Ever come across your dog trying to steal brussels sprouts from the table? If your heart also melted and you wondered, “can dogs eat brussels sprouts?” you are at the right place!
The answer to your question is- YES, but in moderation. Please don’t go for their cute looks, these sprouts can bring danger to your dog.
This article will discuss the pros and cons of dogs eating these crunchy treats. Also, you’ll love to see the safe and fun ways you and your dog can share Brussels sprouts. So here is your food for thought!
Pros of Feeding Your Dog Brussels Sprouts
1. Rich in nutrients
Brussels sprouts are rich in nutrients. It has vitamins K, C, and A. Also, brussels sprouts have a high content of potassium and magnesium. Together they help to improve a dog’s bone and skin health. A dog needs a nutritional diet promoting vision, shiny skin, and immune health (article).
2. High fiber content
Does your dog struggle with constipation? They probably need a fibrous diet. Brussels sprouts are fibrous and can help with digestion. It can make your dog’s gut healthier. But here is a catch! It would be best not to overfeed brussels sprouts as it can lead to runny stool.
3. Power of antioxidants
Its antioxidant properties are another benefit of brussels sprouts. Serving it to your dog reduces the inflammation and stress in your body. Also, these crunchies sprouts contribute to the immune system.
4. Crispy treats
Who doesn’t like crispy treats? If your dog is also a fan of crunchy veggies, they will love brussels sprouts. They are healthy if served in moderation and can be pleasurable to bite in. Also, taking a bite of it can promote dental health by taking away bad breath.
5. Low calories
Is your dog on a weight management plan? Then brussels is great for them! Brussels sprouts are low in calories and can be a great addition to your dog’s diet if they are overweight. Dogs can feel full after eating this fibrous treat and hence manage calorie intake.
Cons of Feeding Your Dog Brussels Sprouts
1. Gastrointestinal problems
If your dog overeats brussels sprouts, it can be prone to get gastrointestinal issues. Dogs have different digestive systems than that of humans. It can be sensitive to food items in massive amounts. Brussels sprouts can get stuck in the intestines or cause digestive problems. You can expect the signs like vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
2. Allergies
Some dogs have allergies to certain foods. It is essential to start by giving your small bites. Observe the signs of allergic reactions like irritation, itching, vomiting, or stomach ache. Please consult your veterinarian for further information on your dog’s triggers.
3. Thyroid
Brussels sprouts contain goitrogens that inhibit the absorption of iodine. Such things can disrupt the thyroid’s functioning (article). Also, the levels of goitrogens are low, but you should avoid excessive consumption.
4. Gassy
Brussels sprouts have fiber content that can be beneficial for dogs. But it should be IN MODERATION. You should know that high fiber can also lead to bloating and gas (article). It can cause discomfort and abdominal pain in dogs. Hence, even if you want to eliminate constipation, only give small amounts of brussels sprouts.
5. Medical interference
Brussels sprouts contain Vitamin K, so they can play a role in blood clotting. Please consult your veterinarian before serving them these crunchy treats. Especially if your dog is on blood thinners, vitamin K can interact with that medicine. This can lead to problems in dogs.
Things to Keep in Mind When Serving Your Dog Brussels Sprouts
While serving your dog brussels sprouts, you should remember to keep quantity in mind. For any human food, you and your dog cannot have the same amount of it. As dogs have sensitive stomachs, brussels sprouts can impact differently.
If you have a small toy-sized dog, you can serve them chopped, unseasoned brussels sprouts. But it should be at most 1-2 pieces a day. For an adult dog, you can give them unseasoned 2-3 pieces in one go. As every dog is different, they can have different capabilities to digest. That is why you should check with your veterinarian before you add anything new to your dog’s diet.
Another thing to remember is NOT to serve raw brussels sprouts to your dog. Raw food items take a lot of work to chew and digest. It can cause severe problems like choking hazards or blockage in the gut. To avoid such accidents, always give your dog brussels sprouts as a treat. (occasionally)
You must know that dogs have no tolerance for spices, so you should avoid seasonings. Avoid adding spices if you add these crunchy munchies to your dog’s diet. Most seasonings have garlic and onions that your dog might be allergic to.
Safe Ways To Serve Your Dog Brussels Sprouts
Instead of taking so many precautions, you can learn the safe ways to add brussels sprouts to your dog’s menu. Here are some fun ways to make your furry friend happy!
1. Mix them with kibbles
Like humans, dogs get bored of the same old food too! To spice it up, you can top brussels sprouts over dog food. Ensure to add only small amounts for flavor and new texture.
You must understand that sprouts cannot be a substitute for their regular meal. It cannot provide the nutritional value your dog requires every day. Hence, keeping a balance between taste and nutrition is essential.
2. Frozen brussels sprouts
You must have heard of frozen blueberries, but here we have frozen brussels sprouts. As dogs love to chew crispy veggies, you can freeze cooked brussels and serve. It is refreshing and also helps with the dental health of dogs.
3. Treats
You can serve as a treat during positive reinforcement training. If your dog loves them, they can also learn manners while having their favorite treats. But while serving brussels sprouts, paws and reflect on the portion size. As every dog has a different size and age, treat quantity should be as per the dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the answer to ‘can dogs eat brussel sprouts?’, you can serve your dog these fantastic treats in moderation. It would be best not to consider serving them raw brussels sprouts, which can cause problems. Although a few pieces may not affect a big-sized dog, they can be hazardous for small ones.
At last, they can give your dog nutrition, but not so much to feed them brussels sprouts daily. So yes! You and your dog can enjoy this treat together- forever!
Signing off with a wag!
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the size and age of the dog. If your dog is small, it can eat 1-2 Brussels sprouts. At the same time, an adult medium to large-sized dog can have 2 to 3 in one serving. Ensure you serve them only a few Brussels sprouts in one go. A responsible owner should consult a veterinarian before introducing a new food item
Dogs should only eat cooked Brussels sprouts. Cooking it will break the hard fibers and make it easier for dogs to digest. Raw ones can cause choking hazards or be challenging to chew for dogs. So, to be safe, always serve cooked Brussels sprouts without any seasoning.
The Brussels sprout’s leaves are not considered toxic. Leaves may give a few nutritional benefits, but there are other options. Do not feed your dog anything before consulting with your veterinarian. They can be allergic or suffer adverse effects from eating leaves.
Yes! Your dog can eat cooked and unseasoned Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. They are not toxic to dogs, but you should feed them in moderation. Excessive eating can cause digestive problems or allergic reactions in dogs. Rest, you can add them to your dog’s diet as treats, but not to substitute main meals.
Watch them for any symptoms of discomfort or abdominal pain. It is more likely to happen after eating raw food that dogs can’t digest. Issues like gastrointestinal obstruction can occur if not handled properly. If your dog has vomiting or diarrhea, consult your veterinarian immediately.
2 Responses
Came across this website by chance, and I’m definitely enjoying
the information! It so helps that I’m a dog parent too!!❤️
Is it bad that my dog adores brussel sprouts? Hahaha love this informative piece.