Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?

Yes, dogs can eat broccoli in small amounts. Plain broccoli, raw or lightly steamed and cut into bite-size pieces, is a low-calorie, high-fiber treat for most adult dogs.^1,2 Keep portions small: broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates, which can irritate the stomach, and broccoli often causes gas.^1,2 Cut stalks into small pieces, because large chunks can get stuck in the esophagus, especially in small dogs, and skip broccoli cooked with garlic, onion, butter, oil or cheese sauce.^1,2,3

Broccoli Nutrition for Dogs

Broccoli is low in calories and fat and provides fiber, vitamin K, folate, potassium and vitamin C.^4,1 Dogs make their own vitamin C, so they don't need broccoli for it.⁵

Calculated from USDA FoodData Central values for raw and boiled broccoli.^4,6 Piece weight is our estimate.

How Much Broccoli Can a Dog Eat?

A healthy adult dog's treats, including fruit, should be no more than about 10 percent of daily calories.^7,8 Using the Merck Veterinary Manual's energy formula for a neutered adult, that works out to roughly 35 calories of treats a day for a 10-pound dog, 59 for a 20-pound dog, 98 for a 40-pound dog, 150 for a 70-pound dog and 196 for a 100-pound dog.⁹ Your dog's real needs depend on age, activity and body condition. Broccoli is so low in calories that gas, stomach upset and piece size are the real limits. PetMD's suggested amounts are below.²

A handful is our estimate of about 1/4 cup chopped.

What about the "10 percent" and "25 percent" broccoli rule?

You may read that broccoli is safe if it's less than 10 percent of a dog's daily intake and toxic above 25 percent. Those figures come from one veterinarian, the AKC's chief veterinary officer, quoted on the AKC's broccoli page.¹ We couldn't find a study or toxicology source behind them, and they don't say whether they mean calories or food weight. Treat them as one vet's rough guide, not a measured safe dose. The small servings above stay far below either figure.

How to Serve Broccoli to Your Dog

• Wash it and cut florets into bite-size pieces. Start with one or two pieces the first time.^1,2
• Raw or briefly steamed keeps the most nutrients. Serve it plain and not too hot.²
• Cut stalks very small, or leave them out.^1,2
• Blend a little with dog-safe fruit and plain, unsweetened, xylitol-free yogurt, and serve on food or freeze in a rubber enrichment toy.^2,10

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Stems and Stalks?

Stalks aren't toxic, but they're tough and fibrous. The AKC's chief vet warns that broccoli stalks can cause an esophageal obstruction, especially in small dogs, and PetMD notes they can cause choking or an intestinal blockage.^1,2 If you share stalks, cut them into very small pieces and supervise. If your dog is gagging, drooling or seems to have something stuck, call your vet right away. See dog choking.

Does Broccoli Give Dogs Gas?

Yes, it can. The fiber and isothiocyanates in broccoli can cause gas and an upset stomach, especially if your dog eats more than a few pieces or isn't used to it.^2,1 Cut back if your dog gets gassy or has loose stools.

Risks and When to Skip Broccoli

• Stomach irritation: isothiocyanates can cause mild to more serious stomach upset in some dogs.¹
• Seasoned broccoli: skip broccoli cooked with garlic or onion, which are toxic to dogs, and dishes with butter, oil, salt or cheese sauce.^2,3
• Intolerance and allergy: vomiting or diarrhea after a first taste usually means intolerance. Skin rashes or ear problems after repeated feeding could point to an allergy.²

Can Puppies Eat Broccoli?

PetMD advises that puppies avoid broccoli because their digestive systems are still developing and the fiber could upset them.² That's stricter than its advice for most other vegetables, so ask your vet if you'd like to offer a tiny piece to an older puppy.

Is Broccoli Good for Dogs?

It's a low-calorie, low-fat treat with fiber and vitamins. You may read that broccoli helps prevent cancer in dogs, but no study has tested that. The only dog study we found gave a concentrated broccoli sprout supplement to 10 healthy dogs and measured how the compound was absorbed, not whether it prevented disease.¹¹

When to Call the Vet

Call your vet if your dog has a poor appetite, seems tired or uncomfortable, or keeps licking his lips or gulping after eating it. Get care right away for repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, blood in vomit or stool, weakness or collapse.² Call right away if your dog seems to be choking on a piece of stalk, or ate broccoli cooked with garlic or onion.^1,3

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