Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts?

Opinions are divided on the little florets, either you love them or you struggle with your gagging reflex just by looking at the cabbage florets.

What is it like for dogs? Can dogs eat Brussels sprouts and do dogs even like Brussels sprouts?

In this article, we will explain whether Brussels sprouts make sense in the dog bowl or whether you should rather do without them.

Have fun while reading!

In a nutshell: Can my dog eat Brussels sprouts?

Yes, dogs can eat Brussels sprouts! Brussels sprouts are very healthy, but not all dogs tolerate them well. In some dogs, cabbage causes digestive problems such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and bloating. If you notice these symptoms after feeding Brussels sprouts, the cabbage is probably not suitable for your dog.

Are Brussels Sprouts Harmful to Dogs?

No, Brussels sprouts are generally not harmful to dogs.

However, cabbage is well known for causing bloating and other digestive problems.

Every dog reacts differently here. If your dog tolerates other types of cabbage such as broccoli or savoy cabbage, chances are good with Brussels sprouts as well.

Always slow down with the little roses:

At first, only give your dog half a to a whole rosette and wait and see whether it tolerates it well. If this is not the case, your nose will tell you and you will probably voluntarily refrain from feeding cabbage.

Brussels sprouts, what is that?

Brussels sprouts are a leafy vegetable of the cruciferous family.

It is also called sprout cabbage, cabbage sprouts, Brussels cabbage, Brussels sprouts or Brabant.

Strictly speaking, the cabbage florets are buds, as they do not sprout from the ground as cabbage heads like other types of cabbage, but grow spirally along a stalk that can be up to one meter tall.

Nutrients of Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of nutrients! It is a pity that it is only suitable for occasional feeding of dogs.

If you portion the cabbage conscientiously, your dog can benefit from its numerous ingredients:

• Vitamin A
• vitamin C
• Vitamin B6
• vitamin k
• fiber
• folic acid
• magnesium
• phosphorus
• manganese
• sodium
• calcium
• potassium
• iron

How can I give my dog Brussels sprouts?

It is always advisable to buy organic fruit and vegetables for you and your dog. This way you don’t eat any toxic pesticides or other pollutants.

In addition, Brussels sprouts do not belong in the bowl every day, but are only suitable for occasional feeding – provided that your dog generally tolerates cabbage well.

The florets should appear flawless and juicy green and should be cooked or boiled before being eaten by your dog. Raw Brussels sprouts are difficult for dogs to digest.

Preparation tip:

You can also give the Brussels sprouts as a small snack between meals, but your dog can utilize the nutrients even better if you mix them cooked and pureed with his main meal.

What about mustard oil in cabbage?

All types of cabbage contain mustard oil, including Brussels sprouts. In fact, Brussels sprouts contain the highest levels of these sulfur and nitrogen compounds of any type of cabbage, making them particularly healthy.

Mustard oil or mustard oil glycosides (today glucosinolates) contribute to healthy intestinal activity and also have an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.

In addition, the mustard oil is responsible for the slightly hot taste of radish, radishes, Brussels sprouts and the like and is a key factor in ensuring that you do not feed the cabbage too often.

As with us humans, some dogs tolerate heat better and others less well. Approach here slowly.

Can dogs eat raw Brussels sprouts?

No, raw cabbage is neither digestible nor tasty.

Raw Brussels sprouts are also heavy on your dog’s stomach and can lead to abdominal pain, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and bloating.

Can all dogs eat Brussels sprouts?

Yes, in general all dogs that tolerate it well can eat Brussels sprouts.

However, you should take extra care when feeding Brussels sprouts to puppies, as puppies’ digestive tracts are not yet fully developed. In case of carelessness, unpleasant digestive problems can occur even more quickly than in adult dogs.

Older dogs particularly benefit from the healthy ingredients in cabbage florets! Bones and joints in particular are supported by the anti-inflammatory properties of cabbage.

Does Brussels sprouts cause bloating?

Yes, it’s true that cabbage can cause severe gas.

The reason for this is the substance isothiocyanate, which is contained in large quantities and functions as a natural intestinal cleanser.

It is therefore particularly important with this type of vegetable to always feed it conscientiously, which means:

• moderately
• steamed or boiled
• at best pureed

If your dog has bloating after eating Brussels sprouts, it’s a sign that the amount was too much or your dog doesn’t tolerate the cabbage well in general. In this case, you should adjust the amount or completely avoid feeding cabbage.

Dog and Brussels sprouts at a glance:

Dogs are allowed to eat Brussels sprouts and many four-legged friends even find it very tasty. The cabbage florets are also very healthy for our four-legged friends!

Fed conscientiously, your dog benefits from the numerous healthy ingredients in the small sprouts.

Before eating your dog, you should steam or boil the cabbage. Your dog can also use the nutrients better when pureed.

Because cabbage is known to cause bloating, it’s important to eat the right amount and always use fresh and pristine vegetables.

Still have questions about feeding Brussels sprouts to your dog? Then please write us a comment under this article.