Can Yorkies eat broccoli?
In small amounts, yes — a little plain broccoli is safe, but larger amounts can upset a Yorkie's stomach, so keep it under about 10% of the diet.
Broccoli is safe for dogs in small quantities and offers fibre and vitamins. Two cautions matter: broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause gas or stomach upset (and rarely more) if a dog eats a lot, so it should stay a small part of the diet; and the firm stalks are a choking hazard for a tiny mouth, so cut them small.
What Yorkie owners need to know
- Keep it a small treat — broccoli should stay under about 10% of what your dog eats.
- Florets contain isothiocyanates that can cause gas or GI upset in larger amounts.
- Cut stalks small; they're firm and can be a choking hazard for a tiny dog.
How preparation changes the answer
| Preparation | Status | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Small amount, cut small (raw or steamed plain) | Only small amounts | Safe as an occasional small treat under 10% of the diet. |
| Large amount | Use caution | Isothiocyanates can cause gas and stomach upset. |
| With butter/salt/seasoning | Best avoided | Unnecessary fat and salt, and possible toxic add-ins. |
Safe preparation
- Wash and cut a small amount of florets and tender stalk into tiny pieces.
- Serve raw for crunch, or steam plain (no butter, salt, oil, or seasoning) for softer bites.
- Introduce a little at a time to check tolerance.
Portion for a Yorkie
A few tiny florets at most for a Yorkie, occasionally; keep broccoli under 10% of the daily diet.
Nutrition at a glance
Calories
~34 kcal
per 100 g, raw (USDA FoodData Central)
Fibre
~2.6 g
per 100 g, raw (USDA FoodData Central)
Vitamin C
~89 mg
per 100 g, raw (USDA FoodData Central)
Possible benefits
- Provides fibre, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
- Low in calories in small amounts.
- Crunchy raw or soft steamed — flexible for different dogs.
Risks & things to watch
- Isothiocyanates in florets can cause gas or GI upset in larger amounts.
- Firm stalks are a choking hazard for a tiny mouth.
- More than ~10% of the diet can cause meaningful stomach upset.
If your Yorkie ate too much
A little too much broccoli usually means gas and loose stools. A large amount can cause more noticeable GI upset; monitor, offer water, and call your vet if your Yorkie is very uncomfortable or keeps vomiting.
Frequently asked questions
Why is broccoli only okay in small amounts?
Broccoli florets contain compounds called isothiocyanates that can irritate a dog's stomach if eaten in quantity. A few tiny pieces are fine, but broccoli should stay under about 10% of your Yorkie's diet to avoid gas and upset.
Sources
We cite authoritative veterinary, regulatory, and nutrition sources so you can check the evidence yourself.
- Nutrition dataUSDA FoodData CentralUSDA FoodData Central nutrient database
Supports: Human-food nutrient composition (calories, macronutrients, fibre, sugars). · Accessed 2026-07-01
- Professional bodyWSAVA Global Nutrition CommitteeGlobal Nutrition Guidelines & Toolkit
Supports: Energy requirement calculation, body condition scoring, treat guidance. · Accessed 2026-07-01
The Yorkiefood Editorial Team
We research Yorkshire Terrier feeding from regulatory bodies, veterinary manuals, poison-control centres, and peer-reviewed nutrition literature, then explain it plainly. We are careful researchers, not veterinarians — our pages cite their sources so you can check the evidence yourself, and we always defer to your own vet for your dog.
First published 2026-07-01 · Last reviewed 2026-07-01
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Related foods
Green Beans
Yes — plain green beans are a safe, low-calorie treat and a popular filler for dogs watching their weight.
Carrots
Yes — carrots are a low-calorie, crunchy treat most Yorkies enjoy, as long as you cut them small enough to avoid choking.
Cucumber
Yes — cucumber is a very low-calorie, hydrating, crunchy treat, as long as you cut it into small pieces to prevent choking.
Asparagus
Yes — asparagus cooked soft and cut into small pieces is safe for Yorkies; tough raw stalks are a choking risk, so skip those.
Beets
In small amounts — plain cooked beets are safe for Yorkies now and then, but sugar and oxalates mean they're a limited treat, and pickled beets are too salty.
Bell Peppers
Yes — plain bell pepper with the seeds and stem removed and cut into small pieces is a crunchy, vitamin-rich treat for Yorkies.
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