[kms1167]

Wow, this is so informative and information I have always wondered about. Thanks for putting this all together!

[CorkyMax]

BROCCOLI: There has been a bit of confusion where broccoli is concerned. Broccoli is very good for dogs, however, if the daily intake exceeds more than 10% of the animals diet – problems can occur. The toxic substance is isothiocyanate and can cause gastrointestinal irritation.
NOTE: Broccoli toxicity was first noted in dairy cattle raised in California. When there was an over abundant broccoli crop, it was fed to the cattle. Problems may have occurred because cattle have rumens and digest things much more thoroughly, therefore taking in more of the toxic substance.

NOTE: I have read somewhere to not feed the leaves! Don't know why--I am just the messenger here trying to hit all aspects and keep you informed. As you know--there is much controversy on a lot of things so a person has to decide for themselves which is right! I had been feeding the smaller leaves but since hearing that--I tend to pull off the leaves just to be on the safe side.

Also found this on broccoli: If the percentage of broccoli in the diet exceeds 10% it can cause gastrointestinal upsets and if it exceeds 25% it is fatal.

I could not find any references to problems with broccoli in small animals, probably because no one feeds them more than 10% of their diet as broccoli or possibly because they don't have rumens and therefore don't digest the broccoli as thoroughly.

The toxic ingredient in broccoli is isothiocyanate and it is reported to be a pretty potent gastrointestinal irritant.

But I did find several references suggesting that broccoli should be fed to pets because of the bioflavinoids in it and their cancer fighting capabilities.

[CorkyMax]

Add a little broccoli for almost no cost

For almost no cost and little effort, you can improve the odds that your dog will live a long life. For the most micronutrients for your dollar, juice or finely chop a broccoli stalk to break the cell wall of the plant and make the nutrients more available. The stalk has just as much nutrition as the broccoli flower and is often thrown away. It contains many important cancer-fighting nutrients that can help your dog live longer.

Broccoli stalks, dark green lettuce outer leaves and asparagus spear stalks are good sources of chlorophyll, like all dark green vegetables. Natural chlorophylls exert protective effects against carcinogen exposure in animals and people. Human studies in China show that chlorophyll may help to delay the onset of symptoms of liver cancer caused by mycotoxin-contaminated grains. It is well documented that mycotoxin-contaminated grains have killed many dogs.

Give your animals bright green vegetables like broccoli several times a week. Juiced or chopped very finely, these green vegetables provide cancer fighting and immune system enhancing ingredients that can be found only in fresh foods. In order to keep the proper nutrient balance limit the total amount of the foods you add (unless you add raw bones) to dry food to about 15% by volume for dogs. AND REMEMBER NO MORE THAN 10% ALONE OF BROCCOLI!! For cats, a little goes a long way. “Cat grass,” available at natural food stores, is a good addition, or a teaspoon of juiced veggies for medium sized cats.

Broccoli is just one example: there are other good possibilities in the refrigerator of anyone who tries to feed their family a healthy diet that consists mostly of a variety of fresh foods.

[CorkyMax]

Brussels Sprouts:

Along with plants like broccoli and cauliflower, Brussels sprouts are members of the cabbage family. A good source of sulphur which is said to help both with blood circulation and skin problems. Brussels sprouts are also a good source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

[CorkyMax]

Cabbage is also a good source of sulphur and so this vegetable is said to help with blood circulation as well. Also, cabbage is a source of calcium, phosphorus, chlorine, iodine, sodium, and potassium.

Carrot:

This tap root is an excellent source of beta carotene. The roughage helps with constipation. Carrots generally have a nice sweet taste that most dogs like.

Cauliflower:

Another member of the cabbage family, cauliflower is a good source of fiber and sulfur. Cauliflower itself does not contain a lot of calcium, but the greens around the cauliflower do. Do not be afraid to use some of the greens in your companion’s foods. Just chop the greens up with the rest of the vegetables. Cauliflower is one the vegetables that I like to use on a regular basis not just because of its nutritional value though, but because it breaks very easily into small pieces when chopped in the food processor. Remember, the finer we can chop the vegetables the easier it will be for our pets to digest them.

Celery:

Celery is naturally rich in chlorine, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Celery helps to purify the blood and is a natural diuretic. Celery is said to be one of the best overall foods. It is said that celery leaves are beneficial for those who are nervous.

[CorkyMax]

There was some kind of problem with the forum a few days ago! All the posts/threads/new members (I think of the 1 from China who in beginning was getting a little 'flack' to start with--Prob wonders why she is no longer a member!! She became a member when all this happened.)
As I started to say, All the postings,etc. got knocked out of this forum --5 days to a week's worth it appears and I don't think they will ever reappear! I am commenting on this because--If you will notice my alphabetized vegetable posts now all stop after celery--I had completed the list all the way through zucchini---Many posts and a lot of time and effort lost! I don't know if I am going to redo all this--It about makes me sick thinking about it and don't really feel like trying to do it all over again. A lot of other informative posts on veggies in general got lost too and I don't remember what or where I got them!
I just wanted everyone to know that I didn't just quit after the veg-celery!--and to let you know why the rest are missing! Also wanted to say--If you want info on a certain veg--Go to the web--Put appropriate words in your browser. Examples: carrots/feeding dogs or carrots/dogs and then for more info on the veg nutrients,etc---You can follow up with: carrots/nutrition. That is how I got most of the info!