Can Dogs Eat Broccoli? Yes, in moderation: Safe Amount by Weight

In moderation

Yes, in moderation

dogs can eat plain broccoli in small amounts. It is low in calories and high in fiber, but the florets contain isothiocyanates, which can irritate the stomach if your dog eats a lot.

Broccoli for dogs at a glance

Can dogs eat it?	In moderation
Calories	About 4 kcal per small broccoli floret
Main benefit	Fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K
Main risk	Isothiocyanates in florets can cause gas and stomach irritation in large amounts
Puppies?	In tiny amounts once on solid food; puppies have sensitive stomachs

How much broccoli can a dog eat?

Vets recommend keeping all treats under 10% of daily calories. One small broccoli floret has about 4 kcal. The chart shows the most a typical spayed or neutered adult dog could have in a day if broccoli were the only treat.

Dog weight	Daily treat budget	Max broccoli per day
10 lb (4.5 kg)	35 kcal	8.5 × small broccoli floret
20 lb (9.1 kg)	59 kcal	14 × small broccoli floret
40 lb (18.1 kg)	98 kcal	24 × small broccoli floret
60 lb (27.2 kg)	133 kcal	33 × small broccoli floret
80 lb (36.3 kg)	166 kcal	41 × small broccoli floret

Benefits and risks

Benefits

Fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K
Very low in calories and fat
Crunchy raw or soft when steamed

Risks

Isothiocyanates in florets can cause gas and stomach irritation in large amounts
Stalks can cause choking if not cut small
Seasonings like garlic, onion or butter are unsafe

How to feed broccoli to your dog

Serve plain, raw or steamed
Cut into small bite-size pieces
Keep broccoli to a small share of the daily treat allowance

What if my dog ate too much broccoli?

Eating more than the recommended amount usually causes nothing worse than an upset stomach: soft stool, gas or vomiting. Skip treats for the rest of the day, keep fresh water available and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours or your dog seems unwell.

Planning treats? Check your dog's full daily needs with the dog food calculator or dog calorie calculator.

Broccoli and dogs: FAQ

Can dogs have broccoli?

Yes, dogs can eat plain broccoli in small amounts. It is low in calories and high in fiber, but the florets contain isothiocyanates, which can irritate the stomach if your dog eats a lot.

Is cooked or raw broccoli better for dogs?

Both are fine. Steamed broccoli is softer and easier to digest; raw broccoli adds crunch. Never add seasoning.

Can dogs eat broccoli stems?

Yes, but cut them into small pieces. Large stalk chunks can lodge in the throat.

Why does my dog have gas after broccoli?

Broccoli is high in fiber and sulfur compounds that cause gas. Reduce the amount.

Can puppies eat broccoli?

Yes, in very small amounts once they are eating solid food. Puppies have sensitive stomachs, so offer a tiny piece and stop if you see loose stool. Most of their calories should come from a complete puppy food.

More "can dogs eat" guides

Browse lists: all vegetables dogs can eat · human foods dogs can eat · foods dogs can't eat

Sources

This guide is general information for healthy adult dogs. Dogs with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?