Can Frenchies eat broccoli?
This vegetable contains minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that boost our health, but is it safe for dogs too?
Are you tempted to pass the tangy taste of broccoli to your fur baby?
This article will give you all the information on Frenchies and broccoli.
Read on
Can Frenchies eat broccoli?
Yes, dogs can safely eat broccoli as it is rich in fiber, vitamin A, and K, which promote digestion, skin health, and blood clotting.
Frenchies can enjoy it raw or cooked.
Nutritional Facts of Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, essential for healthy skin, protection from infections, and blood clotting.
The high fiber content of broccoli adds bulk to stool, thus ensuring regular bowel movement and lowering the risks of constipation.
Broccoli has antioxidants like sulforaphane that lowers the effects of inflammation.
What are the benefits of broccoli for Frenchies?
Rich in fiber
Broccoli is an excellent source of fiber that boosts bowel health, thus ensuring regular bowel movements and lowering the probability of stomach upsets.
In addition, fiber makes dogs feel full from eating less, thus lowering the risks of obesity, a recipe for heart problems and high blood pressure.
A powerhouse of vitamins
Broccoli is rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
Vitamin A gives your Frenchie smooth skin and a shiny coat, while vitamin C is responsible for improved immunity.
On the other hand, vitamin K aids in the blood clotting process, ensuring fast wound healing for your Frenchie.
Rich in minerals
Broccoli contains sodium, potassium, chromium, and magnesium.
Sodium and potassium are responsible for the proper balance of minerals and water, regulating fluid balance, lowering blood pressure and stroke risks.
On the other hand, chromium and magnesium aid in the breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins and the maintenance of thick bones
Contains antioxidants
Broccoli is rich in sulforaphane, an anti-inflammatory agent against cancer, internal bleeding, tissue and DNA damage, and respiratory problems.
Inflammation can also affect the joints, especially in senior dogs, and sulforaphane comes in handy.
The symptoms of inflammation include lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Low fat and caloric content
Broccoli is a low-calorie vegetable suitable for weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight for dogs.
As a result, it lowers the risks of heart problems and diabetes.
Moreover, the low-fat content in broccoli ensures the pancreas is not under pressure, thus reducing the probability of pancreatitis.
What are the harms of broccoli to dogs?
Harmful chemicals
Plants of the cruciferous family, including broccoli, have a chemical known as isothiocyanate, which causes gastrointestinal upsets if consumed in large amounts.
The daily intake should not exceed 10%. Consequently, exceeding this daily intake can be fatal.
Choking hazard
Broccoli stalks are hard to chew on hence obstructing the digestive tract, especially in puppies.
To lower the risks of choking, cut the broccoli into bite-size pieces and monitor your Frenchie as he eats.
Harmful bacteria
Raw broccoli can have bacteria like salmonella.
When serving raw broccoli, ensure you wash them thoroughly to remove the disease-causing bacteria.
What is Isothiocyanate?
Isothiocyanate is a chemical found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.
Consuming it in large amounts is harmful.
The symptoms of isothiocyanate poisoning include bloating, nausea, gas, and diarrhea.
Can isothiocyanate kill dogs?
Yes, consuming large amounts can be fatal.
Ingestion in small amounts is not toxic.
However, amounts exceeding 25% cause gastrointestinal problems, and frequent overdose leads to accumulation which can cause death.
Which Broccoli Parts and Recipe Can or Can’t Frenchies Eat safely?
Raw broccoli
Raw broccoli is a refreshing salad for your Frenchie.
You should wash the broccoli thoroughly before serving to remove bacteria that cause diseases.
Cut the broccoli into bite-size chewable pieces.
Broccoli Stems
Broccoli stems contain fewer isothiocyanates.
However, you should not give broccoli stems to your dog as they pose a choking hazard and can cause an obstruction, leading to death.
Cooked Broccoli
Frenchies can safely enjoy cooked broccoli as it contains essential vitamins and minerals.
In addition, cooking softens the broccoli making chewing and digestion easier and lowering the choking risks.
Broccoli Stalks
Broccoli stalks are nutritious for dogs.
But you should cut it into smaller pieces as they are fibrous hence a choking hazard.
Steam or roast the stalks to make them soft
Broccoli Rabe
Your Frenchie can enjoy broccoli rabe cooked or raw.
However, it should not be a regular treat as the florets contain isothiocyanate, which is toxic if ingested in large portions.
Chinese Broccoli
Although rich in fiber, Chinese broccoli contains oxalic acids that cannot easily break down.
High levels of oxalic acid lead to low calcium and consequently bone problems.
Broccoli Florets
Broccoli florets are rich in vitamin A, but you should give sparingly.
This is because there is a high concentration of isothiocyanates in the florets.
Frequent intake results in gastrointestinal problems
Boiled broccoli
Boiled broccoli is safe for dogs.
Boiling removes bacteria and softens the broccoli, thus lowering the probability of choking, stomach upsets, and obstruction.
You can steam it to retain more nutrients.
Spicy broccoli
Spicy broccoli is tasty and addictive.
