Can dogs eat broccoli? Yes. Plain broccoli, raw or lightly steamed and cut into small pieces, is a crunchy, low-calorie snack most dogs can enjoy. The catch is quantity: broccoli florets contain natural compounds that can upset the stomach in large amounts, and the gas is real. Here’s how much to share, raw versus cooked, and what to do with the stems.
Yes, as a small treat. Offer plain, bite-size florets or chopped stems, raw or steamed, with no butter, oil, cheese, garlic or seasoning. Keep it to a few pieces, well under 10% of what your dog eats in a day. Big portions can cause gas, vomiting or diarrhea.
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Is Broccoli Good for Dogs?
In small amounts, broccoli is one of the better human-food snacks. It’s about 89% water, very low in calories and fat, and has fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium. For dogs who need to lose weight, a few florets can replace a higher-calorie biscuit.
There is one trade-off. Broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates, natural compounds found in cruciferous vegetables. In small amounts they’re harmless, but in larger amounts they can irritate the stomach. The AKC cites veterinary guidance that broccoli is considered safe when it makes up less than 10% of a dog’s daily intake, while more than 25% is considered toxic.
Here’s how the common forms compare, per 100 grams, from USDA FoodData Central:
| Per 100 g | Calories | Fiber | Vitamin C | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw florets | 34 kcal | 2.6 g | 89 mg | Crunchy snack for dogs who chew well |
| Steamed or boiled, plain | 35 kcal | 3.3 g | 65 mg | Easier to digest; good for seniors and puppies |
| Frozen, cooked plain | 28 kcal | 3.0 g | 40 mg | Handy and budget-friendly |
| For comparison: carrots, raw | 41 kcal | 2.8 g | 6 mg | Gentler on the gut, less gas |
USDA FoodData Central values, rounded. Cooking lowers vitamin C a little but makes broccoli softer and easier on the stomach.
How Much Broccoli Can a Dog Have?
Calories aren’t the limit with broccoli; your dog’s stomach is. One small, bite-size floret weighs about 8 to 10 grams and has only about 3 calories. The table keeps portions well under the 10% line and leaves room for other treats:
| Dog’s Weight | Small Florets per Day (max) | Roughly | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 1-2 | 1 tablespoon chopped | 3-6 kcal |
| 25 lb (11 kg) | 2-4 | 2-3 tablespoons | 6-12 kcal |
| 50 lb (23 kg) | 4-6 | about 1/4 cup | 12-18 kcal |
| 75 lb (34 kg) | 6-8 | about 1/3 cup | 18-24 kcal |
| 100 lb (45 kg) | 8-10 | about 1/2 cup | 24-30 kcal |
Our estimates for healthy adult dogs. Start with one or two pieces the first time, and keep broccoli an occasional snack rather than a daily side dish. The WSAVA treat guide recommends keeping all treats under about 10% of daily calories.
Raw vs. Cooked Broccoli: Which Is Better?
Both are fine. Can dogs have raw broccoli? Yes, if the pieces are small and your dog chews them. Raw florets are crunchy and fun, but they’re tougher to digest and more likely to cause gas. Plain steamed broccoli is softer, gentler on sensitive stomachs, and better for puppies and seniors.
What matters more is what goes on it. Broccoli for dogs should be cooked with water only. Butter, oil, cheese sauce, salt, garlic and onion all turn a healthy snack into a problem.
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Stems?
Yes, but cut them carefully. The stalk is fibrous and dense, and a large chunk can get stuck in the throat or esophagus. PetMD notes this is a particular choking risk for small dogs and fast eaters.
- Peel the tough outer skin.
- Slice thin or dice small, no bigger than a fingernail for small dogs.
- Steam until soft for dogs that gulp their food.
How to Prepare and Serve Broccoli
- Wash well to remove dirt and any pesticide residue.
- Cut into small florets, and peel and dice the stem.
- Steam or boil plain for 3-5 minutes if you want it soft, then cool.
- Serve a few pieces as a treat, or chop and mix into the regular meal.
Serving ideas
- Food topper: a spoonful of chopped steamed broccoli over kibble.
- Veggie mix: combine with carrots or cucumber for a crunchy snack plate, keeping the total small.
- Frozen bites: steamed florets frozen in a little low-sodium broth make a summer treat. See our bone broth for dogs guide for a dog-safe broth.
