Chinese broccoli makes such a delicious meal that even the non-veggies can’t resist.
When you decide to treat your family to this healthy delicacy, you would want to count in your canine companion.
However, like many dog lovers, you hesitate because you’re not sure if it’s safe for your fluffy friend.
So, Can dogs eat Chinese broccoli?
Yes, dogs can eat Chinese broccoli.
They contain nutrients such as calcium, folate, zinc, antioxidants and vitamins A, C and K.
However, you should give them in moderation because it contains oxalic acid that may harm your dog.
This article will look at the nutritional value, health benefits, risks, and other healthy vegetable options apart from Chinese broccoli.
Nutritional value of Chinese broccoli
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. It’s also an immune system booster, helping your dog fight disease and infection. Moreover, it supports average tissue growth and repair.
- Calcium is a mineral that’s essential for strong bones and teeth. It also plays a role in nerve function, muscle contraction and blood clotting.
- Vitamin K is an essential vitamin that helps blood clotting and other functions. It is also known to be beneficial for bones and joints.
- Folate is a vitamin that helps with the production of red blood cells. It’s also essential for normal brain function, and it plays a role in the development of your dog’s nervous system.
- Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a role in numerous body functions, including metabolism, growth and development, tissue repair and immune function. It also helps maintain the health of skin and hair.
Health benefits of Chinese broccoli to dogs
- Prevents scurvy
Vitamin C deficiency in dogs can lead to scurvy, characterised by weakness, lethargy, lameness and weight loss.
Some common symptoms of scurvy include bleeding gums, swollen joints, skin lesions and hair loss.
- Stronger bones and teeth –
Calcium builds strong bones and teeth by helping your dog absorb more calcium from food.
It also helps prevent the bone loss that occurs during aging.
- Better muscle function
Calcium plays an essential role in muscle function because it helps muscles contract when they need to move.
A lack of calcium can cause weakness in your dog’s muscles, leading to paralysis or other mobility issues.
- Supports joints and Bone Health
One of the most important benefits of vitamin K for dogs is supporting bone and joints.
If the dogs’ diet contains enough vitamin K, they will develop stronger bones and joints that can withstand even the most strenuous activities without damaging the skeletal system.
- Better circulation
Calcium helps your dog’s blood cells carry oxygen through his body, giving him better overall circulation.
That’s why dogs with cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure need to have enough calcium in their diets!
- Reduces the risk of congenital disabilities
Folic acid is essential during pregnancy because it helps prevent neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida.
These are severe abnormalities when the neural tube fails to close properly during fetal development.
NTDs can cause paralysis or death in newborn puppies if not treated immediately after birth.
- Helps in cardiovascular health
Good cardiovascular health depends on several factors, such as blood pressure, heart rate, blood vessel elasticity and cholesterol levels.
Zinc plays a vital role in each of these areas by helping to maintain healthy blood pressure levels, preventing damage from free radicals and maintaining normal cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Helps Prevent Hemorrhaging
Vitamin K prevents haemorrhaging in case of any injuries or surgeries.
It also prevents internal bleeding that occurs when there is a problem in the dogs’ circulatory system.
Risks of Chinese broccoli to dogs
- Oxalic acid
Chinese Broccoli contains oxalic acid, which can cause increased thirst, vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
Furthermore, it may cause weakness or lethargy in some cases.
It’s hazardous for puppies who may not have symptoms until too late.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog shows any signs after consuming Chinese broccoli.
- Goitrogens
Chinese broccoli contains goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid function in dogs.
Goitrogens are naturally occurring substances that block the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism can develop if there isn’t enough iodine available to make thyroid hormones.
Other healthy vegetable options
Carrots– They’re rich in vitamin A, essential for healthy skin and coat. They also contain beta-carotene and alpha-carotene, which convert to vitamin A when digested by dogs. Carrots also contain antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration in dogs.
Celery– Celery is a good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Because it contains low calories and sodium, it’s also high in water content, which can help keep your dog hydrated. Celery is also rich in calcium and phosphorus, essential nutrients for your dog’s bones and teeth.
Green Beans– Like celery, green beans are low-calorie and high in water content, so they’re great for dogs who need to lose weight or prevent dehydration. Green beans also contain a lot of vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system, fight infections and support healthy skin and hair growth.
Asparagus– Asparagus contains many vitamins and minerals beneficial to dogs’ health. In particular, asparagus contains vitamin K (which helps maintain healthy blood clotting), vitamin C (which supports the immune system) and folate (which helps prevent anaemia).
Spinach– Spinach is another green vegetable that contains lots of vitamins and minerals — plus iron, magnesium and calcium — which are all essential nutrients for your dog’s health. Spinach also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help relieve symptoms associated with arthritis or other joint issues.
Squash– Winter squash has lots of fiber and beta-carotene (vitamin A), which helps keep your dog’s eyes healthy and improves his immune system. It’s also super sweet, so it makes an excellent snack for him!
Broccoli– Broccoli is a common vegetable that has been used as a snack food for dogs for decades. Broccoli contains vitamins A, B6, calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium.
Conclusion
We hope this article was helpful in your search on whether Chinese broccoli is fit for dogs.
Feed your dog Chinese broccoli in small quantities to avoid potential health problems.
If your dog sneaks in the kitchen and eats many of them, relax and observe any sickly symptoms.
In case any signs show, call your veterinarian for advice.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
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