Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable that is loved by humans, but did you know many animals like to eat it too? In this comprehensive 3,000 word guide, we will explore all the different animals that enjoy munching on those little green florets.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Deer, rabbits, rodents, and some birds are the most common animals that will eat parts of the broccoli plant, including the florets, stems, leaves, and roots.
We will start by looking at wild animals like deer and rabbits that will happily forage on broccoli when given the chance. We’ll then examine domesticated farm animals and pets that owners can intentionally feed broccoli as a healthy treat.
Finally, we’ll consider pest animals like rodents that may dig up and eat broccoli from gardens.
Wild Animals That Eat Broccoli
Deer
Deer are herbivorous mammals that enjoy munching on vegetables, including broccoli (QDMA). When available, they may nibble on broccoli plants in gardens or farms. White-tailed deer especially seem to take delight in the little green trees. Their upper lips help them to grab and peel the stalks.
Then they chew the tender florets and young leaves. Deer also derive nutrients like calcium, fiber, and protein from broccoli. So if your backyard broccoli has gone missing, deer may well be the culprits!
Rabbits
As herbivores, rabbits can’t resist the verdant foliage of broccoli plants. The long stalks and bushy florets make perfect nibbles for bunnies. Wild cottontails and jackrabbits may invade broccoli patches or crops looking for greens.
Rabbits need lots of fiber and nutrients from vegetation, which broccoli provides (House Rabbit Society). The calcium in broccoli is especially beneficial for growing rabbits to support healthy bones and teeth. Just a few young plants can provide mini-meals for foraging rabbits.
But beware – rabbits may rapidly devour whole vegetable gardens once they discover the location!
Squirrels
With their sharp rodent incisors, squirrels can gnaw through tough broccoli stalks to access the bushy crowns. Tree squirrels like eastern grays forage on the ground for seeds, fruits, nuts, and sometimes veggies. Broccoli may appeal with its clusters of little green bulb-shaped morsels.
The florets’ high moisture and nutrients offer thirsty squirrels a hydrating snack (MSU Extension). Squirrels especially target broccoli heads just before harvest, often climbing the plants and clipping off pieces to carry away.
Installing barriers around seedlings can deter marauding squirrels from pinching produce.
Birds
Several bird species have a taste for brassicas like broccoli. Seed-eating birds may discover self-sown volunteer plants. But even insect and omnivorous birds may try broccoli fruits and greens. Blue jays, sparrows, finches, and grouse have been spotted pecking at garden veggies (Birdwatching HQ).
Crows may dig up freshly planted seeds before they sprout. While broccoli isn’t a huge draw, the plants do offer moisture, carbs, fiber, protein for wild avian diners. Floating row covers can shield seedlings and deter feasting birds.
And bird netting over maturing broccoli heads prevents random pecking damage.
Domesticated Animals That Eat Broccoli
Cattle
Cows and bulls enjoy munching on broccoli as part of their balanced diet. The vegetable is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that aids their digestion and keeps them healthy. Studies show that adding broccoli to cattle feed can reduce methane emissions, benefitting the environment.
Goats
From pet pygmy goats to dairy breeds like Nubians, most goats relish broccoli. The leafy greens provide nutrients like calcium and selenium to support bone health and fertility. Goats also like the crunchy florets. Offer broccoli leaves and stems to supplement the standard hay and grain diet.
Sheep
Sheep can safely eat all parts of broccoli plants raw or cooked as an occasional treat. The vitamin C boosts their immunity, while broccoli heads, stems and leaves add variety to diets dominated by grasses or hay. Monitor portion sizes to prevent bloating.
Chickens
Free-range hens will enjoy pecking at broccoli plants in the garden. The florets, leaves and stalks provide healthy nourishment. Studies show certain broccoli compounds can boost egg production. Chopping the vegetable helps chickens digest it.
Offer broccoli scraps to supplement poultry feed for optimal nutrition.
Dogs
From Chihuahuas to Great Danes, most dogs relish broccoli’s sweet, nutty flavor. The low-calorie snack is packed with vitamins C and K. Chewing the vegetable promotes healthy gums too. Always serve broccoli florets raw or lightly steamed, as dogs don’t digest excessive carbohydrates well.
Avoid seasoning with salt or butter. Consult your veterinarian on the optimal portion size for your pet.
Cats
Unlike dogs, most kitties aren’t interested in broccoli’s bitter taste and fibrous texture. However, small amounts of broccoli contain antioxidants, vitamin C and K that benefit feline immune health. Lightly steam florets to soften them or hide tiny pieces in food.
Introduce new foods slowly and watch for signs of gastric distress. Check with your vet before significantly altering your cat’s regular diet.
Pest Animals That Eat Broccoli
Voles
Voles, also known as meadow mice, can be voracious nibblers that gnaw on broccoli stems and roots (source). These rodents tunnel underground, damaging plants, and can destroy entire gardens in no time. Population booms of voles are common, causing thousands of dollars in crop damage.
One study discovered that voles devoured almost 25% of carrot and beet plants over 4 months. With broccoli’s tender stems and leaves, it’s probable a similar level of destruction would occur if voles infested a garden bed.
Mice
Mice may chew through broccoli stems or feed on planted seeds, especially in cold weather when other food is scarce (source). Though individual mice eat relatively little, large invasive populations can wipe out vegetable gardens.
Certain species like deer mice are also known to spread dangerous pathogens through feces and urine contamination.
Population density impacts the threat mice pose to broccoli crops. For example, in rural areas there may only be 10-20 mice per acre compared to cities where populations can explode to over 1,000 rodents per acre. With such high numbers, significant losses are likely for urban gardeners.
Rats
Both roof rats and Norway rats will eat broccoli, especially heading broccoli where the tender flowering shoots are exposed. Known carriers of dangerous diseases, rats can transmit pathogens through urine or feces into gardens.
A study in 2002 found 47% of urban rats carried leptospirosis that can lead to liver and kidney failure in humans (source).
Broccoli baiting with rodenticides is sometimes used to control rats. However, poisons also threaten pets and beneficial wildlife, so exclusion and snap traps are safer control methods. Keeping garden waste cleaned up and sealing possible entry points to garden beds can deter rat invasions.
Gophers
Pocket gophers, often called just “gophers,” live underground and feast on broccoli roots and stems.Native to western North America, their tunnel systems with lateral feeding burrows can undermine entire garden beds.
Mounds of loose dirt from extensive burrowing are the most obvious above-ground evidence of gophers. Each gopher’s territory can span 500-2,000 square feet.
Research measured alfalfa losses from gophers at 5-15% per year. Comparable destruction is likely for broccoli and other root vegetables. Control options include traps, baits, fumigants and physical barriers.
Installing wire mesh fences at least 30 inches deep can obstruct tunneling and shield broccoli crops.
Conclusion
As we have seen, broccoli is enjoyed by a wide variety of animals, ranging from deer and rabbits to goats and chickens. Both wild and domesticated animals are attracted to the taste and nutritional value of the broccoli plant.
While humans purposefully cultivate broccoli to harvest the florets, many animals will happily take advantage of whatever parts of the plant they can access. So next time you’re growing broccoli, keep an eye out for visitors looking to nibble on those nutritious greens!
