Broccoli is one of the most popular vegetables around. It’s low-cost, nutrient-rich, and a staple in many human diets. That’s why many Maltese owners wonder if they can feed broccoli to their Maltese, too.
The short answer is yes, you can feed broccoli to your Maltese—but there are lots of caveats. Before we dive into that, let’s start with the most important question:
Is broccoli safe for Maltese?
Yes, it is safe to feed your Maltese broccoli, but like anything new, introduce it slowly, especially if it’s the first time they’re eating it. Also, it’s best not to feed your Maltese too much broccoli at once as large amounts might cause stomach upset or gas. We recommend giving a small amount initially and increasing the portion size over time if your Maltese shows no signs of an adverse reaction.
Although rare, some Maltese can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction, so we recommend starting slowly if you are feeding broccoli to your Maltese for the first time and watching out for any abnormal signs. If you observe any abnormal symptoms such as vomiting, loose stools, or diarrhea after feeding broccoli to your Maltese, we advise you to discontinue feeding it and consult with your vet before trying again in the future.
Benefits of broccoli in Maltese
Here are the top 5 benefits of feeding your Maltese broccoli:
1. Fiber: helps improve digestion and prevent constipation.
2. Vitamin K: essential for blood clotting, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Vitamin C: vital to growth and development, healing wounds and strengthening the immune system.
4. Minerals: Broccoli contains magnesium, sodium, chromium potassium, and several others, all of which help with metabolism and bone health.
5. Folic Acid: helps treat or prevent folate deficiency anemia, and can also help in the development of the nervous system in puppies.
Do all Maltese like broccoli?
Unfortunately, no. Your Maltese may not like broccoli. Maltese have food preferences just like people do, so if your Maltese doesn’t want to eat broccoli, don’t force it! Broccoli is a healthy vegetable for humans, but for Maltese it’s a different story.
You should consult with your vet before introducing any new foods to your Maltese’s diet.
Can my Maltese have broccoli every day?
The bottom line is, you can feed your Maltese the recommended amount of broccoli every day, as long as they like it. But we recommend varying the treats because Maltese can get bored with a monotonous diet. Different treats contain different levels of fiber and nutrients, so if you’re looking to ensure that your Maltese gets a full range of vitamins and minerals, broccoli probably shouldn’t be the only treat you give them.
If your Maltese is having trouble digesting broccoli, or if their digestive tract is sensitive, it’s a good idea to talk to a vet about whether feeding your Maltese broccoli every day is appropriate for them. Otherwise, what’s most important is that you monitor the quality of their stool—if there are no changes or problems when giving your Maltese broccoli every day, then there’s no reason not to do it.
Can Maltese puppies eat broccoli?
It’s okay to give your Maltese puppy a bit of broccoli, but don’t do it until after their first two months.
Puppies should not be eating human food at all until they are at least two months old, and even when they are ready for human food, you should still be careful about the amount and variety.
Broccoli is great for a healthy pup, but if you’re going to give them some, start out with just a small piece—puppies have delicate digestive systems.
How much broccoli can Maltese eat?
For broccoli, we always recommend consulting your vet on the appropriate serving size for your Maltese. They’ll be able to tell you how much broccoli will work for your Maltese’s individual diet.
Generally speaking, though, we suggest starting with a small piece and gauging how that goes. If there are no negative reactions (like vomiting or diarrhea), then you can give your Maltese more in the future.
It’s also important to keep portion control in mind when giving your Maltese treats—it’s not healthy for them to have too many treats at once, and they should fit into their overall diet plan. Most experts recommend all treats combined should only account for 10% or less of their total daily calories.
How to serve broccoli to your Maltese?
If you want to serve broccoli to your Maltese, the first thing you should do is check with your veterinarian. Assuming they give you the green light, the next step is to source organic broccoli—it’s important to avoid the pesticides and other additives that are a big part of non-organic produce.
You’ll also need to clean it thoroughly, preferably by running it through water with some vinegar in it.
There are many ways you can serve broccoli to your Maltese. Try raw: cut up in small chunks or pieces. This could be a crunchy addition to their dinner. Or try cooking: cooking, steaming, or roasting broccoli with no seasoning is just fine for your pooch! For a nice treat, try pureeing it into one of their favorite smoothies along with some Maltese-friendly fresh fruits and vegetables such as blueberries and carrots.
When is broccoli bad for Maltese?
Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable to feed your Maltese. It is high in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. However, there are several circumstances in which it may be unhealthy for your Maltese to eat broccoli.
One circumstance is if your Maltese has underlying health issues like allergies or digestive problems. Here, consult with a veterinarian before feeding your Maltese any new food, even if it is healthy.
Another circumstance in which you should avoid feeding your Maltese broccoli is if you feed too much of it to them. Too much broccoli can cause flatulence, bloating, and gas in Maltese. If this happens, try cutting back on the amount of broccoli you feed them, or change their diet entirely.
The stems and leaves of broccoli are hard for Maltese to digest and can be a choking hazard. If you’re going to feed your Maltese broccoli, it is best to only feed them the florets.
What happens when your Maltese eat too much broccoli?
We know that broccoli is a favorite for many owners, but did you know that too much broccoli can be harmful for your Maltese?
Here are some symptoms you should look out for if your Maltese has eaten too much broccoli:
– Nausea: If your Maltese has eaten too much broccoli, they may feel nauseous. This will typically show itself as a refusal to eat other foods, a decrease in appetite, or vomiting.
– Abdominal pain: Your pup might have eaten too much broccoli if they are experiencing abdominal pain. This can range from mild discomfort to extreme pain. If your pup is having trouble standing up or walking or is whimpering or crying in pain, contact your vet immediately.
– Bloat: Too much broccoli can lead to bloat, which is caused by gas buildup in the stomach or intestines. If your Maltese struggles to lay down and move around, it could be a sign of bloat. If left untreated, bloat can cause shock and death within hours of onset. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect bloat.
– Diarrhea: If your Maltese has diarrhea after eating broccoli, they likely had too much. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and lack of nutrients, so it is best to consult your vet as soon as possible.
What to do if your Maltese eats too much broccoli?
Please don’t panic. If you catch your Maltese eating too much broccoli, the best thing to do is stop feeding them broccoli, and to get whatever remains away from them.
If they eat a small amount of broccoli, they’re probably fine. But if they eat a lot, they may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Gas; farting more than usual
If your Maltese is showing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What about frozen broccoli for your Maltese?
Yes, Maltese can eat broccoli, but only if it’s frozen first. If you’ve got a Maltese that loves broccoli, and you want to treat them to a nice, crunchy snack, make sure you cut up the broccoli into smaller pieces prior to feeding it to your Maltese. Then just pop it in the freezer for a few hours, and serve.
Other human foods Maltese can eat
What other human foods can Maltese eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Maltese can eat.
So, can Maltese eat broccoli?
Yes, Maltese can eat broccoli in moderation. Broccoli is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, making it an excellent treat for the Maltese. However, broccoli contains isothiocyanate, which can cause mild stomach upset and gas if your Maltese eats too much of it.
Besides that, the stalks of the broccoli plant are hard and fibrous, which can be a choking hazard for smaller Maltese. As long as you feed your Maltese pieces that are small enough for them to chew and swallow safely, you should be good to go.