These days, broccoli is one of the most popular foods among humans, and for good reason. Broccoli is nutrient-rich, low in calories, and affordable. That’s why many Shiba Inu owners are wondering if they should feed their Shiba Inus broccoli as well.
But can you feed broccoli to your Shiba Inus? The short answer is “Yes,” you can feed broccoli to your Shiba Inus. But there are lots of caveats and factors at play here. In this article, we will answer every question regarding feeding your Shiba Inu broccoli so that you can make an informed decision.
Let’s start with the obvious question:
Is broccoli safe for Shiba Inus?
Broccoli is generally safe for Shiba Inus, but it is best not to feed your Shiba Inu too much broccoli at once as it can cause stomach irritation, gas, and bloating. If you are feeding your Shiba Inu broccoli for the first time, introduce it slowly. Start with a small amount and increase gradually over the following weeks.
Some Shiba Inus may show a food intolerance or an allergic reaction to broccoli. If you observe any abnormal symptoms, such as diarrhea or vomiting, discontinue feeding broccoli and seek veterinary attention if symptoms persist.
Benefits of broccoli in Shiba Inus
Benefits of broccoli in Shiba Inus:
-It’s a good source of fiber: Shiba Inus need a diet that is high in fiber, but they don’t get a lot from meat. Broccoli adds dietary fiber to your Shiba Inu’s diet, which helps to slow digestion, reduce inflammation, and improve the health of his intestines and colon.
-Folic acid: Folic acid is an important nutrient that helps Shiba Inus fight off disease and stay healthy. It also helps to treat or prevent folate deficiency anemia. In puppies, folic acid helps in the development of the nervous system.
-Vitamin K: Vitamin K is great for your Shiba Inu’s bones since it stimulates bone-building proteins, preventing bone loss and osteoporosis. It also helps your Shiba Inu’s blood clot normally and boost his immunity.
-Vitamin C: Most mammals can produce vitamin C in their bodies but there are a few animals that cannot, including humans and Shiba Inus! A vitamin C supplement is essential for healthy skin, bones, cartilage, muscles, blood vessels and teeth.
-Minerals: Broccoli contains magnesium, sodium, chromium potassium, and several others that are very important for the body to function properly.
Do all Shiba Inus like broccoli?
Unfortunately, not all Shiba Inus like broccoli—or any vegetables. Just like humans, Shiba Inus have their own unique food preferences. For example, my Shiba Inu doesn’t eat carrots or pumpkins at all, but he’ll eat corn, peas, and green beans. If you’re trying to introduce your Shiba Inu to broccoli (or any other vegetable), it’s important not to force the issue—if your Shiba Inu doesn’t want the food you’ve offered, don’t worry about it! It’s a good idea to consult with your vet before introducing a new food into your Shiba Inu’s diet.
Can my Shiba Inus have broccoli every day?
There’s no rule on how often your Shiba Inu can eat broccoli, so you’re welcome to feed him the recommended amount every day if he loves it. However, we recommend varying the treats that you give your Shiba Inu because Shiba Inus can get bored. In addition, different treats contain different nutrients, so feeding your Shiba Inu a variety of treats is an important part of helping him stay healthy.
Can Shiba Inu puppies eat broccoli?
Absolutely! They love it. Just wait until your Shiba Inu puppy is two months old before you give him some. During those first two months, puppies should be on a specialized puppy diet, so make sure that you’re feeding your pup only what his vet advises for those first 60 days.
After that, though, he can definitely eat broccoli. Start out with a small piece—the size of your baby fingernail—and see how he reacts before you feed him more. You want to make sure not to overwhelm his digestive system, which is still very delicate at this point in his life.
How much broccoli can Shiba Inus eat?
If you plan to give your Shiba Inu broccoli, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian first. They can help you determine the correct serving size for your Shiba Inu—and it may vary from one Shiba Inu to another.
Broccoli is a healthy treat for Shiba Inus, but it’s important not to overdo it. Treats should be only 10% of your Shiba Inu’s total daily diet. You should also always ensure that your Shiba Inu is getting a balanced diet (and never just broccoli).
You can start by giving your Shiba Inu a small piece of broccoli and see how they react. If there are no negative reactions, like an upset stomach, you can offer more next time. But keep in mind that many Shiba Inus will eat anything they can get their paws on—so stick to the serving size recommended by your vet.
How to serve broccoli to your Shiba Inus?
Before giving your Shiba Inu broccoli, it’s important to get the go-ahead from your vet. When you do, make sure you’re feeding your pup only organic broccoli, and prepare it properly.
One way to serve broccoli is raw. You can cut up small chunks and give them to your Shiba Inu as a treat or you can add them to your Shiba Inu’s regular meals. This will help keep teeth and gums healthy.
Another way is to cook it for your Shiba Inu by steaming or roasting it without seasoning.
The third option is to puree the broccoli with some Shiba Inu-friendly fresh fruits and vegetables like spinach, carrots, celery, or applesauce. For example, try pureeing broccoli with spinach and applesauce for a delicious smoothie that will have your Shiba Inu begging for more.
When is broccoli bad for Shiba Inus?
When is broccoli bad for Shiba Inus? It’s not. But there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, if your Shiba Inu has underlying health issues like allergies or digestion problems, then you should avoid feeding them broccoli. You should also make sure you’re feeding them the right amount. Too much broccoli can cause digestive problems, so be careful and measure out the portions!
Also, don’t feed your Shiba Inus the stems of the broccoli or the leaves—they can be hard to digest and may even be a choking hazard for small Shiba Inus.
What happens when your Shiba Inus eat too much broccoli?
Nausea: You know that feeling when you’re hungover, and you just want to lay still? Your Shiba Inu’s probably going to feel like that, too. If they’ve eaten too much broccoli, they might need some time to rest before they can eat more food.
Abdominal pain: Broccoli is notorious for causing gas in humans, so it’s no surprise that those flatulent little puffs of hell are often a side effect of eating too much of the green stuff for Shiba Inus as well.
Bloat: Bloat is a type of abdominal pain that comes from bloating or swelling in the large intestine. It can be very painful for your Shiba Inu, and will probably require a trip to the vet.
Diarrhea: Too much broccoli can cause diarrhea in your Shiba Inu—and yeah, you don’t want them having an accident all over your carpet! So limit their intake if you notice this symptom.
Choking hazards: Also, the stems and florets can be choking hazards for Shiba Inus that eat their food quickly.
What to do if your Shiba Inus eat too much broccoli?
If your Shiba Inu eats too much broccoli, don’t panic! Remove any remaining broccoli from the area and stop feeding your Shiba Inu all broccoli. Monitor your Shiba Inu for any abnormal signs of behavior or sickness and contact the vet if you find anything concerning.
What about frozen broccoli for your Shiba Inu?
Yes, Shiba Inus can eat frozen broccoli. However, it’s best to cut up the florets prior to feeding them to your Shiba Inu because they’re so hard.
Other human foods Shiba Inus can eat
What other human foods can Shiba Inus eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Shiba Inu can eat.
So, can Shiba Inus eat broccoli?
Shiba Inus can eat broccoli in moderation. Broccoli is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals and has been found to prevent cancer, making it an excellent treat for Shiba Inus. However, too much broccoli could cause gas, bloating, and stomach irritation—so make sure you give your Shiba Inu small amounts of the vegetable at a time. For example, if you want to share some steamed broccoli with your pup as a snack or meal-topper, just be sure to chop the florets into bite-sized pieces first.