1 cup of broccoli contains:
|
Nutrient |
Amount |
|
Protein |
2.6 grams |
|
Carbohydrates |
6 grams |
|
Fats |
0.3 grams |
|
Water |
81.3 grams |
|
Calcium |
42.8 grams |
|
Iron |
0.7 grams |
|
Potassium |
288 mg |
|
Vitamin A |
567 IU |
|
Vitamin C |
81.2 mg |
|
Vitamin E |
0.7 mg |
|
Vitamin K |
92.5 mg |
Which parts of broccoli can a dog eat?
The dogs can eat broccoli stalks, broccoli florets, dried broccoli, and steamed broccoli. Make sure that your dogs do not consume the leaves from the broccoli.
Benefits of broccoli for dogs:
Broccoli strengthens bones in dogs. Vitamin K in broccoli helps in improving the density of the bones which results in stronger bones of your dog. Broccoli can be fed to old dogs as it has tremendous effects on bones. It can help old dogs recovering from bones related diseases.
Broccoli boosts immunity and tackle diseases:
Broccoli contains an immense amount of vitamin C which boosts immunity. Although vitamin C is naturally produced n the body of dogs, it can still help to boost immunity, especially in old dogs. Young dogs can hurt themselves sometimes because of their active routine, broccoli consumption can help in quick recovery from minor injuries.
Broccoli makes a dog’s heart-healthy:
Broccoli has a pretty respectable amount of potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte mineral that helps in a lot of body functions. One of the most important functions is to regulate heart functions. A condition called arrhythmia which is linked to irregular heartbeats can be reduced by the regular consumption of broccoli; however, do not rely on broccoli for complete treatment.
Broccoli reduces cholesterol in dogs:
Broccoli consumption reduces cholesterol levels in both humans and dogs. Adding a little chunk of broccoli in the diet can put amazing effects on health by lowering cholesterol levels. Vets often ignore this aspect of dog health; however, cholesterol can make dogs less active and speed up the aging process of dogs.
Broccoli has anti-inflammatory properties:
Dogs are active animals. As they grow old, their joints start creating troubles for them. Broccoli not only relieves joints from the pin but it also slows down the damaging process going on in the joints of dogs.
Risks of feeding broccoli to the dogs:
Broccoli may cause an upset stomach in dogs. Isothiocyanate- a substance found in broccoli can cause gastrointestinal issues in dogs. Extraordinary consumption of broccoli increases the amount of isothiocyanate in the body.
Broccoli may cause diarrhea in dogs:
One cup of broccoli contains quite a lot of fiber. This amount of fiber does not harm humans, however, it can lead to diarrhea in dogs or at least it can loosen up the stool of the dog.
Extreme broccoli consumption can be fatal in dogs
Isothiocyanate can be lethal for dogs. If the dog is taking broccoli as 25% of the total diet, the amount of isothiocyanate can be risky. Excessive consumption of broccoli can result in the following complications:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Pain-related to upset GIT
- Hemolytic anemia
Broccoli for dogs (do’s and don’ ts)
- Do serve boiled or steamed broccoli in order to avoid any choking hazard.
- Don’t feed broccoli more than 10% of the total diet.
- Do get veterinarian recommendation before feeding any fruit or vegetable.
- Don’t give large and raw pieces of broccoli to the dog to eat.
- Do cut broccoli in small pieces to avoid digestive obstructions.
- Don’t feed broccoli to the little puppies.
How to give broccoli to the dogs?
Here are the steps to follow before giving broccoli to the dogs to eat:
- Wash the broccoli thoroughly before giving it to the dog to eat because there can be a lot of bacteria and pesticides on it straight from the grocery store.
- Boil or steam the broccoli before feeding it to your lovely pet.
- Remove the broccoli stem as it can be a choking hazard for the dog while swallowing.
- Observe the digestion routine of the dog after feeding the broccoli at least for 24 hours.
- The dose of broccoli should be less than 10% of the dog’s diet. More than that can be fatal for dogs.
Broccoli recipe for dogs:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Batch: 3 to 4 dozen
Ingredients:
Shredded cheese (1 cup)
Softened butter (1/2 cup)
Pureed frozen broccoli (14-ounce bag)
Milk (1/2 cup)
Whole wheat flour (2 ½ cups)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line it with a baking sheet and paper.
- Mix and stir all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Knead the dough.
- Make balls and flatten them.
- Use shot glass to make dog treat cookies.
- Place them in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Cooldown the dog treats in the refrigerator.
- Feed the feast to the dog.
Conclusion:
Feed healthy fruits and vegetables to your dog but never forget to discuss it with the vet beforehand. The majority of human foods are good for dogs but not all of them. Keep getting knowledge about the dog food in order to ensure a safe food plan for your dog.