Are you wondering what your cavy friend likes to eat? Do you want them to eat healthily? If yes, then broccoli is one food that comes to mind. Although a spoilt kid might hate broccoli, you know that it is beneficial for them. So, does it apply to your pet rodent, as well? Can dogs eat broccoli?
Well, we have got the answer! Yes, dogs can eat broccoli, that’s certain. However, the answer, either yes or no, is not enough. After all, humans and dogs are different animals with different needs. So, you need to delve into the details and find out more about broccoli and what it does for the rodent.
You should know what broccoli is and what is in it. Also, you must be aware of the dos and don’ts of feeding broccoli to a dog. To do all that, you don’t have to go anywhere. Just sit back and read the whole thing. We just the guide for you covering every aspect of having broccoli in your dog’s diet.
What is a broccoli
Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, members of which include cabbage, kale, and brussels sprouts. Broccoli is a large flowering head attached to a stem (it looks more like a scaled-down tree).
The plant is an impressive source of energy and nutrients. Moreover, it is low-carb and contains almost no amount of fat. There are several types of this plant. The most common one, that you are most likely to find, is the Calabrese broccoli, named after the region of its origin.
What is in a broccoli
Broccoli is a rich source of nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. On average, broccoli contains more amount of Vitamin C than an entire orange. Vitamin C helps the body to prevent numerous diseases and keeps the rodent healthy. Besides, broccoli contains Vitamin B, Vitamin K, and other nutrients to keep the rodent fit and energetic.
Also, the plant contains minerals, such as phosphorous and calcium, that play an important role in the composition of bones and teeth. Moreover, the molecules help the rodent’s body in repairing and self-healing. Also, broccoli contains a good amount of potassium, thus, helping in healing tissues and maintaining the body fluid levels.
Along with all the nutrients, broccoli contains just the required amount of fibers. So, broccoli can help in controlling blood glucose levels and also, with digestion problems. Then, there is selenium, an antioxidant that keeps the cell from destroying itself.
Furthermore, scientists at John Hopkins University discovered that broccoli contains some anticancer compounds. Although they were unsuccessful in making a pill out of it, broccoli as food is still your best bet in preventing and fighting cancer.
Can your dog eat broccoli
?So, can your cavy friend eat broccoli? Yes, broccoli makes for a great meal in a dog’s diet. The plant is a superfood containing several nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anticancer compounds. All these are beneficial for your little rodent friend and yourself, as well.
dogs can eat the stem, the leaves, and the flowers, of the broccoli, and they will enjoy the meal, too! However, you have to cautious about how much broccoli you give them. After all, an excess of even good things can be harmful. After all, you want your buddy to live long and healthy, don’t you?
How to serve broccoli to your dog
To get the best out of food, it is crucial to eat it the right way. So, for feeding broccoli to your pet dog, first, rinse the plant thoroughly. There is a good chance that it contains deadly pesticides and insecticides. Wash the broccoli well to get rid of them.
Unlike us humans, dogs have no trouble nibbling raw broccoli. So, you do not have to cook it for the cavies. Moreover, heating can diminish all the good stuff in broccoli. So, it is best to serve raw plants to rodents.
When it’s lunch or dinner time, chop the stem and the flowerhead into fine pieces, and then, put the meal in front of the dog. Sounds pretty straightforward, right? That is all you have to do. Just make sure that everything is clean though.
How much broccoli is enough for the dogs
Moderation is the secret ingredient behind the benefits of any nutritious food, and so is the case with broccoli. Although it is a super-rich nutrient and low-carb food, you should not feed it too much and too often. After all, there is a limit to the nutrients the little guy can take.
When it comes to the serving size, a tablespoon of broccoli or you could say half of the plant, is enough for the little rodents. Although you can give the said quantity daily, you might want to take things slow. Otherwise, too much broccoli can upset the dog’s tummy. So, start with smaller portions and feed the cavy not more than 2 to 3 times a week.
Tip: You can feed stem for one meal and leave the florets for the next day. In this way, you will not be boring your pet with the same food. Also, the dog would love to have different options for dinner.
Why you should feed broccoli to your dog
Are you familiar with the phrase, “you are what you eat?” Well, you can say that dogs are also what they consume. If you feed them healthy, then that’s what they will be, strong and energetic. The digestive systems of the dogs are quite sensitive. So, the fibrous broccoli serves them well.
Moreover, broccoli contains an impressive list of nutrients that are essential for maintaining body functions and keeping your pet healthy. Also, broccoli can help in preventing diseases. An example is that of scurvy, which occurs in dogs due to the scarcity of Vitamin C. Broccoli contains a more than decent amount of vitamins, and thus, it is your front-runner to prevent scurvy.
Risks of feeding broccoli to your dog
Although broccoli is an excellent meal, there is a flip side to serving broccoli to your little buddy. However, you should be concerned only if you have overfed your pet. Otherwise, broccoli will not harm the body. Here are the risks associated with broccoli in your pet’s diet.
- Broccoli contains calcium, phosphorous, and oxalates. So, too much broccoli can result in the formation of kidney stones.
- Overconsumption of the plant can result in stomach problems, such as diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain.
Keeping these risks in mind, observe the behavior of your pet. Then, adjust the diet accordingly. If the condition worsens, then waste no time in getting to a vet.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, yes, dogs can eat broccoli. Plus, it falls on the good side of the foods, providing your cavy friends with vitamins, minerals, and fibers. Although children (also adults) are not a fan of the plant, dogs will savor a broccoli dinner. Make sure you wash them well and chop them into fine pieces. If you want your pet to live long and well, then healthy eating is the key. Perhaps, you should start eating broccoli, too.