Cauliflower is a healthy vegetable for humans, but can dogs eat cauliflower? And if so, what are the health benefits of cauliflower for dogs?
Cauliflower is a healthy vegetable for humans, and it turns out that dogs can benefit from eating cauliflower too! Cauliflower is a good source of fiber and vitamins, and it can help dogs with digestive issues.
The main risk of feeding dogs cauliflower is if they are allergic to it. If your dog has never eaten cauliflower before, start with a small amount to see how they tolerate it. The leaves and stem of the cauliflower are safe for dogs to eat as well. Let’s dive into it!
Health benefits of cauliflower for dogs
Cauliflower (like broccoli for dogs) is a low-calorie vegetable that is packed with nutrients. It is a good source of fiber, vitamins C, K, and B6, and folate. Fiber helps dogs with digestive issues and can also make them feel fuller so they eat less. Vitamins C and K are important for dogs’ immune systems, and vitamin B6 helps with metabolism.
How much cauliflower can dogs eat?
You can feed your dog cauliflower as part of a healthy diet. Start with a small amount to see how they tolerate it, and then increase the amount as needed.
Keep in mind that 90% of a dog’s diet by calories should be their usual food (such as their kibble), and only 10% should be “extras” – like treats, supplements, or cauliflower.
Risks of cauliflower for dogs
The main risk of feeding dogs cauliflower is if your pup is allergic to it, in which case it should be avoided all together.
Some dogs may also experience gas, bloating, or flatulence after eating cauliflower. If your dog has never eaten cauliflower before, start with a small amount to see how they tolerate it. Steaming the cauliflower before serving it to your dog can also help to reduce the chance of gas or bloating.
How to serve cauliflower to your dog
Cauliflower can be served cooked or raw. If you are feeding your dog raw cauliflower, make sure to wash it thoroughly first. You can also steam the cauliflower before serving it to your dog to help reduce the chance of gas or bloating.
Make sure not to serve your dog cauliflower that has been cooked with anything they shouldn’t have, such as excess salt and oil, garlic, or onions.
Some ideas for serving your dog cauliflower:
- Florets: Raw cauliflower florets can be a crunchy, healthy treat for your pup! To make it more enticing, try spreading a bit of peanut butter onto the cauliflower.
- Pureed: Steamed (or boiled) then pureed cauliflower is another fun way to serve cauliflower to your dog. Try spreading the cauliflower inside or a KONG or onto a lick mat to make it even more enriching.
- Leaves and Stems: Have some leaves and/or stems leftover after cooking? My dog Rhubarb loves to tear apart the leaves – talk about a cheap enrichment activity!
Cauliflower for dogs FAQ
You got questions? We got answers! Be sure to drop a comment below if we didn’t answer a question you have about serving your dog cauliflower.
Yes, dogs can eat cauliflower leaves and stems. The green parts of the cauliflower are safe and nutritious for dogs to eat in moderation.
Raw cauliflower is perfectly safe for dogs to eat, though it may cause mild gas and bloating.
Cauliflower rice is fine for dogs to eat. Just make sure it is plain and has no added salt, oil, garlic, or onion.
No, dogs should not eat cauliflower cheese because it contains dairy products, which can be hard for dogs to digest.
Cauliflower pizza can be safe for dogs to enjoy as long as it isn’t overloaded with ingredients that are dangerous to them, such as garlic and onions, or an excess of oil and salt.
