FoodFact: Can Pet Dogs or Cats Eat Cauliflower and Broccoli?

Some of you are already making faces! But Cauliflower is the most common vegetable cooked on a regular basis in Indian households. Gobhi Pakodas, Gobhi Paratha or the plain old sabzi… a common Indian man cannot take cauliflower out of his life. We love to hate this vegetable but it has its own nutritional values. It’s absolutely healthy! And, what about Cauliflower’s cousin who went abroad, Broccoli? Yes, we all love it in our pasta and fancy salads but not everybody enjoys its raw taste. But both these veggies are a must in your meals if you want to stay fit and healthy. But should you be sharing Cauliflower and Broccoli with your pet?

Yes! It’s absolutely safe to feed it to your furry friends. It’s not toxic at all. You can either cook these greens with other ingredients or let them have it plain boiled. But make sure you give it to them in small quantities as too much of cauliflower or broccoli can cause a mess in their digestive system and lead to an upset stomach.
 

 

Where do Cauliflowers & Broccolis come from?

Cauliflower and Broccoli belong to the Cole family. These leafy veggies can be dated back to the ancient era of Greeks and Romans, around 600 B.C. Cabbage was the first member of this family and there’s a mythological belief attached to its origin. Cabbage is believed to be sprung from the tears of Lycurgus, King of the Edonians. The Romans took it very often and savored it with all their heart.
 
Cabbage was then modified and evolved into a variety of other vegetables. Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale etc. have been separated morphologically on the basis of a few genetic differences. That’s the magic of biology, it can turn cabbage into cauliflower and broccoli just with the tweak of a few molecules.
 

Why are Cauliflower & Broccoli so popular in India?

The Britishers left our country almost 71 years ago but they left their Cauliflowers and Broccolis behind. Cauliflower is widely popular and consumed by Indians on a large scale. It was introduced to us by the Britishers and was very popular in England.
 
The imported seeds were tested in various parts of India. The farmers raised the crop from May to July which was similar to the growing period in England. Indians started adapting this humble vegetable and thus, Cauliflower became every Indian household’s staple.
 
On the other hand, Broccoli is only popular in the metro cities and not so much in the smaller towns. It got its recognition because of globalization and when Indians didn’t mind experimenting with world cuisine. It has now become popular in Tier-1 cities with Indians using it in their salads and pasta. The extremely healthy nature of Broccoli also makes it a favorite for those trying to lose weight.
 

 

How nutritious are Cauliflower & Broccoli?

Whether we like it or not, Cauliflower and Broccoli are here to stay! And why not? Cauliflower is an excellent source of Vitamin C and is sufficient to serve an entire day’s requirement. It is also rich in Vitamin K which keeps your heart, healthy and happy. Broccoli improves your vision and makes your skin, healthy and soft because it has Vitamin A.
 

How do Cauliflower & Broccoli affect pets?

You can share these veggies with your pet in moderation without a worry. If you have never fed it to them before, start with smaller portions to check if they have any adverse effects or allergies.
 
Cauliflower reduces inflammation and also helps with the treatment of arthritis in dogs. Broccoli is more nutritious than Cauliflower and they both are extremely low in calories; a delight for your pets. However, an excess of Cauliflower or Broccoli may result in a gassy stomach and weaken the digestive system. Moderation is key!
 

 

How to serve Cauliflower & Broccoli to your pet?

The safest way to serve your pets Cauliflower and Broccoli is without the stems and leaves. If you wish to cook these veggies into a proper meal, make sure you do not kill the nutrition by overcooking them. Dogs may enjoy their Broccoli steamed or sauteed. Steaming Broccoli helps soften the stalks and reduces the risk of your pet choking on it. When sauteing, add a small amount of olive or coconut oil to make their meal extra delicious.
 
You may love your salads with seasoning, but for your pets keep the veggies unseasoned.
 

DIY Quick Treats

We can never match the unconditional love that our pets shower on us. But we can definitely cook them some appetizing treats. Here’s a recipe of Cheesy Cauliflower Muffin Bites, an excellent treat full of nutrients, and good for your pet’s health and happiness. This recipe is very convenient, easy and a lovely snack for your pet.
 

Cheesy Cauliflower Muffin Bites

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1/2 cup of cottage cheese/paneer
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Recipe

• Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
• Roughly chop your Cauliflower into small pieces.
• Add 1/4 cup water and the chopped cauliflower to a microwave safe bowl, cover, and microwave for 3-5 minutes. Remove the cauliflower, stir, recover, and microwave for another 3-5 minutes.
• Drain the water from the cauliflower and add it to your blender. Keep blending until all large chunks are gone.
• Add the cauliflower, cottage cheese, eggs, and cheddar cheese to a mixing bowl and stir together until everything is mixed well.
• Use coconut oil to grease your muffin pan lightly so the treats don’t stick to the pan.
• Add the cauliflower mixture to the muffin pan. You can fill them to the top. Press down gently on each one.
• Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden on top and firm to the touch. Remove from the pan and let them cool.

If your pet is allergic to dairy, you can skip the cheese.
 

 

What’s the final verdict?

It’s absolutely safe to feed Cauliflower & Broccoli to your pets. Make sure they’re served in small quantities especially for the very first time. You can serve them steamed or sauteed, not overcooked and unseasoned. You can also serve them raw, but swallowing large pieces is a potential choking hazard.

Be a woke pet-parent, and in a time where treats and food are loaded with preservatives and everything they shouldn’t have, make a healthier choice for your pet. Check out our healthy, balanced meals for your best friend.