Is broccoli safe for dogs?

Isothiocyanates give broccoli its slightly bitter edge. In small amounts they are harmless, but a big bowl can cause gas, vomiting or diarrhea. Keeping broccoli to a few florets at a time avoids this. For a 15 kg (33 lb) dog, two or three small florets is enough.

Broccoli has about 34 calories per 100 g, so it is a light treat.

As a simple rule, broccoli should be a garnish in your dog's day rather than a side dish. A large bowl of leftover florets is best kept in the fridge for your own meals.

The stalk is fibrous and firm. Dogs who bolt their food can choke on thick chunks, and small dogs are especially at risk. Slice the stalk into thin coins or skip it entirely. Florets can be broken into small pieces for toy breeds.

Plain steamed broccoli is the gentlest option. Raw florets are fine for most dogs but can cause more gas. Avoid broccoli cooked with garlic, cheese sauce, butter or salt, and broccoli in stir-fries, which usually contain onion and soy sauce.

Frozen broccoli florets are fine once thawed and plain. Check that the bag does not include a butter or cheese sauce sachet, which some frozen vegetable packs contain.

Broccolini, tenderstem and purple sprouting broccoli are treated the same way. Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage belong to the same plant family and cause similar gas in large amounts.