These green tiny cabbages may not be everyone’s favourite vegetable but can your dog eat brussel sprouts? When it comes to the holidays, you may be wondering whether your dog can enjoy this vegetable too.
Your dog may or may not be pleased to learn that yes, they can eat brussel sprouts. Just ensure that they are not served seasoned as you would enjoy them yourself.
Brussel sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable and are part of the same family as broccoli, cauliflower, ale and cabbage. If your dog enjoys these vegetables then they will probably enjoy brussels sprouts too.
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Are Brussel Sprouts Good for Dogs?
Brussel sprouts have great health benefits for dogs as they are low in carbohydrates, calories and fat. They are a good source of fiber too. Full of vitamin A, C, K and B6, brussel sprouts are also a source of minerals such as potassium, magnesium and manganese and antioxidants.
Nutritional Information
A cup of brussel sprouts (156g) has the following nutrition:
| Calories | 56 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 0.8g |
| Total Carbs | 11g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Net Carbs | 7g |
This is a great vegetable for dogs with diabetes and can help manage their blood sugar levels.
Remember to go slowly when introducing new foods. And we recommend checking with your veterinarian first if your dog has any digestive issues or other health concerns.
Brussel Sprouts Warning
Have you ever found yourself a bit “gassy” after eating brussel sprouts? That’s because they contain isothiocyanate, which helps food to be passed through the intestinal tract but also creates the bacteria which in turn creates flatulence. It may also result in looser stools.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, it may be best to avoid brussels sprouts due to the extra gas.
When serving the brussels sprouts, chop or shred them. Any small ones consumed whole could potentially be a choking hazzard.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Brussel Sprouts?
Dogs can eat raw brussel sprouts but you will want to make sure that they are finely chopped rather than whole to aid digestion and prevent and potential choking hazards. However, they will not digest as well as cooked brussels so it's preferable to serve the sprouts cooked.
Can Puppies Eat Brussels Sprouts?
The digestive systems of a puppy are more delicate than an adult dog, so don't give them any brussels sprouts until they are ready for adult food.
How to Cook Brussels Sprouts for Dogs
When giving your dogs brussel sprouts, the main thing is that they are not seasoned. You can boil, steam, roast or microwave them but do not over cook them as you don't want to reduce the wonderful nutrients.
We chop our cooked sprouts up and add to their dog food.
How Much Brussels to Feed Dogs?
As with most cruciferous vegetables it's best to limit the portions depending upon the size of the dog. 2 sprouts for a large dog would be enough. Adjust the portion for smaller dogs.
So, in conclusion, it's a yes to the question "can dogs eat brussel sprouts". They are a great source of nutrition but don't over serve the vegetables and be careful if your dog has a delicate stomach.
Try a small leaf at first to see if your dog enjoys them. Rather like humans, this can be a love it or hate it vegetable for dogs.
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