The ‘mini trees’ of the vegetable kingdom, broccoli is known for being a lean, green machine packed with micronutrients that benefit human health. But what about cats; can broccoli be included as an ingredient in cat food? We’ve dug up the basics on this cruciferous bunch.

Can cats eat broccoli?

Broccoli is not toxic to cats. If your cat takes a little nibble of some plain broccoli, you don’t have to stress. But is it actually beneficial?

Is broccoli good for cats?

Many people believe that, as obligate carnivores,  cats are incapable of digesting anything but meat. While it is true that meat needs to be part of their diet, they can and do digest fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates as well.

While it is a bit harder for them to process than meat, it is safe for them to eat when fed in small amounts and can add some beneficial nutrients to their diet. Broccoli is packed full of an array of nutrients including fibre, Vitamin C and Vitamin K which all  provide important health benefits. This superfood may be used as an ingredient in a complete and balanced cat food like The Nosh Project Cat and Kitten Daily Diets.

While it is a healthy ingredient added to some cat foods, cats can’t survive  solely on broccoli and if fed too much or in too larger pieces it can cause gastrointestinal upset. If you’re ever unsure whether broccoli is good for your cat, ask your veterinarian for advice.

If your cat likes the taste of broccoli and you want to give them a small amount to eat as an occasional treat only serve broccoli plain. That means skipping butter, sauces or seasonings like salt and spices that we tend to use when cooking for humans. These can cause gastrointestinal upset or contain more harmful ingredients like onion or garlic.

Frequently asked questions about cats eating broccoli

Can cats eat cooked broccoli?

Cooked broccoli, whether that’s steaming, boiling, blanching or roasting, is the best way to prepare this crunchy vegetable for your cat. By softening the consistency, it becomes much more digestible.

Can cats eat raw broccoli?

Yes, raw broccoli is safe for cats to eat, but the hard, crunchy texture is harsher on digestion. So, if it’s raw, be sure to keep pieces small. Cooking it and feeding in small portion sizes is best.

Can broccoli help with cat digestion?

High in both   broccoli is a gut-friendly vegetable option that’s known for assisting with bowel movement and gut health.

Why does my cat want to eat my broccoli?

Cats are curious creatures. They may want to take a taste of your dinner to satisfy their curiosity. You can let them have a nibble so long as it’s plain without sauces or seasonings and is ideally cooked.

Are there any risk of feeding cats broccoli?

As with any food, too much broccoli may cause stomach upsets in your cat. Raw broccoli may also pose a choking hazard, or an intestinal blockage, if not cut into small pieces your cat can eat easily.