Raw, steamed, roasted, riced, or flash-fried, cauliflower is making a huge splash in the food world right now. Depending on how you prepare it, cauliflower can vary from crunchy to creamy in texture and has a mild flavor that complements a huge variety of seasonings and sauces.
If you’re loving this healthy new food trend and you want to share with your favorite pup, is it OK to feed your dog cauliflower?
Can Dogs Eat Cauliflower?
Yes! Cauliflower is healthy for your dog to eat and is a good source of fiber, vitamins K, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and folate. These vitamins support the health of your dog’s vision, blood, liver, muscles, immune system, and more. Fiber is good for your dog’s colon health, weight issues, and bowel issues.
However, your dog shouldn’t eat a large amount of this vegetable or it can lead to gas and other digestion issues. Depending on your dog’s size, a reasonable serving will vary from a couple of tablespoons to a full cup.
Serving Ideas
Dogs can eat cauliflower:
- Cooked as an ingredient in a homemade meal that’s balanced with a good source of protein.
- Mashed and served as a treat.
- Chopped finely and sprinkled on top of their dog food.
Cauliflower Recipes for Dogs
Share this healthy and versatile veggie with your pup with these tasty recipes from Rover chef Kiki Kane. Scoop out a portion for each of you!
Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Casserole for Dogs
This nutritious recipe makes a delicious doggy meal mixer, stuffing for a holiday KONG toy, or freezes into cubes for a tasty treat-sicle anytime. Sweet potato is full of Vitamin A (beta-carotene), Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6, and is a healthy source of dietary fiber and beta-carotene. Carrots and apples are healthy dog treats on their own and add a natural sweetness to this recipe.
Beans are a great source of protein for dogs and people alike, as well as B vitamins, fiber, iron, folate, potassium, magnesium, and phytonutrients.
- Author: Kiki Kane
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups
Ingredients
- ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 2 sweet potatoes
- 2 large carrots
- 1 cup chopped cauliflower, about 1/2 head (fresh or frozen)
- 1 apple
- 1 can low-sodium drained and rinsed kidney beans (or prepared from dry to avoid excess sodium)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- OPTIONAL: 1 tsp turmeric & ½ tsp ginger
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º
- Spread coconut flakes on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake until toasty brown, about 5-10 minutes.
- Wash, peel, and roughly chop the sweet potatoes, carrot, cauliflower and apple.
- Steam the veggies until soft and then let cool enough to handle.
- Rinse kidney beans for 2 minutes and drain to remove as much sodium as possible. (Prepared dried beans are a healthier alternative.)
- Place the beans and veggies into a food processor and pulse to combine.
- Drizzle in the coconut oil and add the spices and pulse until combined.
- Plate up your casserole in a pretty serving dish, and sprinkle with toasted coconut to garnish.
Pureed Veggies with Ground Chicken Gravy for Dogs
Pureed Veggies for Dogs and People
Cook up some veggies and top them with this simple and tasty gravy, and enjoy a meal you can share with your pup!
Ingredients
Select a variety of veggies that you and your dog enjoy. Suggestions:
- Cauliflower
- Butternut or acorn squash
- Zucchini
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Pumpkin
- Green Beans
Instructions:
- Chop veggies.
- Cook until soft by steaming or roasting.
- Mash using a fork, potato masher, or immersion blender.
Ground Chicken Gravy for Dogs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground low-fat chicken, turkey, or beef
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch or tapioca flour
- 2 cups low sodium or homemade stock or broth
Instructions
- Warm your broth in a saucepan to a simmer.
- In a skillet, brown the meat, breaking it up as you go.
- When cooked through, strain off any fat from the meat.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the meat and stir well to coat.
- Pour broth over meat and bring to a low bowl until desired thickness.
- Serve warm.
For More Information
From cucumbers to cashews, there is a wide selection of information on vegetable safety for dogs on our Can My Dog Eat? directory page.
Learn more about feeding your dog a varied diet while learning the limitations of a dog’s sensitive digestive system. We offer a collection of articles on foods that are safe, dangerous or even toxic for dogs to eat, including vegetables, dairy, bread, and junk food.
The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