Broccoli Dishes to Keep From Dogs
| Dish | Why to Skip It |
|---|---|
| Broccoli cheddar soup | Rich in fat, salt and dairy; often has onion and garlic |
| Broccoli and cheese casserole | Fatty cheese and creamy sauce can trigger an upset stomach or pancreatitis |
| Stir-fried or roasted with garlic | Garlic and onion damage red blood cells in dogs |
| Buttered or seasoned broccoli | Extra fat and salt |
A small piece of plain cheese is not dangerous for most dogs, but broccoli smothered in cheese sauce is a rich, fatty dish best kept off the menu.
Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts and Other Cousins
Broccoli belongs to the cabbage family, and the same “small portions, plain, cut small” rule applies to its relatives. Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and broccolini are all safe for most dogs in small amounts, and all can cause gas. Broccoli sprouts are fine as a tiny topping. Introduce one new vegetable at a time so you know which one your dog tolerates.
Gas, Puppies and Dogs With Health Conditions
Does broccoli make dogs fart?
It can. The fiber and sulfur-containing compounds in cruciferous vegetables are fermented in the gut. Smaller portions and steaming usually help.
Can puppies eat broccoli?
Yes, a tiny amount of soft, steamed, finely chopped broccoli is fine once your puppy eats solid food. Keep pieces very small, and let puppy food stay almost all of the diet.
Sensitive stomachs, pancreatitis and diarrhea
Plain broccoli is low in fat, but its fiber and gas can bother a sensitive gut. Skip it during a bout of diarrhea, and check our dog upset stomach guide.
Kidney disease, diabetes and other conditions
Broccoli is low in sugar, so it often fits better than fruit for dogs watching their weight or blood sugar. Dogs on prescription diets, including kidney diets, should only get extras their vet approves.
Raw or cooked broccoli? Both are fine; lightly steamed is easier on sensitive stomachs and less gassy.
How much is too much? Keep it to a few small pieces. Large amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea and lots of gas.
Are broccoli stems safe? Yes, if they're peeled and cut small. Big chunks can be a choking risk, especially for small dogs.
— Dr. Sarah Miller, DVM
Broccoli for Dogs: Quick Serving Guide
✓ Do
- Serve plain, raw or steamed
- Cut florets and stems small
- Keep it to a few pieces
- Start slowly to limit gas
✕ Don’t
- Add butter, oil, salt or garlic
- Share broccoli cheddar soup or casseroles
- Give big, whole stems
- Make it a large part of the meal
Every dog is different. Dogs with a sensitive stomach or a prescription diet should get their vet’s okay first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat broccoli every day?
A couple of small pieces a day is fine for many dogs, but it’s better as an occasional snack. Daily large portions raise the risk of gas and stomach upset.
Can dogs eat frozen broccoli?
Yes. Plain frozen broccoli, cooked and cooled, works well. Frozen raw pieces are hard, so thaw or soften them for small dogs and fast eaters.
Can dogs eat broccoli and cauliflower together?
Yes, both are safe plain and in small pieces. Count them together toward the same small portion, since both can cause gas.
Can dogs be allergic to broccoli?
It’s rare, but possible. Stop feeding it if you see itching, hives, vomiting or diarrhea after a new food, and talk to your vet.
Is broccoli good for dogs with diarrhea?
No. Its fiber can make loose stools worse. Wait until your dog is back to normal, and call your vet if diarrhea lasts more than a day or two.
Can dogs eat broccoli leaves?
Yes, plain broccoli leaves are safe in small amounts. Chop them and serve them the same way as florets.
Wondering about other foods? Our A-Z guide to what dogs can eat sorts them into safe, moderation and avoid.
The Bottom Line
Can dogs eat broccoli? Yes, as a plain, low-calorie snack in small, bite-size pieces. Raw and steamed both work, stems need to be peeled and diced, and portions should stay small to avoid gas and stomach upset. Skip anything with butter, cheese sauce, garlic or onion. For more veggie ideas, see our celery and sweet potato guides, or browse all our Can Dogs Eat? articles. This article is general information, not veterinary advice; see our Veterinary Disclaimer.
References & Sources
Written by CPD Nutrition Desk using the sources below. We are not affiliated with these organizations, and this guide is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
- American Kennel Club (AKC) — Can dogs eat broccoli
- USDA — USDA FoodData Central
- WSAVA — WSAVA treat guide
- PetMD — Can dogs eat broccoli