However, dogs should not feed on it as it contains artificial additives and oils, which are harmful.
Spices cause allergic reactions like continuous sneezing.
Spicy sprouts
Plain sprouts are healthy for dogs.
However, you should not serve spicy sprouts as most spices cause allergic reactions in dogs.
Some spices like onions and garlic are highly toxic.
How do you give broccoli to dogs?
- Go for organic broccoli.
- Wash the broccoli thoroughly to remove bacteria
- Cut into small bite-size pieces
- Serve raw
- Steam the broccoli
- Mix with fruits or other vegetables to make a salad
- Roasts the broccoli
- Serve pureed broccoli
- Add to kibble
- Freeze the broccoli to get a hard chew for dental health
Easy and Fun Broccoli Recipe for Frenchies
Cheese broccoli biscuits recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- ½ cup butter
- 14 ounces frozen broccoli florets
- ½ cup milk
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
Procedure
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line with a baking sheet and paper
- Mix the cheese, butter, and broccoli
- Add the milk
- Add the baking flour and knead until soft
- Roll on a flat space to make small balls
- Using a shot glass, carve the balls
- Place the balls onto the baking sheet
- Bake for 30 minutes
- Serve at room temperature or refrigerate to make summer treats.
What else Can Frenchies eat Together with Broccoli?
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is rich in vitamins C and K, which promote immunity and blood clotting.
Moreover, it has potassium and calcium, essential for developing strong bones.
In addition, cauliflower has folic acid for breaking down amino acids, while fiber promotes digestion.
Lastly, choline in cauliflower is responsible for detoxifying the liver.
Rice
Rice comes in handy for dogs with diarrhea.
It has fewer calories and no fat, thus an excellent choice for obese dogs.
Rice is also an excellent source of carbohydrates for energy production.
Furthermore, rice contains calcium and phosphorus for bone and joint health.
Vitamin D in rice boosts immunity and promotes calcium absorption.
Potatoes
Potatoes are safe for dogs as they are rich in fiber that promotes bowel health.
In addition, potatoes have vitamins B3, B6, and C necessary for cognitive functions, weight management, and improved immunity.
Moreover, they have potassium and iron for joint health and proper blood flow.
Antioxidants like polyphenols protect against inflammation.
Zucchini
Dogs can safely enjoy zucchini raw or cooked.
This vegetable is rich in antioxidants like carotenoids that protect from oxidative stress, which causes diseases like cancer.
They also contain high fiber and water content for bowel health and detoxification.
Furthermore, zucchini is low in calories hence great for weight loss.
How much broccoli can a Frenchie eat?
How much broccoli a Frenchie can eat depends on the dog’s weight.
The following table guides on the daily portions
| Weight | Amount |
| 3-12 pounds | ⅛ cup |
| 12-20 pounds | ½ cup |
| 20-55 pounds | ¾ cup |
| 55-100 pounds | 1 cup |
| 100 pounds and above | 2 cups |
Can Frenchies eat broccoli while sick?
Yes, broccoli protects from further infections as the immunity of sick dogs is low.
Cut into small pieces or steam to make it easy for your sick baby to digest
Can Frenchies with kidney disease eat broccoli?
Yes, Frenchies with kidney disease can eat broccoli as it is low protein.
Broccoli also lowers your dog’s risks of getting other infections by boosting the already low immunity.
Can eating broccoli help Frenchies with diarrhea?
Yes, broccoli is rich in fiber which adds bulk to the stool, thus making the stool more firm.
However, dogs should eat in moderation as too much fiber causes diarrhea.
Can diabetic dogs eat broccoli?
Yes, diabetic dogs can eat broccoli without sugar, escalating the existing problem.
Broccoli also promotes immunity, ensuring that your dog’s compromised immunity levels get raised.
Can puppies eat broccoli?
Yes, puppies can eat broccoli.
However, you should give sparingly as their digestive systems are not fully developed.
Cut into tiny pieces and monitor your puppy as he eats it.
Can old Frenchies eat broccoli?
Yes, broccoli is safe for senior Frenchies as it contains calcium and phosphorus, which boosts bone and joint health.
Senior dogs are prone to joint problems; hence broccoli is essential.
Can eating broccoli affect Frenchies’ mood?
Yes, broccoli is rich in stress-fighting B vitamins, selenium, and folic acids.
These nutrients relieve stress and give your dog a feeling of calmness.
Serve raw for maximum mood-boosting benefits.
Final Thoughts: Is Broccoli Right for Frenchies?
So can Frenchies eat broccoli?
Broccoli is not only tasty, but it contains healthy nutrients that contribute to the overall growth of your fur baby.
It is an excellent choice for Frenchies as it contains nutrients like dietary fiber, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium essential for bowel, bone, joint, and heart health.
Though safe for dogs, this delicacy contains a chemical called isothiocyanate which causes gastrointestinal problems if taken in large quantities.
So you should serve sparingly to lower the risks of its adverse effects on your Frenchie.
Be sure to get the vet’s consent before introducing broccoli to your dog’s diet.