Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Sprouts? The Cancer-Fighting Power of Cruciferous Vegetables for Dogs

Do you remember your parents always telling you to eat your vegetables? Turns out they were onto something—not only for your health and well-being but for your dog’s health as well!

I always read about the health benefits of food and how they can heal the human body, with the bottom line being that what we choose to put in our body does matter. I believe the same is true for our dogs.

One such cancer-fighting food for dogs is broccoli and the cruciferous vegetable family. Research has found that this family of veggies may help reduce cancer risk!

The Research Behind Broccoli and Cancer Prevention

Research at Purdue University found that if dogs ate their veggies at least three times a week, there was a 90% decrease in cancer risk (1).

The compound responsible for this good news is sulforaphane, which is found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale.

What is Sulforaphane?

Sulforaphane is known for its anti-cancer properties, both in preventing cancer and fighting it. This compound is a natural plant compound found in cruciferous vegetables, especially broccoli sprouts. In fact, broccoli sprout powder for dogs is becoming a popular supplement choice for pet owners looking to maximize the health benefits of this superfood.

A more concentrated amount of sulforaphane can be found in broccoli sprouts! Sulforaphane is derived from glucoraphanin, which is activated by an enzyme in the cruciferous veggie called myrosinase when the vegetable is chewed or processed.

How Does Sulforaphane Prevent Cancer?

On the prevention side, sulforaphane helps shield your dog’s cells from damage that can lead to cancer. Inflammation and oxidative stress are both linked to chronic disease in dogs.

Sulforaphane acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which is powerful in fighting disease. It can also trigger a detox of harmful substances, allowing your dog’s body to eliminate toxins more effectively.

How Does Sulforaphane Fight Cancer in Dogs?

To fight cancer, sulforaphane can inhibit tumor growth and promote cancer cell death.

To slow the growth of a tumor, it prevents the formation of blood vessels that supply tumors.
It reduces the spread of cancer by encouraging the natural death of cancerous cells.

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Sprouts and Broccoli Stems? Yes! Dogs can eat broccoli sprouts, and they are one of the best ways to introduce sulforaphane into your dog’s diet naturally. Because broccoli sprouts contain higher concentrations of sulforaphane than mature broccoli, they are considered a powerhouse cancer-fighting food for dogs.

What about broccoli stems? Yes, dogs can eat broccoli stems, but they should be chopped into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking hazards. The stems contain fiber and nutrients, but they are not as rich in sulforaphane as the sprouts or florets.

How Do I Prepare Cruciferous Vegetables for My Dog?

Adding sulforaphane to your dog’s diet can offer many supportive health benefits. However, cooking these veggies makes them easier on your dog’s digestive tract.

✅ Avoid high heat when cooking—steaming for more than 3 minutes can significantly reduce sulforaphane levels.
✅ Chopping the veggie and letting it sit for a few minutes will start the release of sulforaphane before serving it to your dog.
✅ Always introduce new foods gradually and consult with your veterinarian to ensure they are appropriate for your dog’s specific health needs.

Should I Use a Sulforaphane Supplement?

Supplementation of sulforaphane ensures that you are giving your dog exactly what they need to achieve the health benefits discussed in this article. It takes out the guesswork of whether you’re cooking broccoli correctly or providing enough to meet your dog’s health goals.

It also simplifies your feeding routine, especially if you are not already cooking for your dog. Many pet owners opt for broccoli sprout powder for dogs to provide a convenient and potent source of sulforaphane.

Sulforaphane Dosage Recommendations

If you’re considering a sulforaphane supplement, here’s a general guideline for sulforaphane dosage based on your dog’s weight:

Small Dogs (5–25 lbs): 1–5 mg of sulforaphane
Medium Dogs (25–50 lbs): 5–10 mg
Large Dogs (50–100 lbs): 10–20 mg

Sulforaphane Supplements for Dogs

Here are three sulforaphane supplements I found when researching. This is not an endorsement for any of them, as I have not personally tried all of them:

🐾 Dr. Sue Ettinger has been talking up Nutramax’s Avmaquin. Learn more here.

🐾 Dog’s Naturally Magazine recommends Green Rover. Check it out here.

🐾 Another option is Brocelite by Mara Labs, a human supplement that is also acceptable for dogs. More info here.

The Bottom Line

Studies suggest that sulforaphane from broccoli may help protect dogs at the cellular level. Adding broccoli, broccoli sprouts, and cruciferous vegetables to your dog’s diet could be a natural way to support their health and provide defensive support against cancer! 🥦💚

Resources

1 – Raghavan M, Knapp DW, Bonney PL, Dawson MH, Glickman LT. Evaluation of the effect of dietary vegetable consumption on reducing risk of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in Scottish Terriers. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2005 Jul 1;227(1):94-100. doi: 10.2460/javma.2005.227.94. PMID: 16013542.

2 – Murillo G, Mehta RG. Cruciferous vegetables and cancer prevention. Nutr Cancer. 2001;41(1-2):17-28. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2001.9680607. PMID: 12094621.

3 – Curran KM, Bracha S, Wong CP, Beaver LM, Stevens JF, Ho E. Sulforaphane absorption and histone deacetylase activity following single dosing of broccoli sprout supplement in normal dogs. Vet Med Sci. 2018 Nov;4(4):357-363. doi: 10.1002/vms3.118. Epub 2018 Aug 17. PMID: 30117668; PMCID: PMC6236138.