Can dogs eat broccoli? Here's what to know before feeding your pet the vegetable.
Unlike humans, dogs do not require fruits and vegetables in their daily diet. It is OK to feed your furry friend some of your favorite vegetables; however, not all vegetables are safe and healthy for your pet and could cause serious health problems.
According to the American Kennel Club, onions can be poisonous to your dog, with raw onion potentially leading to vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea. Mushrooms can be toxic for dogs, with poisonous mushrooms possibly being fatal.
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Can dogs eat broccoli?
According to the American Kennel Club, if eaten in small amounts, broccoli is safe for your dog to eat. Broccoli can be fed to dogs raw or cooked as long as it does not have any seasonings or oils on it.
Is Broccoli healthy for dogs?
According to pet food maker Purina, broccoli has vitamin C and fiber your dog needs but should already be getting from their regular balanced diet.
Too much of anything can be bad for you, and the same goes for your pet. According to the American Kennel Club, when feeding your dog broccoli you should stick to the 10% rule, meaning that no matter what breed or size your dog is, broccoli should make up less than 10% of their daily intake.
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Feeding your dog more than this can be harmful. Florets of broccoli contain isothiocyanates, a compound that can cause mild or severe gastric irritation in dogs, according to the American Kennel Club. Broccoli, especially the stems, can also be a choking hazard to dogs and even more so to small dogs. It is safe practice to cut the vegetable into small pieces before feeding to your pup. This also helps you to monitor how much broccoli your pet has eaten.
Additionally, when feeding your dog new food, it is important to monitor them. Every dog is different and may have a reaction to broccoli, according to the American Kennel Club.
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More: What human foods can dogs eat?
What vegetables can your dog eat?
According to the American Kennel Club here are vegetables that are safe for your pup to eat:
Brussels Sprouts
Carrots
Celery
Green beans
Peas
Spinach
What vegetables can’t your dog eat?
Asparagus
Mushrooms
Onions
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can dogs have broccoli? What you should know about the vegetable.
