Broccoli is a beneficial addition to the Well Dog Pantry. This nutritious vegetable is low in calories, high in vitamins, rich in fibre and a great source of potassium. As a functional ingredient it can support bone growth, a healthy digestive system and protect against inflammation – and much more.

Broccoli stalks

More often than not, broccoli florets are eaten and stalks find their way to the compost rather than the plate because they’re considered to be waste. The same goes for leaves: although broccoli, spring greens and kale are from the same family, broccoli leaves are seldom eaten. But the stalks and leaves are full of goodness: one study has already investigated the nutritional profiles of the different parts of the broccoli and ways of utilising broccoli ‘agrowaste’ for human consumption and in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.[1]

Cooking

Although boiling, microwaving and roasting are also options, research has shown that steaming broccoli appears to be the best cooking method for retaining the nutrients in broccoli[2]. In fact, one study suggests that steaming can actually increase antioxidant activity[3].

Broccoli stalks can be steamed along with the florets: just take off the very woody parts at the bottom and place them in the steamer (if you’re cooking along with the florets, put them in the basket a few minutes before the florets because they take a little longer). And I’d say they have even more ‘broccoli’ taste than the florets themselves.

As a treat

Lightly-steamed, still-crunchy stalks can be sliced and given to the dog as a healthy treat. Or the stalks can be included in a topping or a puree.

What’s not to like?

  • healthy
  • low in calories
  • no fat
  • mutrient-rich
  • and no waste!

Place in the steamer for around 10 minutes, allow to cool before you give them to your dog (and try not to eat them all yourself in the meantime!).

Sustainability

And if you’re interested in sustainability, one study suggested that the potential consumption (by humans) of broccoli stems and leaves would increase the yield of the global broccoli crop from 15 up to as much as 83%.[4]

 

References:
[1] Liu M, Zhang L, Ser SL, Cumming JR, Ku KM. Comparative Phytonutrient Analysis of Broccoli By-Products: The Potentials for Broccoli By-Product Utilization. Molecules. 2018 Apr 13;23(4):900. doi: 10.3390/molecules23040900. PMID: 29652847; PMCID: PMC6017511.
[2] Yuan GF, Sun B, Yuan J, Wang QM. Effects of different cooking methods on health-promoting compounds of broccoli. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2009 Aug;10(8):580-8. doi: 10.1631/jzus.B0920051. PMID: 19650196; PMCID: PMC2722699.
[3] Mahn A, Reyes A. An overview of health-promoting compounds of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) and the effect of processing. Food Sci Technol Int. 2012 Dec;18(6):503-14. doi: 10.1177/1082013211433073. PMID: 23175779.
[4] Liu M, Zhang L, Ser SL, Cumming JR, Ku KM. Comparative Phytonutrient Analysis of Broccoli By-Products: The Potentials for Broccoli By-Product Utilization. Molecules. 2018 Apr 13;23(4):900. doi: 10.3390/molecules23040900. PMID: 29652847; PMCID: PMC6017511.

 

Broccoli stalks, steamed and chopped to be given as treats

Broccoli stalks, steamed

 

Want to know more? These studies may be useful:

  • Costa-Pérez A, Moreno DA, Periago PM, García-Viguera C, Domínguez-Perles R. A New Food Ingredient Rich in Bioaccessible (Poly)Phenols (and Glucosinolates) Obtained from Stabilized Broccoli Stalks. Foods. 2022 Jun 14;11(12):1734. doi: 10.3390/foods11121734. PMID: 35741932; PMCID: PMC9222756.
  • Núñez-Gómez V, González-Barrio R, Baenas N, Moreno DA, Periago MJ. Dietary-Fibre-Rich Fractions Isolated from Broccoli Stalks as a Potential Functional Ingredient with Phenolic Compounds and Glucosinolates. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Nov 1;23(21):13309. doi: 10.3390/ijms232113309. PMID: 36362095; PMCID: PMC9656928.

 

Nutritional information:

Broccoli, stalks, raw: 100 g

Broccoli stalks nutrients table

For full nutrient content see Food Data Central

 

Important Considerations:

    • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
    • As some commercial foods contain broccoli as an ingredient, check the label to see whether it’s in your dog’s food before giving more. Excessive intake of any food can lead to adverse effects.
    • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
    • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as bloating.
    • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information that may be provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
    • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.