Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts? Ultimate Guide – Smart Dog Mom

Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts? Yes, of course, dogs can eat brussel sprouts. These are totally alright for dogs to eat if fed in moderation.

Brussel sprouts are small green vegetables that are very nutritious for health. They contain a lot of vitamins and minerals. They appear to be one of those food varieties that individuals either love or disdain.

Do you like brussel sprouts? If you like them, you will definitely want to share them with your dog. However, in addition to the benefits, it also has some downsides. In this article, everything is discussed in detail:

Benefits of Eating Brussels Sprouts:

There are a lot of benefits to eating brussel sprouts. These cruciferous veggies are very beneficial for the health of both humans and dogs. Brussel sprouts contain lots of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which play a role in relieving inflammation and circulating blood. They also help to build bones properly. Some benefits of brussel sprouts are mentioned below:

Vitamins:

Brussel sprouts are plentiful in vitamins. They contain Vitamin A, C, E, K. They also contain Vitamin B1 & B6.  We all know how much these vitamins are needed for our dog’s body. Vitamin K improves bone growth and circulating blood.

Vitamin C reduces the risk of chronic disease, enhances the immune system, keeps high blood pressure under control. Vitamin A is supposed to be a fundamental nutrient for canines. It is significant for skin and coat well-being, solid muscles and nerves, and appropriate neurological capacity.

Vitamin E is an essential antioxidant that protects the cells inside your dog’s body from the effects of free radicals. On the other hand, Vitamin B6 develops your dog’s brain health and helps in metabolism. Vitamin B1 increases his energy levels, keeps the heart well.

Minerals:

Like vitamins, brussel sprouts have a lot of minerals that help your puppy to stay healthy. Minerals also play a significant role in making enzymes and hormones. Some important minerals such as manganese, potassium, and iron are found in brussel sprouts. Manganese helps dogs in the digestion of amino acids, protein, cholesterol, glucose, and carbohydrates. It contributes to reducing bone formation, blood clotting, and inflammation.

Potassium controls your dog’s fluid balance, central nervous system, and muscle formation.

Iron is important for red blood cell oxygenation, energy production, and preserving the immune system of your puppy.

Antioxidants:

Another benefit of brussel sprouts is to have enough antioxidants. Antioxidants play an important role in physiological reactions. Brussel sprouts contain an antioxidant called kaempferol which is necessary for reducing inflammation in your dog’s body and destroying cancer cells.

 Dietary fiber, low in calorie:

Brussel sprouts have a lot of insoluble dietary fiber from which dogs benefit greatly. These fibers help your puppy digest and maintain intestinal health. It also helps your pup to control blood sugar, removing the risk of heart disease.

Low-calorie vegetables are required for dogs and brussel sprouts are one of them. This veggie carries very low calories that will also help your dog to lose weight. If you want, you can give him brussel sprouts as a treat.

Omega-3 fatty acids:

What kind of food do you feed your dog to meet the needs of omega-3 fatty acids in his body? Of course any fish or seafood. But what if these foods aren’t available or your dog doesn’t want to eat them? Then you may feed him brussel sprouts. Brussel sprouts carry a kind of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid(ALA). Omega-3 fatty acids are needed for your dog’s health because:

  1. They decrease blood triglycerides.
  2. They slow down cognitive decline.
  3. They lessen insulin resistance
  4. They minimize inflammation.
Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts

 

The Disadvantage of Eating Brussels Sprouts:

Despite being a lot of benefits, brussel sprouts also have some downsides. Those who take this vegetable regularly, know about its negative aspects. So, they don’t feed their dog brussel sprouts regularly. Some downsides of brussel sprouts are:

  • Brussel sprouts cause a lot of gas problems. They have high measures of isothiocyanate. Isothiocyanate is a substance that helps in the processing of food by increasing the intestinal capacity and waste through your canine’s gastric tract. It produces extra bacterium which causes flatulence and this bacterium is excreted from the body as gas.
  • Excessive eating of these vegetables cause stomach upset and diarrhea in your dog.
  • Again brussel sprouts contain a lot of fiber. An excess amount of fiber is not good for dogs’ health. It causes serious health problems such as nausea, diarrhea, bloating, and dehydration. These diseases become very miserable for your dog.

However, brussel sprouts have no toxic effects. Remember that, if your puppy has an allergy problem, don’t feed him this vegetable. Feed it in moderation. If the above symptoms persist, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Preparation:

These ways are steam, microwave, or boil.

