Brussels sprouts may not be to everyone’s taste, but there’s no doubting their nutritional benefits. Are brussels sprouts safe for dogs to eat though? Read on to find out more.
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The good news is that brussels sprouts are non-toxic to dogs. As long as the sprouts are cooked, not covered in other food, and given in moderation, your dog may benefit from the fibre and vitamin content.
Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts (Both Cooked and Raw)?
Yes, dogs can eat cooked brussels sprouts in moderation. Brussels sprouts are non-toxic, cruciferous vegetables that contain lots of nutrients. It’s thought that they may improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy bones.
That doesn’t mean your dog should eat unlimited quantities though. In fact, they should only be given as an occasional treat and in small amounts. Here’s why.
Potential Allergic Reactions
When you introduce brussels sprouts to your dog’s diet, it should be done slowly to check for signs of intolerance or allergies.
Although an allergy to sprouts would be rare, it’s still sensible to start with half a sprout at most. Then watch for several days to ensure your dog doesn’t show any signs of an allergic reaction.
Typically, allergies manifest on your dog’s skin and can cause stomach upsets. Look out for your dog scratching more than normal and make sure their skin isn’t inflamed or red. Serious reactions can also cause gastric problems and respiratory issues. If you notice any worrying symptoms, you should seek immediate advice from your vet.
You can then increase the amount if your dog doesn’t show any signs of a reaction. Giving your pet between one and three sprouts occasionally, depending on the size of your dog, is more than enough.
Note: If your dog has other known allergies or is sensitive to new foods, it’s best to consult with your vet before adding brussels sprouts to their diet.
High Fibre Content
Sprouts have a high fiber content, which is another reason they should only be given to dogs occasionally.
Although dietary fiber can be beneficial for your dog, too much can result in food passing through the digestive system too rapidly. This can cause side effects such as an uncomfortable build-up of gas, stomach upsets or diarrhea. It can even prevent nutrients from being fully absorbed.
Raw Sprouts Are Difficult to Digest
It’s best to steer clear of raw sprouts. The sugars found in raw cruciferous veggies can be particularly difficult to digest, and could lead to your dog feeling bloated and gassy.
Raw sprouts also contain thyroid inhibitors. These could be a problem if your dog has an underlying thyroid condition.
Increased Flatulence
If you’ve ever eaten a portion of brussels sprouts, you’ll know they can cause an increase in flatulence.
This isn’t a medical problem, as it shows the digestive system is functioning properly. But be aware that your dog might be rather pongy after a Thanksgiving meal!
However, flatulence can also be a sign of a medical issue. “If a dog is experiencing ongoing flatulence even when not eating sprouts, this could be indicative of a digestive issue such as IBD or food intolerances,” says veterinary surgeon Dr Linda Simon. “I’ll sometimes prescribe these patients a diet change and probiotics, depending on what is going on.”
Are Brussels Sprouts Healthy for Dogs?
Just like humans, not all dogs enjoy the bitter taste of sprouts. If your pet likes them, however, sprouts can be a healthy food source with a variety of potential health benefits.
- High in Fiber. Ensuring your dog consumes a moderate amount of fiber can aid their digestion and encourage healthy bowel movements. It can also help your dog to feel fuller for longer, which is useful for dieting or greedy dogs.
- Vitamin K. Sprouts contain over 100% of the human RDI of this vitamin. Although dogs don’t need Vitamin K in the same quantities as us, it can still help promote bone health and effective blood clotting.
- Vitamin C. Dogs naturally produce Vitamin C, but adding a little extra into their diet isn’t a bad thing. This vitamin can promote healthy skin, boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Studies have also indicated that stressed dogs deplete their supplies of Vitamin C more quickly. Offering some sprouts to a nervous dog could be beneficial.
- Antioxidants. Sprouts are chock full of beneficial antioxidants. They’re particularly high in kaempferol, which can reduce inflammation and may reduce the risk of cancer. It’s worth noting, however, that dogs may not be able to absorb this as effectively as humans.
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Sprouts are one of the best plant sources for the omega 3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This can help reduce inflammation and cognitive decline. While ALA can be beneficial for dogs, you should be aware that canines can’t synthesize it as effectively as humans. Fish oils are a better source of essential fatty acids for dogs, which is why they are often included in high-quality dog foods.
How Should Sprouts be Served to Dogs?
Brussel sprouts should always be cooked before giving them to your dog. But which is the best cooking method?
Steaming preserves the most nutrients. If you want to maximise the potential health benefits to your dog, it’s probably best to steam the sprouts.
Light boiling also preserves the nutrients, just be careful not to overcook them. Boiling for too long destroys a lot of the nutritional value and intensifies their bitter flavor.
Make sure you wash the sprouts to remove any harmful pesticides. You should also cut off the hard stem and slice the sprout in half, or even smaller for toy breed dogs, to prevent it becoming a choking hazard.
Avoid giving your dog brussels sprouts that have been cooked with salt or added butter. Salt can cause dehydration and is a particular problem for dogs with renal issues. Too much butter can cause weight gain, pancreatitis, and stomach upsets. Many dogs are also lactose intolerant.
“Some people may cook their sprouts along with pancetta/bacon but this sort of meat isn’t something we want to give to our pooches either,” says Dr Linda Simon. “It’s high in sodium and is particularly harmful to those with heart disease.”
Additionally, be aware that sprouts are often roasted with seasoning or alongside onion or garlic. Both of these vegetables are toxic for dogs, so you should only feed your pet plain sprouts.
Summary
If your dog enjoys this bitter-tasting vegetable, then eating a brussels sprout or two won’t do them any harm. Sprouts are rich in fiber and contain lots of beneficial vitamins and antioxidants.
Brussels sprouts shouldn’t be part of your dog’s daily diet though. They should also only be given to a dog if they are cooked and don’t have any seasoning.
