If you’re looking for healthy foods to add to your dog’s diet, you may be wondering whether dogs can eat broccoli. There are many vegetables that are perfectly healthy for dogs to eat, and broccoli is certainly one of them. But, just like anything else, it is important to give dogs broccoli in moderation. Broccoli is good for dogs and offer many health benefits, but pups don’t need to eat as many vegetables as humans do.
Like anything else in life, too much of a good thing can sometimes be bad. While dogs do need these vital nutrients, be sure to give your dog this food in small amounts. Read on to learn more about why you should start giving your dog broccoli.
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Health Benefits of Broccoli For Dogs
Do you know why broccoli is part of a healthy diet? Because it is absolutely loaded with nutrients that our bodies need. Dogs need these nutrients as well, and broccoli has more vitamins and minerals than most other greens. In fact, broccoli is actually considered a super-food and it is:
- Rich in vitamins A, C, and K
- Rich in folate
- Rich in manganese
- Rich in fiber
- Low in fat and calories
- Rich in antioxidants
- Rich with nutrients for the teeth
- Rich in bioflavonoids
Another benefit of giving your dog broccoli is the fact that it is inexpensive. You can give your dog a healthy treat every day without having to spend a fortune on it.
Too Much Broccoli Can Be Bad
If you are going to add broccoli to your dog’s diet, it is recommended that it be no more than 10 percent of their daily dietary intake. Yes, broccoli is healthy for dogs, but too much of it can be toxic. Obviously, large dogs can eat more than small dogs, so 10 percent can mean different things for various dogs. You will need to go by your dog’s current diet, and introduce broccoli in small amounts until it is about 10 percent of your dog’s daily diet.
Be Aware of A Choking Hazard
Broccoli can be difficult for dogs to chew, particularly smaller dogs. In fact, if you give a dog a piece of broccoli that is too large, it could pose a choking hazard. The stalks can create an obstruction within the esophagus. Make sure that you cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces before you give it to your dog, just to be on the safe side. It is always best to start out with a small amount anyway, just in case your dog happens to have an allergy.
How To Prepare Broccoli For Your Dog
Dogs can eat broccoli both raw and cooked. If you are planning on giving your dog cooked broccoli, remember that they don’t need the salt, pepper, butter, or other seasonings. Just give them the broccoli plain. You can cook it in many ways, including boiled, baked, and broiled.
Just make sure that no matter how you prepare it, that you only give your dog broccoli in small amounts. Watch for any signs of nausea, vomiting, gas, and diarrhea. If you notice any of these things, your dog probably isn’t able to digest broccoli well, and you should stop giving it to them.
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Broccoli in Moderation
As a responsible pet owner, you want to make sure that you are giving your dog the healthiest foods possible. As long as it is given in moderation, broccoli is a wonderful addition to most doggy diets. It is loaded with healthy nutrients that everyone, including dogs, need and most dogs really love the taste. Broccoli is one of many vegetables that can be a healthy part of your dog’s diet.
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