Can Dogs Have Brussel Sprouts?

“Are Brussel sprouts good for dogs?” Learn about Brussel sprouts and dogs in this blog, and whether they’re good or bad for dogs.

3 min read·Updated: Oct 28, 2024
Can Dogs Have Brussel Sprouts?

You might turn your nose up at a Brussel sprout over your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner with family, or you might simply adore these slightly slimy, miniature cabbages!  

Whatever your personal preference, Brussel sprouts are in fact packed with nutrients like vitamins K, B1, B6, A, and C as well as an abundance of antioxidants, fiber, potassium, calcium, and folate. But, can our canine chums enjoy a Brussel sprout or two with us next time they appear on our plate? Can dogs eat Brussel sprouts…?

Can Dogs Eat Brussel Sprouts? 

Yes, dogs can have Brussel sprouts. However, they should only be given to a dog in very small portions.  

This is because Brussel sprouts have a reputation for causing excess gas in humans, and the same can happen in your dog too! Too many Brussel sprouts can also lead to gastrointestinal upset too and may result in vomiting or diarrhea in your furry friend if they’re fed substantial amounts of sprouts.  

A large collection of uncooked Brussel sprouts sit together in a wicker basket.

 

You should also make sure that your dog is only served fresh, cooked, plain, and unseasoned Brussel sprouts. Make sure the leaves of the sprout aren’t brown or wilted before you boil, steam, or microwave them, as if the sprout is slightly off it may cause unwanted looser bowel movements in your pup.

Any seasoning on the sprouts like salt or butter may cause digestive discomfort or, if garlic or onion is cooked with the sprouts, this can pose a toxicity risk as garlic and onion are highly toxic to dogs.  

In addition, you should always cut the Brussel sprouts up into halves and quarters for your dog, so they are less likely to choke on the sprout – particularly if you have a dog that scoffs their food, or you own a small breed. Be sure to remove the hard, nubby stem of the sprout(s) before serving to your dog too.  

Always take it slowly when introducing any new food to your dog to avoid upsetting their stomach and to be sure they’re not allergic or intolerant to it – particularly with puppies. Feed a ¼ to ½ of a cooked, plain Brussel sprout to your dog and monitor their reaction for several hours after before considering continuing to feed low quantities of this nutritious vegetable to your dog. As with humans, all dogs will react differently to different foods so always be mindful of this when trying them on new foods, snacks, and treats regardless of whether they’re deemed safe. 

Sources

Author Guthrie, Lynn “Can Dogs Eat Brussel Sprouts? Yes – But They Can Cause Gas” Prrs & Wags by Pumpkin, Feb 28. 2022 https://www.pumpkin.care/blog/can-dogs-eat-brussels-sprouts/  

“Can Dogs Eat Brussel Sprouts?” Rover https://www.rover.com/uk/blog/can-dogs-eat-brussel-sprouts/  

Sarah MiltonS
Written by

Sarah Milton

Comes from a family of animal lovers and got to grow up with a menagerie of pets! I believe owning a pet is a privilege and I love researching and creating informative, fun content for fellow pet owners to help their furry friends have the happiest and healthiest lives. When I’m not writing blogs, you can find me sharing a walk with my pet dachshund or at a yoga class!

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The information contained within this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice. PetLab Co. is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If your pet has, or you suspect your pet has any medical condition, you are urged to consult your veterinarian. Medical conditions can only be diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Results May Vary. Not intended for human consumption. Please consult your veterinarian regarding any change in treatment or supplementation.
*In Amazon Pet Health Category in 2022
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