If you’re a fan of brussels sprouts, you may consider feeding them to your dog as a treat. In that case you may ask the question, can dogs eat brussels sprouts? How about raw brussels sprouts? Or cooked brussels sprouts?
The answer is yes, dogs can eat brussels sprouts. They are high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, and dogs may consume brussels sprouts as a way to help meet their nutritional needs.
However, there are some precautions dog parents need to be aware of when feeding their dog brussels sprouts.
Read on to discover the benefits and risks of giving your dog brussels sprouts to eat.
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Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts? Are Brussels Sprouts Safe For Dogs?
Brussels sprouts are safe for dogs to eat. In terms of vitamins and minerals, brussels sprouts are loaded with them and many veterinarians recommend including brussels sprouts in your dog’s diet.
As with most foods that you want to give to your dog, feeding your dog brussels sprouts should be done in moderation. Over feeding your dog brussels sprouts could cause some issues relating to flatulence and more. This is something we’ll discuss a bit more later in this article.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Brussel Sprouts For Dogs?
Brassica oleracea, is the name of the cruciferous vegetable family that contains brussels sprouts. This vegetable family also contains broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and collard greens. The sulfur-containing phytochemical glucosinolate found in cruciferous vegetables gives them their characteristic aroma and bitter taste.
Brussels sprouts are low in calories and carbs but rich in fiber. 3 and a 1/2 ounces of brussels sprouts contains 2 and a 1/2 grams of fiber and just 36 calories. For dogs with obesity or diabetes, they are an excellent choice of treat. Let’s look at the full nutritional benefits of giving brussels sprouts to your dog.
Antioxidants
These small green vegetables contain a tremendous quantity of antioxidants, which may help decrease inflammation in your dog. They will also aid in the improvement of blood flow.
Help Obese Dogs Lose Weight
Your dog’s digestion is slowed down by fiber. This may help you feel full for longer between meals, which cuts down on begging and helps you lose weight. Brussels sprouts are a healthy treat for dogs that are overweight or diabetic since they are low in calories, sugar-free, and rich in fiber.
Vitamin K Is An Essential Nutrient
This is a vitamin powerhouse, helping to maintain a normal blood clotting rate, as well as promoting strong bones and improving the heart health of your dog.
A Good Source Of Vitamin E For Dogs
Vitamin E insufficiency has been linked to muscular weakness, stiffness, and even vision problems, according to research. Maintaining the health of the skin and coat, as well as the immune system, is another benefit of Vitamin E!
Fiber In The Diet
Your dog’s digestive movement will be better regulated with the aid of this special fiber. It’s great for making it softer and heavier, making it simpler for dogs to relieve themselves when necessary!
Kaempferol
The anti-inflammatory effects of kaempferol cannot be overstated. As a result, the intervertebral disc may be recommended to cure even degenerative disorders in the dog’s body.
As you can see, brussels sprouts really can do wonders for your dog’s health. Some dog professionals even consider Brussels sprouts to be a dog superfood!
What Are The Risks Of Giving Brussel Sprouts To My Dog?
It may seem that there are no downsides or risks to giving your dog brussels sprouts to eat, but that wouldn’t be strictly true.
While it’s unlikely that your dog can become sick from eating brussels sprouts in moderation, there can be potential issues if you overfeed your dog the veggies.
Brussel Sprouts Can Cause Flatulence In Dogs
Phytonutrients found in Brussels sprouts aid the body’s digestion of both food and waste. However, they also contribute to the development of additional bacteria, resulting in the production of foul-smelling dog farts. Depending on how many Brussels sprouts your dog ate, you may have to open the windows to get the odor out of the home.
Brussel Sprouts Can Be A Choking Hazard For Dogs
The stalks or stems of Brussels sprouts are very stiff and fibrous. It is possible for your dog to choke on them or suffer from intestinal obstructions or impaction as a result of eating them.
Therefore, it’s recommended that you peel the skin off the stalk and cook the stalks, if you intend to give it to your dog to eat.
Raw Brussels Sprouts Can Cause Stomach Upset And Diarrhea In Dogs
Dogs have a difficult time digesting raw Brussels sprouts. If you offer them to your dog uncooked, their digestive tract will have a difficult time absorbing the fiber in the vegetables. Gastrointestinal distress, including bloating and diarrhea, may develop as a result of giving your dog raw brussels sprouts.
Why Do Dogs Like Brussel Sprouts?
Dogs like brussels sprouts for the same reasons humans do – they simply taste good to them.
Raw brussels sprouts have a milder flavor that many people enjoy, but cooked brussels sprouts can be quite bitter. For many people and dogs, this bitter taste is a nice contrast to the more sweet or mild flavors that we eat every day.
Another reason why dogs may love brussels sprouts is simply because dogs have their favorite foods just like us humans do. And some dogs, brussels sprouts is the perfect combination of bitterness, texture and aromatic flavor.
Is It Ok For Dogs To Eat Raw Brussels Sprouts?
