Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?

Broccoli is a nutrient-filled vegetable known for high amounts of vitamin K and calcium. A cool environment is suitable for the growth of this magical plant. Broccoli has a thick main stalk, broad leaves, and grows between 18 to 36 inches tall. They form multiple or single flower heads that are consumed prior to their blooming. In humans, it is considered a superfood due to the density of nutrients. If you enjoy an organic and all-natural lifestyle, you might be curious if the same nutritional value is translated to your dog. So, can dog food include broccoli?

The short answer is yes, but there are conditions and concerns about broccoli and dogs. First, we must address the cooked vs. raw debate.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Broccoli?

Feel free to hand your pooch a few stalks from your plate. Cooked broccoli is safer as the cooking process helps kill any bacteria that would likely harm the animal.

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Raw?

Dogs can also eat broccoli raw. In addition to vitamin K and calcium, it also has potassium. Vitamin K helps your dog develop rigorous and thick bones. It also serves as a growth aid. It is especially good for the dog when it is experiencing its first growth spurts.

However, since this broccoli is not cooked, it is easier for bacteria to linger on the vegetable and transfer to the dog, causing gastral complications.

Conditions to Be Followed

• The strict control of the portions. Unfortunately, as healthy as broccoli might be, it will never make up a major part of any canine’s diet. It can only play the part of a snack or treat that is under 10% of the dog’s caloric intake. This is because broccoli also has an element (isothiocyanate) that is toxic to dogs and in larger quantities will cause gastral anxiety in your mutt. This compound, along with other complex sugars, causes digestive stress resulting in flatulence, gastric upheaval, watery stool, and congestion.
• Comprehensive washing before feeding it raw. Since you do not have the assistance of heat to kill germs and bacteria, the risk of transferring harmful organisms to your dog is quite high. Similar to humans, bacteria such as Salmonella can be detrimental to your dog’s health. Dogs are more fortified against the bacteria than humans, but it can still cause severe symptoms. Some of the signs of Salmonella poisoning include:
• Indolence
• Elevated heartbeat
• Anorexia
• Dehydration
• Nausea
• Pyrexia

If you notice any of the above symptoms, especially when you have fed your dog raw broccoli, contact a vet as soon as possible.

• Serve in appropriate sizes. Broccoli stems have been known to pose a choking hazard, especially for smaller dogs and puppies. They can obstruct the esophagus and suffocate a dog, or damage the airway, making it painful or hard to breathe. For this reason, you must cut the broccoli into appropriate easily consumable sizes for your dog.

Alternatives

If you do not want to take the risk of causing harm to your dog, especially with raw vegetables, there are alternative products that provide the same nutrients at measured portions to ensure safety. Cornucopia Organic Vegetable Powder is one such product. Not only does this supplement contain organic, fresh, dried broccoli, but it also contains radishes. However, broccoli makes up 80% of the powder and the rest is radishes.

Just as broccoli in its raw form cannot be a meal for your dog, it is also meant as a supplemental nourishment to give your dog an edge. Dust their food with this superfood to enhance both their immune and respiratory systems, prevent inflammation, and strengthen their bones. This powder is actually better than traditional broccoli as it contains more beta-carotene than fully-grown and freshly picked plants.

On top of being healthy and safe for your dog, they also do not use chemicals and preservatives in their products. Particularly if you live a fully or partially organic lifestyle and would love your pet to reap the same advantages of a healthy, all-natural diet, Cornucopia is your best bet.

You can rest easy knowing this was developed by one of the most experienced experts at Cornucopia Organic Pet Foods. Having been in pet healthcare for over 50 years, this product carries with it lessons accrued over a very long period and passes on that value to your dog. Contact us to order yours!