Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts

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Brussels sprouts are a vegetable that doesn’t suit everyone. You either love them, or you hate them. It seems there is no grey zone when it comes to this superfood. If you love them, you might find yourself wondering, “Can dogs eat brussels sprouts?” The good news is - yes, dogs can have brussels sprouts. However, there are a few things you should know before you start sharing your food with your dog.

Dogs don’t seem to mind what we are eating; if something smells interesting to them, they want to have some. It looks like dogs are similar to humans when it comes to brussels sprouts; they either love them or hate them. Some dogs start gagging when they smell brussels sprouts, and others seem to love the smell and the taste. Here is what you should know about sharing some brussels sprouts with your dog.

Are brussels sprouts safe for dogs?

Generally speaking, yes, brussels sprouts are safe for dogs to eat. In fact, not only are they safe, they are highly beneficial to humans and dogs. They are packed with healthy nutrients and a whole range of vitamins essential for healthy body functions. Humans should include this veggie in their diet, and if you can sneak it into your dog’s diet, that would be very beneficial. Here are some of the best nutrients brussels sprouts have to offer;

• Vitamin A - Vitamin A is essential for the lungs, kidneys, and heart’s proper and healthy functioning. It helps keep our vision in the best possible condition, slows down cognitive aging, and boosts the immune system.
• Vitamin B1 - This vitamin plays a crucial role in converting food into energy. If there is a B1 vitamin deficiency, that process cannot work correctly. The dog will become lethargic, tired, and feel muscle lameness.
• Vitamin B6 - Like the B1 vitamin, the B6 vitamin helps the body store and use energy from protein and carbs. This vitamin will also help with hemoglobin production.
• Vitamin C - The most famous of all vitamins and a popular vitamin supplement. This is a vitamin that is necessary for growing and repairing body tissue. It also boosts the immune system, helps heal wounds, and promotes cartilage and bone health.
• Vitamin K - Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamin K. This vitamin plays a vital role in blood clotting and wound healing.
• Dietary fiber - Dietary fiber is necessary for proper digestion. It soaks the excess fluids in the GI tract and helps add bulk to the dog’s stool. It is very beneficial for dogs with diarrhea. The best supplement packed with fiber is pumpkin.
• Antioxidants - This small green veggie is packed with antioxidants. They will help reduce inflammation and protect the body from free radicals.

You can read more about the most essential vitamins here - Vitamins for dogs.

As you can see, brussels sprouts are packed with healthy and beneficial nutrients. Still, before you start stuffing your dog, thinking only about benefits, you should know how to safely feed brussels sprouts to your dog.

Are there any risks of feeding your dog brussels sprouts?

Luckily, brussels sprouts don’t contain any toxins or poisons that could potentially harm your dog. However, there is one side-effect of your dog eating too many brussels sprouts - excessive flatulence.

If you ever had a chance of being next to your dog when they pass gas, and most dog owners have, you know how stomach-turning that can be. Well, that is precisely what is going to happen if your dog eats even a tiny amount.

Brussels sprouts contain a substance called isothiocyanate. This substance helps dog’s intestines “pass” and digest food easier and quicker. A byproduct of that is bacteria build-up, and the only way they can leave the dog’s body is in the form of gas. Constant brussels sprout feeding will make it impossible to spend time with your dog, and not to mention the embarrassment that comes along with passing gas in public.

However, occasionally feeding your dog brussels sprouts will help them clean their gastrointestinal tract. The benefits of feeding your dog brussels sprouts heavily outweigh the smelly side-effects.

There is another veggie dogs seem to love. Check out this article for more information - Can dogs eat cabbage?

How to safely give your dog brussels sprouts?

If you were wondering, can dogs have brussels sprouts, the answer is yes, but only if you prepare them safely. There are three ways you can prepare them;

• Boiling
• Steaming
• Microwaving

Boiling brussels sprouts is safe, but it will destroy most of the healthy nutrients you’d want your dog to get. It will take about 10 minutes to boil them. The other two options, steaming and microwaving, are far better. The nutrients will be preserved, and your dog will get all the benefits brussels sprouts have to offer.

Another vital thing dog owners should remember - do not use any spices. While humans love adding things like salt, pepper, or any other spice to their foods, dogs should not eat any spices. Their delicate stomachs will not handle them well, and you will end up with a dog with digestive issues. Give your dog brussels sprouts that were only prepared in water.

Brussels sprouts are not the only beneficial vegetable dogs can eat. Check out this article for more info - Can dogs eat green beans?

Important notice

While brussels sprouts are safe to eat, overfeeding your dog can cause an upset stomach and excessive gas. These are not too severe issues, but if they last longer than 24 hours, make sure you call your vet and let them know what’s going on.

World Dog Finder team