You should not feed your dog raw brussels sprouts. This includes the stem, the leaves or even the sprouts themselves. Your dog’s stomach will have a hard time digesting any part of a brussels sprout uncooked. Not only that, it could lead to some major digestive issues, so avoid giving raw brussels sprouts to your dog.
Can I Feed My Dog Cooked Brussel Sprouts?
Yes, you can feed your dog cooked brussels sprouts. In fact, you should only ever feed your dog brussels sprouts that have been cooked. You must never feed your dog raw brussels sprouts or this could lead to serious digestive problems for your dog, including giving her diarrhea.
On the other hand, cooked brussels sprouts are a great healthy food for your dog and have wonderful health benefits for our canine friends.
Related – Find out why your canine friend loves applesauce and whether there are any risks by reading can dogs eat applesauce?
Can French Bulldogs Eat Brussel Sprouts?
Yes, French bulldogs can eat brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts are a healthy and nutritious food that French bulldogs can enjoy.
Try adding cooked brussels sprouts as a side dish to your French bulldogs’ main meals. Or you can give them to your French bulldog as a healthy treat.
Are Dogs Allergic To Brussel Sprouts?
Brussels sprouts do not contain any toxins that create any inherent allergic reactions in dogs.
Brussels sprouts are safe foods for dogs to eat and are rich in nutrients and vitamins. Many dog professionals encourage dog owners to feed their dog brussels sprouts twice a month or more.
However, if your dog has a history of food allergies, or is allergic to other vegetables in the cruciferous family, then do check with your veterinarian first.
Are Brussels Sprouts Toxic To Dogs?
No, brussels sprouts are not toxic to dogs. Brussels sprouts do not contain any compounds that are poisonous to dogs.
Brussels sprouts are a great source of fiber, vitamins and nutrients that help boost your dog’s immune system and overall health. Try feeding your dog brussels sprouts twice a month to ensure your dog benefits from the health boosting qualities of these green veggies.
Related – Find out why your dog eats crayons and what the risks are by reading are crayons toxic to dogs?
What Happens If Dogs Eat Brussel Sprouts?
If dogs eat brussels sprouts then they will benefit from the health boosting properties of this cruciferous vegetable.
Brussels sprouts are known as superfoods for dogs (and humans) and contain lots of minerals and nutrients that a dog needs.
For example, brussels sprouts are high in fiber and as a result they can help obese dogs lose weight. This is because a dog’s digestion is slowed down by fiber, making them feel fuller for longer.
Brussels sprouts contain lots of antioxidants, which can reduce any inflammation your dog may be experiencing. They also help to increase blood circulation.
How Much Brussel Sprouts Can A Dog Eat?
Depending on the size of your dog you can feed your dog up to three brussels sprouts in one sitting.
If you have a small breed dog, then feed her 1 to 1 and 1/2 half sprouts in one sitting.
If you have a medium breed dog, then you can feed her 1 and a 1/2 to 2 sprouts per sitting.
As for larger breed dogs, you can safely feed them 2 to 3 sprouts in one sitting.
However, if you’ve never given your dog brussels sprouts to eat before then it’s best to start with a lower amount initially. To begin with, feed your dog just half a brussels sprout and see how they react. Then build up to two sprouts, and then finally build up to three sprouts in one sitting – depending on the size of your dog.
A sensible frequency to feed your dog brussels sprouts is twice a month.
Related – Find out why your pet pooch enjoys mango and whether there are any risks to them, by reading can dogs eat mango?
How To Serve And Cook Brussels Sprouts For Dogs
The best way to serve brussels sprouts to your dog ti to pick fresh sprouts and thoroughly cook them. Read on to discover how to cook and serve brussels sprouts to dogs.
Pick Fresh Brussels Sprouts
When purchasing Brussels sprouts for your dog, look for firm fresh, green sprouts with no discolored leaves. If your local grocery store sells organic sprouts then always opt for those.
Wash The Brussels Sprouts
Remove the stems from your Brussels sprouts and clean and rinse them well to remove any harmful pesticides that might irritate your dog’s digestive tract.
Steam The Brussels Sprouts
The best way to cook brussels sprouts in order to preserve the most nutrients, minerals and vitamins is to steam them. You can also boil the sprouts or microwave them, but those cooking methods strip away more of the nutritional benefit of the sprouts compared to steaming them.
Do Not Add Any Salt Or Seasoning
Your dog’s stomach will be irritated if any spices or oils are added, which might lead to inflammation of the pancreas or other conditions.
Garlic, onions, and salt are all toxic to dogs so plain unseasoned Brussels sprouts with no oils or butter are best for your dog’s health.
Final Thoughts On Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts?
By now you should know the answer to the question, can dogs eat brussels sprouts? The short answer is yes. Brussels sprouts are a great source of nutrients, minerals and vitamins for dogs, for example, antioxidants, vitamin K and C, dietary fiber and more.
With that said there are risks you need to be aware of if you give your dog brussels sprouts to eat. For example, your dog will have increased flatulence, and if you give your dog too much brussels sprouts she may get an upset stomach.