Can dogs or cats eat cauliflower?

Cauliflower is a safe and nutritious vegetable to add to your dog’s diet.

Cauliflower is high fibre and low calorie, useful if your dog is a little bit older with a lower calorie requirement, or if your dog is trying to lose a little bit of weight for health reasons.

The fibre content of cauliflower is beneficial for your dog's gut health. It promotes the passage of stools through the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the risks of constipation.

But, that's not all cauliflower can do for your dog! It’s a rich source of antioxidants, and has components that may reduce the risks of developing cancers. Sounds pretty good to us! And that's without looking into the vitamins such as B,C and K and minerals like manganese, all of which are important in the biochemical make-up of the body.

Can dogs eat cauliflower cheese?

Whilst cauliflower is a safe food for dogs, cheese can cause digestive upset. Dogs are lactose intolerant, so they lack the enzyme needed to break down the dairy. This can lead to diarrhoea, flatulence and gastrointestinal pain. Each dog will have varying sensitivities to dairy, so some may be able to eat a small amount without side effects, and others can be affected by just a single slice.

We suggest not feeding cauliflower cheese and instead separating a small amount of the cooked cauliflower to feed plain so they don't feel left out of the experience.

Can dogs eat cauliflower leaves?

Cauliflower leaves are non toxic so safe to eat in very small amounts. The leaves are high in fibre and bitter to taste so your dog may not enjoy eating them. Nutritionally speaking the floret and stalk of the cauliflower are much better options to feed to your dog instead.

Can dogs eat cauliflower raw?

Yes, cauliflower can be eaten raw by dogs if chopped into small portions and fed in moderation. Eating too much raw cauliflower even if chopped can lead to excess gas production in the intestinal system, which is painful for your dog. It is better to feed small amounts at any one time, and seek veterinary care if you think your dog has eaten a large amount (such as a whole cauliflower).

Can dogs eat cauliflower rice?

Yes, dogs can eat homemade cauliflower rice if it's fed plain with no extra ingredients like garlic or onions (these ingredients can be toxic to dogs in large amounts). Store bought cauliflower rice often has added flavourings so is best avoided to be extra safe.

Cauliflower rice should be fed in small amounts, as too much can lead to production of gas in the stomach and intestines. This can lead to bloating and pain which can make your dog feel unwell.

Can dogs eat cauliflower stalks?

The cauliflower stalks are non toxic and safe for dogs to eat. Interestingly, the stalks contain more fibre, and are more chewy or tough to digest. To increase their appeal to your dog, cook and cut into small portions so they are easier to eat and digest.

Can dogs eat frozen cauliflower?

Frozen cauliflower is very hard and difficult for dogs to eat. It's freezing cold, so not the nicest to chew, and this can lead to dogs being tempted to swallow the cauliflower piece whole. This leads to the risks of choking as the cauliflower head may get stuck in the oesophagus.

Frozen food is harder to digest, and your dog won't get as many of the beneficial vitamins and minerals that they would if you defrosted and cooked the cauliflower so cooked cauliflower is a much better option.

Can dogs eat purple cauliflower?

Yes, it's safe for dogs to eat small amounts of plain, cooked purple cauliflower. Purple cauliflower has a slightly sweeter taste to the white variety, so it will add variety and colour to your dog's meals.