Brussels sprouts are an unusual vegetable that people either love or hate. It seems that there isn’t a grey line or its fragile one. However, when it comes to pets, the situation is slightly different.
If you often find yourself in the temptation to share some sprouts with your canine, you should read this guide first.
Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts?
First of all, you know that dogs can eat anything. Moreover, they are such foodies that, in most cases, they will try to snatch everything from the counter.
However, should this be a practice? Is it ok for dogs to have a bit of everything? The truth is that unless the food in chocolate or xylitol-free, the majority of food won’t hurt your canine if we are talking about lick here and there.
Therefore, it’s crucial to know what foods can harm your dog. In that same manner, its good to know which human foods you can share with your canine and enjoy together. But… Back to the main question – Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts?
The answer is yes, but there are some things that you should know first. There are a few precautions to think about.
Feeding Your Dog Brussels Sprouts
This small and eye-satisfying vegetable comes with numerous nutrients. Moreover, brussels sprouts are full of:
- Vitamin K
- Fiber
- Antioxidants
As you probably know, these benefits are beneficial for humans as well. Also, brussels sprouts contain a fair amount of vitamin K. This vitamin is responsible for:
- Blood clotting
- Building bones
- Protecting the heart
Next to these great benefits, brussels sprouts contain vitamin C, and vitamins A, B1, and B6. Inflammation can be reduced by antioxidants and can easily improve blood circulation.
So… What’s the Down Side?
In some areas, dogs are just like humans. For example, the lovely watermelon is excellent for you to eat as long as you don’t eat five pounds. Then you are in trouble.
Even the best things can harm if you don’t use them in moderation. So, the downside of feeding your canine with brussels sprouts has the same approach.
If you overfeed your canine with brussels sprouts, or even if your dog eats it regularly, you can expect a lot of gas.
Actually, you can expect lots and lots of gas. You may not know this, but brussels sprouts contain an extremely high level of a substance called isothiocyanate that can improve the intestinal muscle’s ability to push food and waste through the gastrointestinal tract.
This action builds up excess bacterium, which leaves the body as gas. Gas is normal at some level.
However, too much of gas can create additional problems in your canines, such as an upset stomach and diarrhea.
Bear in mind that even the smallest amount of brussels sprouts can upset your dog’s stomach.
All in, this vegetable is not dangerous to your dog, because of zero poisons or toxins. If your dog experience heavy diarrhea, consult your veterinarian.
If symptoms last longer than a few days, again – consult your vet.
How To Serve Brussels Sprouts To Your Dog?
Still, feeding your dog with specific vegetables or even fruits, applies that you know how to serve it to your canine. However, if you are not sure how to serve brussels sprouts to your canine, follow this guide.
The best way to prepare brussels sprouts for your canine is to steam, boil, or microwave them. Some claim that microwaving food is bad, so this one is up to you. Still, with steaming and boiling, you can’t go wrong.
If you choose to steam brussels sprouts, that way, you will preserve the most significant amount of nutrients. Always choose sprouts that are firm and green. Wash them, and cut the most of the stem, while leaving the leaves intact.
Next, steam them or microwave for five minutes in water not longer than eight minutes. If you choose to boil them, you should know that boiling takes longer, up to ten minutes.
Interestingly, boiling doesn’t preserve any of the nutrients.
Never serve them raw: your dog won’t be able to digest them.
You may love to mix your Brussels with some special spices or herbs, but hen it comes to feeding your dog with Brussels, always serves them plain. No spices and no herbs.
If your dog suffers from any type of allergies, make sure that to consult your veterinarian first before you feed him with Brussels sprouts. Once the vet approves this vegetable, you can start feeding him by giving small portions at first.
Start feeding him 1/2-to-1 sprout, depending on his size. if you notice any unusual reaction, especially vomiting, diarrhea, or even bloody diarrhea call your veterinarian.
However, if everything goes well, you can offer him this small vegetable from time to time. Never serve more than three sprouts per serving. Remember: moderation is the key.
Serving Ideas
If your dog ate too much dense food, you could help ease his stomach burden by offering him some brussels sprouts. This vegetable will make your dog gassy, which is good. However, it would help if you were careful about portion size and how you serve it.
Always serve one to three sprouts maximum per serving – this can depend on the size of your dog. Make sure to remove the hard, nubby stem of the sprout, and then slice each sprout in half.
Always cook or boil first before serving. Last but not least, sprouts that you have prepared for yourself, keep away from dogs reach.
If you want to make a real feast to your dog, you can mix it with a little olive oil and perhaps an egg. If you prepare sprouts for yourself with extra spices and ingredients, you should keep it to yourself.
Any food with onions, vinegar, butter, garlic, pepper, or salt is extremely dangerous to dogs.
Make sure not to overcook sprouts. Otherwise, they may lose their nutritional benefits.
The Bottom Line
Dog nutrition is essential if you want to keep your dog healthy and happy. As a responsible pet owner, you should know what can harm your dog, and what can boost his health.
Dogs’ diet should contain, on a daily level, 10% of veggies and fruit of whole food. Anything more than that could lead to other possible health complications.
So, moderation is the key, next to properly serving and preparation. When it comes to brussels sprouts, always cook it or boil first.
Clean it, cut it, and serve to your dog. For maximum nutrition, always serve boiled brussels sprouts to your canine.
