Brussels sprouts are not a food that is liked by everyone no matter how it’s cooked. But today we are here to check if can dogs eat brussel sprouts.
Brussels sprouts are a good source of important nutrients like folate and potassium and also have a ton of fiber and important vitamins like A, B, C, and K.
Yes, your dog can have brussel sprouts and I am sure your dog must have eyed them while they are on your dinner plate.
But before feeding these leaf vegetables to your furry friend, make sure to know everything about it.
Can Dogs Eat Brussel Sprouts? Are They Safe For My Dog?
Yes, brussel sprouts are a safe option for your dog if fed in moderation. Since they are high in dietary fiber, rich in vitamins, and low in calories and fat they make an excellent snack and healthy supplement for your pet.
You can feed your dog a small portion of cooked, unseasoned brussel sprouts. But avoid adding oil, salt, or spice to it, and make sure to cut them in small chunks so they don’t pose a choking hazard for your pup. If eaten in excess it can cause the unwanted side effect of increased flatulence because of the compound isothiocyanate present in brussel sprouts.
Health Benefits of Feeding Brussel Sprouts To Dogs
As a dog parent, I always seek nutritious food to feed my pouch. Before feeding brussels sprouts to my dog, I made sure to check the health benefits of this vegetable. Let me share it with you too!
- Rich source of vitamins: Brussels sprouts are a rich source of vitamins. It contains Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, and Vitamin B6. Vitamin K has prothrombin which is essential for blood clotting and bone metabolism.
- Full of Antioxidants: Brussels sprouts are high in antioxidants which provide cognitive benefits for your dog. Antioxidants also help by fighting against free radicals that cause oxidative cell damage.
- Low in carbohydrates: This makes them a perfect low-carb snack.
- Brussel sprouts are low in fats: These are great news for dogs that are overweight or have heart issues.
- Low in calories: Perfect treat for dogs that need to lose weight.
- Contains dietary fiber: Being a rich source of dietary fiber, brussels sprouts help digestion. It also supports healthy bowel movement and you should make sure to not overfeed your dog with brussels sprouts as it can lead to diarrhea. Dietary fiber prevents constipation.
- A great source of minerals: The essential minerals found in the vegetable are potassium, calcium, and manganese. They help to regulate the blood calcium level reducing the risk of heart disease.
Related guides: Can Dogs Eat Kale? Benefits & Risks For Your Dog
What You Should Know Before Feeding Your Dog Brussel Sprouts?
Brussels sprouts contain phytonutrients that help intestinal muscles push food and waste through the digestive tract.
But they also result in the production of bacteria that creates a lot of gas that can make your pup ill. Being very fibrous and tough, brussels sprouts can also present a choking hazard for your dog so it’s better to boil them.
Make sure not to overfeed your dog with brussels sprouts.
How Can I Feed Brussels Sprouts To My Dog Safely?
Once you know that brussels sprouts are a safe snack for your dog the next question that you might have in your mind will be how to feed brussels sprouts to your dog safely. You can follow these tips for feeding it to your dog.
- Choose plain brussels sprouts: Always make sure to buy plain brussels sprouts that should be free of any added preservatives or seasoning. The best option is fresh raw brussels sprouts.
- Cooking is a good option: Instead of giving raw brussels sprouts, you can cook them to make them safer and healthier for your dog. It’s better to boil or steam it as it also reduces choking hazards and makes it easy to digest for your pooch.
- Avoid any seasoning: Do not add any seasoning to your brussels sprouts as it can dehydrate or can poison your dog too.
- Cut before serving: Brussel sprouts are large and can create a choking hazard for the dog, so it’s better to cut them into small pieces before serving them to your dog.
You can give your dog brussel sprouts as a healthy treat or add them to the dog’s food.
Can Dogs Eat Brussel Sprouts: Recipe Guide
I have got you an easy and healthy brussel sprout recipe that my dog enjoys a lot. Let’s have a look at it.
Dog-Friendly Brussel Sprouts Skillets
Ingredients:
- 5 cups of brussels sprouts;
- 1/4 cup chopped sundried tomatoes;
- 1 medium sweet potato;
- 1/4 cup water;
- 1 pack beef hot dog;
- 1 tbsp oil.
Procedure:
- In a pan, add oil and sun-dried tomatoes and saute.
- Now add the hotdogs and cook until they turn light brown. Once done remove the pan and set aside.
- Take another pan and add brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes. Add some water and boil until potatoes are cooked and sprouts turn bright green.
- Mix it with the hot dog mixture.
- Cook for a few more minutes until everything is incorporated.
- Remove from the heat and let it cool.
Can Dogs Eat Brussel Sprouts Leaves?
Yes, you can feed your dog with brussel sprout leaves but make sure to only feed them fresh green ones. If they are brown or wilted, then you should not feed them as they can be toxic for your dog.
Fun Facts About Brussel Sprouts
- The United States produces 70 million pounds of sprouts each year.
- Brussels sprouts contain zeaxanthin, an oxidant that is important for eye health.
- They can stay fresh in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for as long as ten days.
- If you overcook brussels sprouts will sulfur-like smell.
- California produces more brussels sprouts than any other state.
- Eighty grams of this vegetable gives four times more vitamin C than an orange.
Wrapping Up!
Dogs can have brussels sprouts as they can be really healthy snack for them. But if your dog has an extra sensitive stomach, then it’s not good as it can give extra gas or diarrhea to your pouch. Being very fibrous and tough, brussel sprouts can also present a choking hazard for your dog so it’s better to boil them. Make sure not to overfeed your dog with brussels sprouts.
FAQ’s
Can dogs eat brussel sprouts?
Yes, dogs can have brussels sprouts but in moderation.
Do brussels sprouts cause gas?
Yes, brussels sprouts can cause gas if it’s taken in excessive amounts.
What are the side effects of brussels sprouts?
Brussels sprouts contain phytonutrients that help intestinal muscles push food and waste through the digestive tract. But they also result in the production of bacteria that create a lot of gas that can make your pup ill.
We hope you liked the article ‘Can Dogs Eat Brussel Sprouts?’. You can also check out our other articles as well.