Select green, strong, and fresh brussel sprouts for cooking. Make sure they are not stiff or old. This can cause stomach problems in your dog. Then wash them clean and cut them. Slice them into small pieces. However, when cutting, cut off most of the stalks, leaving the leaves intact. Then cook in the following manner:

  • Steam: In a 3-4 quart pot, take a little water and pour the brussel sprouts in it. Cook for 4-5 minutes (over high heat) until they are soft. The good thing about steaming is that it saves the most nutrients.
  • Microwave: In a 1-1/2-qt. microwave-safe dish, take a little water, and pour the brussel sprouts in it. Then cover the dish and microwave for 7-8 minutes, shake them every two minutes, and wait until tender.
  • Boil: In a pan, take a little water and pour the brussel sprouts in it. Boil them for 10-12 minutes. 
  • Never feed your dog raw brussel sprouts because raw vegetables are difficult to digest and don’t feed him overcooked food. There is no need to mix any salt, pepper, herb, spices, or oil while making it.

Serving:

You should not feed your dog those sprouts which you have made for yourself because you may have made your sprouts with oil and spices. Foods mixed with oil, spices, onion, pepper, sauces should not be given to dogs. Brussel sprouts are best served to your dog by steaming well or served with a little olive oil.

The amount of sprouts you feed your canine a day depends on its size. If your dog is small, you can feed him 1/4 to 1 brussel sprout at a time. Since these vegetables have some side effects, do not feed him too much. 

Discuss with your vet how much brussel sprouts can be fed to your dog. Then you can divide that amount into several portions and serve them little by little. Remember, never serve your puppy raw sprouts or overcooked sprouts. You can also give brussel sprouts as a treat if you like.

FAQs: 

Can dogs eat cooked Brussels sprouts?

Yes, dogs can eat cooked brussel sprouts but don’t cook them mixed with onion, garlic, spicy, pepper, oil. Just steam them for a while and serve them.

However, don’t give your dog raw sprouts or don’t give overcooked sprouts. Raw sprouts are difficult to digest and overcooked food loses its nutritional value.

Do Brussels sprouts kill dogs?

No, brussel sprouts don’t kill dogs. Because they have no toxic or poison effects. Some of the negative aspects of brussel sprouts are that they cause gas problems and some stomach problems. Consult with your vet if your puppy faces these problems.

Why does my dog love Brussels sprouts?

Brussels sprouts contain a lot of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants which are very beneficial for your puppy and he can get a healthy and happy life. That’s why your dog loves brussels sprouts.

Do Brussels sprouts make dogs fart?

Too much eating of brussels sprouts can make your dog fart. Brussels sprouts contain isothiocyanate that makes your dog gassy. If you feed in moderation, this problem is less likely to be faced.

What vegetables are bad for dogs?

Some vegetables are bad for your dog’s health such as onion, garlic, wild mushrooms, avocado, asparagus, unripe tomatoes, etc. These all are unsafe for dogs. It’s better not to feed your dog these vegetables.

Can my dog eat broccoli?

Yes, broccoli is safe for your canine. He can eat it. Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable which contains a lot of fiber, vitamin C and low calorie. But, it is better not to feed too much broccoli. This may cause some problems.

Can we give sprouts to dogs?

Yes, we can give our dogs sprouts. Brussels sprouts, bean sprouts are very nutritious. They meet your dog’s body’s need for vitamins and minerals. They help to build bones and improve immunity.

Can dogs eat cauliflower?

Yes, dogs can eat cauliflowers. Cauliflower is a healthy vegetable. As it contains a lot of nutrients, it keeps your dog physically healthy. Cauliflower is full of fiber which helps his colon health and weight problem. Excessive amounts of cauliflower should not be fed. This can cause other problems in your dog’s body, including gas problems.

Can dogs eat asparagus?

Maybe. Asparagus is a vegetable that can be said to be both good and bad for the dog’s body. Asparagus contains low sugar, low fat, and lots of vitamins. It doesn’t have any toxic effects. But raw asparagus is bad for dogs because it is too hard to digest.

Stalks of asparagus may present suffocation. Again “Asparagus fern”, an indelible part of asparagus which is very poisonous. If dogs eat it, various problems like nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, etc. can occur. However, it can be served to your dog in small quantities and boiled softly.

Can dogs eat cabbage? 

Of course, dogs can eat cabbage and most dogs love to eat it. Cabbage consist of much vitamins(K,C,B1,B6), minerals(manganese, copper, potassium) and nutrients. Since it’s a low-calorie veggie, you can add this as your dog’s diet food. In particular, red cabbage builds your dog’s resistance to cancer. Cabbage also helps your dog stay healthy.

Can dogs eat potatoes?

Yes, dogs can eat potatoes but they must be cooked. Raw potatoes are not good for dogs health because raw potatoes contain solanine which is harmful to dogs. On the other hand, as potatoes are full of carbohydrates, don’t give your canine too much to eat. It can increase his fat. But sweet potato is good for his health. It carries lots of vitamins and doesn’t create any health problems.

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Dog trainer, Author & Life coach at SmartDogMom.com

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