Can dogs eat Brussels sprouts? You may be asking this because you want to feed your furry friend a new snack, or maybe your pup ate some by accident. Humans can eat Brussels sprouts, so are they also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is yes, Brussels sprouts are safe for dogs to eat. These tiny, cabbage-like veggies are rich in nutrients for your pup.
However, there is one aspect of feeding Brussels sprouts to your dog that you may not like: the veggie will likely cause your dog to pass gas. If you are willing to accept this, Brussels sprouts can absolutely be an option for your pup.
However, as with all human food, be sure to contact your veterinarian before feeding any new foods or ingredients to your furry friend. Here’s what you should know about feeding Brussels sprouts to your dog.
How Are Brussels Sprouts Good For Dogs?
Brussels sprouts are loaded with vitamins and minerals. The tiny, bulbous veggies contain large amounts of vitamins C and K, the former of which is excellent for boosting your pup’s immune system, and the latter of which is essential in blood clotting.
Other vitamins present in Brussels sprouts include vitamins A, B1, and B6. In addition to housing a plethora of vitamins, these sprouts are chock full of antioxidants that can help your pup fight off infections, bacteria, and viruses, and they are also great sources of fiber, which aids in digestion.
Brussels sprouts also contain isothiocynates, a very long word that basically means you can expect your dog to flatulate quite a bit.
If your pup is having short-term digestive trouble — i.e., they ate too much grass on a walk or partook in another snack they should not have — Brussels sprouts may help your dog’s tummy get back to its usual state. You may, however, have a stinky house.
How Can I Safely Give Brussels Sprouts To My Dog?
While raw Brussels sprouts are not a danger to your dog, they can be difficult to eat and digest. Because of this, you should always cook them before feeding them to your dog.
The sprouts should be green, not yellow or brown. If you see a discolored leaf or two on a Brussels sprout that you intend to feed your dog, it’s better to err on the side of caution and toss it instead.
Cooking Brussels sprouts for your dog can be as easy as popping them in the microwave or as fancy as roasting them so they are nice and crispy for your doggo. It’s important that you don’t use oil or seasoning, as these can upset your pup’s sensitive stomach.
Whole Brussels sprouts may be a choking hazard to dogs. You should chop your pup’s sprouts into smaller pieces before feeding them the tasty veggie. As with all other foods, you should feed your dog Brussels sprouts in moderation.
Has your dog ever eaten Brussels sprouts? How do you like to prepare them for your pooch? Let us know in the comments below!
