Brussels sprouts are tiny cabbages renowned for their nutrition, but can dogs eat Brussel sprouts?
Yes, dogs can eat Brussels sprouts – but in moderation, of course. They even contain a few nutrients that are good for our dogs.
Stick around to find out the perks of these mini cabbages for dogs and just how many they can safely munch on.
>> By the way, does anyone else call them ‘Brussel sprouts’? After researching this article, I found that it’s actually ‘Brussels sprouts’! <<
Can Dogs Eat Brussel Sprouts?
Yes, your pup can eat Brussels sprouts! But hold on to your leash for a second, because these miniature cabbages have a few preparation guidelines you need to keep in mind:
- Cooked Only, Please!: Raw Brussels sprouts can be a bit tough on your dog’s stomach. Cooking makes them extra-digestible for both us and our dogs. Steaming, boiling, or even microwaving all work. Just ensure they’re soft and well-cooked before offering them to your pup.
- Skip the Fanciness: Don’t add seasonings like butter, salt, or garlic. These may make the cabbages yummy to us, but many seasonings are toxic to dogs! Avoid Brussels sprouts cooked with onions for the same reason.
- Size Matters: Brussels sprouts may look very tiny to us, but they can pose a choking risk for smaller dogs. Be sure to cut up these impossibly round veggies and feed your dog only the proper amount.
What Are the Risks of Dogs Eating Brussels Sprouts?
While Brussels sprouts are not toxic to dogs, that doesn’t mean they’re completely safe. There are a few risks involved:
- Belly Troubles: Brussels sprouts are very high in fiber, which is necessary in our dog’s diet. However, too much fiber can cause gas, bloating, and stomach upset in some dogs, especially those with more sensitive stomachs.
- Choking Hazard: As we touched on, Brussels sprouts are the perfect shape to slide down an over-excited dog’s throat. Be sure to cut each piece into smaller chunks that aren’t quite as circular!
- Gassiness: Due to the high fiber content, Brussels sprouts almost always lead to increased gassiness. This isn’t necessarily a problem unless your dog tends to be smelly anyway!
What Are the Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts?
Even with these few downsides, Brussels sprouts are perfectly fine for dogs to eat in moderation and many even provide a few health benefits! Here are some of the reasons you can feel good about feeding your dog these mini cabbages:
- Vitamin Powerhouse: Brussels sprouts include many vitamins, like many vegetables. These include vitamins A, C, and K, which are all necessary for your dog’s diet.
- Fibrous Snack: Brussels sprouts also include high amounts of fiber. We’ve talked about how some dogs don’t react well to fiber, but others do! Fiber can be particularly helpful for weight loss purposes, as it can help dogs stay fuller longer.
- Antioxidant Army: These little green guys are loaded with antioxidants that fight free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Low-Calories: Brussels sprouts are low in calories, making them a better choice than fruits or other high-sugar snacks for your dog.
Remember, though, that dogs should only consume a small amount of Brussels sprouts each day. While they do offer benefits, too many is never a good thing!
How Much Brussels Sprouts Can Dogs Eat?
Brussels sprouts can be a great snack for your dog. But, remember, dogs should only consume around 10% of their calories from treats, including Brussels sprouts. With that in mind, there are some guidelines for you to keep in mind:
- Tiny Dogs (under 20 lbs): A good starting point for these small servings is half to a whole teaspoon, roughly the size of a single blueberry.
- Small Dogs (21-30 lbs): One to two teaspoons, similar to a few blueberries, is a safe amount for these energetic pups.
- Medium Dogs (31-50 lbs): A reasonable portion for medium-sized dogs is a single tablespoon, about the size of a large strawberry.
- Large Dogs (51-90 lbs): One to two tablespoons is plenty for these bigger breeds.
- Giant Dogs (over 90 lbs): The maximum recommended amount for these giant-sized friends is up to a quarter cup, which is roughly the size of a small kiwi fruit.
Some dogs tolerate Brussels sprouts just fine, while others do not, even though they are technically a healthy snack. You should always start with less than the recommended serving size above and slowly work up to a “full” serving as your dog tolerates it.
Be sure to keep an eye on your dog’s poop to determine how they’re adjusting to the added veggies!